Hotels in Andalucía

Even though Andalusia has been known to be historically an agricultural region, it is still a great stop for tourists for its rich culture. Even with some of its areas being the hottest parts of Europe, people still flock to see the origins of flamenco and bullfighting. With over 15 million passenger arrivals a year, Andalusia entertains both group and solo travellers looking for an entertaining stop in Spain.

How to Get There

Andalusia does not have its own airport. If coming from an international flight, it has nine international airports where you can land and then transfer to get to Andalusia. The closest airports are Granada, Malaga, and Almeria. All three of them are within Andalusia.

Going to the town proper from the airport is possible via airport taxi transfer. You can book your ride in advance online for a more convenient experience. However, if you are coming from neighboring cities like Barcelona or Madrid, it is still best to travel by high-speed train. Going by car is also possible through cross-city highways.

Getting Around

Andalusia has a great bus system that allows passengers to hop on and hop off various cities. It is also still the most common way to travel around Andalusia if you do not own a car for both tourists and locals. The coaches are very comfortable and have scheduled stops in between cities and towns. Some coaches also have a comfortable bathroom for longer rides to accommodate the needs of passengers without stopping.

It is not common for tourists to travel here by car, but should one opt to, it is highly possible to rent one. There is a shared car called Blablacar, a ride-sharing platform you can find online.

However, fast trains are also a cheap way to get around Andalusia. The high-speed train allows tourists and locals to take a couple of hours to get from one city to another. The rail network has also been designed so they are interconnected, and passengers can just walk from one stop to another line in the same area.

Top Things to Do

It is quite easy to fall in love with the Spanish charm of Andalusia. Being one of the hottest regions of Europe, a beach is a top-of-mind location for most tourists. Mijas is always a favorite for a day of lounging while listening to the waves. It is lined with various resorts that offer the same comforting and relaxing vibe that the whole area has.

For a blast in the past, Gaucin has inspired countless poets and painters since it was first discovered in the 19th century. The beautiful line of white houses with black fences and alleyways lined with stones make up a beautiful background for a painting, a poem, or a novel. It brings back the beauty of Andalusia from the past which is kept very much alive today.

To get that one picture you will post on your Instagram feed, visit Alhama de Granada. Perched on a cliff, it has a view overlooking the beautiful Alhama River and the town beside it. It looks regal as much as it is picturesque, and the sunset view is just not to be missed.

Having a history of being the origin of bullfighting, Plaza de Toros de Ronda is one of the most beautiful architectures and the oldest bullring in all of Spain. It is quite a sight to behold the golden beauty of the dome while it is adorned with the maze of streets in La Cuidad.

If Mijas did not do your expectations any justice, try visiting Nerja. What used to be an ancient beach is now a bustling area perfect for laidback plans. A wide array of restaurants and lounging spots are available for those looking for a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea with a refreshing drink in hand. Visitors also take time to visit the Caves of Nerja where historic human remains from 25,000 years ago were discovered.

Nature lovers will have a great time visiting the little town of Grazalema. It houses Sierra del Endrinal, known for its white veneer and a horizon of mountain tops and greenery. A long walk from the mountainside into the town lined with restaurants and shops is definitely worth burning some calories off.

What to Eat

One of the top restaurants in Andalusia is in Malaga where you can find scrumptious dishes like grilled octopus and lamb stew with couscous. El Meson de Cervantes might start as a humble restaurant of Gabriel Spatz but it has built its reputation with its quality service and delicious food. They serve half portions of their meals to allow patrons to try more dishes from the menu. It is quite popular, and it is recommended to book ahead of time.

Arte de Cozina serves more of a traditional experience for visitors. Unlike other popular restaurants in Andalusia, the restaurant has theme nights where they follow the theme and organize the menu around it. There is much room for creativity even if the restaurant serves traditional dishes. They also offer a wide array of desserts which you would usually not find in these areas.

Another classic restaurant is Casa Pepe de la Juderia. It opened its doors in 1920 and has continued to serve classic Andalusian dishes since then. They have a good range of wines that go with their salmorejo, gazpacho, and salads. As this restaurant is a go-to for both locals and tourists, it is best to book a table in advance.

Nightlife

Depending on where you are in Andalusia, you will find a bustling nightlife filled with music and food and wine. While in Estepona, Tolone is a cocktail bar that is situated in Calle Real. It is a great deal since the bars are generally cheaper as they cater more to locals than tourists but serve just as well. Since the bar is usually packed, it is a great idea to come in a little earlier than everyone else.

When in Marbella, visiting Olivia Valere is a must. It is located above the Golden Mile and housed in a Moorish structure and serves as the best dance club in the area. The place is a little swankier than the usual town clubs you’ll find in Andalusia but it is worth visiting for an extra cool point in your tourist book. Various celebrities have been spotted in this club and Paris Hilton even makes a bi-annual visit as a guest DJ.

Where to Stay

Andalusia offers various types of accommodations depending on your needs and budget as a traveller. Budget hotels are peppered throughout the region and Airbnbs are a popular choice for a local and cheaper experience. Each city offers various high-end and boutique hotels that suit solo and family-sized groups.

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