An enchanting region in southern Spain, Andalusia is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Andalusia has something for every visitor: beautiful beaches, impressive Moorish architecture and picturesque white villages in the mountains. You will also enjoy plenty of tapas and sangria here and it is the birthplace of flamenco. In this blog, we give you 10x hotspots of this versatile region.
- Seville
Seville is an enchanting city in the heart of Andalusia. It is a destination rich in history and culture. Here you can admire Moorish architecture, stroll the narrow streets, visit the Alcázar Palace and much more. Flamenco performances and cosy tapas bars bring the city to life. Seville is known for the famous Feria de Abril, a spectacular festival full of dance, music and revelry. With its warm climate, hospitable residents and unique atmosphere, Seville is well worth a visit.
Seville is about a 2.5 hour drive from Casa Pura Vida, Finca Flores and Santa Ana and our vacation homes in Alhaurín el Grande such as Villa Laura.
- Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey is a breathtaking hiking trail located in the province of Málaga. This path was once known as a dangerous trail, but after renovations, it is a safe trail to walk and as spectacular as ever. As you walk along the narrow footbridges, surrounded by steep cliffs and the Guadalhorce River, you fully enjoy the natural surroundings. The panoramic views are truly breathtaking. For adventurers and nature lovers, Caminito del Rey is an absolute must.
Caminito del Rey is about an hour and a half drive from Finca Can Faye.
3. El Rocio
El Rocío is a picturesque village located in the province of Huelva. It is best known for its annual pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of pilgrims. The highlight of this pilgrimage is the Romería del Rocío, a colourful festival where pilgrims dressed in traditional Andalusian costumes gather to honour the Virgin of El Rocío. The streets are filled with beautifully decorated horses and ox carts and the atmosphere is incredibly pleasant with music and dancing. The rest of the year is quiet. You can then enjoy the beautiful nature reserve, the Parque Nacional de Doñana, a bird-rich wetland.
A visit to El Rocio is best combined with a visit to Seville; it is an hour’s drive from each other.
- Granada
Granada is an enchanting city located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. It is known for its rich history and the Alhambra Palace. As you stroll through the narrow streets of the historic Albaicín district, you’ll be surrounded by old Moorish quarters with whitewashed houses and quaint squares. Granada’s bustling city centre boasts markets, fun squares and art. Not forgetting the Sierra Nevada, where you can enjoy hiking and winter sports activities. Granada is a city that perfectly combines history, culture and nature, making it well worth a visit.
Granada is an hour’s drive from Casa Balcon de Guardia.
- Rio tinto
Rio Tinto, located in south-west Spain, is a fascinating place to visit. The red river colours due to its high iron content, making it feel like you are on another planet. The park also has a museum with information on ancient mining activities, visitors can still discover relics from that era. For lovers of geology and history, Rio Tinto is an excellent place to explore.
It is best to combine a visit to Rio Tinto with a visit to Seville; it is an hour’s drive from each other.
- Tabernas desert
The Tabernas desert is an enchanting area known as “the only desert area in Europe”. The area has year-round sunshine and the lowest rainfall in Europe. The landscape is breathtaking with vast sand dunes, rugged mountains, cacti, succulents and gorges. This desert has been used as the backdrop for countless films and television series, including many famous westerns. It is a paradise for film buffs and adventurers.
Tabernas desert is less than a two-hour drive from our vacation homes in Nerja, such as Villa Rayo del Sol and the Burriana Villa’s.
- Cordoba
Cordoba is a city full of history, culture and beautiful buildings. Numerous monuments remain from its Muslim glory days, such as the magnificent Mezquita, an impressive mosque-cathedral. The narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter, the Judería, are also worth exploring. You’ll come across charming squares and traditional patios. Cordoba is also known for its spectacular flower festival, the Patio de las Flores, where colourful flowers decorate every corner of the city. This city will enchant many a visitor.
Cordoba is a two-hour drive from Finca Can Faye and Casa Cartarra.
- El Torcal de Antequera
El Torcal de Antequera, located in Malaga province, is a natural wonder measuring 1171 hectares. This spectacular limestone mountain range is known for unique rock formations and breathtaking landscapes. In the park, you can do three hikes of different distances. As you hike through El Torcal, your eyes will be wide open. It almost seems like you have entered an alien world. The natural park also offers an abundance of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Because the area was below sea level millions of years ago, many fossils can be found. You can also spot many animals, especially in spring and autumn. Think snakes, lizards, badgers, weasels or ibexes. In summer, they seek shade. Go for a walk to this area early in the day, so the temperature is still pleasant and you have a shady spot here and there.
El Torcal de Antequera is a 45-minute drive from Finca Can Faye.
- Nerja cave
The Nerja cave is an absolute must to visit during your holiday. These impressive limestone caves are known for the world’s longest and largest stalactite. Moreover, the Nerja Cave also contains archaeological remains, including beautiful prehistoric petroglyphs. A visit to the Nerja Cave is a trip back in time, where you can enjoy the wonders of nature and history. The cave is as much as 4 kilometres long!
The cave of Nerja is a five to ten minute drive from our vacation homes in Nerja, such as Appartement Nina and Villa Petunia. The cave is also a ten-minute drive from Villa Noelia.
- Río Chillar
The Río Chillar is a beautiful river located in the province of Málaga. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers because of its beautiful surroundings. What makes the Río Chillar so special is that you can walk along the riverbed, where crystal-clear water flows and natural pools are formed. During summer days, you can take a refreshing dip here. The surrounding nature creates a picturesque setting. Whether you are looking for adventurous hikes, a refreshing swimming stop or just want to enjoy the tranquillity of nature, the Río Chillar is definitely worth a visit.
The Río Chillar is a short distance from vacation homes in Frigiliana, such as Villa Frigiliana en Villa Noelia. In addition, you can get there from Nerja. You park the (rental) car and start your walk.
