Andalucia Costa del Sol

Andalucía is said to be an intoxicating region. The area was entirely conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, who crossed the Atlantic from Morocco and North Africa in 710 AD.
Before the Christian reconquest of 1492, they left not only characteristic stark white hill towns in the wake of their occupation, but also developed sophisticated works of architecture in the towns of Granada, Seville and Córdoba. Today’s Andalucía is still an area of infinite variety and dramatic landscapes. 812 kilometres of coastline meets both the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea at the Straits of Gibraltar. The Atlantic provides long stretches of unspoilt golden sands where the sea sometimes crashes with spectacular force making this area the European capital of windsurfing, whilst on calm days the air is hazy with the heat, and Morocco shimmers a mere 8 kilometres away.
Further on, the unspoilt Costa de la Luz offers thatched cottages,
isolated bays and wonderful seafood to sample.
Journey on towards Portugal to discover the vast unpopulated area of Coto Doñana, the largest nature reserve in Spain, where, particularly during the migration months, the birdlife is magnificent and tours are easily arranged.
Close by is the little village of El Rocio, the centre of an annual gypsy pilgrimage, and where the sand covered streets serve to confirm that the ocean, now 10 km away, once lapped this far inland.
The Mediterranean coastline is more popular, especially in the high season when a myriad of little beach bars open their doors to visitors, and the marinas swell in size as the yachts and motor boats return from as far away as the Caribbean islands.
Here, you will find glitzy shops, smart restaurants and a nightlife which sometimes carries on till dawn, but if you explore the narrow streets to the rear of the towns you will still find authentic Spanish bars and cool courtyards hiding behind the modern face of Spain.

Catalunya

Situated in the shelter of the Pyreneés this region borders on the Mediterranean and occupies the north-eastern part of Spain.
Catalunya has a very varied landscape; to the north and east it is green, wooded and well irrigated, due to the watershed of its many rivers. The coast to the north is rocky, dividing into bays and coves, flattening out further south to form miles of sandy beaches.
Inland more arid conditions prevail and the winters are colder.
It is indeed a region of great contrast.
Catalunya has been a land of changing cultures for 3,000 years; the ancient Greeks were unable to resist the beauty of the Emporda coast and the agricultural potential of its wide, fertile valleys. The Romans coveted this jewel of the Greek empire and built a great city of their own on the Greek original at Empurias. It was not until 1978 that the Catalan parliament finally gained full autonomy. Catalunya is the official language of this region; you will also find that local people speak Spanish, and their own particular version of French.

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Mallorca

The largest of Spain’s Balearic islands, Mallorca is approximately 60 miles long and covers an area of 1,405 square miles. It may be compared in size to Cornwall or New York’s Long Island.
The island is divided into two main regions, the mountains and the plains; the spectacular mountain chain of 100 kilometres length runs north east to south west.
Winding roads lead through pine forests towards the northern coast, where the mountains dive steeply into the navy blue sea. The plains in the south are dotted with windmills and olive groves. In spring, the whole island is white with almond blossom. The south east is shilly and there are unfrequented coves and small harbours. Palma, the islands beautiful capital city has a wide bay, surrounded by beaches and whose port is dominated by an impressive 13th century cathedral.
The influence of early Arab rule can be seen throughout the island. Jaime I of Aragón conquered the island during the 12th century. Along with Menorca and Ibiza, it formed the province of Baleares when Spain was unified in 1492. Mallorca’s wine industry centres around the vineyards of Binissalem, with some 400 acres under vines.
The road from Inca to Palma cuts right through this area, where the excellent full-bodied reds are produced.

Valencia Costa Blanca

The Valencian coast is renowned for its fertile mediterranean plain, full of oranges trees, lemon groves and rice fields.
The region extends over a province with two very different scenic landscapes; one coastal, the other mountainous. Valencia is the market garden (huerta) of Spain, producing fruit and vegetables all the year round on a grand scale.
Apart from its reputation for citrus fruits, rice grows in abundance.
The mountain regions produce almonds and olives and cultivate vineyards on the unirrigated land.
Not only are the landscape and the produce diverse, the climate and the language also vary, depending on where you find yourself. The area is renowned for good quality white wines from Alto Turia and La Serrania, and red wines from Requeria, Utiel and Camps de Liria.
These wines really are a delight, even to the most discerning palate.
The Valencians are happy go lucky hard workers and their pleasant nature has earned them a reputation as enthusiasts for parties and celebrations.
There are many festivals, the most famous of which “Las Fallas” is celebrated every spring in Valencia.