Probably the most diverse, challenging and interesting of the 14 regions or “communities” that form modern Spain, Andalucia is the southernmost land area in mainland Spain, measuring around 350 miles east to west and 120 miles north to south. The familiar holiday destinations at Almeria, Málaga, Torremolinos, and Marbella lie in the well-developed Mediterranean coastal strip, with Huelva and Cádiz on the Atlantic coast, and Sevilla, Córdoba, Jaén, and of course Granada located inland. Andalucia is a large and varied land, where a more traditional Mediterranean lifestyle can still be found only a few kilometres from the coast.

We have prepared our Visit Andalucia website for you. Our understanding of this country and of the people living here has helped us to select advertisements only from trusted businesses. Many of the advertisers are experts in their respective fields, who contribute website articles on guest pages. We have taken most of the location photos ourselves – our advice and suggestions come from direct knowledge: we have been there; sampled the restaurants; climbed the mountains; and seen the same views that you will see. Our purpose at Visit Andalucia is to pass-on our local knowledge, particularly for people wanting to know a little more about Andalucia than they can glean from official channels and from holiday advertising. Bienvenido.

Every city in Andalucia has etched its own historical path influenced by diverse peoples, from Phoenicians three thousand years ago, Romans two thousand years ago, the Moors one thousand years ago, to the 21st century expatriates from all over the world. Each has its own culture, economy, architecture, culinary favourites and art. All have hidden treasures often missed by the casual visitor. Join us as we explore the history and streets of the capitals of the provinces. Stay with us as we take you behind the scenes to the megaliths in Antequerra, the bandoleros in Ronda, sherry bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera and the former tropical paradise, Algeciras.

From small fishing villages like Castillo de la Duquesa to the famous sun baked white villages such as Zahara de la Sierra, perched on rocky buttresses in the mountainous hinterland. The teeming, resort towns on the Costa Tropical - Almunecar, Costa del Sol - Marbella and Costa de la Luz - Conil de la Frontera, ideal for pure relaxation, to the white sand beaches of the Atlantic coast with rollers pounding in, Tarifa is heaven for the kite and surf boarders. Remote hamlets like Trevelez, surrounded by mountains, often cut off from the outside world in the winter. We take you to some of the least explored towns and villages in Andalucia, as well as revisiting old favourites.

Taking a holiday in Andalucia or living in Andalucia, we all need things to do and places to go. From skiing in the Sierra Nevadas to riding the trails in the deserts of Tabernas. Go dolphin watching in the Gibraltar Strait or see the famous 'Andalucian dancing horses' in Jerez de la Frontera. Wonder at Roman sites such as Baelo Claudia or cool off at an Aqua Park. Visit the largest orchid house in Europe or take a safari at Selwo Aventura. Looking for something different? Try an abandoned gold mine or an Arab baths. Wherever you are in Andalucia, you will find something to make your holiday memorable.

Andalucia is discovering its culture in surprising ways. In Ronda you can tour a museum dedicated to the bandoleros of the Sierra de Ronda. In Estepona you can visit a world famous (amongst Paleontologists) paleontological museum. In Jaén the archaeological museum celebrates the Iberians. Cádiz looks at Phoenicians and Romans, Huelva the Tartessians. There are museums, it seems, on every subject, classic cars, glass and wine. Art in Andalucia is not neglected; from cave paintings to the works of Picasso via the Renaissance, Impressionism, film and flamenco.

Whatever ticks your boxes, you will find lots of things to do in Andalucia. Thousands of kilometres of cycle tracks and hiking trails, more protected spaces, national parks and nature reserves than anywhere else in Spain. Birdwatching areas abound. Fishing or diving in the Atlantic or Mediterranean; the world here is your oyster. For those who spend more time in Andalucia and are lucky enough to have a garden or allotment (huerto in Spanish) we have gardening hints and tips, what to plant or sow and when.

With over 300 days of sunshine every year, magnificent scenery, beautiful coastlines, great food and many business opportunities, Andalucia is a place where many people dream of having a 'place in the sun'. Let us show you how to make the most of your life. In this section we have the miscellany of life. Discover the in depth articles, our own opinions on a range of subjects, informative articles (written by trusted experts in their field) about renting, selling and buying properties in Andalucia, even recipes to enhance your life in the sun.