Beautiful Andalucia is the most south-westerly region in Spain, bordering the very bottom of Portugal. It truly is a land of contrasts, from the remote craggy heights of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the high-rise tourist resorts of the Costa del Sol; from sleepy white-washed fishing villages to the buzzing bars and restaurants of world-famous cities like Seville and Granada. Rent an apartment in Andalucia for the holiday of a lifetime, in this fascinating land where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, and where Africa is just a short boat ride across the water.
Where to Stay in Andalucia
Andalucia is one of the biggest regions in Spain, so deciding on the area you want and the type of holiday you are looking for will be the main factors in choosing your holiday accommodation. The choice can be boggling, so Wimdu can help with the search facility on the Wimdu site - whether you are looking for a family villa in the mountains with children’s facilities, a self-catering guest house next to the beach, or a city-centre apartment for a romantic break, Wimdu can provide exactly what you need! We also offer excellent customer service through the booking process and while you are on holiday.
Fun Facts about Andalucia!
- North Africa is so close to the Spanish coast that you can take the ferry from Andalucia and arrive in Morocco just over an hour later!
- The highest mountain in Spain is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in Andalucia
- Although paella is from Valencia, over half of Spain’s rice is grown around Seville!
- Almeira province has been the location for many famous film shots, so you might recognise it from a hundred Spaghetti Westerns, or more specifically Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade!
The Cities of Andalucia
It may be a cliche, but from the fascinating Moorish architecture of Almeira to the bustling harbour of touristy Malaga, to the laidback nightlife of Cadiz, Andalucia truly does have something for everyone. The biggest city in the region is Seville - the home of flamenco, and the cultural centre of Southern Spain. It also has more bars per inhabitant than any other city in Europe! Rent a holiday home near Granada for an insight into Andalucia’s culture and history - the city centre is studded with beautiful buildings, museums, excellent shopping and excellent restaurants. Don’t forget to visit The Alhambra - one of Spain’s most iconic sights!
Mountains and Countryside
The Sierra Nevada mountain range lies mostly in the province of Granada, with the fascinating historical city of Granada nestling in the foothills. Rent a holiday cottage here for the perfect base for exploring the mountains, especially if you are into outdoor pursuits! The mountains are a popular place for hiking, skiing and paragliding - it contains Europe’s most southerly ski resort! Check with your Wimdu host - some winter sports equipment might be included in your chalet rental.
For some spectacular views, head to Lake Negratin, one of Europe’s largest lakes. It is surrounded by an incredible lunar-like landscape, with the rock formations changing colour throughout the day. Keep an eye out for flamingos!
Heading to the Coast
Andalucia has over a thousand km of sun-kissed coastline, which covers white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs and even fascinating wetlands areas, full of wildlife. Check out the Costa de la Luz at the southernmost point of the peninsula, for great waves for windsurfing and watersports or the 150 km coastline of the Costa del Sol, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Europe. The beaches of Andalucia have recently earned 89 blue flags for the cleanliness of the water and beaches, and the number of coastguards - which is really reassuring when you are heading off on a family holiday.
Eating Like a Local
Like the rest of the Spain, food is an important part of Andalucian life. Fresh, local ingredients are easy to find, and eating out need not cost an arm and a leg - your Wimdu host will be able to point you to some of their favourite local restaurants within walking distance of your villa or apartment rental. Local food markets are a great way to pick up what you need to recreate local specialities back at your self-catering accommodation - or maybe you would prefer to have them made for you! Either way, make sure you try some of the following dishes during your holiday!
Fried fish made with the fresh catch of the day is a typical delicacy on the coast around Malaga - look for restaurants serving Fridura Malagueña. Fish generally is very fresh and of good quality, especially if you are by the sea. If you are a tapas fan, make sure you head to Seville - there is a saying that no one in the city actually eats… they just graze on tapas! And no one should leave the region without tasting wafer thin slices of jamon serrano, the melt-in-the-mouth Andalucian ham, air-cured to perfection in the mountains. For a late snack after a night out, nothing hits the spot like churros - deep fried sticks of dough, served with a thick chocolate sauce!
Getting Around
The major airports of the region are Seville, Malaga, Almeria and Jerez de la Frontera. The rail network is less developed than other western European countries but the main towns and cities all have stations. Smaller towns may have less frequent services - we recommend you check before arriving if you intend to get round by rail! Bus services are available as well - the main companies are Alsina Graells and DAMAS. Of course, if you want to explore the region thoroughly then the easiest option is to rent a car, but public transport will be fine with a little patience!