Andalucia is the southernmost autonomous community in Spain. It has the most inhabitants of any of the regions and is second only to Castile/Leon in size. Its varied landscape and temperate climate make it the most popular with tourists.
In Andalucia the landscape changes from golden beaches to majestic mountain ranges within just a short drive. The well known "white villages" of Spain, rich in history, dot the landscape between the two. Bird watching and nature hikes are a popular pass time for both residents and visitors alike and there are many other sports activities as well - from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to wind surfing
at the coast of Cadiz, in Tarifa, where conditions are the best in Europe.
Of all the regions of Spain, Andalucia was the one longest under the power of the Moorish/Arabic Empire. Today you can still see the Arabic influence in the beautiful architecture of such places as the ALHAMBRA in
Granada, the MEZQUITA in Cordoba and the GIRALDA in Sevilla. The Moorish Empire was turned out of Spain in 1492 by the Reconquista in Granada.
The 8 provinces of Andalucia are: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Sevilla. Sol Homeseekers specialises in rentals in Malaga and Cadiz:
Marbella, in Malaga province, was formerly just a small Andalucian fishing village which has turned, over the past several decades, into one of the most popular holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Beautiful beaches, boulevards, parks and gardens combine with excellent night life and restaurants to make this a great place to holiday.
Puerto Banus - heading west from Marbella you come to Puerto Banus, the world famous millionaire's haven. The port was inaugurated in 1970 and has since become home to some of the most impressive yachts in the world. There is a vast array of restaurants, bars and designer shops and the port really comes to life late at night.
San Pedro - continuing west on the Costa del Sol, you come to San Pedro de Alcantara where you will find the pace has slowed down a bit from the hustle and bustle of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Still, San Pedro is lively enough with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and market to keep visitors entertained.
Estepona - continuing west down the coast you head towards Estepona and the area which is now called the New Golden Mile. Estepona is a pretty town which has kept much of its original coastal charm. In the old town section there are many good restaurants and bars, there is a lovely promenade along the beach and a port which is a popular night spot.
Casares - further west along the coast you come to the area of Casares. The small, charming white village of Casares is about 12km inland but its boundaries go down to the coast with areas like Bahia de Casares and Marina de Casares with pretty beaches and beach bars conveniently set up along the strand.
Manilva and Sabinillas - westward from Estepona, you come to the municipality of Manilva which has several small communities. The village itself is just a few kilometers inland from the small fishing village of San Luis de Sabinillas and the yachting marina of Puerto de la Duquesa is just a few km further west. Manilva is well-known for its vineyards the grapes of which produce the local sweet wine.
Sotogrande - as you continue west on the Costa del Sol past the Manilva boundary, you head into the province of Cadiz. Just past the village of Torreguadiaro comes the exclusive Sotogrande area, a sheltered community of large villas, upscale apartments and pretty harbour. This area boasts some of the best golf courses in Europe including the famous Valderama as well as the Sotogrande, Alcaidesa and San Roque. The airport at Gibraltar is only a 20 minute drive away.
In Andalucia the landscape changes from golden beaches to majestic mountain ranges within just a short drive. The well known "white villages" of Spain, rich in history, dot the landscape between the two. Bird watching and nature hikes are a popular pass time for both residents and visitors alike and there are many other sports activities as well - from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to wind surfing at the coast of Cadiz, in Tarifa, where conditions are the best in Europe. Of all the regions of Spain, Andalucia was the one longest under the power of the Moorish/Arabic Empire. Today you can still see the Arabic influence in the beautiful architecture of such places as the ALHAMBRA in
Granada, the MEZQUITA in Cordoba and the GIRALDA in Sevilla. The Moorish Empire was turned out of Spain in 1492 by the Reconquista in Granada. The 8 provinces of Andalucia are: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Sevilla. Sol Homeseekers specialises in rentals in Malaga and Cadiz:
Marbella, in Malaga province, was formerly just a small Andalucian fishing village which has turned, over the past several decades, into one of the most popular holiday resorts along the Mediterranean coast. Beautiful beaches, boulevards, parks and gardens combine with excellent night life and restaurants to make this a great place to holiday.Puerto Banus - heading west from Marbella you come to Puerto Banus, the world famous millionaire's haven. The port was inaugurated in 1970 and has since become home to some of the most impressive yachts in the world. There is a vast array of restaurants, bars and designer shops and the port really comes to life late at night.San Pedro - continuing west on the Costa del Sol, you come to San Pedro de Alcantara where you will find the pace has slowed down a bit from the hustle and bustle of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Still, San Pedro is lively enough with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and market to keep visitors entertained.Estepona - continuing west down the coast you head towards Estepona and the area which is now called the New Golden Mile. Estepona is a pretty town which has kept much of its original coastal charm. In the old town section there are many good restaurants and bars, there is a lovely promenade along the beach and a port which is a popular night spot.Casares - further west along the coast you come to the area of Casares. The small, charming white village of Casares is about 12km inland but its boundaries go down to the coast with areas like Bahia de Casares and Marina de Casares with pretty beaches and beach bars conveniently set up along the strand.Manilva and Sabinillas - westward from Estepona, you come to the municipality of Manilva which has several small communities. The village itself is just a few kilometers inland from the small fishing village of San Luis de Sabinillas and the yachting marina of Puerto de la Duquesa is just a few km further west. Manilva is well-known for its vineyards the grapes of which produce the local sweet wine.Sotogrande - as you continue west on the Costa del Sol past the Manilva boundary, you head into the province of Cadiz. Just past the village of Torreguadiaro comes the exclusive Sotogrande area, a sheltered community of large villas, upscale apartments and pretty harbour. This area boasts some of the best golf courses in Europe including the famous Valderama as well as the Sotogrande, Alcaidesa and San Roque. The airport at Gibraltar is only a 20 minute drive away.