Welcome to the Andalucia Highlights 2022!
Andalucia.com is dedicated to southern Spain, where visitors and locals enjoy lots of sunshine each year, life is lived outdoors, and fiestas are celebrated merrily with local food and wine, all the year round, in every village, town and city, to celebrate everything from food harvests to religious pilgrimages. Andalucia is one of the most varied regions in Spain, with every type of scenery from wetlands to deserts, mountains to beaches.
Most of the 10.000 pages on Andalucia.com are read by searching for information on a specific subject or by navigating from the main menu above.
The Andalucia.com highlights are an opportunity to read the website like you would a magazine, simply scroll down this page and click on an article that interests you. We are adding several new articles at the top of the list each week. The page features a mix of articles timed to coincide with an event or news story and timeless classics.
When you reach the bottom of the page, which is the beginning of this year, explore another year.
Welcome to the Andalucia.com highlights of 2022.
New year, New life
It's the new year, time for new starts and new resolutions. Many of us swear we will get fit when January arrives, to rid ourselves of all the excesses from Christmas over-indulgence, but it can be hard to keep the motivation going. If you join a gym, try to do it with a friend so you can convince each other to keep up your attendance, and check out the classes on offer.
New Year's Eve
Possibly you thought the Christmas season was over on New Year’s Eve, but in Spain this is just the mid-point of all the celebrating. In this country, the tradition is to have a rather late dinner with your family – just one more rich, elaborate dinner, of course, complete with all the pastries, dried fruits and nuts and mountains of turrón that finish every meal at this time of year.
The Verdiales Music Festival
December 28th, right smack in the middle of the Spanish Christmas season, we have the annual Verdiales competitions taking place right outside Málaga City. The festival will bring together competing “pandas” as they are known. These are groups that practice one of three different forms of Verdiales singing accompanied by their traditional folk dance and unforgettable costumes.
Almond Turron Recipe
This traditional Christmas candy is becoming more common throughout the year as supermarkets offer it as a standard product. However, it is still associated with the Christmas season where it is served after meals on a platter full of all kinds of Christmas sweets, nuts and dried fruits.
Christmas Pastries
Traditional Spanish Christmas pastries (of the non-"turrón" type) add a special touch to the holidays with their own distinct flavours - and textures! Here is a look at some of the most popular specialities. Once upon a time they were only available in December and January, but that is changing. Nevertheless, it's only during the holiday season that you'll see them in such large amounts. In fact, in most supermarkets you can even buy them in bulk.
Christmas - Five Fascinating Facts
If you've never spent Christmas in Andalucia before, then you're in for a treat. From the joyous musical specialities of the season, to festive decorations both traditional and contemporary, it is a great time to be in southern Spain. Eat, drink and be merry - and dance round a bonfire in a pagan ritual, if you're really lucky.
Pavo Navideño recipe
'Pavo Navideño' or Christmas Turkey, try this recipe for a christmas turkey in Andalucia. Whilst the Andalucia tradition is Seafood at christmas, turkey is becoming popular and is posible to purchase at surermarkets and larger butchers.
Andalucia.com wishes you a prosperous 2023
Andalucia.com wishes you a very happy holiday season. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our frievery best wish for happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.
Nitrato de Chile
Much has been written about the Osborne bulls, large black sherry advertisements which you may well have seen by the roadside all around Spain. Another, less well-known but equally classic, advertisement that has become a historic and cultural element is "Nitrato de Chile".
Flamenco - Villancicos - Zambombas
The villancicos are also known by the name of zambombas in Andalucía, a name which comes from the instrument that is traditionally used to accompany them. A zambomba is a drum like instrument that has a stick inserted through the skin, and the stick is moved up and down, creating the rhythm.
New Year's Eve
Possibly you thought the Christmas season was over on New Year’s Eve, but in Spain this is just the mid-point of all the celebrating. In this country, the tradition is to have a rather late dinner with your family – just one more rich, elaborate dinner, of course, complete with all the pastries, dried fruits and nuts and mountains of turrón that finish every meal at this time of year.
Excursions from Costa del Sol
There are many different excursions from La Costa del Sol offering the perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself. Coach tours where pick up will be either from central meeting points or your hotel.
Agua Amarga
Agua Amarga is a pretty fishing village and beach resort on the Almeria coast, in Cabo de Gata-Nijar natural park, with a population of just 400. Still undiscovered by large-scale tourism, this is one of Andalucia's hidden seaside treasures. While its name may translate as Bitter Water, this delightful, laid-back beach town has excellent Mediterranean cuisine, good independent boutiques and trendy bars.
Mesa Roldan near Agua Amarga
Mesa Roldan is a flat-topped extinct volcano, part of a massive rocky headland topped with a lighthouse and tower, between Agua Amarga village and Playa de los Muertos. It is actually in the municipal district of Carboneras town to the north.
Morocco Day trip - Tarifa to Tangier
There are frequent daily ferry services from Tarifa to Tangiers so why not take a day-trip and visit the souk in this beautiful, historic Moroccan city with a rich literary and artistic heritage?
Andalucia Big Festival
A successful inaugural edition of this Andalucia tourist board sponsored event took place in 2022 at the Feria (Fairground) west of city centre in Málaga from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th September 2022. This inaugural edition attracted about 100.000 over the three days to the three stage 50.000 m2 arena.
Santa Maria Polo Club
The Santa María Polo Club is by far the most well known polo club in Spain and also considered one of the best clubs in the world, providing exclusivity and glamour. It was the first polo field to be built in Sotogrande around 1965 and has since been improving the installations and reputation of the club.
Top 10 Car Rental Tips
Renting a car is a great way to see Andalucia, from the beaches to cities to mountains, but you need to be careful about your contract. Here are top 10 car rental tips.
Gastronomy - Espeto
If you’ve ever eaten at a beach restaurant, or chiringuito, in or around Malaga in summer, then you’ve probably seen, smelled, or tasted an espeto of sardines. This is a traditional way of cooking freshly-caught sea fish, most often sardines but also sea bream and even shellfish and calamari, speared on a long flat stick (espeto or espetada) and barbequed over a hot fire on the beach. The espetos of sardines look especially beautiful, with rows of shiny silver fish turning golden in the heat. Espetar means to spear, drive through with something.
Sanlucar Horse races
Every year the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda in the province of Cádiz come alive with the pounding of hooves as the famous horse races take over the coast. Traditionally, the races take place the second and fourth weeks of August from Friday to Sunday. The schedule also depends on the tide times so they might come foward a week.
Villaluenga del Rosario
Out of all the towns on the Pueblos Blancos route in Sierra de Cadiz, this town sits at the highest altitude. Cushioned in the narrow valley of the Arroyo Albarrán Grazalema, this small settlement enjoys a striking setting, with a towering mountain on one side, and a sloping U-shaped valley on the other. The town’s name translates to the ‘long town of the rosary’, apt for its narrow shape.
Virgen del Carmen
Religious Virgins are hugely popular in Andalucia; they are normally handcrafted from wood and porcelain and spend 99.9 per cent of the year in glass-covered alcoves at the local church. Most are dusted down and placed on flower-decked thrones at Easter-time when they are lovingly and solemnly borne through the streets. The Virgen del Carmen, however, has her own special day.
Alcazaba of Almeria
The hilltop Alcazaba's hefty walls and towers dominate the city and command magnificent views over the old town below and across to the Mediterranean. Measuring 25,000m2, this was the largest fortress built by the Moors. The Alcazaba was founded during the first half of the 10th century by Cordoban Caliph Abd al-Rahman III, who also built Medina Azahara.
Baelo Claudia
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa, by the small town of Bolonia and its beautiful beach. The site´s important history rests on the former city having been a strategic point for trade routes between Europe and North Africa.
Bolonia
Bolonia is a small isolated ex fishing and farming village on the Atlantic Costa de la Luz 20km north from the surfer paradise of Tarifa and 20km south of Zahara de los Atunes. It is also the site of one of the three most important Roman archaeological excavations in Andalucía, along with Italica outside Sevilla and Acinipo outside Ronda.
Zahara de los Atunes
Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most charming, and fashionable, towns on the Cadiz Costa de la Luz. With a stunning beach, boasting crystal-clear waters and golden sand, Zahara's main advantage over some other beach resorts in the area, which consist largely of hotels (albeit low-rise) and restaurants lining a beachfront road, is its villagey feel.
Arcos de la Frontera - Things to see
A selection of the main sites in Arcos de la frontera. Many are included in a Ruta Monumental (Monuments Route). Pick up a leaflet at the tourist office.
El Bosque
El Bosque is is 32 kilometers east of Arcos de la Frontera and 18 kilometers west of Grazalema. It is 287 meters about sea level and in easy reach of the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema, in fact El Bosque is considered to be the gateway to this immense nature reserve, covering 53,500 hectares (207 square miles).
Estepona Summer Feria
Estepona Summer Feria takes place the first week in July from Tuesday to Sunday and gives everyone a week to enjoy dancing, drinking and eating. Both the day fair and the night fair take place at the 'Parque Ferial y Deportivo' located at the top of Avenida Juan Carlos I next to the A-7 coast road that by-passes Estepona.
Vejer de la Frontera
If you are exploring the N340 Costa de la Luz coast road, you'd be wise to make time for a wander around Vejer. This classic white village on the hilltop is well worth a visit. It is actually 10 kilometers inland, perched high above the steep gorge of the River Barbate.
Hotels in Costa de la Luz, Cádiz
If you want unspoilt, wild beaches, the Costa de la Luz is for you. From the trendy wind and kite-surfing spot Tarifa, this Cadiz coast stretches to the Guadalquivir river estuary is a haven of tranquility.
Zahara de la Sierra
The white village of Zahara de la Sierra has one of the most stunning settings in the province of Cadiz.
The Magical Night of San Juan
Certain festivals seem to summarise life in Spain, with its love of having a good time in the company of friends and loved ones. The Night of San Juan is definitely one of these events. It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drink, food, and friends. It is a memorable, almost surreal scene and one that needs to be experienced.
GKA Big Air World Championships Tarifa 2022
The GKA Big Air World Championships take place within the event window of 20th of June to the 6th of July on Playa Lances Sur opposite Balneario. In addition competitors and fans will be able to enjoy the Kite Expo that will be from the 21st to the 26th of June at BIBO Beach House, at Playa Valdevaqueros.
Baelo Claudia
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa, by the small town of Bolonia and its beautiful beach. The site´s important history rests on the former city having been a strategic point for trade routes between Europe and North Africa.
Seville City - Ten Fascinating Facts
We bring you ten interesting titbits about the Andalucian capital, whether you´re visiting Seville for the first time, you´re already a seasoned expert, or you live here. Find out more about film, food, sport, history, religion and politics - plenty of key aspects of this historic city.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi feast is the Catholic solemnity in honour of the presence of the body of Christ in the holy water. It is celebrated throughout Spain and is held in either May or June depending on when Easter occurs.
When will Andalucia’s international tourism return to pre-pandemic normality?
In 2019 Andalucia received 12.1 million international tourists. 3.4% up on 2018. There has been consistent growth since 2010. This would place Andalucia (if a country) about 25th in the world. 2020 everyting changed.
Frigiliana
Just seven kilometres north of Nerja is the typical pueblo blanco of Frigiliana which sits high on a mountain ridge overlooking the sea with spectacular panoramic views.
Blue Flag Beaches in Andalucia
The Blue flag awards have grown remarkably since their beginings in France in the mid 80's. The requirements for certification have also widened. Most coatal municipalities in Andalucia sumbit an application in the autumn of the previous year, receive an inspection visit and commit not just to clean bathing water but public showers, life-guards, signage and environmental awareness programmes. It has become necessary for town halls to carefully select their potential Blue Flag beaches for infrastructure investment ahead of the Blue Flag application. The successful applications are listed on the four 'costas' pages linked below. Unsuccesful aplication are not disclosed.
El Rocio Pilgrimage
The El Rocío pilgrimage is the most famous in the region, attracting nearly a million people from across Andalucia and the entire country, and beyond. Every Andalucian city, town and village has its own pilgrimages, for its patron saint, virgin or other much-loved local figure, but the El Rocio has cult status, and is the most important and most colourful.
Automobile and Fashion Museum
One of the new wave of museums in Malaga - it opened in 2010 as the Automobile and rebranded in 2021 as Automobile and Fashion Museum - this museum houses the private collection of Portuguese car fanatic Joao Magalhaes. The collection is worth around 25 million euros, and is one of the most important vintage car collections in the world.
Cordoba city Spring Feria
The Cordoba Spring Fair, or Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of the Health), takes place during the last week of May. Its venue is the municipal fairground on the north bank of the River Guadalquivir, a few kilometres to the south-east of the city. The recinto is called El Real de Arenal, which means the sandy area. This Feria dates from 1284, as a livestock market on Pentecost Sunday.
May Crosses festival in Cordoba
The May Crosses Festival (Cruces de Mayo) is celebrated in many parts of the world, especially in Latin America and Spain. In Cordoba festival holds special importance and is the best known of the festival locations in Andalucia.
Seville Feria
Spring in Seville has a special atmosphere, garlanded with the sweet scent of orange blossom and jasmine, and a frisson of excited anticipation, as the city's two most important events take place - first Semana Santa and then the Spring Fair, the Feria de Abril.
Francisco Carrera Iglesias - Gold Embroidery
Francisco Carrera Iglesias is a master embroiderer, continuing the five-centuries-old tradition of intricate gold embellishment in his Seville workshop. Velvet gowns worn by Virgin Mary statues in Holy Week processions are gloriously embellished, exquisite limited-edition scarves are painstakingly decorated for couture houses, and evening gowns are bejazzled with sequins. At the height of his profession, this charming, cultured artisan is the youngest Sevillano ever to have a street named after him
Semana Santa - Holy week in Andalucia
Holy Week, Semana Santa, in Andalucia is an event that literally transforms towns and cities across this region. Processions of elaborately decorated floats with Jesus and Mary statues, groups of pointy-hood wearing Nazarenos (penitents), and shrill brass bands, walk slowly through the streets, from their parish church to the cathedral and back.
Francisco de Zurbarán
Francisco de Zurbarán was born in Extremadura but settled in Seville in 1629 where he had a very successful career accepting large commissions for the wealthy religious order. He was in Madrid from 1634 - 6 in the service of King Philip IV and on his return to Seville he began painting commissions for Spanish American clients.
Malaga Airport direct Flights
In the tables below listed at the destinations currently or recently served by direct flights to and from Malaga - Costa del Sol Airport. Destinations in the UK, Europe, Spain and world-wide including Morocco, Middle East and North America.
Gaucin
Gaucin is a spectacularly beautiful mountain village commanding sweeping views to Gibraltar and North Africa. The village is a gateway to the Serranía de Ronda where, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy an impressionist palette of colour.
Ronda
Despite being a growing town, Ronda retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, before taking in the views from the Alameda out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.
Zahara de los Atunes Beaches
Although Zahara de los Atunes lies within the municipal district of Barbate, these beaches are so good that they deserve their own dedicated page. Playa de Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most well-known beaches in the area, and beyond. Famous for its 6.3km-long shoreline of virtually untouched sand, this beach stretches from the little fishing village of Zahara de Los Atunes all the way south to Cabo de Plata.
Jardines de la Concepción
Just outside Malaga, "La Concepción Jardín Botánico-Historico de Málaga." is a magnificent botanical garden. There are regular guided tours of the gardens which pass through exotic trees and plants, Roman sculptures and a waterfall. There is also a beautiful mansion that once belonged to the creators of the gardens, the Marquis of Casa Loring and his wife, and several panoramic view points to enjoy.
Malaga City
It is easy to understand why Malaga City is capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks to its profusion of quirky museums, delightful pedestrianised centre, innovative restaurants and stylish hotels, many featuring trendy rooftop terraces with bar, pool and stunning views.
The Verdiales Music Festival
December 28th, right smack in the middle of the Spanish Christmas season, we have the annual Verdiales competitions taking place right outside Málaga City. The festival will bring together competing “pandas” as they are known. These are groups that practice one of three different forms of Verdiales singing accompanied by their traditional folk dance and unforgettable costumes.
Andalucia Big Festival
A successful inaugural edition of this Andalucia tourist board sponsored event took place in 2022 at the Feria (Fairground) west of city centre in Málaga from Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th September 2022. This inaugural edition attracted about 100.000 over the three days to the three stage 50.000 m2 arena.
GR7 Footpath Cadiz
The GR7 is the footpath through Andalucia, which forms part of the European Route No. 4. The route is made up of itineraries, which are designed to avoid crossing or using tarmac roads or any roads used by traffic, wherever possible.
Cork harvest and industry in Andalucia
Travelling in western Andalucía ique, Ronda to Vejer, almost as far as Algeciras - between June 15 and August 15 any summer (roughly) - you might catch a glimpse of the most enigmatic agricultural industry in Andalucía; the cork oak crop
Mesa Roldan near Agua Amarga
Mesa Roldan is a flat-topped extinct volcano, part of a massive rocky headland topped with a lighthouse and tower, between Agua Amarga village and Playa de los Muertos. It is actually in the municipal district of Carboneras town to the north.
in Andalucia wear sunscreen
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '99 Wear Sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists." Sunscreen is also known as sunblock and suntan lotion. It is a lotion, cream, spray or gel that absorbs and reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet light (UV) radiation and helps protect against sunburn.
Zuheros
Glaring light reflecting from chalky white walls against the Mediterranean blue sky is everybody's image of a "pueblo blanco" (white village). Zuheros is one of the best of these. It has around 640 inhabitants.
Provinces of Andalucia
There are eight provinces in Andalucia: (from east to west) Huelva, Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Jaén, and Almería. Each province has a capital city of the same name. Five provinces – Huelva, Cádiz, Granada, Málaga, and Almería - have a coastline.
Villages in Seville province
In the Sierra Norte Natural Park, part of the immense Sierra Morena, are some of province's prettiest villages, often in stunning settings, overlooking the undulating slopes of the Sierra clothed in holm and cork oaks and Mediterranean shrubs.
Almond Turron Recipe
This traditional Christmas candy is becoming more common throughout the year as supermarkets offer it as a standard product. However, it is still associated with the Christmas season where it is served after meals on a platter full of all kinds of Christmas sweets, nuts and dried fruits.
Castillo de Santa Catalina - Cadiz
The castle is the oldest military construction in Cádiz city. Construction began in 1598 to improve the city's defences, two years after Anglo-Dutch troops sacked the city.
Sanctuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta
This whitewashed 15th-century chapel is famous for its associations with Christopher Columbus. Positioned on El Conquero hill, about 3 km north of the city centre, it commands a wonderful view of the Odiel wetlands. Like most sanctuaries and hermitages, it was originally built outside the town centre and used to be surrounded by fields and open countryside
Things to see in Huelva city
Although most of Huelva's historic buildings suffered badly in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, several pre-18th-century churches escaped destruction or were successfully restored. The most famous of these is the Sanctuario de Nuestra Señora la Virgen de la Cinta, with its links to Columbus, while the oldest is the Iglesia de San Pedro.
Restábal
Restábal is one of three villages that were merged in 1972 to form a municiap district called El Valle. The other two villages are Saleres and Melegís. Restábal as the larger and being located between the other two is 'capital' village and is where the town hall offices are located.
Melegís
Melegís is one of three villages that were merged in 1972 to form a municiap district called El Valle. The other two villages are Saleres and Restabal. Restábal as the larger and being located between the other two is 'capital' village and is where the town hall offices are located.
Saleres
Saleres is one of three villages that were joined together in 1976 to be part of a single municipality called El Valle. The other two were Restábal and Melegís. Restábal being the larger and the centrally located became the 'capital' where the town hall office is located.
El Valle
El Valle is not a village as such but a municipal district created in 1972 when three small but separate villages were merged together. The villages are Saleres, Restabal and Melegís.
Restábal
Restábal is one of three villages that were merged in 1972 to form a municiap district called El Valle. The other two villages are Saleres and Melegís. Restábal as the larger and being located between the other two is 'capital' village and is where the town hall offices are located.
Melegís
Melegís is one of three villages that were merged in 1972 to form a municiap district called El Valle. The other two villages are Saleres and Restabal. Restábal as the larger and being located between the other two is 'capital' village and is where the town hall offices are located.
Saleres
Saleres is one of three villages that were joined together in 1976 to be part of a single municipality called El Valle. The other two were Restábal and Melegís. Restábal being the larger and the centrally located became the 'capital' where the town hall office is located.
Albuñuelas
The village of Albuñuelas has been occupied since the prehistoric times. It the village which is spead out like a horizontal strip of houses on the steep valleyside is an interesting village to visit. The municipal district is one of the largest in Granada.
Mosque / Cathedral of Córdoba city
The Mezquita (Mosque) dates back to the 10th century when Córdoba reached its zenith under a new emir, Abd ar-Rahman III who was one of the great rulers of Islamic history. At this time Córdoba was the largest, most prosperous cities of Europe, outshining Byzantium and Baghdad in science, culture and the arts. The development of the Great Mosque paralleled these new heights of splendour.
Three Kings
There is quite a debate across Spain regarding whether Santa Claus is displacing the traditional Three Kings at Christmastime in Spain. The truth is that Santa Claus is becoming more and more common, but even families that sign up with “Papa Noel” usually keep their accounts open with the Kings.
Mantecados de Estepa
The crumbly Christmas cookies collectively known as mantecados, which you will see in the months leading up to Christmas, individually wrapped and sold either by weight, or in a box, are made in a town located in the eastern part in Seville province, Estepa.
Roscón de Reyes
Breakfast is a special occasion on the Three Kings day, January 6th with the Three Kings’ Cake ( Roscón de Reyes) the centre of attention.
Coronavirus in Andalucia, News and Statistics
Coronavirus in Andalucia, News - Page updated with latest news several times a week including latest statistics for Andalucia, Costa del Sol and Spain
Andalucia.com wishes you a prosperous 2022
Andalucia.com wishes you a very happy holiday season. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our frievery best wish for happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.
Music and Dance Festivals
There are hundreds of music and dance festivals held in Andalucía each year, especially in the summer. 2024 is set to be another big year, with organisers releasing festival dates noticeably earlier, and people are ready to party!
