Metro Visit Andalucia by Valerie Heinrichs

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

www.andalucia.org

www.spain.info

AMAZING

ANDALUSIA EVOCATIVE ANDALUSIA

ANDALUSIA REGION’S GUIDE

FOOD, FESTIVALS & FIESTAS

GOLF, SUN & SAND

White washed villages P/3

Andalusia: cultures & religions P/6

Andalusia famed for its cuisine P/8

Unique location for this sport P/10

CONTENTS EVOCATIVE ANDALUSIA P/3

ANDALUSIA’S

TOP 5

ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY ANDALUSIA P/4

THE 8 PROVINCES OF ANDALUSIA P/6

FESTIVALS, FEASTS AND FIESTAS P/8

TOP 5 Tapas

ESPETO DE SARDINAS

SALMOREJO OR PORRA ANTEQUERANA

JAMÓN IBERICO

TORTILLA DE PATATAS

PIPIRRANA

BBQ’d Sardines, a typical seaside “snack”

A thick gazpacho topped with ham

This ham from acorn fed pigs, literally melts in your mouth!

Typical Spanish dish, egg omelette with fried potatoes

Refreshing salad with peppers, tomato, onions & cucumber.

PARADOR DE GOLF, MÁLAGA

MIJAS GOLF INTL, MÁLAGA

MONTECASTILLO GOLF, CÁDIZ

REAL CLUB DE GOLF SEVILLA

Where Europe won the Ryder-Cup in 1997

Near the airport and a short walk to the beach

Its flat courses are one of the most visited

Widely regarded as the finest course in Cádiz

With wide fairways, large greens and lakes.

Real Club de Golf de Sevilla

Courtesy of Barceló Montecastillo Resort

VALDERRAMA GOLF CLUB, CÁDIZ

LA BARROSA BEACH, CÁDIZ

BEACH LAS ACACIAS, MÁLAGA

PUERTO REY BEACH, ALMERÍA

MOTRIL CARCHUNA BEACH, GRANADA

MATALASCAÑAS BEACH, HUELVA

White sand and crystal water

Urban beach with family atmosphere

Famous for its blue water lagoon.

Clear water perfect for fishing enthusiasts

A “must see” beach

Courtesy of Patronato de Turismo de Huelva

Courtesy of Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada

Oficina Municipal de Turismo/Excmo. Ayuntamiento de Vera www.vera.es

THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT P/11

TOP 5 Beaches Courtesy of Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Cádiz

INDULGE YOUR PASSION FOR GOLF P/10

Mijas Golf Internacional

Courtesy of Parador de Málaga Golf

CULINARY DELIGHTS AND FINE WINES P/9

Photograph: Brian Morgan, courtesy of Club de Golf Valderrama

TOP 5 Golf holidays

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA 3

www.andalucia.org

EVOCATIVE

ANDALUSIA

In most people’s minds, Andalusia evokes dazzling white washed inland villages, meandering cobbled streets beneath wrought-iron balconies, endless golden sun-kissed beaches, stunningly beautiful ancient cities packed with historic monuments, imposing mountain peaks, the unmistakable scent of orange blossom, lush green vineyards, scattered olive groves, and the purest light. Andalusia (in Spanish Andalucía) is the largest autonomous community in Spain in terms of population, the second largest in terms of land area and certainly the most attractive. It is crossed by the fertile basin of the Guadalquivir River that flows between the foothills of the Sierra Morena mountains to the north and the Sierra Sur in the south, irrigating a rich and fertile valley. The region is made up of eight provinces Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jaén, Granada and Almeria, all named for its major cities. Its capital and largest city is Seville, also the third largest one in Spain, and one of the most beloved destinations by visitors for its culture, monuments and gastronomy. Not many regions of

the world can match with Andalusia’s cultural legacy, historical complexity and richness where east meets west in an exotic melting pot of Jewish, Gypsy, Arab

Andalusia’s cultural legacy, historical complexity and richness where east meets west in an exotic melting pot of Jewish, Gypsy, Arab and Christian cultures. and Christian cultures. Andalusia boasts a magnificent Muslim heritage, including some notable examples of the Moorish architecture like the Mezquita in Córdoba, the

Alhambra in Granada or the Reales Alcázares in Seville, to name but a few. The name Andalusia dates back to the Arabic language Al-Andalus, after the Moors invaded Spain in the 8th century and the region was transformed into a centre of unimaginable wealth, sophistication and power in the Muslim-dominated Iberia. Andalusia’s diverse geographical setting make it a land of great contrasts, blessed with achingly beautiful landscapes such as the valley of the mighty river Guadalquivir, stunning stretches of coastline (853 kilometres of beaches), mountain ranges, colourful villages, towns and cities, more than 300 days of sunshine and Europe’s only desert. Each itinerary in Andalusia is absolutely

unique and it has drawn and inspired some of Europe’s greatest writers, poets, actors and painters. Andalusia produced Pablo Picasso and the 17th century royal painter Velasquez and it also held an enduring fascination for writers Ernest Hemingway and Washington Irving. To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Andalusia, you need to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. People in Andalusia are at their most vivacious, funloving and family-oriented. They instinctively create an exuberant street life. Andalusia is just about as close to paradise as it’s possible to get and, once bitten, you will forever be drawn back to places that will sing in your memory.

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA

www.andalucia.org

ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY

ANDALUSIA A land of year round sunshine. Our best tips to get the most out of your stay in Andalusia any month of the year.

January SKIING, SNOWBOARDING: There are not many places in the world where you can bathe in warm seas in the morning and ski or snowboard in the afternoon. Sierra Nevada near Granada is a unique location with over 50 kilometres of slopes. There is snow for approximately four months of the year and the higher peaks are covered practically all year round. There are a number of ski schools and the Costa Tropical is within easy reach by car.

February

March

HORSE RIDING: Explore equestrian holidays and discover spectacular landscapes and tranquil white-washed villages nestled in the Alpujarra. This consistently beautiful scenery, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, offers some of the best horse riding countryside in Europe. Gallop along the hidden trials through chestnut, oak and pine forests. This is just one of the many places you can experience horse riding in Andalusia, a region with deep-rooted equestrian traditions. There are literally hundreds of horse-trainers’, stables, riding schools and trails to choose from.

HIKING AND BIKING: Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aroche Nature Reserve in Huelva are popular for their footpaths and centuries-old drovers’ tracks. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes, walk or bicycle through the so-called Vias Verdes (literally, “green-ways”), old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned, a great place for Ecology-conscious travelers. March up hillsides and along cobbled stoned village streets or sample some of the adventure travel opportunities. Plenty of tailor-made mountain hiking and biking holidays can be found all over Andalusia.

April BIRD WATCHING: Both its geographical location (it is a natural bird route between the European Continent and Africa) and climate make Andalusia one of the prime bird watching sites in Europe. Tarifa, Costa de la Luz, and the Doñana National Park, the largest Natural Reserve in Spain, attract ornithologists from all over the world. The bulk of the spring migration takes place from March to May when millions of passerines, raptors, storks and other migrants cross over the Straits of Gibraltar. This entire stretch of coastline is the crossing point for many birds and a great place to watch unique bird species.

May KITE & WIND-SURFING: Tarifa is a kite and windsurfers paradise. There are a handful of spots for advanced professionals but also experienced instructors for amateur kite and windsurfers who will guide you with maximum safety and the latest equipment. SKYDIVING, PARAGLIDING: Andalusia is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies addicted to aerial sports. Enjoy the wonderful sensation of flight and be delighted with stunning views before landing. Several schools can be found in Algodonales and Seville.

June EXPLORE: This is one of the best times of year to visit any of the inland towns and cities in Andalusia. Pack a hat, visor or other sun gear, visit Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Ronda or any of the other numerous historic cities and immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces and monuments on pleasantly warm, clear days. If you hunger for peace and quiet, hide away in one of Andalusia’s unspoiled villages.

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA 5

www.andalucia.org

July

August

SUNBATHING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: Along the eastern coast of Andalusia is Costa del Sol, made up 300 kilometres of magnificent, soft-white sandy beaches, rocky headlands and hidden coves amongst cliffs, making it one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. The quantity and quality of bars, restaurants and resorts on Costa del Sol is what attracts most people, young and old, to this delightfully sunny part of southern Spain. Further up, in the south-eastern corner of Spain is Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park, Andalusia’s largest protected maritime coastal area, covering 460 square kilometres, including the town of Carboneras, the mountain range of Sierra de Cabo de Gata, and 120 kilometres of the sea as a part of a maritime reserve. Here you can find some of Andalusia’s most unspoiled beaches. In 1997 it was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

BATHING IN THE ATLANTIC: Hot, hot, hot! Unsurprisingly, both local and foreign sun-seekers have made Costa de la Luz of Cádiz and Huelva one of their favourite vacationing spots. Stretching from Ayamonte along fine sandy beaches, past national parks teeming with colorful birds, down rugged cliffs and into fishing ports this “costa” boasts unparalleled treasures. BATHING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: Costa Tropical is a relatively new name for the stretch of coastline between Almunecar and Alméria. Previously it was part of the more popular and highly developed Costa del Sol. Costa Tropical takes its name from the sub-tropical climate, which allows the cultivation of exotic crops. It is not as well known as the neighbouring and glamorous Costa del Sol making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or even scuba diving with crystal clear water.

September CAVING: There are surprising number and variety of natural caves that allow the adventurous to explore and discover a part of Andalusia’s natural beauty that few people know exists. Cueva de Gato measures 4.5km in length and crosses the Sierra de Grazalema, following an underground river that forms huge caverns and underground lakes that can be accessed only with a permit and guide, as the interior can be dangerous in winter. There’s a cool pool for bathing under the waterfall at the mouth of the cave open to all. Other caves, which are well known and open to the public, can be found throughout Andalusia and its mountainous areas.

October SCUBA DIVING: Plunge straight into the sparkling, azure waters of the Mediterranean! Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve in Almería is perhaps one of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets for snorkeling. The waters are packed with a fantastic variety of fish, a genuine paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Expect to see snappers, pollacks, grouper, ocean sunfish, barracudas, eagle rays, brown meagres, moray eels, conger eels, white bream, and many red sea fish. Most of Cabo de Gata’s greatest wealth is hidden under the warm, clean and clear sea. For environmental reasons underwater fishing and scuba diving on your own is prohibited in the reserve, but various points along the coast offer guided dives.

November

December

GOLF: If golf is your passion, Andalusia is the best region in Spain to practice this sport. Choose from one of the many quality golf courses and luxury resorts. Andalusia is now a world-class destination for golf. Thanks to the excellent climate, you can enjoy playing golf in the sun whatever the season.

SPAS AND BEAUTY: Treat yourself to natural hot springs, steam baths, contrast showers, sauna, pools with water jets, heat chairs and massages, amongst others. Andalusia is one of the best destinations for spas and wellness treatments.

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA

THE

www.andalucia.org

8 PROVINCES OF

ANDALUSIA

Andalusia, the most southerly region of Spain, consists of 8 small paradises each with their own identity.

ALMERÍA

CÁDIZ

Also known as mini-Hollywood, where some of the greatest spaghetti westerns were made, including A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, Almería is also famous for its long stretch of natural beach along the Mediterranean Sea and landscapes of outstanding beauty. The natural tourists spot also comprises of places which have originated due to volcanic eruptions. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park the main marine nature reserve in Andalucía, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe’s most original geological features.

On a narrow spit of land surrounded by the sea, the city’s 18th century walls still stand, such as the Landward Gate. The old, central quarter of Cádiz is famous for its picturesque charm, and attractive vistas and well-preserved historical landmarks. Worth a visit are the city’s Cathedral and churches of Santa Cruz and San Felipe Neri, which is famous throughout Spain as the place where, in defiance of Napoleon’s siege, the provisional government was set up with its own liberal Constitution. Other points of interest are La Santa Cueva, home to several paintings by Goya, and stately mansions such as the Casa del Almirante and Casa de las Cadenas.

CÓRDOBA Córdoba is divided into two large areas of similar size but with totally different, often opposing, characteristics: the Sierra Morena in the north and the Campiña (farmlands) in the south, separated by the River Guadalquivir. Its capital city, also named Córdoba, was the capital of the Spanish Muslim dynasty of the Ummayads (756-1031). It is a whole world of striking and astounding history and mix of architectural styles ranging from Arabicinspired buildings to Renaissance churches, Baroque convents, some still visible in the Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita), one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim craftsmanship that was founded 785 CE, the Jewish quarter with its beautiful patios full of flowers or the Alcazar.

GRANADA This is probably the province of Andalusia with the widest choice for the visitor. It has a tropical coastline to the south and the Sierra Nevada National Park, the highest mountain range in Spain providing skiing in winter as well as outstanding nature reserves for all kinds of rural pursuits. Then, of course, there is Granada city, the former Moorish capital and the location of The Alhambra, an absolute must. The Alhambra Palace and the old arabic part of the city “Albaicín”, nowadays declared heritage of humanity. Besides: the Cathedral with the Royal Chaple and the “Cartuja”-monastery.

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA 7

www.andalucia.org

EUROPE CÓRDOBA

JAÉN

SEVILLA

HUELVA

GRANADA S

MÁLAGA

CÁDIZ

A L

A S T C O

PAR QUE N AT U R A L C A BO DE GATA -N ÍJA R A

ALMERÍA RONDA

C O S T A

N E V A D A

PA R QU E NATU R AL DONANA

A R R I E

C E S T R E C H O

R R A L T A G I B

C O S T A

L C A T R O P I

BAHŒA DE CEUTA Punta Sta. Catalina

SEVILLE

JAÉN

Seville certainly is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Andalusia. The city of Seville is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) , plus convents, parish churches and palaces.

Famous for the expanses of olive trees that cover Jaen’s landscape, dotted over rolling hills of orange soil, Jaén is the largest olive growing district in Spain. A landlocked province in the north of Andalucía, Jaén stretches from the vast and wild Sierra Morena in the north down to the border with Granada in the south. The towns of Úbeda and Baeza are literally crammed with important renaissance architecture whilst Alcalá la Real in the south contains a fascinating Moorish citadel. Its capital, Jaén, is a quiet, undiscovered but interesting city with a magnificent cathedral and castle.

MÁLAGA

HUELVA

Converted into a world capital of tourism, thanks to the development of the Costa del Sol, today Málaga is a Harbour and merchant province. Its capital, also named Málaga is the birthplace of celebrated Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and there are several galleries showing his wonderful work. Visit The Alcazaba, one of the many cultural sights you can see here. Due to its excellent weather and beaches, it is located at the southernmost coast of Spain, Málaga is one of the most popular destinations in the world to go sunbathing and enjoy its golden beaches.

There are various cultural routes that you can take if you want to visit this province while on holiday, such as the Colombina route, the adventure and mines, hiking the mountains as well as the route of the Costa de la Luz but the one thing you cannot miss is a visit to Doñana National Park, designated as a world heritage center by UNESCO. This park occupies the right bank of the Guadalquivir river at its estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. It is notable for the great diversity of its biotopes, especially lagoons, marshlands, fixed and mobile dunes and scrub woodlands. It is home to five threatened bird species and a wintering site for more than 500,000 water fowl each year.

D E L

M A L

E R

Í A

Spain

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA

www.andalucia.org

FESTIVALS,

FEASTS &

FIESTAS! Each year, Andalusia holds ancient traditions mixed with popular fiestas in every village across the region. And arguably the most important flamenco exhibitions in the World.

Andalusia is known worldwide for its fascinating and colourful celebrations. Over 3,000 fiestas run the gauntlet every year in Andalusia, including fairs, pilgrimages, carnivals, mock battles between Moors and Christians, religious processions and the most amusing outdoor events throughout the region. Fiestas are an absolutely crucial part of Spanish life. The majority of them start with colorful processions, many people dress in national Andalusian / Spanish costumes and go through the streets singing and dancing and most revolve around religion-based occurrences. Foreigners and locals alike are welcomed to join the fiestas all over Andalusia. One of the first festivals of the year takes place in Cádiz. The Carnival of Cádiz

is one of the best-known Christian Church decided to carnivals in the world. This present the story of the PasCarnival takes over the ension of Christ in a way that tire city, and even though the layperson could unit lasts for two weeks, derstand. Towns and cities rehearsals, recitals, choirs across the region are literand contests are prepared ally transformed with theatall throughrical religious out the year. events with The majority of “Chirigotas” elaborately them start with is the name decorated of the satiric colorful processions, floats carried groups that through the many people dress streets with train to sing about politics, in national Spanish Jesus and topics in the Mary statues, costumes and go news, and accompanied everyday cir- through the streets by hooded cumstances, singing and dancing penitents while all of atoning for the members the year’s wear identical costumes. misdeeds. Semana Santa is Easter or the Holy week in fact celebrated throughin Seville, in Spanish Seout all of Spain, but the mana Santa, is one of the celebrations in Andalusia most important religious are considered the most holidays in Spain and the moving. Particularly the most famous festival in ones in Seville and Málaga, Andalusia. It dates back to where one can witness the 16th century when the a procession in silence,

cycles of religious music performances, contests and recitals of saetas and coplas (traditional popular songs). During these days flamenco’s religious feeling and faith find their most dramatic expression. Normally, two weeks after Semana Santa, Seville’s April Fair (La Feria de Abril), a huge annual event on the extensive list of festivals taking place in Andalusia, begins. The April fair has its origin in a cattle trading event that began in around1847. Through the years it has evolved into a very stylish Spanish all day and all night spectacle of flamenco, bullfighting and entertainment. Seville is considered a center of flamenco music and culture. Many of the popular Spanish composers and songs are from this city and a popular flamenco style dance, known as Sevillanas.

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA 9

www.andalucia.org

CULINARY DELIGHTS &

FINE WINES

Andalusia’s long history of wine-making produces excellent taste-worthy products which wine lovers are sure to enjoy, especially when paired with its gastronomic delicacies, a true feast of the senses. It’s no wonder everyone loves both the delicious eating and the healthy diet of Andalusia. The produce of Andalusia is rather varied, corresponding to a region that is itself extensive and diverse. It’s nutritionally healthy diet is mainly based on fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, the finest olive oil, quality grains and legumes, all to accompany excellent beef, lamb and pork or the unforgettable Andalusian cured ham “jamón ibérico”. A broad range of fish and seafood is plentiful in the coastal area, including the best shellfish and mollusks, sole, cod, sea bass, bream, anchovies and hake. Much like the rest of Spain, dining out in Andalusia is an important part of social gathering in the cheerful informality that prevails in restaurants and bars. Experimenting the secrets of Andalusian cuisine and relaxing on warm sunny evenings with groups of friends is a crucial part of your stay. What better than commencing with a chilled summer gazpacho soup. Freshly harvested fish and a salad dressed with excellent extra-virgin olive oil. If you’re fond of fish dishes, I recommend the succulent “pescaditos fritos” famous all around the region and beyond. If in Málaga, try the delicious grilled sardines “espeto de sardinas” which have a great reputation throughout Spain. Seafood lovers will find prawns of every size from tiny to gigantic, together with langoustines, crayfish, lobster and the much-heralded white prawns from Huelva. El Puerto de Santa María is very well known for its shellfish delicately prepared with the enhanced flavours of different aromatic herbs and spices. Ham and meat are more popular inland. Iberian cured ham comes only from pure-bred Iberian pigs (black and dark), which are descendents of the

wild boar, and have a strict diet of acorns. Andalusia is reputed to produce the very best cured Iberian ham in the world in the town of Jabugo in Huelva and a small village in the Alpujarras, in Granada, Trevélez. Experience this mouthwatering delicacy while sipping on a fruity glass of wine. Having said that, Andalusia produces one of the most appreciated wines and Sherry in the world, grown in the area around Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlúcar de Barrameda in the province of Cádiz. Ronda also produces high standard red wines in Andalusia and most remarkably affordable here. Don’t forget Spain is the world’s third-biggest wine producing nation.

Andalusia is reputed to produce the very best cured Iberian ham in the world in the town of Jabugo in Huelva Again, Andalusian cuisine is very versatile and with nuances that vary depending on the area where it is made. Some other traditional dishes include ´Salmorejo´ (a richer version of gazpacho) traditionally from Córdoba and in Antequera known as ´Porra antequerana´; Ajo Blanco con Uvas, Málaga’s interesting garlic broth variety of gazpacho; Huevos a la Flamenca, eggs broken over a bed of stewed vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, green peas, and asparagus tips. As you would expect, olive oil is the cornerstone for all the region’s cooking. It is so tasty that at breakfast, toasted bread is drizzled in virgin olive oil to eat with morning coffee and fresh orange juice. The most important olive oil producing areas are in the province of Jaén, a magnet for olive oil lovers, also known as Liquid Gold by many chefs.

10 METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA

www.andalucia.org

Play 18 holes in the bright sun, among majestic landscapes with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

INDULGE YOUR

PASSION GOLF FOR

People are drawn to Andalusia for its white-washed villages, vibrant fiestas, delicious cuisine and outstanding monuments, but above all for its fabulous climate, with a generous amount of sunshine all year round. You will find an almost-complete lack of rain and strong winds, together with temperate daytime weather. Even in winter Andalusia enjoys a blend of beautiful bright sunshine with only a few partly cloudy days and the year-round warm temperatures make this the destination of choice for a growing number of golfing enthusiasts. The quality and variety of Andalusia’s golf courses, numbering more than 100, is fast turning the region into a golf Mecca. Málaga and Cádiz, two of Andalusia’s provinces, offer the most golf courses per square metre in Europe. Andalusia responded well to the boom in golf tourism. It has developed the infrastructure to facilitate the practice of the sport and established a whole complementary industry. The towns where golf has taken root have made an effort to meet the open needs of golfers by opening sporting goods shops, training and physical fitness lei centres, shopping and lei-

sure complexes, water and amusement parks and hotel and residential facilities, generally with agreements with nearby golf courses. In short, they have added everything necessary to make the visit of players from all over the world more enjoyable. Andalusia has become

The quality and variety of Andalusia’s golf courses, numbering more than 100, is fast turning the region into a golf Mecca. a unique location for this sport. The climate determines the courses’ natural features and no two are alike. Holes are usually extremely varied and surrounded by diverse vegetation: olive, cork, oak, and palm. Golfers can choose to play a round on courses located next to the ocean or in the mountains, and in this way take advantage of the stunning outdoor landscapes that Andalusia offers. After 18 holes at your course of choice, what better way to unwind than by heading to the 19th for a glass of local wine?

GOLF COURSE GUIDE MÁLAGA: M Alhaurin Golf Hotel Resort Aloha Golf Anoreta Golf Atalaya Golf & Country Club Baviera Golf Cabopino Golf Club de Golf Malaga Parador Coto de la Serena Dama de Noche El Candado El Paraiso Golf Course Estepona Golf Greenlife Golf Guadalhorce Golf Guadalmina Golf La Cala Golf Resort La Duquesa Golf & Country Club La Siesta Golf La Zagaleta Golf Las Brisas Golf Lauro Golf Los Arqueros Golf Los Flamingos Golf Los Naranjos Golf Marbella Club Golf Resort Marbella Golf & Country Club Mijas Golf International Monte Mayor Golf Rio Real Golf Santa Clara Golf Santa Maria Golf & Country Club Torrequebrada Golf La Quinta Golf & Country Club El Chaparral Golf Club

ALMERÍA: Almerimar Golf Cortijo Grande Desert Springs Golf Club La Envia Golf Marina Golf Playa Serena Golf Valle del Este Golf Resort HUELVA: Bellavista Golf Corta Atalaya Isla Canela Golf Nuevo Portil Islantilla Golf Resort CÁDIZ: Alcaidesa Links Golf Almenara Golf Costa Ballena Golf Dehesa Montenmedio Golf El Campano Golf La Canada Golf Golf Las Dunas de Donana Montecastillo Golf Resort Novo Sancti Petri Golf Sotogrande Golf The San Roque Club Valderrama Golf Club Vista Hermosa Benalup Hotel Golf Club Deportivo Golf El Puerto

METRO VISIT: AMAZING ANDALUSIA 11

www.andalucia.org

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT HEALTHY BALANCE OF THE

Spas, fitness and healthy vacations in Andalusia. Treat yourself to one of the greatest pleasures in the world in a spectacular setting. What is the definition of wellness? More than ever before, we hear this word in the news, on billboards, in conversation and even at work. Interestingly, there is no universally-accepted definition of wellness. Wellness is the physical state of good health as well as the mental ability to enjoy and appreciate being healthy and fit. Imagine yourself spending your leisure time or holidays in lovely natural surroundings in Andalusia, enjoying delicious Mediterranean cuisine and local wines, unpeeling surprising layers of culture and losing yourself in the meandering cobbled stoned streets of picturesque villages… if these experiences alone aren’t enough to assist you regain the balance that your mind, body and spirit require, then luckily Andalusia encompasses a multitude of choices from both modern and traditional spas and beauty centers. Yes, it all depends on the

type of holiday that you’re looking for! Hotel Selenza Luxury Spa in Estepona, a luxurious 4 star property located in the sunny Costa del Sol and Hotel Por-

Caring for your health is essential nowadays. It may be a cure for a medical condition, an escape from day to day stress tomagno, Roquetas de Mar in Almería, famous for its different swimming pools or Hotel Fuerte Conil in Cá diz, that combines hydrotherapy with face and body beauty treatments, are just a few examples of the extensive list of resorts and spas available in Andalusia. There are a handful of these heavens of peace located in mountain areas, by rivers and sources of flowing water as well as the coastlines. Several of them

have their own accommodation. If the one that takes your fancy does not, then the villages they are in, or near, have good hostels or hotels for visitors. Few things can relax and rejuvenate a person more than an escape to a luxury spa. Guests can choose from any of the exclusive health and beauty treatments from therapeutic massage, great body treatments, rejuvenating facials, mud baths and natural hot springs all skillfully conceived to relieve stress, feel pampered and relaxed. Caring for your health is essential nowadays. It may be a cure for a medical condition, an escape from day to day stress or the anxiety that is ever more prevalent in modern urban life. I can think of nothing better than a period of rest and quiet in one of the specialized health clinics or natural treatments available in Andalusian spas and resorts.

Andalusia