Landmarks of Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia is probably the most Spanish region in all of Spain. Much of what we call typically Spanish originates from this fantastic area. Andalusia is the land of sherry, flamenco and bullfighting. Andalusia is also a popular tourist destination. Capital Seville is one of the most popular city trips in Spain and the Costa del Sol manages to entertain millions of holidaymakers every year with its beautiful beaches and busy seaside resorts. The lesser-known Costa de la Luz, which also belongs to Andalusia, is also attracting more and more tourists to its wide and long sandy beaches.
According to A2zcamerablog.com, the top attraction of Andalusia is the Alhambra. Located in Granada, this palace and fortress is even the most visited attraction in all of Spain.
Top 10 sights of Andalusia
#1. The Alhambra and the Generalife
When you talk about the absolute top attraction of Granada, you inevitably come to the Alhambra out in Granada. These palaces once belonged to the Islamic sultan of Granada Muhammed III and other Moorish rulers. The ‘Palacio de Generalife’, which was built between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, is located within the old city walls of Alhambra on the hill La Sabika. Here is also the former defensive fortress Alcazaba. The Generalife Palace has several courtyards and gardens that were used as resting places by the Islamic kings. Good examples of this are the ‘Patio de la Acequia and Cypress Patio de la Sultana’. The architecture can best be described as Moorish with Renaissance influences.
#2. Seville
One of the largest and most beautiful squares in Seville is the Plaza de España. There is a fountain in the middle of the square and there are several bridges around the square. This square, which has the shape of a semicircle, is surrounded by buildings that are largely used by the government. The fairly green city center has very beautiful monuments and churches. There are also many parks to visit where some cooling can be found on hot days.
#3. Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is called the sherry capital of the world, but is also very famous for horse riding and flamenco. A bodega should therefore certainly be visited. A few famous bodegas include Osborne, Sandeman and Pedro Domecq. The equestrian arts can be admired in the Royal Andalusian school of equestrian art “Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre”. There are regular performances here for horse lovers. For flamenco you have to be in the Centro Andaluz de Flamenco. This dance center is located in the middle of the old gypsy district of Barrio de Santiago. Already in the morning the music echoes through the streets.
#4. Bodegas
To taste a delicious sherry, it is recommended to visit a bodega in Jerez. Often there are also guided tours and you get a good picture of the entire process. The oldest bodega is Bodegas Bundador Pedro Domecq. A tour of this bodega’s estate will certainly leave a good impression.
#5. Sierra Nevada
This mountain range in Andalusia has 16 peaks above 3000 meters. It is therefore an excellent ski area that can be combined well with a holiday in the sun. There are over 40 miles of ski slopes with about 5 months of snow. There is also a natural park in this area “Parque National Sierra Nevada”. It is possible to go hiking, mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and of course skiing.
#6. Ronda
The city of Ronda is located in the south of Andalusia. This city is one of the oldest cities in Spain. There are many monuments, churches and museums. The Arab Baths of Ronda “Baños de los Arabes” are the best preserved in all of Spain. Water used to be pumped here from the river, which ran to the baths via the aqueduct. It is impressive to know that this was conceived and developed between 1136 and 1206 by engineer Abu al Tz ibn Razaz Al-Jazari. There are various tours that can be booked in Ronda for a visit to the beautiful historic center of Spain.
#7. Tarifa
This southernmost city in Spain is located on the Costa de la Luz and the Strait of Gibraltar and is only 14 kilometers from Africa. Often fanatical kiteboarders and windsurfers visit the beaches of Tarifa. Many bird watchers also come to observe bird migration, especially in spring and autumn. From the tower of the castle Castillo de Guzmán you can see the mountains and coast of Morocco. This more than 800 years old castle is also called Tarifa castle.
#8. Granada
In the southeast of Granada is the medieval palace “Alhambra”, which is considered one of the most famous monuments in Spain. In addition to tourists, the palace also attracts many art students for its great art treasures, including special Islamic art. Another famous monument is the Cathedral of Granada. This very large cathedral is from the Renaissance period and has, among other things, royal tombs.
#9. Córdoba
Córdoba is the warmest city in Europe, regularly registering temperatures above 35 degrees. This city on the river Guadalquivir has many monuments and other places of interest. Local products include a hundred types of olive oil, Moorish ceramics, wine and sherry. The model for Spanish Muslim architecture can be found in the great mosque the Mezquita, which was consecrated as a Catholic cathedral in 1236. Due to the very long construction of this mosque, several architectural styles can be found in it.
#10. Marbella
Fashionable Marbella is one of the most important seaside resorts on the Costa del Sol. Because the sun shines most of the year and the temperature is pleasant, many and especially well-to-do tourists stay here. Avenida del Mar is a road towards the sea, where you will encounter many sculptures by Salvador Dali the world famous Spanish artist. Marbella has quite a few ports. One of the larger ports is the Puerto José Banús. Much of the nightlife takes place in and around this harbour, which is almost a village in itself.