Destination Fly4free: Andalucia

Andalucia contains many of outstanding monuments, beautiful beaches and a wide variety of different natural landscapes. Moorish castles, fearless matadors and flamenco dancers symbolize this emblematic region in southern Spain. Check out the best things to see and do in Andalucia!

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Andalusian cuisine

Native cuisine of Andalusia has been influenced historically by Spanish, Jewish and Arabic traditions. Pescaíto frito, a fresh fried fish, is a universally popular dish. Gazpacho is a famous refreshing cold soup made of raw tomatoes, cucumber, onions, green peppers, garlic, bread, oil and vinegar. Thin-sliced jamón serrano (dry-cured ham of Jabugo, Valle de los Pedroches, Huelva, Cordoba and Trevélez) is a traditional appetizer (tapa). Tortillas, Spanish omelettes made with potatoes and served cold, are also typical snacks.

The wines of Jerez (also known as sherry) were praised by William Shakespeare. Sweet Málaga is a great dessert wine. Andalucian desserts are heavily influenced by Arabic medieval cuisine. If you have a sweet tooth, you should try pestiños (a deep-fried pastry bathed in honey), amarguillos (almond macaroons) and polvorones (almond cookies of Estepa).

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How to get there:
Take a look at the flight deals to Andalucia:

• 4-night stay in well-rated aparthotel in Costa del Sol + flights from Oslo for €131 >>
• 7-night stay in well-rated hotel in Costa del Sol with breakfasts + flights from Frankfurt Hahn for €177 >>
• 7-night all inclusive stay in 5* hotel in Andalusia + flights from Amsterdam for €314 >>
• Air Berlin Super Sunday: Germany to Malaga for €86 (SUMMER) >>
• MAY: 4-night stay in 4* hotel in Costa del Sol with breakfasts + flights from Oslo for €144 >>
• Miami to Seville for $328 (also during XMAS and NYE) >>
• SUMMER: Houston to Malaga, Spain for $431 >>
• Casablanca, Morocco and Spain (choice of 4 cities) in one trip from NYC from $381 >>
• Toronto to Seville for C$483 >>

Where to stay:
If you plan to visit Granada, we encourage you to stay at 4* Casa del Trigo situated in the historical town of Santa Fe, 10 minutes’ drive from Granada. This well-rated 4-star hotel has easy access to Granada’s tourist attractions including the Alhambra and the Albaycín. Set in a 19th-century building, it features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and a terrace with a jacuzzi. Rooms at the Trigo are spacious and offer contemporary décor with wooden flooring and furnishings. Each room has air conditioning and a TV.

In Malaga we recommend you to book 3* Hotel Posadas De España Málaga. This well-reviewed hotel offers free parking, internet and an outdoor swimming pool with terrace and sun loungers. All rooms have air conditioning and heating, a bathroom with hairdryer and lots of natural light. They feature wooden floors and furniture.

For once-in-a-lifetime experience, spend a night in one of Spain’s most famous Parador hotels, set in Ronda’s former Town Hall. It sits adjacent to the spectacular bridge in Ronda. Offering unforgettable views of the El Tajo gorge and Puente Nuevo Bridge, 4* Parador de Ronda has excellent reviews. Private balconies are available in each of the rooms at the Parador Ronda, with many offering views of the surrounding mountains. Free Wi-Fi, secure underground parking and a seasonal pool feature in this impressive hotel.

What to do:
Andalusia is a place of contrasts: snow-capped mountains, wild gorges, sandy beaches and lush green river valleys. There are many opportunities for leisure activities, like kitesurfing, boating, and other water sports.

Cruise the Guadalquivir River to enjoy Seville from the perspective of the water. This large ancient river, that connects the capital of Andalusia with the Atlantic Ocean, was a strategic point in terms of access to the New World. See the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, located on a small island, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip across the ocean looking for India.

You can go hiking in the El Torcal Natural Reserve – home to some of the most striking karst formations in Europe. There are three trails through the reserve.

Admire breathtaking panoramas of the Andalusian countryside on the famous Bull Route (Ruta del Toro) to Jerez. Cruise along Cadiz’s curvaceous coastline by ferry and visit the city’s historical heart. The Costa de la Luz is especially noted for the beauty of its natural attractions (Doñana National Park, Bay of Cádiz and the seaside cliffs at La Breña) and sandy beaches (Playa de Bolonia in Tarifa). If you like winter sports, you should go skiing in the Sierra Nevada ski resort.

Architecture and history enthusiasts should certainly visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Mezquita), the most important monument of the entire Western Islamic world. This basilica, of rectangular shape, was shared for a period of time between Muslims and Christians.

In Jaén, you should see the monumental sites of Úbeda and Baeza. You can also experience festivals such as Easter Week, the Carnival in Cadiz, the Rocío pilgrimage in Huelva and the April Fair in Seville.

Watch an equestrian show in which masterful horse trainers interact with Adalusian horses. Enjoy a winery tour and wine tasting. You can also choose an olive oil workshop and tasting. Take an unforgettable journey to Gibraltar. Explore impressive caves, meet the funny monkeys and do duty free shopping.

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Andalucia. from Joren de Jager on Vimeo.