David
maidstone Couple
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- lots to see and do
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- not a bad point but car is a must
Published on: 27 November 2016
Andalucia - Fiestas, flamenco and cultural gems
Andalucia is the magical home of vibrant fiesta, colourful flamenco and ancient folklore. With the longest coastline in Spain, this beautiful region boasts sun-baked beaches, stunning mountain scenery and picture perfect whitewashed villages. Its well-known cultural riches, including sumptuous Moorish palaces, churches and museums, reside in the historic cities of Seville, Córdoba and Granada. Vast, unspoilt areas of natural beauty remain untouched by tourism, alongside its passion for the time-honoured and traditional Spanish way of life. We offer some beautiful villas in Andalucia, many of them set in idyllic, countryside locations. To reach some of our properties, you may need to drive off the beaten track along unsurfaced mountain roads where you'll get a real away-from-it-all feeling. When you take in the stunning views from your villa, it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
View Andalucia villasFrigiliana
One of the most beautiful villages in Spain, with whitewashed houses piled up on steep narrow slopes, Frigiliana sits in the foothills of the Sierra de Tejeda Mountains. Explore the narrow, winding streets and steps of the old Moorish and Medieval quarter where ceramic tile plaques detailing the village’s history adorn brightly painted houses. You can also stop off at an old world wine cellar where you can sample the famous local vintage straight from the barrel. There are many fine restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine and little shops selling local, handcrafted items tucked away in the winding streets, just waiting to be discovered. Many of our properties are located in tranquil areas, accessed by driving along unsurfaced mountain roads. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
- 50mins fromMalaga
Nerja
With a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de Tejeda mountains, picturesque beaches plus countless rocky coves, Nerja is one of the most beautiful regions of Andalucía. Still retaining its charm and genuine Spanish character, the focal point of the town is a magnificent marble-paved promenade, El Balcon de Europa, which juts out on a rocky outcrop between two bays. Stroll here and enjoy stunning views, street entertainers and irresistible ice cream. Nearby, why not venture into the famous Cuevas de Nerja to see prehistoric cave paintings and the longest stalactites in the world – all 63 metres long. The majority of our properties enjoy tranquil locations off the beaten track, and are accessed by driving along scenic mountain roads.
- 45mins fromMalaga
Torrox
Torrox Pueblo is a typical Spanish village with a quaint square, church, a few bars and a local market. A few kilometres away down on the coast, Torrox Costa has an impressive promenade lined with restaurants, pavement cafés and bars. With nine kilometres of coastline, Torrox is home to a long straight beach. A typical evening here is spent strolling from bar to bar, sampling the region’s tapas and selection of wines. Most of our villas are situated in the countryside around Torrox Pueblo with great views over the mountains and sea. Here, you can relax in the peace and tranquillity of your rural villa – with seaside fun and traditional Spanish village life just a short distance away. To reach the majority of our properties, you have to drive off the beaten track along unsurfaced mountain roads where you’ll get a real away-from-it-all feeling. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
- 40mins fromMalaga
Competa
One of the many whitewashed villages or "pueblos blancos" that can be found dotted around the Andalucian mountains and countryside, Competa is situated just inland from the coast at Torrox Costa and is a short drive from Frigiliana and Torrox pueblo. There are numerous shops and restaurants in this ancient Moorish village and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from many viewpoints around the town.
- 1hr 5mins fromMalaga
Canillas de Albaida
A picturesque village set in the heart of a rugged mountainous landscape, with narrow winding streets meandering through white-washed buildings, offering a wonderful opportunity to see traditional Andalucia. Surrounded by beautiful countryside dotted with many charming villages should you wish to explore, and just 25km from the stunning coastline. Many of our properties are located in tranquil areas, accessed by driving along unsurfaced mountain roads. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
- 1hr fromMalaga
Cantarrijan
Set in the province of Granada on the Costa Tropical, Cantarrijan sits within an area of national park which enjoys fabulous views across the countryside and out to sea. Here you’ll find a few local restaurants, while La Herradura can be reached within a 15 minute drive, offering restaurants, bars and shops as well as a beautiful sandy beach. To reach the majority of our properties, you have to drive off the beaten track along unsurfaced mountain tracks where you’ll get a real away-from-it-all feeling. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make a few bumps entirely worthwhile.
- 1hr fromMalaga
Periana
With beautiful mountain ranges to the north and Lake Vinuela and the coastline to the south, the village of Periana enjoys stunning panoramic views. An attractive village typical of the area, with cobbled streets and narrow winding alleyways lined with whitewashed walls, adorned with vibrant pots of flowers. Evenings can be spent wandering its charming streets, enjoying the traditional atmosphere of the village and the friendly local hospitality in the shops and traditional Spanish restaurants or Tapas bars. Ideal for those who enjoy an outdoor life, with many picturesque trails, and kayaks and canoes available during the high season at the nearby lake. Situated away from the bustle of the popular coastal resorts yet close enough to enjoy a day by the sea, Periana offers the best of both worlds.
- 1hr fromMalaga
Rio de la Miel
We have a couple of villas hidden away in this tranquil area, a remote and beautiful natural park of avocado trees and sugar cane, hence the name which means ‘Honey River’. The nearest village is Maro. This tiny hamlet seems to have missed the main tourist spotlight and just has a couple of bars, mini-markets and a beach. From the main road here, there are narrow paths winding down to some often quiet little coves. Many of our properties are located in tranquil areas, accessed by driving along unsurfaced mountain roads. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
- 1hr fromMalaga
Alcala la Real
Alcalá la Real is a restful town located in the province of Jaen, just an hours drive from the city of Grananda. Here the traditional Spanish lifestyle is rife and this is one of the factors that attracts people to come here. The La Mota Castle is perhaps the most prominent building on the landscape of Alcalá la Real which today has been restored to a high standard, holding much of the regions cultural history. The town itself is home to an abundance of shops selling things such as locally produced wine and olive oil – in fact for miles around you will see that olive, almond and cherry trees are plentiful. There is also a weekly market selling food and clothes and three large supermarkets for you to stock up on your groceries for the duration of your holiday. Many of our properties are located in tranquil areas, accessed by driving along unsurfaced mountain roads. When you take in the stunning views from your villa it will make the journey entirely worthwhile.
- 50mins fromGranada
Triana
Triana is a quaint quiet resort giving it the ideal setting for a peaceful holiday. The nearest main tourist resort is Torre Del Mar which is a 15 minute drive from Triana. Here you will find an exquisite 4 kilometres of dark sand coast line. Torre Del Mar has plenty of local attractions to offer such as the waterpark and close by shopping centre El Ingenio giving something for all the family. Here you will find a vast array of beach front restaurants, shops and supermarkets.
Your Andalucia Villa holiday
On the beach in Andalucia
The shoreline is blessed with a wide variety of beaches and secluded coves. Clear blue skies and year-round sunshine beat down on its pretty sands and sparkling clear waters.
Many of the busier seaside resorts have been awarded the Blue Flag for high standards and cleanliness. You’ll find a small selection of sun loungers, open air beach bars serving snacks and waterfront eateries. Discover deserted coves and unspoilt bays in the east – Andalucia’s wildest and least developed coastline.
Local cuisine in Andalucia
Going from bar to bar sampling tapas - little portions of meat, fish, olives and Spanish omelette - is a real tradition in Andalucia. You’ll also find good seafood, paella and traditional migas (a local dish made with olive oil, garlic and semolina) along the coast. Try the locally-made sherry or an Andalucian beer, known to be good value and very drinkable.
Here, expect to re-tune your routine to take an afternoon siesta, eat early evening tapas and stay up late for dinner with the locals.
Outdoor pursuits in Andalucia
Andalucia has a good range of leisure activities, including a wide selection of golf courses. The region is also home to vast national parks and dramatic mountain scenery offering spectacular views.
Natural caves, filled with archaeological treasures, are also open to the public - the most famous of which can be found in Nerja. The rolling countryside and wooded valleys of this region are also packed with wildlife including ibex, deer, wild boar and an enormous variety of birds.
Atmospheric evenings in Andalucia
Flamenco is a traditional treat that can’t be missed in this region. During peak season, many villages and cities, like Granada, stage colourful and lively flamenco nights outdoors. You’ll find a wealth of tapas bars and street entertainers performing in a typically Spanish fashion.
Evenings in Andalucia’s smaller, more traditional resorts are low-key, usually just a stroll along the promenade before relaxing over dinner and a bottle of wine, while the more developed resorts along the coastline offer an abundance of busier bars and clubs.
Weather Guide
For the Andalucia holiday season.
Average monthly temperature and rainfall for the Andalucia holiday season
°CNot to be missed...
- Take a drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains to Granada, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain with its gorgeous Alhambra Palace and romantic Generalife Gardens.
- Catch a concert in the caves of Nerja – the 63 metre high Sala de Cataclismo is the venue for a music and dance festival each summer in July.
- Join in a fiesta with fireworks, funfair, fino sherry and authentic flamenco dancing during the peak summer season.
- Visit the brand new Picasso Museum in Malaga – next door to a Roman theatre and a Renaissance-style cathedral – displaying rare works donated by the artist’s family.
- Get a taste of all things British - Gibraltar makes a great day out with its impressive naval history, great tax-free shopping and cheeky Barbary apes up on the rock.
- People watch at Puerto Banus marina. Maybe spot a celebrity or two!
- Tivoli World theme park, the biggest amusement park on the coast, makes for a special day out with family and friends.
- Take in a round of golf at one of the many golf courses dotted around the region.
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Published on: 27 November 2016
Views and opinions in these reviews are solely of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of James Villa Holidays (JVH). JVH provides no assurances regarding the accuracy of the information and cannot accept liability for complaints, loss or damage resulting from the article. It does not form part of the contract made when a holiday is booked with JVH and the information provided is not intended to be a rider or replacement to the booking conditions. Reference to the service or product of a third party, is not an endorsement or recommendation and JVH accepts no liability as a result of complaints, loss or damage arising from their use.
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