Andalucía is probably one of Spain's most varied areas with
its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west
bordering Portugal, the beautiful Costa de la Luz. It is ideal for a holiday in winter as well as summer as
there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada.
An Andalucía vacation has much to offer from its National
Parks to a visit to Jerez for some sherry tasting. Also, not to be missed are a day out to the wonderful city of
Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish
history.
The white towns (pueblos blancos) named because of the
Moorish tradition of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain. Towns such as
Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.
Inland, rural Andalusia has three wonderful cities to
explore, namely Cordoba, Granada, and the capital of the region - Seville. In addition to these historic cities
with their Moorish past, there are many traditional and picturesque whitewashed villages to visit, as well as
nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.
Western rural Andalusia is home to the wonderful city of
Ronda. It has a spectacular setting being located on a huge outcrop of rock. It is also famous for its bullring,
which is the oldest in the country. The Punte Nuevo - 'the New Bridge' spans the gorge and links the old part of
Ronda with the new. This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed villages - pueblos blancos - of
Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as picturesque towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de
la Torre and Coin. Also, in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta
del Chorro, a vast natural chasm in the limestone mountain. The national park of El Torcal is also popular with
walkers, hikers and nature lovers.
In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market
town within easy reach of Malaga for a day trip. It is a more traditional town and is well known for producing
olive oil. It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are
wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Some of the smaller rural villages in this area are
Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa. Here and in similar villages you
will find a wealth of culture and a taste of real Spain. We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to rent as
well as charming village houses all set in rural Andalusian locations, yet the sea in most cases is within an
hour’s drive. If you are looking for a vacation rental to get away from it all, then this is the area of
choice.
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