ANDALUCIA IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

ANDALUCIA IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

The Andalucía’s cultural attractions are well known - the Alhambra Palace in Granada, home of the last Islamic rulers of Andalucía, the Giralda and the Alcazar in Sevilla, the vibrant capital city of Andalucía and Cordoba’s Mesquite, a beautiful and fascinating 8th-century building with its flower-decked patios. Other treasures are waiting to be explored in such unforgettable towns as Ronda, Antequera, Baeza and Ubeda.  Andalucian food is the Mediterranean’s highest best example of culinary excellence.   

Spain is in some way the country with the highest number of olive trees. In Andalucía the most important olive oil-producing areas are in the province of Jaén. Olive trees are slow growing, traditionally bearing fruit after fifteen years, though modern production techniques have brought maturity down to five. The first olive tree plantations were grown in the Eastern Mediterranean more than five thousand years ago. The olive tree was cultivated in areas occupied by the most ancient civilizations: the Egyptians, the Babylonians and the Assyrians. Later, the Phoenicians introduced olives to the Western world, and from then on, the olive tree accompanied the expansions of the cultures that laid the foundations of the Mediterranean civilization: the Greeks, the Romans and the Arabs. In the Bible, the olive is mentioned in several places. In the New Testament, we are told that Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives.  

An olive grove demands a lot of work, since olive growing is a labour-intensive process requiring fertilizing and ploughing the soil. Olive trees blossom at the beginning of spring, producing a number of tiny flowers - known as trama in some parts of Andalucía - from which yellowish pollen is spread. Olives set at the beginning of summer and are fully ripe before winter.

Axarquia, or the Eastern Region, produces between 6,000 and 8,000 hectares of olive oil. The region has 19 oil mills, 14 of them being cooperatives and 5 industrial mills.

OLIVE OIL MUSEUM

Hojiblanca oil Museum (Antequera)

The museum basically consists of three mills from different periods, exhibited in different rooms with relevant documents, utensils and farming tools that were used to pick and press olives, then store and preserve olive oil. In the gardens surrounding the museum, there are six olive trees more than three hundred years old.

COSTA DEL SOL

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol offers fantastic beachside living. Complementing sophisticated and style-conscious Marbella are resorts with numerous tourist attractions. There are lots of magic Mediterranean beaches to soak up the sun. The Costa del Golf is an excellent destination on the Iberian Peninsula. With its more than fifty golf courses, the Costa del Sol is considered the greatest golfing centre on the continent of Europe. With excellent infrastructure, privileged climate and extraordinary services, everything is in place to offer the golfer everything to complete his or her dream. Tournaments are organized all year round for all categories and ages. Malaga, known as the city of light, the capital of Costa del Sol, is situated where land meets sea in Andalusia, a sea which saw the birth of Picasso. Thanks to the length of its coast, the province of Malaga also has an enormous variety of beaches with fine sand. There are 11 yacht marinas on the Costa del Sol, which offer short cruises.  

Special mention must be given to “La Catedral de Malaga”- Malaga’s sixteenth century Cathedral, one of the most important Renaissance temples in Spain.

Pablo Ruiz Picasso is well represented in the city of his birth, thanks to the Picasso Museum, a gallery of international standing. The gallery has a collection of over two hundred original works, including oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and ceramics.

TAPAS’ ROUTE

The verb “tapear” or “to taste” suggests the extensive Spanish and local gastronomy sampled in small bites called “tapas” or snacks. As the people who work in “tapas” bars are friendly and ready to help, do not hesitate to ask for their advice.  

Tapas Bars to visit:

- Antigua Casa de Guardia : Alameda Principal, 18, Malaga - the oldest bar in Malaga, established in 1840.

- Mesón Antonio: Fernando Lesseps 7, Malaga - open since 1980, the most traditional site at the town centre.

- Tapas Bar: Salinas 7, Malaga - a spacious tavern-like setting.

- Cafe Central: C/Santa Maria 2 - the oldest cafe bar in the Capital of Malaga.

TRAVELLING AROUND ANDALUCIA ON YOUR OWN

Drive yourself to adventures, discover history and magnificent vistas. Renting a vehicle makes for one of the most popular ways to go exploring.

Day 1 - Arrive at Malaga International Airport and proceed to collect your car. Start your journey driving to Granada (129 km). Discover this city, famous for both the artistic splendour of its monuments as well as the beauty of its parks, fountains, and flowered narrow streets. It is a must to visit the Alhambra, the most enchanting representation of Hispano-Moorish art dating back to the 13th century, with its breathtaking domes and its fine examples of Moorish decorations.  

Day 2 - Head towards Cordoba (166 km) and become fascinated with the artistic legacy of this city - churches, convents, gardens, palaces and many Islamic jewels of Cordoba,  such as its mosque (785 B.C.) declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

Days 3&4 - Start your journey to Sevilla (138 Km) and delight yourself for two days visiting the capital of the Andalucian region. The Tartessians... (cont)