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Spain | Travel | Regions | Cities | Coasts | Islands | Culture |
Spain / Andalusia  |
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Capital: SevilleProvinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville. Andalusia is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the greatest number of inhabitants and the second in surface. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions. 3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, around 1000 years before Christ. The coast of Huelva and Cadiz (Costa de la Luz) corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, (Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical and Costa de Almeria) on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures. Andalusia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilizations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos. The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing in Tarifa, at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe. Andalusia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.  Major attractions: Seville The Andalusian capital, the third largest city of Spain, is among the most beloved places by tourists, thanks to its unique ambience and its great monuments: the Arabian belltower Giralda, the city's landmark, the enormous cathedral, Torre del Oro, and the old district Barrio Santa Cruz are among the highlights. Granada The Moorish Jewel, located at the foots of snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a must-see. Most outstanding is certainly the great Arabian palace Alhambra. Cordoba The long-time center of Moorish Spain preserves monuments of outstanding importance. The Great Mosque of Cordoba is perhaps the most impressive. Malaga Among its major attractions are the Moorish Alcazaba and, of course, the splendid Mediterranean coast. Costa del Sol The coast of Malaga is of great touristical importance, thanks to its splendid beaches, outstanding installations and smooth climate. Among the most famous centers are: Estepona, Puerto Banús, Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Mijas, Torremolinos and Nerja. Ronda A beautiful town, surrounded by an impressive mountain range. Antequera Wellknown for its remains of Bronze Age, its exceptional monuments and the impressive mountain range Torcal de Antequera. Almeria Almeria is among those Andalusian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Of great touristical attraction is also its splendid coast, Costa de Almeria. Among the most famous centers are: Adra, Almerimar, Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Toyo and Vera. Cadiz Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is fascinating for its typical Andalusian ambience with whitewashed houses and tropical vegetation. Huelva Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus, who started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera. There you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships. Doñana National Park This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as marshy regions of great value concerning their fauna is located next to the outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here during the breeding phase. Costa de la Luz  The "Coast of the Light", in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz at the Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of attraction are: Isla Canela, Isla Cristina, Islantilla, La Antilla, El Rompido, Nuevo Portil, Punta Umbria, Matalascañas, Rota, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Chiclana, Conil de La Frontera, Zahara de Los Atunes und Tarifa. Jerez de la Frontera In the hometown of the world-famous Sherry wine several "Bodegas" may be visited. Jerez too is the site of a renowned equestrian school. Wine and horses mark the ambience of this manorial town. Jaen Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve. |