Andalucia

Western Andalucia is altogether delightful, with its many attractive whitewashed villages and mile after mile of uncrowded beaches washed by the clean, clear Mediterranean. Here holiday makers can enjoy a tremendous range of activities with fabulous mountain and costal views around every corner.

Indeed, Granada has the finest example of Arab architecture is Spain - the Alhambra Palace - while Cordoba, Seville, Ronda and Malaga are steeped in history. In order to guard the important trade routes within the region the Romans built a string of castles along the coast. One of the settlements which sprung up around these heavily fortified walls was the modern day Casares, probably Spain's most photographed mountain village.

Whether your idea of heaven is simply discovering peaceful olive groves set next to delightful beaches or the younger members of your fmily prefer to disco until dawn the this hidden face of the Costa has everything to keep you blissfully happy.

Reminders of the long history of Andalucia are to be found everywhere, especially the powerful influence of the Moors, who ruled the province for eight centuries and stimulated much trade, agriculture and industry.

When shopping for souvenirs, remember traditional best buys include ceramics, basket work, rugs and leather goods. Many villages have regular street markets, while Malaga has a wide selection of shops and Marbella and Puerto Banus offer the most sophisticated boutiques. And, since you will be so close to Gibraltar, be sure to take advantage of a day excursion to explore this unique rock with its fascinating history.