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Andalucia
Andalucia: birthplace of flamenco and bullfights, of Velazquez and Picasso, Andalucia is a land of orange blossoms, snow-white pueblos and ruined castles.
One of Andalucías main distinctions is its astonishing diversity of landscapes.The windswept, sandy beaches of the unspoilt Atlantic coast are amongst the best in all of Europe and are backed by the important wildlife sanctuary of Coto Doñana National Park, whilst the Mediterranean coastline is set against the imposing mountain backdrop of the Sierras.The snowcapped peaks of the majestic Sierra Nevada are only an hours drive or so from the coast and beyond lie vast open plains, where the terrain serves as a reminder of the proximity of the African continent.Throughout the province, the landscape is punctuated with
picture-book white villages and graceful Renaissance towns, whilst some of the most mesmerising cities in Spain act as a further incentive not to spend too much time in one place. Seville pulsates with romance, imbued with the images of Figaro, Don Juan and Carmen.The glimpse of tinkling fountains and greenery in secret patios make Seville as mysterious as she is scintillating. Córdoba, the most hauntingly Moorish town in Andalucía, is centred on the serene Mezquita, the biggest mosque after Mecca, transformed into a Christian cathedral. In Granada, the celebrated Alhambra is a masterpiece of interior design.
Sevilla
Osuna Los Palacios y Villafranca Antequera Villamartín El Gastor Ronda
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Granada
Sierr
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Taste... sherry from the oak cask, at Jerez de la Frontera in one of the bodegas whose names are so familiar: Domecq, Harveys & Gonzalez Byass See... the proud Andalucían horses being schooled to music at the Royal Riding School in Jerez Visit Seville... to see the horseback caballeros & their señoritas during the Semana Santa, the Rocío & other festivals " the famous Giralda, the Moorish minaret attached to the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world " the lovely gardens of the Alcázar where the plants seem to reach for the sky " the enchanting Barrio Santa Cruz, a whitewashed warren of streets where balconies spill over with flowers & windows are veiled with the grilles which kept Sevilles maidens chaste Visit Córdoba... and its Mezquita, but dont miss the inimitable charm of place in which the art of the patio is so refined that there is a patio festival every May Festivals... May Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera, a spectacular equestrian event featuring endurance trials, coach driving and dressage competitions " Corpus Christi Festival in June, with lively celebrations all over Andalucia particularly in Seville, Cadiz, Malaga, and Marchena " International Festival of Music and Dance in June and July, featuring performances in Granadas Alhambra palace " La Virgen del Carmen Festival in coastal towns and villages in July, colourful celebrations in honour of the protectress of seamen " Saint Johns Feast in June, celebrated on Andalucias beaches with bonfires and fireworks " Malaga Summer Fair in August, one of the biggest festivals in Europe commemorating the Christian victory over the Moors in 1487
At a glance
Alm ijar
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1505
Frigiliana
Jerez de la Frontera
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1919 Torrecilla
Alhaurin el Grande Marbella
Málaga
Nerja
Estepona
Sea
Gibraltar
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Andalucia
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ANDALUCIA
20 km
MOROCCO
Ceuta
© TUI 2006
Climate
Andalucia Apr 19
Average daily maximum temperature (ºC) May 23 Jun 27 Jul 29 Aug 30 Sept 27 Oct 23
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