Andalusia

• Timeless white villages
• Tapas street hotspots
• Sun-soaked beaches
• Birthplace of Flamenco

The southernmost region of mainland Spain, sun-soaked Andalusia is known for its flamenco dancing, fascinating history, food scene and countless beaches. It is home to the regional capital Seville, the bleached white port city of Cadiz which hangs off the country’s south-western edge, the historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba and of course, the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. Nestled in the rolling hills of Andalusia, the white villages of Spain or ‘pueblos blancos’ dust the hills like icing sugar. Here, rustic charm meets Moorish majesty. The villages have a timeless allure that is distinctly Andalusian. Mazes of narrow cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed buildings lead to pretty town squares fragranced with orange trees. You’ll also discover some of the best tapas bars in the country! The mountaintop town of Ronda is also unmissable! Perched dramatically on the edge of a deep gorge, the spectacular views of the valley below are simply awe-inspiring! The three bridges that span the canyon are incredible feats of engineering. In the 1950’s and 60’s, Ronda was a favourite hangout of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Down on the coast, along Andalusia’s southern edge, the region’s shoreline offers a relaxing beach escape with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and, on clear days, even the distant outline of North Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar. The style set head to the bright lights of glamorous Marbella with its vibrant nightlife, thriving yacht scene, beach clubs, designer shops and golf courses whilst the whitewashed bougainvillea-clad old town of Estepona all too often goes under the radar  – a juxtaposition of authenticity with luxury that continues to seduce travellers to Andalusia’s endearing Costa del Sol.