Throughout history and owing to its natural conditions, Andalucia has been an area that has attracted settlers. Proof of this is the ancient origins of the towns and villages that, in some cases, reaches back into pre-history. Its geographical relief has determined the foundation and development of two centres with their own personality: Seville in the Guadalquivir river basin and Granada in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In the same way, the long coastline has favoured settlements in Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga and Almeria. To the north of the region, Jaén and Cordoba make the first contact with the rest of the Spanish peninsula.

Seville

Andalucia's capital is internationally renowned and has been completely renovated in recent years. It has an impressive monumental heritage, a rich and varied festive calendar and a disarming and unforgettable character, the result of a long history which has frequently marked Spanish destinies.

Seville has the Mohammedan minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral, one of the largest in Christendom, and the Alcázar. Part of its treasures include Casa de Pilatos, the Town Hall. Archive of the Indies, where a history of the American continent is kept. the Fine Arts Museum which is second only to the Prado in Madrid and the amazing monumental complex of the Arabic palace, which was completed by Peter 1st (Peter the Cruel) and is outstanding for its Mudéjar style and moorish gardens.

To get to know Seville, it is vital to wander around the small and delightful Santa Cruz district, the old Jewish quarters and the popular Triana, whose iron bridge permits excellent views of the city and the river.

Granada

There are very few cities which have such a dense history so well reflected in its many monuments. In its appearance and in the atmosphere of its daily life. The Mohammedans made it a prosperous city until its conquest by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The city inherited a jewel of world architecture from the Nasrid dynasty - The Alhambra, a series of fortresses, gardens and palaces of the 13th to 14th centuries. The whole ensemble looks over fertile plains and towards the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the city is spread around its base.

Some of the other noteworthy buildings are the Generalife palace with exuberant gardens and fountains, the palace of Carlos V which houses the fine arts museum and the Cartuja, a jewel of the Baroque period.

Make sure that you visit the Albaicin area which includes old minarets, well-preserved fragments of the old city wall and the well cared for Cármenes (villas within beautiful gardens). Also the Carrera del Darro, one of the most beautiful streets in Andalucia, with the river running down one side and the palaces which house the Archaeological museum, the Arabic baths and the House of Castril on the other.

Cordoba

The capital of Cordoba province is a seductive city with many attractive monuments. It is best seen on foot, especially if you enjoy peeping into shady patios full of potted plants and colourfully scented flowers.

An important town in Roman times with a bridge over the Guadalquivir river. From Islam, it inherited the Mezquita, a fascinating mosque and the largest in the world after the Kaaba. Building began in 785. It was subsequently enlarged several times and became a cathedral during the reign of Ferdinand III in 1236. Other outstanding buildings are the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, La Calahorra fortress that houses the city's history museum and the synagogue and churches of San Nicolás, San Pedro, San Andrés and San Lorenzo. The town centre is made up of the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, courtyards and sqaures like El Potro and La Corredera. The Palace of Viana, with eleven outstanding patios and beautiful gardens is also highly recommended for a visit.

Málaga

Malaga is both a commercial city and port. Founded by Phoenicians under the name of Malaka, later occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, until its conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487.

It is dominated by the castle of Gibralfaro, which sits on the hill above the city and was built by the Phoenicians and later transformed by the Moors.

The city has much spectacular architecture including the Renaissance cathedral with its Baroque façade but is famous for its gardens, including the city park and the houses of El Retiro and La Concepción which are full of plant varieties unique in Europe.

Among the popular places there is El Palo, an old fisherman's quarter, the Pasaje de Chinitas and the house where Picasso was born.

Ronda

There are towns which seem to hover between reality and legend, and the Ronda is one of them. Isolated in the past a town of bullfighters and once bandits.

The small river Guadalevin passes through the town dividing it into two, its course having created the 100m deeply incised Tajo gorge. On one side is the new Ronda, lively and extensive with its large historic building and adjoining bullfighting museum; ad on the other side the old Ronda, more intimate, with its secluded palaces and churches.

Notable monuments include minarets such as San Sebastián, palaces such as the Mondragón, Gigante House and Rey Noro House and the ancient but well-preserved Arab Baths, situated next to the Renaissance gateway of Carlos V.

In September Ronda celebrates the Pedro Romero "fiestas", with the traditional Goya style bullfight and flamenco festival. The local calendar is full of similar fiestas that make a visit well worthwhile.

Antequera

To experience the quintessential Andalucia visit Antequera, an accessible town set in the middle of a rich, fertile plain. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times as evidenced by the three dolmen sites near to the city, some of the best in Europe.

Antequera was an important town during Roman times. Today in the Municipal Museum, within the elegant Nájera Palace, you'll find the Ephebe, a bronze statue dating back to the 1st Century. One of the finest examples of Roman sculpture in Spain.

Another must to se is the Alcazaba Fortress, with its long stretches of wall, its magnificent keep and large Papabellota tower.

A stroll through this bustling town allows you to savour places of great Andalucian flavour, such as the Santiago Square or the Portichuelo Square. There are also large palaces, such as the beautiful cloisters which today houses the Town Hall and of particular note, the numerous Renaissance churches, such as San Pedro and Baroque churches, such as La Trinidad.

Jerez de la Frontera

For centuries Jerez de la Frontera has been the finest example of a great town of agricultural economy and bearing. Its popularity arose from the most famous wine in the world, sherry, and the fertility of its lands.  Today, Jerez, is much more. Although the wines, the Cartujano House, a breed peculiar to Jerez, and the fighting bulls still contribute much to its economy, the motor-racing circuit and the numerous conferences which take place here every year combine to offer a modern town which has successfully preserved its age-old charms.

The most notable feature of the town centre is the Baroque cathedral, with its beautiful tower, five naves and fine pictorial illustrations. Nearby is the Alcazaba Fortress. The palaces are another great attraction with the Domeq, Ponce de León, Dávila and Riquelme all having exquisite patios and Baroque façades.

The town invites you to stroll through its streets and squares with tall palm trees alternating with winding streets overlooked by towers or bell gables and palaces. A visit to the wine cellars is a must, giving the visitor an insight into what wine has meant and means in this town of almost 200,000 inhabitants. A horse show at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art should not be missed either. The town also possesses a good Zoo and original museums , such as the Clock Museum

Landscapes and Nature of Andalucia

The size of Andalucia, its abundant hills, high mountains and marked contrasts of climate provide for a wide range of scenery. A link between two continents, with a privileged setting between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Andalucia has a large variety of natural species and resources.

Sierra de las Nieves (Natural Park)

With a dry mountain climate of cold winters and hot summers, the Sierra de las Nieves rises up abruptly as rocky, mountainous park crossed by deep ravines, gorgers and narrow passes characteristic of Alpine terrain. The peaks which reach almost 2000m in altitude, contrast with the depth of the chasms, considered to be the third deepest in the world.

El Torcal (Natural Site)

Situated south of Antequera, El Torcal is a mountainous zone of special characteristics. The chalkstone composition of the terrain makes it susceptible to erosion by wind and rain.