A land of beautiful contrasts

At the southern tip of Spain, Andalucia enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine and a dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains, olive and orange groves, and the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The relaxed character, lazy afternoons and late evenings give few hints of the region’s turbulent history of invasions and foreign domination – from the Phoenicians, Romans and Visigoths, to over nine centuries of rule by the Moors. Its strategic position overlooking North Africa and the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as its valuable olive oil production, has made southern Spain a prized territory. Only since the 15th century has Andalucia been controlled by Spanish kings and rulers.

Evidence of this colorful history is found everywhere. In Granada, the great castle and gardens of the Alhambra stunningly preserve the highly-sophisticated Moorish culture. The collision of Christian and Islamic religions takes amazing form in Cordoba’s historic cathedral-mosque. Seville reveals the vast wealth of the Spanish empire during the 15th century, derived from its conquest of the New World under Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.

Andalucia offers a great mix of activities and relaxation. Our properties are located in the country villages and valleys between Granada and the coast. Enjoy hiking, off-road cycling, golfing, horseback riding, sailing or paragliding. There are fiestas and festivals throughout the year – especially famous are the Easter Week processions in Seville and Corpus Christi in Granada. Be sure to discover the world of flamenco, and the passions of bullfighting. And when you’re ready to relax, take advantage of that most important of all Spanish traditions – the siesta!

Not to miss in Andalucia

• the palaces and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada
• walking or horseback riding in the high Sierra Nevada mountains above the Mediterranean and the Andalucian plain
• the huge Semana Santa processions to celebrate Easter week in Seville and Granada as well as those in smaller villages like Padul and Durcal
• the pageantry and excitement of flamenco dancing
• Granada’s Corpus Christi festival in early June
• the cave dwellings at Gaudix

For the kids

• great off road adventures - by bike, on foot or in a 4x4
• beaches and sailing
• canyoning, rock climbing and paragliding
• flamenco dancing and bullfights
• uninterrupted sunshine!

Getting there

Best gateway airport: Malaga or Granada airports (via Madrid).

From Malaga, Durcal can be reached in just over 1 hour, all by autovia; 25 minutes from Granada. Consider a 4-wheel vehicle as some of the best countryside is only accessible along minor roads and unpaved tracks.