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The autonomous community of Andalucía encompasses eight
provinces of southernmost Spain. The region includes
mountain ranges, farmland, Mediterranean (Costa del Sol)
coastline, and the main cities of Málaga, Cádiz, Granada,
Seville and Córdoba. Recognized as a distinct
"nationality," Andalucía is known for its culture of
bullfighting, flamenco and Moorish influence. See also
Mediterranean Meandering: Malaga 2
for more sights of this area.
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The Costa del Sol is heavily populated and busy. Rapid toll
freeways and major highways run along the coast.
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We made our base at the San Diego resort in Fuengirola, halfway
between Marbella and Málaga, from where we ventured up and down
the coast and into the interior. |
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The town of Nerja is a popular tourist area known for its
beaches and hiking trails. A 5 kilometer underground cavern is a
major attraction.
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The Balcon de Europa is a viewpoint in the centre of Nerja which
gives stunning views across the sea. |
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Andalucía is known for its white towns, or Pueblos Blancos,
numerous towns and villages that are characterized by
white-washed walls and red or brown tiled roofs.
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A hair-raising drive through the Sierra de las Nieves range took
us past limestone escarpments, deep gorges and cork forests, to
the town of Ronda perched on a plateau.
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Ronda is best known for its Puente Nuevo bridge which spans the
120 meter deep El Tajo canyon. |
Ronda suffered
greatly during the Spanish Inquisition and the Civil War. Much
of it has been recently rebuilt in neo-Baroque style such as the
church of Socorro on the main plaza.
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Classical musicians performed in the Alameda de Jose Antonio, a
beautiful park with views over the gorge and across the plains
to the mountains.
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Ronda is where bullfighting was invented. It's ring, the second
oldest in Spain, is
a museum used only for bullfights in the September Goyesca when participants dress like
18th C. Goya portraits.
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The Pueblo Blancos offer transportation by horse
carriage or donkey taxi over the cobbled streets.
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The southern end of Ronda is the old town on the site of a Roman
settlement; the northern end is the new town founded by the
Catholic Monarchs after their reconquest of the Moors in 1485.
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Charming Mijas Pueblo, up in the hills with a view of the
Mediterranean, is popular with tourists but has maintained its
traditional Andalucían way of life.
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Large metal silhouettes of bulls line the main roads of
Andalucía. Originally advertising for Osborne sherry, they have
become a symbol of the area.
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The bullfighting ring in Mijas, as elsewhere, sells separate
tickets for sitting on the sunny side or the shady side of the
ring. |
