Andalusia is Spains most southerly mainland region. Many of the things that people associate with Spain come from Andalusia. For example, Flamenco. So when people imagine Spain, they are often imagining an Andalusian scene.
The region has the largest regional population in Spain with 8.4 million people.
In area, it is Spains second largest. It borders Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha to its North and Murcia to the East. The Mediterranean Sea is in the South. It has the Atlantic Ocean to the South West and Portugal to the West. The capital, Seville has a population of about 670,000. Other major cities include Malaga with a population of 570,000 and Granada with 230,000 people.
The Andalusian coastline includes the Costa del Sol, a very popular holiday destination. It is also an extremely popular retirement destination for many people seeking a warmer climate. The region has some of the highest average temperatures in Spain. In summer temperatures regularly hit the high 30’s and can remain warm during the night.
Inland, Andalusia has rugged peaks with spectacular hilltop towns to visit.
The region has a rich history heavily influenced by Moorish rule which lasted almost 800 years. Prior to this time, the area was held at various times by Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths.
Andalusia has something for everyone. From relaxing on a beach and doing nothing, to visiting spectacular mountains and everything in between. It is a region you can definitely spend a lot of time visiting with no two days being the same. Here is a small selection of the popular places to visit in Andalusia:
The Alhambra is a must-see attraction in Granada
Real Alcazar de Sevilla, is a beautiful palace in Seville
Alcazaba is an impressive fortress in Malaga
Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba
There are plenty of direct flights to Seville and Malaga from the UK and most major European cities.
Malaga airport is very busy as it serves the Costa del Sol region so it is well known to many tourists to the area.
Flying time from London to Seville is about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Flying time from London to Malaga is just under 3 hours.
There are plenty of flights from other Spanish cities to Seville and Malaga.
The high-speed rail connects Madrid to Seville. The trip takes 2 hours 40 minutes.
Madrid to Cordoba takes just under 2 hours.
Madrid to Granada takes around 3 hours 20 minutes.
Driving time from Madrid to Seville is around 5 hours 20 minutes.
Madrid to Malaga can be 6 hours.
Madrid to Granada is about 4 hours 30 minutes.