EXPLORE ANDALUCIA

EXPLORE ANDALUCIA

Andalucía is the most populated and second largest of the seventeen autonomous communities that constitute Spain. Andalucía is divided into eight provinces named after the capital cities of these provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Sevilla (which is its capital). Day of Andalucía is celebrated on February 28.

Andalucia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions.

The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures. The coast of Cadiz and Huelva, on the other hand corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand.

Andalucía and its Moorish influence

Andalucía is a fascinating place for its spectacular Moorish monuments, beautiful white hill towns, sparkling blue coast and natural beauty of its mountainous country.

Granada preserves the most beautiful Moorish monuments, the Alhambra palace, being the largest and most sensual building in Europe. In fact, Moorish influence is still strong in the character, language, and customs of the people.

Folklore and traditions in Andalucía

This is one of Europe's most strikingly colorful regions. Andalucia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Gypsy Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. So, its tradition of bull fights, flamenco music and dance, and Moorish architecture, provides the strongest external image of Spain.

Economy and People

Despite the natural wealth of the region, poverty is widespread. In fact, Andalucian farm laborers are among the poorest in Europe, and many unemployed Andalucians have migrated to more industrialized regions like Madrid, Cataluña, Basque Country (País Vasco) and Valencian Community. However, although unemployment in Andalucía is the highest in Spain (about 20%), it is still known as one of the most high-spirited regions of Spain as it is home to flamenco dancing, bullfighting and a gigantic April carnival (Semana Santa).

Andalucian cuisine

Andalucian cuisine is known for its use of fish and shellfish, its desserts, and its world-famous sherry. Andalucian cuisine is rather varied, corresponding to a region that is itself extensive and varied.

Typical Andalucian dishes include pescaito frito (fried fish), gazpacho, pringá, alboronía, Cordoban salmorejo, jamón of Jabugo (cured ham), oxtail, prepared olives, poleá; anise; Málaga wine; various kinds of wine, including sherries, (fino, manzanilla, oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, amontillado, which are undoubtedly the most exported and most widely available of all Spanish wines.