Andalusia has enjoyed a mythical reputation since ancient times. Situated at what was once the end of the known world, it was the home of the mysterious civilization of Tartessus, the fabled riches of which were praised by the Romans.

The natural abundance of Andalusia gave this region in Roman times a reputation as a terrestrial paradise, and this image was furthered by the Moors, who stayed here for seven centuries, introducing a cultural life that for a while was unrivalled elsewhere in Europe. In 1492 Columbus sailed from Andalusia on his pioneering voyage to America, and the region flourished for many years as capital of trade between the Old and New Worlds, with Seville emerging as one of Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities. Economic and political decline set in during the seventeenth century, but Andalusia was soon to become Spain ’s principal tourist destination. Nowadays Andalusia is a modern community equipped with a great infrastructure, that knows how to welcome its visitors, and which, despite being conscious of moving with the times, makes great efforts to maintain its roots and to look after its important cultural and monumental patrimony.

Andalusia, known to many as "the bridge between two continents", "the gateway to Europe", "a melting pot of cultures" or "a meeting point of two seas" fits perfectly within any of these definitions.

Andalusia´s main river, the Guadalquivir , from the Arabic, meaning " Great River ", together with its tributary the Genil, forms a fertile valley which constitutes the fundamental geographical axis of Andalusia . From its beginnings in eastern Andalusia , in the Sierra de Cazorla, to its outlet into the sea in the west, next to the marshes of Doñana National Park , the Guadalquivir is a source of life all along its journey across Andalusian territory.

Despite the importance of the Guadalquivir , fifty per cent of the region is mountainous. A third of the territory stands above 600 metres, with many high plains areas, and there are 46 peaks above 1000 metres. The queen of heights is undoubtedly the Sierra Nevada , in the heart of the Penibetico System, where summits above 3,400 m, such as el Mulhacén and el Veleta, preside majestically over the rest of the nearby ranges.

Within 1 hour it is possible to travel from this alpine landscape to the tropical shores of the Mediterranean . The Andalusian coast, almost 900 km long, is home to a large number of towns, beaches and some of the finest resorts in Spain.

Andalusia is one of the warmest regions of Europe . It has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters with irregular rainfall. If there is one feature characteristic of the Andalusian environment, it is the light, a direct result of the great number of hours of sunlight, which marks the cheerful nature and hospitality of the Andalusians.

More than 18% of the regions territory is protected by a vast network of Natural Sites, Parks and Reserves (more than 80), which puts Andalusia at the head of all of the autonomous communities of Spain in the defense of its environmental heritage. The greater part of this area is taken up by Natural Parks, to which must be added the emblematic Doñana National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The Natural Parks (22), range from mountainous, wooded terrain to coastal areas, such as Cabo de Gata in Almería.

The Natural Parks of Grazalema, the Sierra de las Nieves and the Sierra Bermeja include Spanish fir forests that are unique in the world. The so-called Natural Reserves (28) are mostly wetlands. Although smaller extensions than most parks, they are nonetheless of enormous importance for the flora and fauna, especially birds. Other, smaller, protected areas, but nevertheless of singular importance, are the Natural Sites (31), whose interesting variety goes from the naked rock formations of El Torcal in Antequera, to Tabernas, in Almería, the only desert on the European continent.

The coast makes up the other significant land area of Andalusia , extending over more than eight hundred kilometres and numerous stretches of beaches. From the Coast of Almería, the Tropical Coast of Granada, the Costa de la Luz of Cádiz and Huelva, or the Costa del Sol in Málaga, these beaches have seen their environmental value enhanced, and this, together with the quality and warmth of the water and the eternal sun, have made these coasts a favorite tourist spot for holidaymakers from all over the world.

The millenarian history of Andalusia has produced an immense artistic legacy. The Alhambra in Granada , the Mosque in Cordoba or the Giralda and the old quarter of Seville are monumental landmarks in the history of mankind. However, in the vast majority of its cities and towns, we can find examples of the finest moments of Andalusia ’s artistic history.

Andalusia’s brilliant Islamic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of its numerous buildings, castles, fortresses and monasteries scattered across the whole of the region, constitute a heritage of immense significance. The homeland of Velázquez, Murillo, and Picasso offers a variety of paintings, sculptures, jewels, archaeological remains to be found within the many many cathedrals, museums, churches, convents and palaces. Even in the most distant village, it is possible to find a painted masterpiece or the most elaborate work of a master goldsmith.

The variety of festivals and celebrations in Andalusia is as ample as the region’s geography. The springtime and harvest festivals, patron saint days, fairs, wine harvests and pilgrimages are demonstrated all possible aspects of craftsmanship, cuisine, music and religious beliefs.

A noisy beginning of the celebrations are the carnivals, turning day-to-day life upside down with humor and irony. During Holy Week, the temples bring out their most valued treasures to accompany the images of the last suffering of Christ. The processions follow an itinerary repeated every year. The Corpus festivities set the stage for a religious parade. The Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) are a spectacular fusion of the religious and the profane.

Bullfighting is of fundamental importance in Andalusia, due to its deep-rooted tradition. Bullfights are held in the numerous bullrings throughout Andalusia during nine months of the year.

They coincide with the local festivals, where everyone dances and sings to the sound of Spanish guitars. Flamenco is the most authentic expression of Andalusian folklore. The song festivals provide a full schedule of performances to suit all tastes. Pilgrimages are pious, though festive, processions which are staged in natural settings and whose roots can be traced back to ancient fertility rites.

Andalusian cuisine plays an important part in all of these special occasions. The quality of its dishes is complemented by the excellence of its internationally renowned wines. Andalusian cuisine typically consists of seafood, soups, game meat stews, vegetable casseroles along with cured pork products, and a wide variety of desserts.

Andalusian craftsmanship is a faithful reflection of the rich traditional culture of this autonomous region. Most popular items made by Andalusian artisans are ceramic tiles, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, leatherwork (which includes shoes and equestrian outfitting), weaving and embroidery, as well as other artistic textile products. They have also demonstrated their abilities in such fields as furniture, vegetable fibers, book binding, stone and marble work, and musical instruments, among others.