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Andalusia (Andalucía in Spanish) is a 8.4 million people region and historic nationality in the southern part of Spain by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It's surrounded by Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha and Murcia in Spain and also with Portugal and Gibraltar (part of the United Kingdom). The population has a mostly Catholic
Christian tradition (being one of the most religious regions of Spain). The
official language is Spanish but its accent may make difficult to the visitor understand the local dialect. The capital city of Andalusia (and its most populated city) is Seville, with other important cities like Málaga, Córdoba or Granada.
What can I visit in the Andalusia?
Here
you have a list of places in the region of Andalusia that are worth to be
seen. Check them out and find out the ones you want to visit:
-
- Cádiz
- Córdoba
- Doñana National Park
- Granada
- Jaén
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Huelva
- Nerja
- Ronda
- Seville
- Sierra de las Nieves National Park
- Sierra Nevada National Park
- Úbeda
History
The
northwestern part of the Iberian peninsula formed a single megalithic
area since 4,500 BC, with great capacity for architecture and a deep
sense of religion that can be seen in the many dolmens (mámoas in
Galician) spread all over Galicia. During Broze Age there was an
important inmigration to current Galicia from the Castilian plateau and
at the end of Iron Age, its inhabitants were identified as Gallaeci, a Celtic group of tribes that inhabited hillforts called castros
(many remains of those are still visible and able to be visited). They
worshiped pan-Celtic gods like Bormanus, Coventia or Lugus and their
model of society is believed to have been aristocratic. During the Punic
wars Gallaeci tribes were allied with Phoenicians (enabling Hannibal
recruit many Gallaeci). Romans started the conquer of current Galicia
because of its richness in gold and a part of it was leaded by Julius
Caesar, who landed in Brigantium (current A Coruña) in 61 BC.
Many of its inhabitants joined the Roman Empire auxiliar troops in place
as Thrace or Dacia. In the 3rd century emperor Diocletan created the
Roman province of Gallaecia.
When
the Roman Empire collapsed, around 409 AD, Gallaecia was conquered by
the Suebi, creating the kingdom of Gallecia with capital in Bracara Augusta
(current Braga). Although the Suebi that arrived were less than 30,000
people they controlled Gallecia till 584, when the Visigothic king
Leovigild conquered it. In these years many Britons arrived to the coast
of Lugo (escaping from Anglo-Saxon tribes) leaded by bishop Maeloc,
creating current diocese of Mondoñedo. After the loss of the battle of
Guadalete (711) Gallaecia was briefly occupied till it was freed by
Alfonso I of Asturias. Around 813 happened one of the things that
changed the destiny of Galicia: the discovery of the tomb of the apostle St. James
in Iria Flavia (near Padrón). King Alfonso II of Asturias ordered the
construction of a church to honour it, being the foundation of Santiago
de Compostela (that was since then considered the 3rd Christianity
pilgrim center) specially developed under Diego Xelmírez
bishopric. The kingdom of Galicia was under the control of the king of
León but it gained independence when Ferdinand I of León gave it to his
son García II of Galicia (but shorty being back to León soberanity).
Undert the kingdom of Galicia was the Count of Portugal, that became a
kingdom in 1095 (just like Castile from León) under Castile and León's
control till 1128. Alfonso VI of León and Castile was efectively
the last king of Galicia because later it was reinstated to León (and
from 1230 was part of of the Crown of Castile, under the kingdom of
Ferdinand III of Castile).
When the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were joined under the Catholic Monarchs Galicia's gobernment were the Junta do Reyno. During the 18th century Galicia was attacked several times, like when Richard Temple captured Vigo in 1718. In
those years (till 1833) the kingdom of Galicia was divided in the
provinces of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Tui, Ourense, Mondoñedo,
Lugo and Betanzos. As well as in other parts of Spain, when Napoleon conquered Spain, guerrilla bands were formed all over Galicia's territory. From the 1850s there was several consecutive cold winters (subsitence agriculture was the main economic activity by then) started the emigration to the rest of Spain and particulary to Uruguay or Argentina, process that continued in the 20th century.
In the 19th century there was a rise in the Galician identity feeling and the use of Galician with the movement called Rexurdimento, whose main exponents are writers like Rosalía de Castro.
At the same time some political movements defending federalism or
Galician nationalism started developing and, with the Second Spanish
Republic, Galicia obtained autonomy (although it didn't come into use
because the Spanish Civil War). When the Spanish Civil War was declared,
the rebel faction got the control of Galicia quickly (because of the
support of the Spanish Catholic Church and the fact that most of the
population in Galicia was rural) in 1936. Franco was born in Ferrol and
during his dictatorship he got some properties (like Meirás pazo) in a
very controversial way, being still owned by his family). In the last
years of the Francoist regime there was another rise in Galician
nationalism (despite Galician was prohibited) and during the Transición,
Galicia was recognised as an historic nationality and obtained autonomy
again. Since then Galicia has always been managed by Partido Popular
(center-right party, first leaded by Manuel Fraga and then by Alberto
Núñez-Feijóo) but for some years of gobernment of Emilio Pérez Touriño
(PSdG-PSOE, center-left party).
Unforgettable experiences
This places and experiences are a must if you want to discover and understand the region of Andalusia. This is my top 12:
 |
| La Alhambra, Granada |
Granada:
capital city of Galicia and the end of the Way of St. James, Santiago
is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and the 3rd most important
for Christianity (after Jersualem and Rome) because the apostle St. James
is said to be buried here. Despite not being a big city Santiago has a
huge legacy and history that can be seen on its many museums, churches
or simply walking its streets. It's atmosphere is simply different and
sitting in Praza do Obradoiro to see groups of pilgrims arrive
after long journeys is very satisfying. Its cathedral is one of the most
spectacular ones in Spain. Santiago is also a great point to set your
base to visit Galicia. - Seville:
the 2nd largest city in Galicia has many things to offer, going from an
important cultural offer to sport activities. A Coruña has also a lot
of history, as it can be seen at Tower of Hercules (only Roman
lighthouse still in use) or the city fortress. A Coruña has also many
museums related to science, some interesting churches and a good
culinary offer.
- Córdoba: the
cape and town with the same villages are one of the main touristic
points in Galicia due to its mixture of nature, religious meaning and
mysticism. Considered by Romans as Land's End, the trail from Santiago
de Compostela to Fisterra was popularised during Middle Ages as the
foreword of the Way of St. James. Its landscapes, cliffs and beaches are spectacular.
- Málaga:
talking about this city is talking about its Roman heritage and
history. Above all of them are its Roman walls, placed in the UNESCO
World Heritage List and one of the best of its kind in Europe. But not
all is Roman history, it has an interesting cathedral and many other
things to do and visit.
- Doñana National Park: this
city and capital city of province is quite unknown despite its beauty.
It has many interesting churches in its Old Town (one of them with
scallop shell shape), with is very recommended to walk and enjoy, as its
fully pedestrian zone. Moreover you can take some tapas, have a drink on its many bars and enjoy the time.
- Cádiz: small calmed town
with a very impressing cathedral and not very touristic. Its history is
linked to the Britonns who arrive here in the 6th century. But it's
also a great point to go to the coast and enjoy the spectacular and
famous Catedrais beach (booking on advance in peak season) and enjoy the atmosphere of Ribadeo, by the border with Asturias.
- Jerez de la Frontera: this town is mainly known because of its wine, albariño.
Here you'll be able to know its history and obviously, taste. But not
all is food, it has some nice pazos and around Cambados is one of the
best places to try seafood, specially in O Grove. This place also has nice beaches.
- Baeza and Úbeda: this town is mainly known because of its wine, albariño.
Here you'll be able to know its history and obviously, taste. But not
all is food, it has some nice pazos and around Cambados is one of the
best places to try seafood, specially in O Grove. This place also has nice beaches.
- Ronda:.
- Sierra Nevada National Park:.
Planning your holidays
These
are some possible routes you may do in Andalusia to visit parts of it
or discover it all. Andalusia has many sightseeing points so you can
choose your own route depending your time and what you want to visit.
Here are some possible tours:
a) 5 days tour
This short journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra
and enjoying this cape, its atmosphere and landscape. For the 3rd day
it can be a great choice visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña, where spending a day knowing it and visiting the known Tower of Hercules. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with many churches and a pedestrian Old Town that is a pleasure to walk and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño, the main Galician wine. The fith and last day can be enjoyed in Lugo and its surroundings, enjoying its Roman heritage.
b) 7 days tour
This journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra and for the 3rd day,
visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with a pedestrian Old Town that is a pleasure to walk and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño, the main Galician wine. The fith day can be enjoyed in Lugo and its surroundings, enjoying its Roman heritage. The 6th day can be spent in Mondoñedo, discovering its cathedral and history, going later to the famous Catedrais beach and finish in Ribadeo. The 7th and last day can be enjoyed visiting Ourense and if there's some time left, the traditional medieval town of Ribadavia.
c) 10 days tour
This short journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra and for the 3rd day,
visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with a pedestrian Old Town and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño (main Galician wine). The 5th and 6th days will be spent in Vigo, spending there half a day and then visiting Baiona and Tui and the following day, in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The 7th day may be a good one to visit Ourense and if there's some time left, the traditional medieval town of Ribadavia. The 8th day is perfect to visit Sil Canyon and its villages and Monforte de Lemos, before going to Lugo on the 9th day. The 10th and last day you can visit Mondoñedo, discovering its cathedral and history, going later to the famous Catedrais beach and finish in Ribadeo in the evening.
What can I eat and drink in Andalusia?
 |
| Empanada galega |
Galician food has a lot of personality
and their meals are usually based on local products based in seafood and
shellfish, meat especially beef and pork), potatoes, dairy products and
rapini, with some particular products like Padrón peppers (small peppers). One of the most common dishes in the north of Spain and in Galician
cuisine are soups and stews like caldo galego (similar to the Portuguese caldo verde), cocido galego (stronger than cocido madrileño) or callos a la gallega (beef trips with chickpeas and chorizo). Galicia is also known for its tapas and other typical dishes here are empanada galega
(baked turnover consisting of pastry and filling), whose most popular
filling are chorizo, variegated scallop, scallop, mussels, squid, vegetables, tuna or cod. Galicia has a bread with Denomination of Origin, pan de Cea, known for its quality.
 |
| Polbo á feira |
Galicia
is also a territory with an important variety of cheese, being the most
important ones Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, San Simón da Costa cheese or
Cebreiro one.
Fish and particulary seafood are very important in Galicia, being the
1st world producer of mussels and also producer of coriander, assorted
crabs, razors, scallops, zaburiñas, clams and cockles. Some examples of food with these ingridients are mariscada or polbo á feira (octopus with baked potato and paprika). Meat is also very important in Galician cuisine and some of the main dishes are chourizo com cachelo (chorizo with baked potato), lacón con grelos (Galician dried ham with rapini) or churrasco. The most important varieties of cold meat in Galicia are chorizo, ham, dried ham, androlla and botillo (meat-stuffed pork intestine).
 |
| Torta de Santiago |
In Galicia some of the most important desserts are based on dairy products like leite callado (cuajada or milk curd) or requeixo (ricotta) but the most famous ones are based on almond, with cakes like torta de Santiago (traditional almond cake), torta de Mondoñedo (almond cake with glucose syrup and fruits), biscuits such as amendoados de Allariz (almond based cookie) or filloas (sweet crêpes). Another kind of cakes popular are bica (cinnamon cake).
 |
| Queimada |
Talking about drinking, the most famous drink is the wine (viño) since Roman times, with many popular kinds of wine like albariño, Ribeira sacra, Ribeiro or Monterrei. Beer (ceverxa) is also quite important, with brands like Estrella Galicia, that has expanded in the rest of Spain too. There are some kind of stronger spirits like augardente (aguardiente), quemaida (traditional punch made of aguardiente flavoured with special herbs or coffee) or licor café (coffee liquor).
Useful links
In case you want to look for more information about Andalusia (https://www.andalucia.org/en/home) or its cities, towns and places, here there's a list with some pages to get it:
Andalusia (Andalucía in Spanish) is a 8.4 million people region and historic nationality in the southern part of Spain by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. It's surrounded by Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha and Murcia in Spain and also with Portugal and Gibraltar (part of the United Kingdom). The population has a mostly Catholic
Christian tradition (being one of the most religious regions of Spain). The
official language is Spanish but its accent may make difficult to the visitor understand the local dialect. The capital city of Andalusia (and its most populated city) is Seville, with other important cities like Málaga, Córdoba or Granada.
This short journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra
and enjoying this cape, its atmosphere and landscape. For the 3rd day
it can be a great choice visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña, where spending a day knowing it and visiting the known Tower of Hercules. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with many churches and a pedestrian Old Town that is a pleasure to walk and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño, the main Galician wine. The fith and last day can be enjoyed in Lugo and its surroundings, enjoying its Roman heritage.
This journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra and for the 3rd day,
visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with a pedestrian Old Town that is a pleasure to walk and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño, the main Galician wine. The fith day can be enjoyed in Lugo and its surroundings, enjoying its Roman heritage. The 6th day can be spent in Mondoñedo, discovering its cathedral and history, going later to the famous Catedrais beach and finish in Ribadeo. The 7th and last day can be enjoyed visiting Ourense and if there's some time left, the traditional medieval town of Ribadavia.
This short journey in Galicia can start in Santiago de Compostela.
Here you could stay 1 day enjoying this beautiful, historic and
religious city. The 2nd day is a perfect moment to complete the Way of St. James going to Fisterra and for the 3rd day,
visiting one of the largest and most important
cities of Galicia, A Coruña. The following day in the morning you can go to Pontevedra, an important city with a pedestrian Old Town and in the afternoon Cambados, the capital city of albariño (main Galician wine). The 5th and 6th days will be spent in Vigo, spending there half a day and then visiting Baiona and Tui and the following day, in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The 7th day may be a good one to visit Ourense and if there's some time left, the traditional medieval town of Ribadavia. The 8th day is perfect to visit Sil Canyon and its villages and Monforte de Lemos, before going to Lugo on the 9th day. The 10th and last day you can visit Mondoñedo, discovering its cathedral and history, going later to the famous Catedrais beach and finish in Ribadeo in the evening. 