Andalucia is Spain’s “Provence” , it is not only the biggest region in Spain, but it is even larger than some European countries, Holland Austria, Denmark and Sweden are all smaller.Andalucia has a beautiful Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and mild winters make it a focal point for tourists and people wanting to retire in the sun from all over Europe. Over 300 days of sunshine a year is the norm. It has over 800 kms of coastline on the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and it faces Africa across the narrow straits of Gibraltar.
Andalucia has a very rich and varied history that has left its mark on the culture and cuisine of the region. Such as the world famous Islamic monuments, the Alhambra palace in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Giralda in Seville, then there are the Monasteries, Castles and Palaces, scattered all over Andalucia, reminders of a prosperous past.
The ferias and carnivals that are held in every town, city and village in Andalucia at least once every year are unique in their total commitment to the spirit of fun and enjoyment of life. There are also the Huge Religious festivals such as Easter in Malaga and Seville on which hundreds of thousands of pilgrims descend in Holy Week.Gastronomically Andalucia has a varied and extensive range of cuisine, a huge part of which has been influenced by its Moorish past. Stews, Paella from Valencia, Soups, fresh Seafood, Lamb, Cheeses, Jerez and Sherry, the fabulous range of Iberico Hams, Olives, Avocadoes, Oranges, Lemons, and of course Tapas , all served up in a variety of ways from countless restaurants.
Andalucia is also a very modern and thriving region with theaters, concert halls, cinemas, Golf courses abound, and all other sports are also well catered for, including skiing in the Sierra Nevada with views of the Mediterranean from the top of the slopes. The rail networks are excellent and the motorways are modern connecting most parts of the region.Connections to Malaga are very good and the new airport already the fourth largest in Spain will very shortly be even bigger and better, there are flights to all parts of Europe daily. The high speed train service from Madrid will also shortly be open. In short Andalucia is a fabulous place in which to have a holiday or a retirement home.