What to do in Andalusia

The city of Malaga itself is worth a day of your holiday. It is the 4th city of Spain, right on the water of the Mediterranean Sea with a beautiful modern marina with nice shops and restaurants, where it is warm in the summer, but not extremely hot. In winter it is fine to stay with temperatures around 20 degrees.

In Sevilla, the capital of the Andalusia region, small winding streets lead you from one surprise to another. The main sights in the city are the cathadral with the Giralda Tower, the Alcázar and the Torre del Oro. The Sevilla neighborhood of Triana is considered to be the birthplace of Spanish dance and music style flamenco.

In Granada you will find the Alhambra, a gigantic medieval palace full of remains of both Moorish and Catholic culture. Next to the Alhambra are the fairytale gardens and the summer palace Generalife. These carefully landscaped gardens, with many fountains and Moorish waterworks, give the feeling of having ended up in the fairy tale of a thousand and one nights.

The impressive cathadral La Mezquita, with 860 columns, is one of the most important sights in Córdoba and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A popular neighborhood to stroll through the many narrow streets with shops and restaurants is the cozy Jewish district "Judeira".

This is one of the most popular beaches on the Costa del Sol. This golden yellow sandy beach is located in a wide bay. The beach is also safe and fun for children as there are also playground equipment on the beach. In addition to sun loungers and umbrellas, you can also rent pedal boats here. Along the beach is a beautiful boulevard with palm trees on one side and beach bars on the other.

This water park has approximately 10 attractions including Kamikaze, the fast Foam slide with soft surface, the multi pistas where you descend from the slides on a pillow, the tiraburzon (tunnel slides), tobogan colina (normal long slide with many curves) and the rio rapido (the fast river). There is a special section with small attractions and a swimming pool for small children. This water park is open exactly 3 months during the summer.

Near Antequera, between Seville and Granada, is the El Torcal Natural Park. This is a whimsical natural phenomenon: the mountains have been miraculously eroded, creating a spooky landscape. Nearby you will also find Fuente de la Piedra, a marsh area where many water birds, including flamingos can be admired. Don't miss the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

In Andalusia you can make many beautiful mountain bike tours. You sometimes climb hundreds of meters through the mountains, and then descend past small farms and fields. A mountain bike route in Andalusia is always very varied. If you are very ambitious, you can opt for the TransAndalus. You will then go mountain biking on a 2000 km route, which will take you in a large loop throughout Andalusia. This route was built by a group of local mountain bikers and largely goes through the natural parks of the area.

Restaurant Tropicana is located in Ronda, fifteen minutes from the centre. It is therefore that Tropicana has been voted to be the best tapas restaurant in Ronda and with their high quality Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, this is no surprise. They also serve vegan and gluten-free dishes, so there is something for everyone!

Tip: book in advance!
 

Santiago's Kitchen is located in Alhaurin el Grande, in a restored mansion. The restaurant has a beautiful courtyard surrounded by orange trees and an elegant dining room. Local, seasonal dishes with Mediterranean and Asian influences are served. An absolute must!
 

Restaurant Casa Juani is located in one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, Iznájar. An authentic, Spanish restaurant where you also meet many of the locals. Have a drink at the bar, breakfast, lunch or dinner with a phenomenal view over the lake. Enjoy the Mediterranean and Spanish dishes and the cosy atmosphere at Casa Juani.
 

If you want to enjoy the local cuisine, Las Chinas is located in Frigiliana. Las Chinas serves delicious meat and fish dishes, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoy local cuisine and Spanish hospitality at Las Chinas!
 

Cascada Cocina & Bar is a hidden gem in Marbella, just 7 kilometres from Ojén (10-minute drive). Here you can enjoy Spanish cuisine, elaborated with fresh products. Dining at Cascada is truly a treat and excellent for special occasions. Enjoy the high-quality dishes and the cosy atmosphere, an absolute must if you are staying in the area!
 

Ronda is one of the most famous white villages in Andalusia and is best known for its location on a rock. This beautiful white village is split in two by the Tajo gorge. From the centuries-old bridge Puente Nuevo you can enjoy a stunning view of the ravine and landscape. Ronda also has a lot of stunning streets and buildings and there is a warm, cosy atmosphere. You must visit this spectacular village in Andalusia!
 

Frigiliana is a relatively unknown village but is full of surprises. Frigiliana is 7 kilometres from Nerja, you can get here by car, but also by bus. This village radiates a romantic atmosphere, the white-painted houses with slate red roofs give you a Spanish feeling. Flower pots, filled with jasmine and lavender, and mosaics brighten up the white walls. You will also find a beautiful old Moorish quarter in this village, filled with old churches, palaces and an archaeological museum. While visiting Frigiliana, you cannot skip their sweet wine and honey as they are known for that!

Vejer de la Frontera is an idyllic white mountain village on the Costa de la Luz. On one side you will have a beautiful view of the sea and on the other side, you will look out over the mountains of the Alcornocales. Stroll through the narrow, steep streets and see old churches, monasteries and a castle. End your day at one of the cosy squares and enjoy the authentic Andalusian atmosphere in Vejer de la Frontera.
 

Just 45 minutes from the spectacular city of Ronda, is Zahara de la Sierra. This gem is located high above a turquoise lake and has a beautiful setting. The most famous landmark is the 13th century Nasrid Castle and its conning-tower. The view from this tower is magical, like looking at a postcard! In the summer months, Zahara can get very hot. After all the sightseeing, you can therefore take a refreshing dip in the clear, turquoise coloured water of the reservoir as a reward. A magical town you don't want to miss!
 

Carmona can be found on a high cliff where you can look over the central area of ​​Andalusia. Carmona is only 30 kilometres east of the city of Seville and has not really been discovered by tourists, so you really end up in an authentic town. Carmona is rich in history. It was an important place in Roman times because the Vía Augusta ran through the village. You can see that it is a city rich in history by the number of monuments, monasteries, churches and palaces. Experience Roman history in the authentic town of Carmona!
 

Iznájar belongs to one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, located next to a reservoir. The village is surrounded by olive trees, mountains and hills, a breathtaking view. Iznájar has plenty to offer. Walk up the narrow alleys to visit Castillo de Iznájar. You can also visit Patio de las Comedias, a courtyard surrounded by different types of flowers cared for by the residents. Tip: the best time to look here is in April or May!

Next to this square is the San Rafael tower, here you have a magnificent view over the village and the surrounding area. In and near Iznájar are numerous restaurants and bars suitable for a Spanish snack or full-course meal. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the village of Iznájar!
 

Ojén is a picturesque village located in Sierra de las Nieves, the breathtaking mountainous area north of Marbella. The views of the coast from the mountain tops are fantastic. Ojén is in a beautiful location and you can wander through the atmospheric white-painted streets. You can enjoy a nice cup of coffee at one of the terraces on the square. Sights that Ojén offers include the Mill Museum, Wine Museum and St. Mary's Church, which was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The village is located in a green hilly area surrounded by caves and hiking trails to Sierra Blanca or the nearby Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.