I always thought Andalusia was a country. (Yes, shameful, I know) It could very well be though, with its size, diversity and super rich history. Its certainly in a class of its own. Spain has 17 autonomous communities and Andalusia is the 2nd largest. What’s an autonomous community you ask?… Okay, I’ll tell you.
No, it is not the same as a state (lets pretend I didn’t just learn about it myself, ok?). It is a form of administrative division within a country with its own government and cultural identity. Ah! Cultural identity. Another word for beauty, if you ask me. I am not one for deep history dives when visiting a new place but I do value and respect culture a lot and feel that its integral to understanding people and their way of life. Their food, their language, social cues and why they do the things they do. However you cant separate history from culture can you? No, sir! They go hand in hand. So I’ll get ready to experience a bit of both.
Andalusia is described as a striking mash up of history, architecture, great tapas and flamenco dancing (you wouldn’t catch me dancing to save my life though). It’s a gem I cant wait to visit.
Tapas & chill
I would start my visit in its capital city of Seville , with a walking tour through its famous courtyards and large open spaces like Setas de Seville and Plaza de Espana to take in the beauty of nature and grandeur of these historical monuments. I’d wander through its bustling streets then head for Tapas in the old town. Tapas are light meals of savory food deeply rooted in the culture there. It’s a fun social activity to go around various tapas bars sampling the diverse range on offer.
Sunny skies & Rich Moorish history
For a change of scenery, I’d visit Costa del sol, just a 2.5 hr drive away. I would promenade by the ocean, enjoy the refreshing breeze and panoramic views of its clear skies and blue waters. There is nothing quite like the seaside. There is an undeniable calm that comes with it. Alongside the reminder of how tiny we are. With 320 days of sunshine per annum, I can easily understand why it’s a top travel destination. In this region lies the town of Malaga, a place filled with fascinating remnants of the powerful Moorish civilization who once ruled Andalusia. Such sites include the Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba of Malaga. A visit to these medieval Islamic fortresses would take me a step back in time. I would no doubt be in awe of the intricate architecture and engineering of the great civilizations past. Its amazing to think of all the things they were able to achieve without the modern machinery and sophisticated equipment available to us now. Pure grit, brains and hard work! Another notable site is the Alhambra in Granada. They have guided tours at these historical sites but bookings need to be made well in advance as tickets sell out weeks ahead. For art lovers, Malaga also boasts a bustling art scene, I’d expect nothing less from the birthplace of the renowned Pablo Picasso. Flamenco dance performances are also easy to come by in the evenings courtesy of its large gypsy population.
Living under a rock… literally
Leisurely strolls down cobblestone streets? Yes please! Sign me upppp! I cannot pass up a trip to Setenil de las bodegas. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, it is a small town in the province of Cadiz famous for its houses built into a river gorge with overhanging rocks. Its white houses lined with flower pots make it a part of the “Pueblo Blanco”, a collection of whitewashed towns and villages located in the Andalusia region. You can already picture this on a postcard. Majestic hills with clusters of white buildings dotted with brown stone roofs arranged in layers above one another. Simply Magnificent! It’s a great place to witness the fusion of nature and urban living with loads of restaurants, souvenir shops and even locals who would allow tours inside their homes for a small fee. Andalusia is a diverse, friendly and tolerant region with Muslims making up a small percentage decent enough to ensure the availability of mosques and halal food. So I’m sure I would fit right in, save my inability to speak Spanish. I have recently learned a couple of things though. Hola, cómo estás means “Hello, how are you” and Me gustaría pedir gazpacho means “Id like to place an order for gazpacho”. Cant go wrong with those essentials now can I? Dear Andalusia, Im ready for you!!
The cuisine of Andalusia is an extraordinary melting pot, which has formed over centuries of cultural conquest and settlements. There are influences from the Arabs, Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians and more who have called this area home in one century or another. Its coastal regions means it boasts a lot of seafood and these can be prepared in various ways. It is also known for its abundant olive groves and The Sherry triangle (3 sherry producing towns in the region which form a triangle on the map). Some signature dishes of Andalusia include Pescados Fritos mixtos ) mixed fried fish), Atun rojo (Bluefin tuna), Gambas Ajillo (Garlic & prawns) and Gazpacho. Gazpacho is a cold soupy drink made from tomatoes. Yes, you read that right. Soupy drink. Its not consumed like your typical soup but has the compositions of one and is lighter in texture. Gazpacho is served in a pitcher or tumbler and makes for a refreshing and filling drink on a hot day.
