Andalusia, an ideal destination for a long weekend in Spain

A Bank Holiday, a long weekend, an opportunity to enjoy such an infinite destination such as Andalusia, a region in which its offer is as wide and varied as its geography and its history. A bank holiday, a long weekend, an opportunity to disconnect and get lost in one of its endless beaches in spite of the temperatures; an opportunity to enjoy its protected natural parks, authentic orchards where nature shares prominence with mankind; an opportunity to discover its immense patrimonial and cultural legacy, with traces all the way from the Tartessians to the Muslims, passing through the Christianity, the Baroque or the Renaissance; an opportunity to share its gastronomy, its tapas, its wine, its confectionery; a unique opportunity to mingle with its people, the real patrimony of Andalusia.

Take a map and choose a destination. Mark your city, town or village as your starting point, and draw a route to explore and enjoy Andalusia. It’s winter: the Sierra Nevada ski resort was the first one to open its slopes in Spain this season, an alternative for the whole family, but with a youthful spirit, to whom they have offered two new attractions this year that the youngsters will love, the Sulayr Park and the new snow disciplines such as snowboarding and freestyle. As well as the excellent ski slopes, there is also a top-quality offer on a residential and gastronomic level not only for families. It’s also the ideal destination for a romantic escapade with a touch of adventure.

For those looking for sport, there are innumerable companies that organise all kind of activities all year round for all budgets and ages, from nautical to golf, passing though horse sports without forgetting those related with nature, by teams or individually, for elders and minors. Or going for tranquillity is another option, enjoying a relaxing Spa or discovering a whitewashed village, making the most of the rural tourism.

The rural tourism is probably one of the most interesting and varied attractions that Andalusia can offer at this time of year. Take your map again and decide which province you would like to visit: the white villages of Cadiz, the mountains of Huelva, the ‘Axarquia’ in Malaga, the monumental cities all over Andalusia. Decide and choose: maybe a visit to the Alhambra, the Generalife, the Albaicin... One of the best options, totally compatible with your trip to the snow. Maybe getting lost in one of the patrimonial cities: An escapade to Ubeda and Baeza, that must be accompanied with its gastronomy and craftwork. Or why not travel to the cities that surround the river Guadalquivir: A nocturnal visit to the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, a must; a stroll through the historical centre of Seville, a walk around the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, following the Giralda path until reaching the Cathedral; a drive to the ‘Tacita de Plata’ (the small silver cup) and enjoy Cadiz, in full celebration of the Constitution’s Bicentenary.

To enjoy the immense patrimonial and monumental legacy of Andalusia there is no need to choose highway routes. An excellent alternative is to pick those old national roads that take us to extraordinary sites with amazing views, and to very rich villages in all aspects. Turn off and leave the Fifth Centenary, the A-92 or the Nation IV highway behind and pay a visit to Osuna or Estepa, or discover the Velez of the Almeria mountains, turn off and find the best route to get to Ronda, Carmona or Aracena, discover the Pedroches Valley, the Maria or Magina mountains or tell your GPS to lead you to Santiago Pontones, in the limits of Andalusia, in Jaen.