With its golden coastline, fabulous food and centuries-spanning architecture, Andalucia has long been a Wexas favourite. Look beyond the white sands of the Costa del Sol to discover a network of great cities that remember a lost civilisation in between their medieval laneways, Roman ruins and postcard-perfect rural setting. Our Spain specialists are on hand to share their knowledge of the region, from the best sightseeing spots to the finest restaurants and accommodation.

All of Spain in a nutshell

All of Spain’s traditional icons can be found in Andalucia. There’s flamenco passion, steely-eyed bullfighters and guitar strains that quiet even the liveliest of tapas bars. And, with near year-round sun, it’s the perfect destination for your very own siesta. And, while the region is host to some of Spain's best beaches, it's also perfectly set up for a self-drive, allowing you to pair a stay on the coast with some of Andalucia's great, cultural wonders.

Nerja, Malaga

Cultural and culinary delights

It’s fair to say, that much of the region’s intrigue is far from homegrown. Although its cathedrals and castles are wonders in their own right, invading Moorish dynasties brought with them – across the Gibraltar Strait – some of the world’s finest examples of Islamic architecture.

The result? An intoxicating blend of North African exoticism, medieval severity and Renaissance grandeur. In fact, the boundaries between each are often uniquely blurred, something best seen in the palace-fortresses of Granada and Málaga along with the mosque-cathedrals of Seville and Córdoba. Stucco minarets have been converted into grand bell towers, imposing citadel walls hide opulent sultan’s quarters and frescoed chapels sit side by side with great prayer halls.

Alhambra, Granada

Even Andalucia’s famous gastronomy is tinged by Islamic Iberia. North African spices fragrance such delights as hearty paellas, grilled seafood and that carnivore’s favourite – jamón ibérico.

Andalucia’s natural wonders

That’s not to say, however, that Andalucia is without its quieter charms. Indeed, a fifth of its land is given over to natural and national parks, with the towering, snow-dusted peaks of the Sierra Nevada – Spain’s highest range – spilling down into great undulations of endless farmland.

Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia

It all makes for some spectacular drives and hikes, with trails knitting together charming hill towns characterised by their whitewash uniform, pretty Gothic churches and terracotta roofs. Alternatively, explore with the help of the vía verdes, railway lines converted to bike paths.