Learn three words in Spanish
Hydrate, look for shade
Try the countryside
Walk everywhere
Don’t forget the sunglasses
Find a flamenco tablao
Adapt your pace
Forget the sangria
Eat local!
Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, is one of the most touristic regions in Europe, receiving millions of travelers every year. The good news is that not all nationalities are looking for the same experiences. So why is Andalusia so special?
Learn three words in Spanish
First tip on the list, to take care before the trip. « Buenos dias » « Por favor » « Muchas gracias ». Spaniards do not usually express themselves fluently in English or other language. Obviously, if we just visit the most tourist centres, we can live without any problem. My grandparents, over 80 years old, spent a month in Torremolinos, did not speak a word of Spanish … and returned delighted with their stay.
Walk everywhere
Spain is a very safe country, Andalusia is no exception, and Cordoba and Ronda in particular are a haven of peace. Of course, there are events every year and also conflictive neighbourhoods, which are in any case outside the tourist routes … To prove it, I would say that my wife has travelled for years on foot or by bicycle in Cordoba in the middle of the night ; I never had a problem with that. Having said all this, be alert and follow your intuition while standing still and calm, especially if there are crowds of people.
Adapt your pace
Andalusia is different … It is even its main charm. The schedules are very different. The temperatures are often very surprising. Daily life can be disconcerting. In the field, the trails maybe marked … or not. The receptionists speak another language … or not. The heat can be especially difficult to endure in summer: imitate the natives, who, in their wisdom, take a nap after lunch and go out late at night.
Hydrate, look for shade
The sun burns … and we are not used to it. It is hot and the environment is very dry in the pan of the Guadalquivir. It is very easy to suffer sunstroke or dehydration. Therefore it is necessary to drink quite frequently. The best indication is to observe urination and adjust the amount of water to drink. The second tip is to systematically seek the shadow, walk along the walls, find trees, avoid waiting in the middle of the street, visit parks and gardens, travel to the coast and visit the riverbanks. Third tip: dress accordingly, especially if you go for a walk or a ramble in nature: pants and long sleeves, hat.
Don’t forget the sunglasses
Especially in the city or in the villages… which are full of white-painted walls, which reflect the light and blind the passer-by. A pretty unpleasant feeling. 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 red wine mixed with white lemonade (« ¿ Blanca o con limon ? ») and served with ice, an unpretentious drink, but very refreshing. Be careful, it is also very sweet and goes very well.
Get out of the cities and try the countryside
Nature in Andalusia is a wonder. Even near the big cities, there are still plenty of opportunities for great walks. So why deny it? The region shelters natural paintings which would have fascinated a Monet; and for the most enthusiastic countless Mediterranean species await you. To immerse yourself in nature and decipher the landscapes, fauna and flora … we can only advise to be accompanied by a qualified guide …
Find a flamenco tablao and enjoy
Tablaos are cabarets (dancing cafes) where professional artists perform. A classic activity, not rather a basic one for a stay in Andalusia … and which (almost) never disappoints … of guitar, percussion, excessively varied rhythms, female and male dance with a number of effects, and finally songs that carry flamenco and transfuse in your veins the joys and misfortunes of this land. We have something for everyone, so the show will always thrill us.
Eat local!
The traveler’s alpha and omega … still do not hesitate to have a frankly confusing Andalusian breakfast, with tomatoes, olive oils and perhaps cold meats. You are in Spain, a homeland of food lovers and obsessed with food. So forget about international cuisine and enjoy typical recipes.
In the series of tips and tricks, we cannot stress enough that Spain, and Andalusia in particular, is a super safe and pleasant destination for travelers, with great access to nature: on the outskirts of the big cities, in natural parks, or completely depopulated areas. It really is about the travel style choice.