Andalusia Regional Information

07-03-2025

In this article, we cover the “basics” you need to know before traveling/cycling to Andalusia. Among other topics, you’ll learn about the various ways to travel to Andalusia, things to see and do, and more…

For travel tips to Europe, we recommend you check:

How to get there:

Air, train & bus service to Andalusia

Whether you arrive by air or by land, Granada and Sevilla, where most of our tours start from, are very easy to get to and are very well serviced by train and by international airlines. To learn more about travel to/from Andalusia, do make sure to check the following article:

How to get to Andalusia

If you wish to travel by train with your bike to Andalusia, please read the following articles:

Car Rental

You may choose to rent a car in Spain for part of your journey. Dealers can be found at all Spanish airports and in most Andalusian cities. You can find the best deals by comparing rental companies online. All rental companies at Granada Airport are listed at: https://granadaairport.com/granada-airport-car-hire/#/searchcars . Rental companies at Seville airport are listed at: www.sevilla-airport.com/en/car-hire.php. Andalusia has some of the best car rental deals in Spain, and smaller local car rental companies tend to be even less expensive. You may be approached at airports by representatives of local car hire companies, most of whom are reputable. If you're a visitor, it's advisable to reserve a rental car before arriving, particularly during peak periods.

Note that drivers must be over 21 to rent a car (21-25 year olds may face extra fees) and they must possess a valid driver’s license. (An international driver’s license would help.)

Granada, Andalusia village panorama

When is the best time to travel to Andalusia?

The best time to travel to Andalusia is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low 20°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities like cycling. Spring brings beautiful blossoms, while fall offers a warm yet comfortable atmosphere. The summer sun brightens things up, but it can also get really, really hot. Temperatures are such in the winter that Christmas and New Year’s can be celebrated doing your favorite sport.

What is there to see and do in Andalusia?

Natural scenery is one pull for visitors to Andalusia – the Sierra Nevadas and the Mediterranean coast offer opportunities for sun and summits. The small “white villages” dotting the region are enticing for their old-world charm and traditional treats.
Towns like Ronda are surrounded by Arabic ramparts and filled with architecture from various inhabitants – you might even find Spain’s oldest bullring. Wandering through a city like Granada will lead you to its main attraction, the Alhambra Palace, of course, but on the way you may encounter flamenco dancers or Moroccan-style marketplaces.

The magical city of Sevilla, the capital and largest city of Andalucía, exquisite examples of Spanish and Moorish architecture can be found at every turn, including the Alcázar, a royal palace which you may recognize from Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.

The Terrain

Except for its western and northern parts, Andalusia is largely hilly, with dramatic mountains and rolling landscapes that create a diverse and challenging terrain. Touring the central region of Andalusia, including its iconic cities like Ronda and Granada, requires a good fitness level, as these areas are known for their steep climbs and winding roads. The Sierra Nevada mountains to the east offer some of the most challenging routes, while the rugged hills of the Alpujarras provide stunning views and a rewarding, though demanding, cycling experience.

Andalusia Weather and Climate

Andalusia enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning it’s warm and sunny quite often. When it does rain, it’s a veritable downpour – but that doesn’t happen often, except maybe in the summer. For spring and fall visits, we suggest wearing layers since the temperature may change throughout the day.

Andalusia weather

Local products/shopping

What could be more exciting than bringing home a Spanish guitar from Granada? Okay, so with airline luggage restrictions, that might be a bit tricky, but you can still find plenty of treasures to take home. Granada, in particular, is famous for its intricate gold and silver jewelry, often crafted in traditional Andalusian styles. You can also find beautifully handmade leather products, from belts and bags to shoes, often crafted by skilled artisans using age-old techniques.

Don't miss out on the region's delicious culinary offerings, such as high-quality olive oil, local wines, and the famous Jamón Ibérico, all of which make for perfect souvenirs to savor later. Whether you're looking for art, fashion, or food, Andalusia's markets and artisan shops offer something unique and meaningful to take home, letting you bring a piece of this beautiful region with you.

Gastronomy: Food

With its mild Mediterranean climate, Andalusia is ideal for growing a variety of fresh, flavorful vegetables like bell peppers, aubergines (eggplant), avocados, and asparagus, which are staples in many traditional dishes. The region’s seaside location means you’ll also find an abundance of fresh seafood, including fish like sardines, tuna, and anchovies, often grilled or prepared in a traditional dish like pescaíto frito (fried fish). Pork is the primary meat in Andalusia and is celebrated in several regional specialties, like Morcilla Rondena and Jamón de Jabugo. Andalusia is also famous for its gazpacho and salmorejo, cold tomato-based soups that are especially refreshing in the warm summer months. And for dessert, be sure to try tarta de Santiago, an almond-based cake, or yemas de San Leandro, a sweet treat made with egg yolks and sugar. Whether you’re savoring a traditional tapas meal or enjoying a full-course Andalusian feast, the region's rich culinary heritage offers a delightful experience for every food lover.

Gastronomy: Favorite Dishes to try

If you’re eating in Granada, try the Sacromonte omelette and the Grenadine style broad beans. The Granada style of cooking has an Arabian heritage, with generous spices, many soups and stews, and especially sweets.
In other areas, look for Trevélez cured ham, other soups, and rice cooked with spices and other savory meats. Worth mentioning is the variety of Moorish-influenced sweets available in Andalusia.

You’ll notice flavors of aniseed, cinnamon, sesame, almonds, or honey in each bite. Look for these treats: tocino del cielo, a rich caramel-topped custard; almendrados, almond biscuits; dulce de membrillo, quince jelly; tortas de aceite, round, flat cakes; pan de higo, fig roll; piñonate, pine-nut sweet; and pestiños, fried dough.

Gastronomy: Drinks

Beer, called cerveza, is enormously popular in Spain. In Andalusian bars specifically, you can ask for draught beer by the type of glass: a caña is a small glass, a tubo is a long glass. Bottled beer comes in quintos (20 cl.) and medias or tercios (33 cl.), as well as liter bottles. The most popular brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Alhambra (brewed in Granada, of course) and Mahou.

Anís is widely produced in Andalusia and is the mainstay of some favorite Andalusian drinks. Locals favor “ag uardiente de anis” or “anisado”, a strong, clear aniseed-flavored liqueur, which is typically drunk in the morning by people in bars. Also be on the lookout for a special Andalusian drink called “sol y sombra”, which is made from mixing anís and brandy.

Tower in Andulusia

List of links:

www.andalucia.com

www.andalucia.org

http://en.granadatur.com/

List of markets:

We’ve organized some notable markets by type: location, date and time. If you happen to be in the area, stop by to check out the local produce! You never know what you’ll find.

Alhama de Granada

Food and Craft Market: every Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Antequera

Paseo de los Colegiales Market: every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Ardales

Plaza San Isidro Market, every Friday morning.

Colmenar

Calle de la Fresca Market, every Thursday.

Granada

Bazaar: Alcaiceria, every day.

Mercado San Agustín (huge covered market) is open all day weekdays and Saturdays.

Plaza de la Romanilla (Cárcel Baja neighborhood) Food and spices market held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday.

Paseo Rector Antonio Gallego Morell Clothing market in the La Chana neighborhood, open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Wednesday.

Plaza Larga food market (Albaicin neighborhood) Food market in the Albaicín neighborhood, available Saturday mornings.

Torre de la Pólvora (El Zaidín neighborhood) Clothing market in the El Zaidín neighborhood, open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Saturday.
Casería del Cerro (Almanjáyar neighborhood) Clothing market in the Almanjáyar neighborhood, held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Sunday.

Ronda

Carretera de El Burgo General Market takes place every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Please note that market schedules can change due to local holidays, special events, or unforeseen circumstances. It's advisable to verify the current timings and availability closer to your visit by checking local sources or contacting the respective town halls for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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