February 28 is Día de Andalucía
On 28 February schools across the region shut for the day (not before the kids have all enjoyed a traditional desayuno Andaluz of bread and olive oil with maybe a little sugar) and many businesses cut short their opening hours or close entirely. Families get together, at home or out in town, to fly the flag for Andalucía.
The history
Día de Andalucía is a holiday celebrated across the region to commemorate the day in 1980 when Andalucía gained its status as an autonomous community of Spain, giving the Government or Junta the authority to raise its own taxes and set policy for health, education, social care and cultural development.
The Green and White flag bears the region’s coat of arms and motto: Andalucía por sí, para España y la Humanidad – Andalucía by herself, for Spain and Mankind. It depicts the mythical Greek hero Heracles standing between the Pillars of Heracles which represent the rocky promontories that flank the Straits of Gibraltar and form the gateway to the Mediterranean.
Some towns will hold communal events offering traditional food, drink and entertainment and members of the community may be recognised for their good work and services by local politicians.
If you are a visitor in Andalucía around this time don’t expect to get much grocery shopping done on this day and play it safe if you fancy eating at a particular restaurant by booking ahead.
Discover the 8 provinces of Andalucía
On a regular day, this site is devoted almost entirely to the subject of Granada Province but in the spirit of Día de Andalucía here is an east-to-west whirl-wind tour of Andalucía’s eight provinces shown on the map below.
From the deserts of Almería in the east to the Doñana in the west, I hope to give you a flavour of what it is the ebullient Andalucíans, with their incredibly strong sense of cultural pride, are celebrating in this great region and why.
Almería – wildlife and westerns
Almería, the most easterly province, is the home of the spaghetti western, providing the dry and barren locations for such classics as A Fistful of Dollars, and the backdrop for spin-off Wild West theme parks like Mini Hollywood.
Must see in Almería:
Clear waters, starry skies and the incredible peace and beauty of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park are what attract many people to this area of Andalucía.
The city, which lies in the shadow of the magnificent must-see Alcazaba, an Arab fortress dating back to the 10th century, has a fascinating history and a great deal more to offer including: La Iglesia de la Virgen del Mar, Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil and Casa del Cine.
Granada – from the mountains to the sea y mucho más
Granada is one of Andalucía’s Golden Triangle cities. With the beautiful beaches of the Costa Tropical, the rolling hills of La Alpujarra, the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the attractions of a historic city, The province of Granada offers incredible diversity for those travelling to his part of Andalucía.
Granada and the Alhambra, home of the Nazrid Kings, was the last bastion of Al-Andalus against the reconquering Catholic Kings Reyes Católicos, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.
Famous Granadinos include Alonso Cano, José Guerrero and Federico Garcia Lorca. Granada is also known as the birthplace of Flamenco and the land of the free tapa.
Must see in Granada:
Along with Córdoba’s Mezquita, the palaces, fortress and gardens of the Alhambra offer the clearest picture of past Muslim splendour in Andalucía.
Other attractions include: El Albayzín, numerous galleries and museums, the Arab Baths, La Cartúja, the Catedral and Capilla Real.
Sierra Nevada Ski is Europe’s most southerly ski resort and offers some of the best spring snow conditions in Europe. This season will run from 5 December 2023 – 14 April 2024
Jaén – it’s not all about the olives
As you travel through Jaén you will quickly discern the province’s distinguishing characteristic: olive groves. Jaén is the olive producing capital of Spain, of the world even. It accounts for half of Andalucía’s olive oil production, a third of that of Spain and a whopping 10% of global production. More olive oil is produced in this one province of Spain than in the whole of Italy, the world’s second largest producer country. You get the picture.
You can book an olive mill tour and tasting experience to get a closer look at the production process for high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sample some of the oil yourself.
Must see in Jáen:
But it’s not all about olives. Places of architectural interest in Jaén include the Castillo de Santa Catalina, built on the hilltop site of a ruined Arab fortress, overlooking the city and the monumental cathedral which is one of the most important examples of Andalucían Renaissance-style cathedrals.
Also worth a visit is Jaén’s Arab baths at Villardompardo’s Palace, the most significant of their kind preserved in Spain, and the great Natural parks dotted with fortresses, alcazars, castles and watchtowers.
Click here for a really great post on what Jaén has to offer.
Looking for hotels in Andalucia?
Booking.comMálaga – sunshine, beaches and culture
Not so long ago Málaga, a city that dates back over 2,800 years, was known best by some for its busy airport serving expats and holidaymakers heading for the Costa del Sol. This, of course, is no longer the over-riding perception.
In recent years a number of museums have opened, including the Picasso museum, celebrating one of Málaga’s most famous sons. Málaga’s long history and this cultural renaissance, not to mention the fabulous beaches, the climate, great shopping, outstanding tapas and lively nightlife available to the visitor, makes it a destination on a par with its old rival and neighbour Seville.
In recognition of Día de Andalucía schools in Málaga close for a ‘cultural week’ also known as Semana Blanca.
Must see in Málaga:
Add these to your must-see in Málaga list: the jacarandas in bloom on Plaza de la Merced, the Alcazaba, Balcon de Europa, the caves at Nerja, wine tasting at Bodega Bentomiz, picturesque white-washed Frigiliana, and the Puente Nuevo crossing the gorge at Ronda.
For hotels and rentals in and around Málaga click here.
Cordoba – ancient arches and garlanded calles
Birthplace of Seneca, the Roman stoic philosopher and statesman, and one time capital of Al-Andalus, Cordoba is one of Andalucía’s Golden Triangle cities, alongside Granada and Seville.
Must see in Córdoba:
The main attraction is the great mosque or mezquita, instantly recognisable for its famous striped arches. Its beauty saved it from demolition by the reconquering Christians who built their cathedral within the mosque instead.
May is a great time to visit, before the real heat arrives when you can experience the feria and enjoy strolling through the plazas and streets when they are decked with flowers as locals compete for the title of ‘Most Beautiful Patio’.
Other places of note include: Torre de la Calahorra, the winding streets of the Judería or old Jewish quarter, Callejón de las Flores and the beautiful gardens of the Alcazar.
Seville – the capital city
Next we reach the capital city of the region and home to the headquarters of the Junta de Andalucía: dreamy, steamy Sevilla.
Sevilla was the birthplace of artist Diego Velázquez and, more relevantly to this post, Blas Infante, the ‘Father of Andalucía’ and driving force behind movement for Andalucían independence.
Must see in Seville:
The cathedral, giralda and Alcazar are the must-see historic monuments as well as the not-so-historic, but equally impressive, and considerably more controversial, El Parasol. For any Game of Thrones fans out there, Seville is a delight to explore. The Alcazar Palace and the lesser-known and but fascinating Castle of Almodóvar del Río, both provided locations for filming.
Seville, so hot in the summer, is also famous for its late night scene and countless tapas bars. The Sevillianos also put on a great show at the Feria de Abril and Santa Semana. Book accommodation early if you plan to be in the city for these events.
Cádiz – carnival and kitesurfing
Faded and frayed at the edges, elegant Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities, was once home to the Spanish Treasure Fleet. Now it’s famous for hosting the most spectacular Carnival in mainland Spain, a 10-day extravaganza in February and the highlight of the Cádiz calendar.
Tarifa, on the Atlantic Costa de la Luz, enjoys the winds from the Straits of Gibraltar and is a serious draw for kitesurfers and windsurfers. It is also a great destination for birdwatchers, as it sits on the migration path between Europe and Africa, and for hikers who visit Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.
Must see in Cádiz:
Visitors are also attracted by the bodegas located in the three towns of the famous Sherry Triangle, including the renowned Jerez de la Frontera also famous for hosting the Flamenco Festival in March. And if you are interested in Spanish food and wine why not book a cooking holiday at Annie B’s Kitchen in beautiful Vejer de la Frontera
Other attractions on any visitor’s to-do list include: The Catedral de Cadíz with its iconic golden cupola, Museo de Cadíz and the Torre de Poniente.
Huelva – Columbus, El Rocio and the Doñana
Famously the departure point for Cristobal Colon to the Americas, Huelva, in the far west of the region, may be slightly off the beaten tourist track but it still has much to offer including a large percentage of Spain’s strawberries.
The area boasts the Doñana Natural Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Spain where you might hope to spot Spanish red deer, wild boar, purple heron, the Spanish lynx and if you are very lucky the rare Spanish imperial eagle.
Must see in Huelva:
Much visited is the village of El Rocio in Huelva. This is the end point of the famous pilgrimage, originating in Seville, that has taken place every Whitsun for over 200 years.
When in Huelva also visit: Palos de la Frontera and La Rabida Monastery, Museo Minero Rio Tinto and Castillo de Niebla.
Buy an Andalusia Pass
If you want to save some time booking separate tickets to the top three Golden Triangle sites (Granada, Córdobe and Seville), you can visit them all with just one ticket. The Andalusia Pass includes entry to the Alcazar of Seville, the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces, and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba!
¡Buen Día de Andalucía folks!
Are you still with me after that whistle-stop love affair with Andalucía? All that remains for me to say is ¡Buen Día de Andalucía folks!
I’d love to hear about your experiences of Andalucía here. Have you ever partied at the Carnival in Cádiz? Been sherry tasting Jerez? Experienced Seville’s Feria de Abril? Just drop me a comment below.
