Andalusia is probably one of the best known parts of Spain for holidaymakers, famous for its sandy beaches, year round sunshine and its cosmopolitan Costa del Sol. However, the landscape is also the most varied of any region in Spain and you can do practically everything from windsurfing on the windy Atlantic coast to skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Once one of Spain’s poorest regions, Andalusia now has an excellent infrastructure, with good roads, telephone lines (for those who can’t leave the laptop at home!) and a good public transport system between main towns. Service in the bars and restaurants is excellent and off the beaten track you will find some of the friendliest people in Spain, where astoundingly not speaking each other’s language is never a problem.

Andalusia

RONDA
This town in the Málaga region sits on either side of the Tajo del Ronda, a narrow gorge more than 150 metres deep. Its old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. The historic quarter, reminiscent of the Arab age and with a medieval layout is scattered to the south of the Guadalevín, while more modern Ronda, the part which sprang up after the 16th century, unfolds to the north of the course of this river

NERJA
One of the town’s most impressive attractions is the Balcón de Europa (the Balcony of Europe), a wonderful promenade, stretching along the edge of a soaring cliff top, which was once the location of a Moorish castle. The platform has spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline, with its backdrop of mountains. Nerja has more than its fair share of fabulous beaches, boasting 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear and calm water, and a splattering of small coves.

LA HERRADURA
The stunning bay of La Herradura, together with its neighbouring town of Almuñecar, forms the tourist capital of Costa Tropical. However, it is still a relatively unknown stretch along Spain’s southern coastline, which belongs to the Granada province in Andalusia; lying between the more populous Costa del Sol to the west, and the Costa Almeria to the east. The village itself is located at the eastern point of the bay; it’s a typical Andalusian village of whitewashed houses, sitting on a gentle slope leading down to the beach.

ROTA
Rota, an ancient town, situated in a privileged position at the extreme north of the Bay of Cádiz. The old town inside its ramparts has almost a medieval atmosphere.
Rota is not a major tourist centre but it does boast some very fine beaches. In all there are sixteen kilometres of beach.
Also being on the Atlantic coast Rota is a good venue for windsurfers.

MOJACAR
The Moorish old town of Mojacar is perched high on a hill looking down on 17kms of unspoilt beaches. From a distance the town looks like a traditional Andalusian sugar cube village clinging to the sides of the hilltop. The captivating town has whitewashed ancient buildings and is a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets, alleys and romantic courtyards. Mojacar Playa situated below the ancient village provides a completely different atmosphere; a modern lively resort town which has been tastefully developed in keeping with the traditional feel of the area, boasting 9 kilometres of sandy beaches and great facilities – restaurants, traditional bars and shops line the seafront.

ANTEQUERA
Antequera is a charming town, located 62km north of the city of Malaga. Its appearance is like its neighboring towns and villages, whitewashed walls with terracotta roof tiles, typically Andalusian. There are many things to see both in the town and the surrounding area. Antequera is dominated in the most part by its medieval architecture, having many gothic spires strewn across the town, but the Moorish fortress is possibly the most imposing and impressive monument.

SAN JOSE
Located around a shallow bay towards the south end of Cabo de Gata Natural Area, what was once a small fishing village in the 18th Century is now the most important touristic hub of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park. The main attraction here is, of course, the faultless beauty of the surroundings and the refreshing lack of high-rise development. Inside the main town, the places of interest are the port, the promenade and the beach, the town also has a Muslim castle constructed in the 18th Century.

VEJER DE LA FRONTERA
This classic white hilltop town is well worth a visit. Situated 10km inland, perched high above the steep gorge of the River Barbate, Vejer is virtually unknown by foreign tourists. The stunning castellated town is a magical place to explore, its quiet cobbled streets meandering through a charming jumble of secret corners, hidden patios and delightful houses. Great care has been taken to preserve this beautiful town. The Moorish Castle is hidden in the old quarter.