If you are planning a trip to Andalusia, or simply looking for inspiration for your next holiday destination, here's a complete guide to exploring stunning Andalusia which includes everything you need to know before you travel, the best things to do plus the latest news about COVID-19 situation and restrictions.
UPDATE MAY 2022 - COVID-19
You must show either a valid vaccination certificate or negative PCR result upon enterring Spain. Lockdown measures are gone. Face masks are only mandatory in hospitals and public transport.
The Complete Guide to Andalusia: Weather
This region is extremely hot in summer. In fact, there's a village near Seville called the "frying pan of Andalusia" because temperature gets close to 50ºC in the middle of the day. If you travel during summer months be sure to carry water, sunscreen and a hat. Despite the heat, summer is still peak season in Andalusia.The Complete Guide to Andalusia: Getting Around
There are 5 international airports in Malaga, Seville, Jerez, Almeria and Granada; but if you are traveling from Madrid, the high-speed train AVE to Seville is your best choice. If you prefer to go on a road trip, you can always rent a car.The Complete Guide to Andalusia: Food
Olive oil, ham and olives are everywhere just like the most refreshing and nutritious drinks on Earth: gazpacho and salmorejo. These veggie drinks will be your best ally during scorching summer months. Another Andalusian delicacy you must try is pescaito frito or fried fish.There's one city in Andalusia famous for free tapas: Granada. In other cities you have to pay for them, you may get for free some chips or olives with your drink but that's it.
The Complete Guide to Andalusia: Points of Interest
Andalusia is divided in 8 provinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville. Provinces consist of a main city with the same name and surrounding town and villages.Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga, Granada and Almeria have coastline which includes some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
Read this post with the Best Beaches and the Resorts to Stay In
On the contrary, Seville, Jaen and Cordoba are inland and offer a different type of tourism. With an impressive amount of World Heritage Sites, there's a lot of sightseeing to do in these cities. When planning your trip, beware that many monuments are closed on Mondays.
The Complete Guide to Andalusia: Holiday Ideas
Because of its unbeatable geographical features, Andalusia has something for everyone. Let's go through all the areas one by one and see the best things they have to offer:- Seville: in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Spain. Plaza de España is one of the main highlights, here you can see the most beautiful range of colorful tiles. Plan your trip to Seville with these guides: what to do and where to eat in Seville.
- Malaga: best known for its coastal towns like the luxurious Marbella or the charming Nerja where you can find amazing beach resorts. Plan your trip to Malaga and around with these guides
- Jaen smells of olives. The olive trees that surround the area fill the air with the most delicious aroma. It's probably the least known province in Andalusia but still worth visiting. If you like heritage and fancy staying in a castle, I recommend you book Parador de Jaen for an unforgettable experience.
- Huelva borders with Portugal so you can get a 2 for 1 if you visit this province. Huelva's strong point are its gorgeous beaches and coastal towns. Plan your tip to Huelva and Portugal with these guides.
- Granada is a city you have to visit at least once in a lifetime. The Alhambra is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world. Nowadays you need to book your ticket online before you go. Get your tickets here.
- Cordoba: best known for one of the most famous monuments all around the world: the mosque cathedral. Check out these guides to plan the perfect trip to Cordoba
- Cadiz: a favorite summer destination among Spaniards because the beaches in this area are beautiful and go on for miles. You can't miss the charming white washed villages in this area such as Vejer de la Frontera. See more dreamy andalusian villages in this post.
- Almeria: the desert of Almeria was once the favorite of western movie makers. Nowadays, you must go to visit the stunning natural park of Cabo de Gata. The water that bathes the beaches in this area is the Mediterranean see which makes it much warmer than the rest of Andalusia bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most famous beaches in Almeria is Roquetas de Mar, read more about it here
WEAR THIS HERE
Liked this post? Pin it and save it for later.
I am so glad that things and places are starting to reopen again. It's so refreshing to be able to plan trips and visit new places and Andalusia seems to be a place to go to! The architecture looks stunning and unique. But the food also sounds delicious! I am tired of cooking at home - I want new tastes and sounds like Andalusia doesn't disappoint. I hope you are well and happy Wednesday Cristina!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
What a beautiful place. Definitely on my 'to visit' list.... When we are allowed to venture again x #ThroughMyLens
ReplyDeleteVisiting Andalusia is one of the best options after this pandemic year since it is a safe place again. All you have written here is true: welcoming people, delicious food, incredible landscapes... We are sure everybody will be happy to discover this area by car or thanks to the multiple options it offers.
ReplyDelete