Andalusia Culture :The culture of the Andalusia region of Spain was most highly influenced by the Muslim Moors who governed the region for almost 800 years until the late 1400's. During the time of the Moors' reign, the region flourished culturally with new music, art, and theatre. Technological advances were made, and a tradition of intellectual growth and nurture was founded. Many of these cultural advances laid the groundwork for Andalusia's culture today which is known for its art, dance and music in particular. In 1790 the guitar was invented in Andalusia when innovative musicians added an extra string to a Moorish lute. Less than 100 years later Flamenco music and ballet was born, showcasing the new instrument. Andalusia has also been home to many famous artists including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
The Moors also introduced several new ideas to Europe through their universities in Seville, Granada, and Cordoba including the mathematical concept of zero and several other concepts in physics and medicine that were so influential that they eventually led to the founding of Europe's first universities.
Andalusia Health & Safety :
Many people visit Andalusia each year and return home safely without incident, but most recently the region has experienced an increase in the number of crimes reported there, especially those which are aimed towards tourists. This tourist crime seems to be most prevalent in tourist-friendly cities, like Seville and Malaga, and at attractions such as museums as well as at beaches, resorts, and train stations--all of which attract large numbers of travelers. Most of the crimes reported are petty thievery and pick-pocketing, though some assaults have been reported as well. According to Frommer's, many of these crimes seem to be aimed at elderly travelers and Asians, who are perceived by thieves as having greater amounts of money than other travelers.
To protect yourself from tourist crimes while visiting Andalusia be sure to carry as little cash as possible and avoid wearing expensive jewelry and watches. Leave all valuables in your hotel's safe, including your passport. Carry a photocopy of it on your person instead of the real thing.
Thefts from cars are also common so be sure your doors are always locked and that you do not leave items in view where thieves will see them and be temped to break in.
Andalusia Weather :
Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, has a relatively mild Mediterranean climate that attracts visitors throughout the entire year. Its southern coast, or La Costa del Sol, also known at the The Sun Coast, is somewhat warmer in the winter than Andalusia's Atlantic coast and attracts winter visitors from northern Europe and North America. During the spring, summer and fall months Andalusia is full of tourists visiting its many beaches and historic attractions.
As Andalusia is a large area, its average temperatures can vary from region to region, with the coldest areas during the winter and the coolest in the summer being in the mountains. Many of Andalusia's coastal areas can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees F during July and August. The region as a whole gets more rain during the winter than in the summers, which are generally rain-free, with the rainiest months being December through March.
Andalusia Tourist Board :
Andalusia's official government tourism office has a web page, Andalusia, which provides travelers and would-be travelers to the region with a variety of helpful tourism and travel information and advice. The site provides a nice map of Andalusia's provinces as well as a searchable map and direction feature that allows travelers to choose their destination by street address. Travel brochures can also be ordered via the site as can Andalusia Magazine, the official tourism magazine of the region. Weather reports, travel planners, and transportation information are also available, as well as dining listings and and hotel information.
Another of the site's useful features is its routes planner, featuring several travel routes through the region for driving, hiking, and biking as well as through rural and flamenco territories.
Andalusia Arriving & Departing :
Andalusia is a large area in southern Spain, encompassing many cities. Traveling to the Andalusia region can be accomplished in a variety of ways due to the region's size and the number of major airports, seaports, and roadways found there. Depending upon where one wants to go in Andalusia, one can fly into airports in Seville, Málaga, Almería, Córdoba, Granada or La Parra. Major sea ports are located in Algeciras and Cadiz. Good highways are available to drive to any of these Andalucian cities, or other areas of the province, from any other point in Spain.
The Adalucia tourism website has an excellent transportation page where travelers can go to to search for the best transportation options for them. One simply puts in their destination and preferred mode of travel and the search engine provides information on the nearest airports, seaports, and roadways.
