Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, is one of the most touristic regions in Europe, receiving millions of visitors every year. The good news is that not all nationalities are looking for the same thing. So what is so special about Andalusia?
This article offers some practical recommendations for a trip to the south of Europe to discover the Mediterranean culture, particularly Andalusia. Packing a suitcase can be a real puzzle, and it is important to be very attentive to the weather before leaving. In terms of climate, the region offers two sides: hot summers in inland cities such as Cordoba – with temperatures exceeding 40°C – contrast with mild winters.
Learn three words in Andalusian
After passing Despeñaperros from the Meseta, a dialect typical of southern Spain appears. In the north, “fino” is spoken; in the south, “andalú” is spoken, and where entire zones are discriminated where the speakers “sesean” or “cecean”. Jo-é for a mark of astonishment (positive or negative). Cucha for “Escucha”. Quillo/Quilla for tio/tia, abbreviated to illo/illa. To be blacker than a cricket’s armpit. Estar más liado que la pata de un romano.… and an endless number of expressions. Andalusian can be so different from Spanish that we can recognize it as a language of its own, a local evolution of Romance.
Walks everywhere
Spain is a very safe country, Andalusia is no exception, Cordoba and Ronda in particular are havens of peace. Of course, there are events every year and also troubled neighborhoods, which are in any case off the tourist routes… To prove it, I would say that my wife has for years moved around on foot and by bike in Cordoba in the middle of the night; I never had a problem with that. Having said all this, be attentive and follow your intuition while standing still and quiet, especially if there are crowds of people.
Adapt your pace
Spain / Andalusia is different… It could even be its main charm. The very different schedules; the often surprising temperatures. Daily life can be disconcerting. Sometimes the paths are not marked… The heat can be especially difficult to bear in summer: imitate the natives, who, in their wisdom, take a siesta after lunch at noon and go out in the evening until late hours.
Hydrate, seek shade
The sun is burning… and we are not used to it. It is hot and the atmosphere is very dry in the “frying pan of the Guadalquivir”. It is very easy to suffer from sunstroke or dehydration. It is therefore necessary to drink quite frequently. The best advice is to observe urination and adjust the amount of water to drink. The second advice would be to seek shade systematically, walk along walls, seek shade from trees, avoid waiting in the middle of the street, visit parks and gardens, travel to the coast in summer and visit riverbanks. Third tip: dress accordingly, especially if you go for a walk in nature: pants and long sleeves, not forgetting a hat.
Don’t forget your sunglasses
Especially in the city or in the villages … which are full of white painted walls, which reflect the light and blind the passerby. A rather unpleasant sensation. Without sunglasses, you spend your life blinking and frowning.
Forget the sangria
They are usually only offered in tourist traps or in genuine cocktail bars. That said, the “tinto de verano” is available on all terraces and is widely consumed by Andalusians. It is wine mixed with white lemonade or with lemon, and served with ice, an unpretentious but very refreshing drink. Be careful, it is also very sweet and goes down very well.
Get out of the cities and try the countryside
Nature in Andalusia is a marvel. Even close to the big cities, there are still many opportunities for beautiful walks. So why do without a visit in the bush? The region offers natural paintings that would have fascinated Monet ; and for the most enthusiastic, countless Mediterranean species await you. To decipher the landscapes and learn about the flora and fauna, we can only recommend to be accompanied by a professional guide.
Search for a Greater Flamingo tablao
The tablaos are cabarets (singing cafes) where professional artists perform. A classic activity, no, rather basic for any stay in Andalusia … and that (almost) never disappoints … guitar, percussion, excessively varied rhythms, male and female dance with many effects, and finally songs that carry Greater Flamingo and are transferred in the veins. The joys and misfortunes of this land, which are not few. Greater Flamingo has proposals for all audiences, so the show will always thrill us.
Eat local
Traveler’s basics… feel free to have an Andalusian breakfast, frankly surprising for Europeans, basically, toasted bread with tomatoes, salt and olive oil, and maybe some sausage. You’re in Spain, homeland of the food-obsessed. So forget about international cuisine and enjoy our typical recipes.
Tell us, please, what would be your tenth tip for a trip to Andalusia.
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