Ardales | 7 Reasons To Visit Andalucia

Dress - ASOS // Sandals - Topshop // Bag - Mango

When I think of Spain my mind conjures up scenes of sunny disposition when I can actually feel the warm sun on my skin and just how cozy that feeling is. I guess it helps that as I write this the sun in London it out with clear blue skies, although very deceiving because its just shy of 5 degrees. When I think of Spain, I don't see false promises like that when it comes to the weather. Even more so when I think of Andalucia. This rocky, sun-baked region in Spain's southern coast is just a picture of pure bliss; sunshine included! Andalucia is said to be the heart and soul of Spain, if you have visited then you will know why and if you haven't you will understand why when you visit.

Andalucia consists of eight Provinces; Almería, Cádiz, Cóodoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. Each with its own intoxicating heritage and charm from its glorious past. From Renaissance splendor, Moorish legacy, Mosque-Cathedrals and beautiful palaces. The various cultural influences passing through Spain in past centuries have left gems waiting to be discovered. This region also embodies what the world thinks of Spain; flamenco, tapa, matadors and bullfights. Many of the provinces dedicate days sometimes weeks of street shows and performances. Cádiz celebrate Carnival with colourful costumed street performers for 10 days before Easter Sunday, Granada has tango street performances through out March, Seville devotes the half of April, sometimes spilling into May just for bullfighting, horse parades. While Malaga has fire works and flamenco concerts in August and Ronda waits till September for flamenco festivals. With all that song and dance people get famished so expect a lot of tapas and that all famous paella.

Each of Andalucia's Villages villages are whitewashed and set against mountain backdrops and stunning landmark architecture such as Alcázar castle in Sevile, Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra palace. If that's not reason enough I have listed 7 more reasons to visit Andalucia below.

7 Reasons To Visit Andalucia

1. Stunning Architecture - Architecture in the region has Islamic influences as a result from centuries of Moorish occupation as well as display of Renaissance architecture. Cities like Seville ooze romance with stunning buildings that have influence from Islamic, Gypsy and Jewish cultures. Cities like Cádiz are believed to be the oldest port and still have beautifully maintained cathedrals. Granada's Alhambra, Córdoba's Mezquita are two of Spain's most impressive sites but there are plenty more. Places like Ardales are small but the church steeped on mountain tops are filled with so much character and history that its hard to comprehend how they are still standing when you read about their past with empires that have come and gone. So don't skip the small towns as they are just as charming.

2. Food and Culture - This is the region that gave birth to Pablo Picasso. He was born in Malaga so you will be basking in priceless paintings from Picasso to other well known and less known Spanish artists. This is also the city with the largest concentration of bars in Europe so while visiting Malaga and other beautiful towns in Andalucia, eating tapas and drinking sherry go hand in hand with exploring the rich heritage of the towns and the views that come with them. With mouth-watering options with a superb combination culinary traditions, fresh produce and that Mediterranean diet and lifestyle that will make you want to permanently move to this relaxed and chilled region.

3. Festivals Events - Take part in the sensual Spanish flemenco dance right in the region where it originates(Granada and Seville). You will be saying "Ole" in no time as you deep dive into the night's heel clicking flamenco performances that take place in the regions. Each of the provinces have set themes and styles as well as running the events at different times in the calendar so be sure to check the dates if that is something you want to see during your visit. Other events like Holly Week in Seville are said to be the most important and dramatic Easter event in Spain that just a must see if you are thinking of visiting. Other events to watch out for are bullfighting which Andalucia is popular for.

4. Adventure - My favourite reason to visit Andalucia is for adventure! From sailing options and other water sports to hiking some of Spain's most dangerous and breath-taking hiking routes. My boyfriend and I took on El Camino Del Rey in El Chorro. I can't wait to share pictures in the next post.

5. Endless Views - Popular spots like Costa de Almeria, Costa Tropical, Costa Del Sol, Costa de la Luz have unique landscapes, pristine beaches and coastlines that run for miles making the perfect spot for renting a car and driving along the coast.

6. White Washed Villages(Pueblo Blancos) - Andalucia's towns are awash with beautiful and traditional white-washed villages that make you feel as you have stepped back time to experience a part of its medieval past. Cobbled narrow lanes that barely have room for a car to pass through, beautiful little bakeries and cafes that are hidden among white washed homes that line towns. Its easy to get carried away and get lost in their charm.

7. Sunshine State - Malaga is Spain's sunniest city, the rest of the provinces are also gifted with great weather too. So if you want to escape the dodgy weather in London you will always be in luck what ever time of the year you come. Best to avoid the summer if you can as it gets too hot instead explore before summer and after summer as those months are cooler making exploring or evening relaxation that much more enjoyable.

Getting Around

We rented a car as it was just the best way to explore at our own comfort and leisure. Also car rentals are not that expensive at all but just prepare for the queues at the airport. Best to book online so you can collect and go when you arrive at the airport. Most of the cars are fitted with multi-lingual SAT Nav.

Exploring Ardales In Malaga

During our visit in Analusia we explored Malaga's white washed towns and based ourselves in Ardales and El Choro. Ardales is 50km from Malaga, With beautiful gorges and rock faces that have attracted rock climbers. Below are some of our pictures exploring Ardales.