If you’re looking for a new and exciting place to call home, look no further than Andalusia. This vibrant region in southern Spain, with its capital in Seville, is renowned for its stunning architecture, delicious food and passionate culture.
Andalusia is the perfect place to enjoy all that Spain is teeming with culture, history and natural beauty. From its white-washed villages to its stunning beaches, Andalusia has something for everyone. Find out more about what it’s like to live in this beautiful region, its food, climate and all the elements that make it so special.
Fantastic Food Of The Costa del Sol
Torrijas (a unique version of French Toast)
Andalusia is particularly famous for its food. You’ll find plenty of delicious tapas and fresh seafood (courtesy of the Mediterranean Sea) to enjoy. Local specialities include gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes and cucumbers. Other dishes of note are salmorejo (a thicker more flavourful version of gazpacho), jamon (cured ham), tortilla de patatas (potato and egg omelette) flamenquines (fried rolled ham and cheese), rabo de toro (braised oxtail), caracoles (snails), mojama (fileted salt-cured tuna), torrijas (a unique version of French Toast), and pescaíto frito (fried whitebait). The area is also known for growing some of the best olives in the world with its many olive groves, so be sure to try the local olive oil.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of delicious food to try in Andalusia. There is also the added bonus of the health benefits that come from eating a Mediterranean diet. This diet, which is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and olive oil, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Andalusia’s Culture & Historic Attractions
The Alhambra Palace, Granada. With a view in the background of Sierra Nevada, Andalusia’s famous ski resort
Andalusia is home to a rich culture and fascinating history. The region was once home to the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus. This can still be seen in the architecture of some of the region’s most famous buildings, such as the Alcazar palace in Seville and the Alhambra palace in Granada. Other popular attractions include the Mezquita, a mosque cathedral in Cordoba and the Generalife gardens, also in Granada.
Really important historical events have happened in Andalusia too. In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Seville on his voyage to the Americas. And in 1588, the Spanish Armada set sail from Cadiz to invade England. Also, its location close to North Africa has allowed for a unique culture to develop, with a strong influence from Moroccan and Algerian immigrants over the many centuries.
If you’re a fan of art, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Andalusia. The region is home to many famous museums, including the Museo Picasso Malaga, which houses one of the largest collections of the artist’s work. You can also find works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro in the Andalusian cities of Seville, Granada and Malaga.
Andalusia is also home to some of Spain’s most popular festivals. These include Semana Santa (Holy Week), when religious processions take place in towns and cities across the region, and Feria de Abril, a huge fair held in Seville every April.
For a more modern take, the area also holds brilliant rock and pop music festivals to rival Glastonbury. One of these is the Azkena Rock Festival, which takes place in the town of Vitoria-Gasteiz every June and features world-famous bands such as Guns N’ Roses, The Who and Neil Young.
The Weather in Southern Spain
Kite surfers in Tarifa. Located just across the straight of Gibraltar facing Morocco, Tarifa is one of the world’s top destinations for wind sports and is also known for its old Moorish town.
Andalusia has a Mediterranean climate, which means that all Andalusia villages enjoy mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in the region is 18 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are January and February, when temperatures can dip to around 8 degrees Celsius. The summer months of July and August are the hottest, with average temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius.
If you’re thinking of moving to Andalusia, you can look forward to sunny weather and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The region is home to many beautiful beaches, where you can swim, sunbathe and try a variety of water sports. Andalusia is also a great place for hiking and cycling, with plenty of trails to explore.
New Hobbies To Try Courtesy Of The Sierra Nevada & Costa De La Luz
A view of the slopes of Sierra Nevada ski resort lit up for night skiers. Sierra Nevada is the most southerly ski resort in Europe.
Moving to Andalusia is a great opportunity to try new things and have new experiences. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, this is the perfect place to do it. The region’s coastline is dotted with surfing hotspots, such as Tarifa, El Palmar and Bolonia. You can also learn how to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard and windsurf.
Andalusia is also a great place for golfers. The region is home to many world-class golf courses, such as Valderrama, host of the 1997 Ryder Cup. Other popular courses include La Reserva in Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin in Marbella and Montecastillo Golf Resort in Jerez.
For anybody who has a passionate heart and a need for movement, then Andalusia as the birthplace of flamenco is the perfect place to be. Flamenco is a type of music, dance and song that originated in Andalusia. It is characterized by its passionate and emotional style. If you’re interested in learning more about flamenco, there are plenty of classes and workshops available in Andalusian cities such as Seville, Granada and Jerez.
With beaches and mountains, and trails galore, why not consider taking up horse riding whilst you’re in Andalusia. Horse riding is a great way to explore the region’s natural beauty, and there are plenty of stables and riding schools to choose from. It’s also a great way to see some incredible views in the more mountainous areas.
And speaking of snow capped mountains, while surf and sand may be your first thoughts when it comes to the southern Spanish region, you’re also not too far from snowboarding, skiing and other winter sports in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Perfect for a weekend road trip!
The Cost Of Living & Working In Andalusia
A lady enjoying a coffee, churros and chocolate in Malaga city, which only costs a few Euros per person
The cost of living in Andalusia is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other parts of Spain and Europe. Food and drink are also relatively affordable in Andalusia. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will cost you around 40 euros, while a cappuccino will set you back around 2 euros.
Utilities, such as electricity, gas and water, will cost you around 150 euros per month, depending on the size of your property and if you’re thinking of working in Andalusia, there are plenty of opportunities available. This leads us onto…
Incredible Andalusian Housing
Dunique, Marbella is a new project built to the highest standards in one of the last plots available close to the beach
In Andalusia, you’ll find everything from traditional white-washed villages to modern cities. If you’re looking for a place to call home, there’s sure to be something that suits your needs.
In the white villages of Andalusia, you can enjoy a slower pace of life and experience traditional Spanish culture. These villages are typically built on hillsides, with winding streets and picturesque views. If you’re looking for more of a city vibe, Andalusia’s cities offer all the amenities and nightlife you could want. Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga are all popular choices for expats.
No matter what lifestyle you are looking for, others are incredible properties at unique locations to choose from.
Take Dunique Marbella for example. Intimate and unique luxury apartments, magnificently complemented by the work of renowned architects and interior designers. This luxury resort in Spain’s Costa del Sol is magnificently complemented by the work of renowned architects and interior designers such as Maiz y Díaz, Archidom, JA Flores, and Pedro Peña.
Alternatively, there are spots such as Alcazaba Lagoon, where you can find white-washed apartments with stunning views of the lagoon and the surrounding mountains. The apartments here are situated in a quiet area, yet close to all the amenities you need.
Andalusia = A Great Place To Live
Whatever your lifestyle requirements, you’re sure to find a place to call home in Andalusia. With its stunning scenery, great food and wine, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to live in this southern Spanish region. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience Andalusia for yourself!
