Villas in Andalucia 2023

Things to do in Andalucia

Andalucia is known for its beaches and resorts, but there's so much more to it than that. It spans across southern Spain, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, and is home to some of Spain's most famous archaeological sites, as well as wineries, lovely gardens and mountain ranges. There are even national parks – nature reserves where you can enjoy hiking trails or go horse riding through the stunning landscape.

And our holiday villas in Andalucia provide the perfect base to benefit from all that this sun-drenched region has to offer, including miles upon miles of sandy beaches, championship golf courses and charming mountain villages. Andalucia offers so much variety for everyone.

Check out our top 10 things to do in Andalucia!

Beaches in Andalucia

Fine golden sand, great swimming opportunities, and plenty of amenities make a villa holiday in Andalucia, Spain a must for sunseekers. If you want to escape the crowds, head further east along the coast and discover deserted coves and unspoilt bays for the ultimate beach walk.

The region stretches along Spain’s southern coastline and adjoins the Costa del Sol, and there are sandy beaches aplenty with Nerja’s Burriana Beach the star of the show.

So, if you're looking for a beach holiday, there are plenty of options in Andalucia. You can choose from sandy beaches with golden sands, rocky beaches with crystal clear waters, or pebble beaches where the waves lap gently around your feet.

Here are just a few of the most popular options:

Burriana Beach (Cádiz)

This large cove offers crystal clear water and soft white sand to make for an idyllic spot for sunbathing. The surrounding hills provide shade during the hottest part of the day. The beach is also home to numerous restaurants and bars which means there's no need to go far if you want to enjoy some food or drinks.

Benalmadena beach

Benalmadena Beach can get quite crowded during peak seasons so it's best to go early morning or late afternoon. There are several other smaller beaches within walking distance including El Chilillo Beach, which has good views over to Africa from its higher rocks at either end of the bay, as well as Cala Serena which is protected by rocks so suitable for children and families.

Tarifa Beaches

Tarifa is a small fishing village on the southernmost tip of mainland Spain that has become famous for its windsurfing, kite surfing, and other water sports.

There are many beaches in Tarifa but they all have different features. The most popular beach is Los Lances, which has good waves for surfing and can be busy in high season.

For families with young children, La Isleta is an excellent choice as it has calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling, as well as children's pools nearby to keep them entertained while parents enjoy the beach bar serving cold beers or cocktails.

Marbella beaches

Marbella beaches are known for their golden sand and crystal clear water, making them a popular destination for tourists. Marbella is also home to a lot of celebrities; you may even see some of them on the beach! With so many hotels, restaurants and shops nearby, you're sure to have a great time visiting one of these beautiful beaches.

Puerto Banus beach

Puerto Banus is a popular resort on the Costa del Sol, and it's known for its luxury yachts and night life. There are many beaches to choose from, as well as a huge marina with restaurants, bars and shops.

Nightlife in Andalucia

Villa holidays in Andalucia allow you to experience a slice of the real Spain, especially when it comes to evening entertainment. Fiery fiestas and vibrant flamenco dancing can be witnessed in many of the region’s towns and villages throughout the season.

There’s also a hub of busy bars and clubs in the more developed resorts, and low-key evenings along the promenade can be enjoyed in the smaller, traditional resorts.

Tapas bars are a great way to start your evening, offering delicious food and drink at affordable prices. For something more lively, try one of the many nightclubs or discos that are open until the small hours. If you prefer live music venues, then there's no shortage either with everything from jazz clubs to salsa dance events taking place every day of the week.

Food and Drink in Andalucia

Andalucia is known for many things: the Alhambra, flamenco music, and paella. But what's often overlooked are the many other delicious foods and drinks that call Andalucia home.

So, if you're headed to southern Spain and want a taste of its culinary treasures, here are some recommendations:

Tapas

Andalucia is thought to be the birthplace of tapas so it’s little surprise that you can enjoy one of Spain’s most loved dishes throughout this region. The word ‘tapa’ literally means ‘a lid’ or ‘a cover’ and many think that this his how the term comes from, as bartenders would serve drinks with a saucer on top to keep out the flies, and over time the saucer would be used to serve portions of cheese, olives or ham.

Of course, these days there are hundreds of divine dishes to choose from, and our Andalucia villa rentals are ideally located so you can get the most authentic experience.

Jamón

Besides the tapas, there are a number of other traditional dishes that you should try:

• Jamón ibérico de bellota: The most expensive and best quality ham. It comes from pigs raised on acorns in the hillsides of Andalucía. If you're lucky enough to sample this type of ham, go for it.

• Jamón serrano (mountain-style ham): This is a common type of cured pork made with lean loin cuts. It's generally cheaper than other types of hams but still delicious if you're looking for something tasty and easy on your wallet.

Sherry

Settle down with a glass of sherry and make yourself comfortable. The first thing to know is that sherry is a fortified wine from the southern Spanish province of Andalucia, produced in the region around Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera.

Made from white grapes grown on steep hillsides, it's aged in oak barrels (called solera) for at least two years before being bottled—usually longer—giving it an amber color and a sweet-yet-dry taste that makes it easy to drink.

Sherry has evolved over centuries from its origins as a basic table wine into an elegant beverage with many varieties ranging from bone dry to sweet dessert wines. It can be divided into five general categories:

1. Finos (dry)

2. Manzanillas (dry)

3. Amontillados (semi-dry or medium)

4. Lorosos (medium–sweet)

5. Cream sherries (very sweet).

These groups each have their own style based on aging time and use of barrel types.

Cava

Cava is a sparkling wine made using some of the same grapes as champagne—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier—but it also uses Garnacha (known locally as Grenache), Macabeo (also known as Viura or Macabeu) and Parellada (also known as Callet).

The vineyards are located primarily around Barcelona, with other production regions being Tarragona, Lleida and Navarra.

The main difference between cava and champagne lies with how long they're aged before being bottled; cava is usually released at least two years after fermentation, whereas most champagnes are sold only after three years aging on lees.

Wine

With over 200 different grape varieties grown in the region, you'll discover something delicious to wash your tapas down:

• Try Albarino grape varieties from Rias Baixas near Santiago de Compostela (San Xurxo de la Sal) on the Atlantic coast

• Sample Rioja reds from La Rioja region towards Madrid which includes Deseada Gran Reserva wines made from Tempranillo grapes planted over 100 years ago.

• Sip whites like Viura blended with Macabeo/Arinto/Malvasia grapes grown inland inland from Cadiz city where Jerez sherry production takes place.

• Or indulge in Navarra rosé made from Garnacha tintorera grapes grown near Pamplona city.

History and Culture in Andalucia

There’s no shortage of cultural delights to discover during your Andalucia villa holiday. Whether it’s pottering through the cobbled streets of the whitewashed mountain villages, attending an energetic flamenco dance, exploring Nerja’s jaw-dropping caves, or admiring the sublime architecture in cities such as Granada and Seville, the whole region has a rich cultural heritage.

Andalucia is one of the most celebrated regions in Spain because of its rich cultural heritage. Its architecture is particularly striking with its Moorish influence seen in many buildings including the magnificent Alhambra palace at Granada, which was built during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492).

The architecture reflects this diverse past but there are also many other vestiges of history everywhere you look such as Roman ruins in Córdoba and Seville, or medieval castles such as those at Peñafiel and Fuentelsaz.

Andalucia has an array of art galleries too, showcasing Spanish paintings from El Greco to Goya, along with contemporary artists too. This southern region also offers a variety of cultural events including flamenco festivals or concerts by classical musicians like Pablo Casals who performed here until his death in 1973.

Enjoy a Luxury Villa Holiday in Andalucia

With the longest stretch of coastline in southern Spain, this incredible region featuring beaches and mountains is truly unforgettable, and our villas to rent in Andalucia are right in the middle of it all.

There are so many places to visit in Andalucia, but the Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular. It has everything you need for a luxury villa holiday: white sandy beaches, cliff-top views and plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay.

Holiday Villas in Andalucia

At Solmar Villas, we have luxury villas in Andalucia suitable for all budgets: from beach front homes to secluded mountain retreats. This naturally beautiful region has something for everyone—from quiet coves and ancient ruins, to bustling cities and historic sites, white-sand beaches, amazing food and drink, and a rich history and culture.

So, if you are looking for your next luxury villa holiday in Andalucia, then Solmar Villas has the perfect holiday villa for you.

Places to visit whilst staying in Andalucia

Caves

Visit Cueva de Nerja with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, or Cueva del Toro with its beautiful cave paintings dating back 14000 years ago. You will be amazed by how well they have been preserved.

Archaeological sites

There are lots of archaeological sites from different civilisations around this region including Roman ruins near Ronda or El Acebuche Castle built by Arabs during their rule over Spain between 711-1492 AD.

Wineries

If you are a wine lover then Andalucia has plenty of wineries where you can enjoy some great wine tasting experiences. The region produces about 20% of all Spanish wines so you're bound to discover something to whet your whistle.

Gardens

Andalusia contains many beautiful gardens including Seville Botanical Garden founded by King Ferdinand III (1217-1252), which contains plants from all around Europe but especially focuses on those native species found within its borders today, such as olive trees and oranges.

Grazalema Natural Park

Located in the heart of Andalucia, this natural park offers plenty of hiking trails through mountains, forests and valleys. You'll also find a variety of wildlife within its borders including deer, birds, wild boar and even wolves.

Private pools in every Andalucia villa

At the end of a long, hot day exploring this culturally rich and beautiful region, a private swimming pool is one of the best ways to enjoy your holiday.

It can provide you with a relaxing place to spend time with all the family, or just a quiet corner for yourself where you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about anyone else. Plus, it's an easy way to cool off during hot weather.

Book your dream villa holiday today

When you're looking to book your next villa holiday, choose one of our villas in Andalucia. With stunning views, great weather, a fully equipped kitchen, and your own private pool, we have the perfect villa in Andalucia for you. To find out more, talk to our friendly team today.