Ahh, Andalucía; a remarkable region in Spain and the southernmost point of Europe in which our beloved province of Málaga belongs to. A land of rich contrasts, impressive heritage, sun-drenched coastlines and captivating beauty.
A destination known for being one of the richest cultural centres in Spain, which has long been a magnet for those seeking a life of warmth, culture, and adventure. With its vibrant cities, world-famous cuisine and Moorish heritage, Andalucía offers an irresistible blend of tradition and modernity. There is so much to explore and discover within the region, alongside its amazing history which plays a major role in not just its appeal, but its global significance.
Article by Sophie Gatward-Wicks
The autonomous community of Andalucía is the largest and most populated in Spain, bordered by Portugal to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, and the autonomous regions of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha to the north. Established by the Statute of Autonomy on December 30, 1981, Andalucía is comprised of eight provinces: Huelva, Sevilla, Cádiz, Málaga, Córdoba, Jaén, Granada, and Almería. Each province has its own unique characteristics, specialties, and fascinating facts.
1-Huelva – Where Christopher Columbus Started His Journey
Huelva is home to the Monastery of La Rábida, where Christopher Columbus stayed before embarking on his famous journey to the New World in 1492. It was here that Columbus gained support from Spanish royalty, making this province a key starting point for one of the most important voyages in history.
2-Sevilla – The World’s Largest Gothic Cathedral
Sevilla is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Catedral de Sevilla, which is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent structure not only showcases stunning Gothic architecture but also serves as the final resting place of Christopher Columbus; his remains are interred within this colossal architectural masterpiece.
3-Cádiz – The Site of the Battle of Trafalgar
In the early afternoon of October 21, 1805, the pivotal Battle of Trafalgar took place off the shores of Cape Trafalgar in Cádiz. This significant confrontation fought between the British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of France and Spain resulted in a decisive British victory that established naval supremacy for the British, and had far-reaching implications for European history.
4-Málaga – The Birthplace of Pablo Picasso
Málaga, the birthplace of one of the most iconic and influential artists in history, Pablo Picasso. The atmosphere and the daily life of his formative years became the inspiration for some of the recurring themes in his paintings, such as flamenco, doves and bulls. The city is now home to the Picasso Museum, which houses many of his works and personal items, celebrating the legacy of the 20th-century art pioneer.
5-Córdoba – Home To The Mezquita: A Unique Christian-Muslim Monument
The Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba is a stunning architectural masterpiece and one of the most unique religious sites in the world. Originally built as a mosque in 784 AD, it was converted into a cathedral in 1236 after the Reconquista, making it a symbol of the blending of Christian and Islamic cultures. Each year approximately 1.5 million tourists marvel at this impressive landmark.
6-Jaén – World Capital of Olive Oil
Jaén is known as the “World Capital of Olive Oil,” producing around 20% of the world’s supply. With more than 66 million olive trees, the province plays a key role in global olive oil production, with Andalucía as a whole producing 80% of Spain’s total olive production.
7-Granada – Once The Largest City in Europe
In 1330, Granada had an estimated population of around 150,000, making it the largest city in Europe, rivaled only by Paris. Following Granada, the next three largest cities were Venice, Genoa, and Milan, all located in northern Italy. Of course, Granada can’t be mentioned without including the Alhambra, the Moorish palace and fortress which is not only one of the most famous monuments in the world, it is also the most visited place in all of Spain.
8-Almería – Europe’s Only True Desert
Almería is home to the Tabernas Desert, the only true desert in Europe. Its arid, otherworldly landscape has been the backdrop for countless films, including Spaghetti Westerns like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), Classics such as Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Sahara (2005) – Starring Matthew McConaughey. More recently we’ve seen this location featured in the desert scenes of the TV hit series Game of Thrones.
People are drawn to Andalucía, not just to visit, but to call it home. Whether it’s the laid-back charm of its white-washed villages or the bustling energy of the cities, we find people are most enchanted by the unique towns and municipalities that encompass them, such as with our local areas of Marbella and Benahavís, and the timeless authentic luxury found along this part of the Costa del Sol. Because, really, is there any other place in the world where you can go hit the slopes of a major ski resort in the morning, and be sunbathing on the shores of the Mediterranean sea by the afternoon? Followed by dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, and a flamenco show thrown in for good measure – Olé!
With all the amenities and magic this location has to offer, there really wasn’t a better place we could have imagined to build our award-winning luxury villas, Vista Lago Residences, which sit just 15 mins from Marbella’s city centre, on the Marbella-Benahavís border. Giving you the best of both areas, you can have your own slice of Andalucía, where nature is right on your doorstep, and everything else is just a short drive away!
For more information on securing your own sustainable villa at Vista Lago, visit our information page, contact our Sales Team directly on (+34) 682 10 50 02 or email them on info@by-bright.com
You can also download a detailed brochure and price list by selecting the buttons “Request a Brochure” or “Request a Price List” that are found on the Vista Lago information page.
