Best experiences / Blog articles
Short description: Spain is a country full of contrasts, from the modern cities of Madrid or Barcelona to the small traditional villages like the cave dwellings of Guadix; from the snow-capped mountains to the sandy Mediterranean beaches. Such diversity coupled with the rich architectural heritage going back all the way to the prehistoric times and lively folkloric traditions such as flamenco and bullfights offer an opportunity for constant exploration. In addition, the Spanish cuisine (think tapas!) won’t leave anyone disappointed.
Best photos: check out our favourite photos from Andalusia
Best time to visit: all year around, but especially spring and autumn to avoid summer heat and winter rains
Best experiences
- flamenco – The unique Andalusian style of dancing and music can be best observed in the cities of Sevilla or Granada. Here one can choose from a professional performance aimed for tourists in one of the small theaters or join a more traditional version in one of the local bars. The strong rhythmic sound of a guitar will be accompanied by singing, dancing and hand clapping. For those really impressed by this skillful art form and with a bit more time at hand you can also enroll in a flamenco school and learn some basic steps, play unique guitar tones or try different versions of hand clapping.
- old Moorish architecture – During the middle ages, southern Spain was strongly influenced by the Moors, the Muslim inhabitants. They left behind distinctly detailed architecture in many of the Andalusian cities. The most famous site is the mighty Alhambra palace and fortress complex in the city of Granada. The site receives receives millions of visitors each year so buying tickets well in advance, especially in the high season (July-September), is necessary. Another important Islamic center in the middle ages was the city of Córdoba. One can visit the old Moorish palace and tranquil gardens of Madinat Al-Zahra, or step into the one-of-a-kind cathedral-mosque (La Mezquita), which is one of the greatest works of the Islamic architecture. There’s also a Roman bridge which offers excellent sunset views. However, to avoid the crowds there are many smaller towns to choose from. Our favourite is Guadix, which hosts a beautiful Moorish fortress, and where visitors can actually overnight in one of the many cave houses.
- mountains and wetlands – Spain lets a visitor experience all kinds of landscapes, from high mountain ranges to the low-lying marshes, each carrying unique vegetation and wildlife. Near the town of Antequera, known for fascinating ancient dolmens, one can find El Torcal. A mountain range with unusual rock formations feels like something out of a Jurassic Park movie, and while visiting you can actually find well-preserved fossils of the trilobites. With a bit of luck, mountain goats will be curiously looking at you from the rocks above. On the other hand, the wetlands of Doñana National Park offer a wholly different experience. Riding a typical Andalusian horse from the town of El Rocío, known for its love of the equestrians, you cross marshes filled with flamingos, storks, rare marbled ducks, the endangered Spanish imperial eagles, and many other endangered migratory birds. And in the early morning it is also possible to see different species of deer, wild boars, badgers, hares and with some luck the Iberian lynx.
- White Towns – The Sierra de Grazalema mountains is dotted with snow-white towns and villages, known as Pueblos Blancos. Set in dramatic landscapes, usually on top of hills with a castle, each of the towns is worth exploring. But for those with limited time, the following four towns offer a great insight on the diversity of the towns: Setenil de las Bodegas for the cave dwellings that merge with nature, Ronda for its ancient bridge, Grazalema for the mountains, and Zahara de la Sierra for the views. Or for some more adventure just drive around these mountains… you never know what amazing village or town you will discover.
- sandy beaches – If there is one thing that Spain is famous for, it is the beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean as well as on the Atlantic side. With such a wide variety it is hard to pick only one, but to experience something truly unique that can’t be found anywhere else, make a trip to the beach of Bolonia. Bolonia features a huge sand dune and the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement right on the coast. Another great option is the Cabo de Gata region where abundant sandy beaches hide between cliffs and rare desert-adjusted vegetation. This incomparable setting inspired many western movies and many were actually filmed in these sandy canyons. And did we mention that there are also gold mines?!
- dancing horses – One of the most popular horse breeds comes from the south of Spain, the Andalusian. This proud and easy-to-teach-tricks horse always attracts views wherever it appears. In Andalusia horses now draw beautiful carriages through the city streets, and there is no better way to do sightseeing around Sevilla than from one of these carriages. If you happen to be visiting during one of the traditional fairs (Ferias), there are abundant horse performances. But to experience the most unique show of the Andalusian dancing horses, head to the town of Jerez de la Frontera, home to the most important feria.
