Information on Andalucia

Details about the stunning Andalucia

Andalucia in Southern Spain

Andalucia or Andalusia as it is commonly spelt in Spain, is probably one of the prettiest regions of Spain incorporating the cities of Cordoba, Seville and Malaga as well as the coastal areas of the Costa del Sol, the Costa de la Luz, the Costa Tropical and the Costa Almeria. It borders both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and has some of the most spectacular scenery seen anywhere in Spain, from lush green vegetation to the dryer desert areas of Almeria.

Andalucia covers a staggering 17.3% of Spanish territory, 87,268 square km in total, making it the largest single region in the country, with an area greater than countries such as Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland.

One of the things that makes Andalucia so beautiful and charming is the diversity of the landscape. There is an amazing contrast between the warm Guadalquivir valley to lush low mountain areas, from volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas Desert to the white peaks of Sierra Nevada, which has become one of the most popular ski resorts of Europe. The main river that runs through the region is derived from the Arabic meaning for "great river" and is called Guadalquivir. You will see that many areas of Andalucia have a big Arabic influence which dates back many centuries.

History of Andalucia 

Searching back through time provides some interesting facts about Andalucia and the different cultures that have emerged from the various settlers and invaders. Going back to the year 411 A.D. indicates where the name Andalucia was derived from. A group known as the Vandals decended from the other side of the Rhine and chose to settle in the Guadalquivir valley and North Africa. They linked the two coasts for over half a century before being run out by the Visigoths. However, before this happened the area had been named Vandalusia.

In the year 711, the Moslems arrived to the region. The caliphate of Cordoba was the most sophisticated state in Europe. For eight centuries, the Arabs enlightened the area with agricultural techniques, botanical and scientific knowledge, poetry and intellectual development.

The breakdown of the political system in 1236 was pounced upon by the Christian kingdoms in the north of the peninsula to speed up their retaking of the area. In 1236 Cordoba was the first to fall followed by Seville in 1248. The last stronghold, the kingdom of Granada was finally conquered by the Catholic monarchs in 1492.

More recently in the 19th century for example, Andalucia's history was plagued by political upheaval. It started with the War of Independence and the first ratification of the Spanish Constitution, at the Court of Cádiz, in 1812.

The 20th century began with the goal of regeneration. However, the constant threat of social instability led to the Civil War of 1936 and its aftermath. After the remarkable economic and social transformation of the sixties and seventies, democracy returned to Andalucia and it was declared an Autonomous Region in 1981. The Junta de Andalucía was created as its highest governing body, and its parliament became the supreme instrument of representation for a population of approximately seven million inhabitants.

Currently Andalucia is a popular holiday destination as well as a sought after location for property buyers and people relocating from many northern European countries who can take advantage of both the fantastic weather and the freedom of the EU.

*Take a look at our new section listing small hotels and guesthouses in Andalucia (this has only just been launched and more information will be added over the next few weeks)