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Are you a Muslimah Solo Traveler who’s thinking of visiting Andalusia?
From Islamic Heritage to amazing nature experiences, here are seven reasons why you should visit Andalusia, Southern Spain.
When people think of Spain, the first thing that comes to mind is usually Barcelona for its architectural sights like the Sagrada Familia, Madrid for its churros…
While it is undeniable that these sights and Spanish experiences are unique, did you know there’s more than that to Spain?
And a region that every Muslim should add to their itinerary is none other than Andalusia!
So if you’re thinking, “Is Andalusia worth visiting?”, these are seven reasons why you should visit Andalusia, Spain, and the things to do that will inspire you as a Muslimah Solo Traveler.
Diverse Breathtaking Landscape (great for hiking and quiet time in the wilderness)
Did you know that Southern Spain has an amazing breathtaking landscape?
This makes the mountainside areas great for hiking, and also some quiet, peaceful time in the mountains.
Some famous landscapes and mountains in Andalusia are:
- Sierra Nevada in Granada for skiing from November till April
- Alpujarras Mountains, Granada, for the best hiking and walking trails amid charming old whitewashed picturesque villages identical to the Berber-style of Atlas mountains in North Africa. It also features Mulhacén, Spain’s highest peak.
- Zahara de la Sierra in Cádiz for its limestone mountains, valleys, olive groves, whitewashed villages and fascinating wildlife. Hiking and walking in the hilly countryside here is fascinating as you’ll surely stumble upon wildlife like goats, and deer.
Splendid Andalusia Spain beaches
Because of its warm Mediterranean climate, Andalusia’s beaches are splendid places to relax and chill.
Southern Spain is also known as Costa del Sol, which means “Coast of the Sun” in Spanish.
Hence, it is without a doubt that there are so many beaches to choose from, such as Marbella for a luxurious beach resort experience; or Costa de la Luz, located between Cadiz and Huelva, for something remote.
Best beach viewpoint in Andalusia: Tarifa, this southernmost Europe point on the Strait of Gibraltar, lets you see a view of Africa from the continent! It’s also a top surfing destination in Europe.
Significant Islamic Heritage Sites
Of course, what else is Andalusia famous for if not for its Islamic Heritage?
Known as Al Andalus in the Islamic world, it was once ruled by the Spanish Muslims, or Moors, for eight centuries and was once the center of the Islamic world.
Some Islamic Heritage you can’t miss are The Alhambra Palace-Fortress Complex, Mezquita de Cordoba, and Madinah Az Zahra, to name a few.
For a complete list of Islamic Heritage places that you should check out in Southern Spain, check out this article.
Sunny, Mediterranean Warm Weather
What else is there to say about this?
If you want to escape the harsh cold weather in Europe or The UK, Andalusia is the closest getaway you can think of.
While it is undeniable that we love the sun, did you know that Cordoba is also the hottest city in all of Europe and Spain, with August’s hottest month averaging 29°C?
So be prepared with a fan when you’re there! Otherwise, there are plenty of fans sold on the streets that make a great souvenir that beats the heat at the same time!
Quaint White Old Towns and Villages of Andalusia (Pueblo Blancos)
Andalusia’s charm is none other than its picturesque whitewashed old towns and villages (known as Pueblo Blancos)
Mostly located in the provinces of Cadiz and Malaga, these are also great starting points to discover more about Andalusian settlers’ daily life and local cultural heritage.
These villages have an archetype characteristic of Andalusian architecture, such as “white blotches on a landscape dominated by pine trees, holm oaks, cork oaks and, a true botanical rarity, Spanish firs,” according to the Andalusian tourism board.
And when you walk along these villages, you’ll see that these houses are adorned with bright flowers and narrow streets with pebble paths.
Most are located on top of a hill or mountains in the countryside.
Unique Traditional Spanish Heritage
Besides Islamic Heritage, Andalusia is the place to go for traditional Spanish heritage.
And that means… Flamenco shows, traditional Spanish bullfighting, and tapas (look for the halal ones!).
Also, Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco shows, originating from the nomadic gypsies.
Speaking of bullfighting, this is the national sport of Spain that dates back to pre-historic times.
There are about 70 bullrings in Andalusia alone, which is famous in Seville (fights are usually held in April during Seville Spring Fair). The oldest bullring, is in Ronda.
Friendly, Helpful Spanish Locals
Like the saying in Spain, “mi casa es tu casa”, which means “my house is your house”, the Spaniards are known to be friendly, welcoming, and generous, especially when you make an effort to speak their language.
Some basic courtesy is greeting ola (hello), and ciao (bye) when entering or leaving any shop/establishment.
FAQs on the best time to visit, getting around and safety in Andalusia
Why You Should Visit Andalusia, Southern Spain as a Muslim Solo Traveler
There you have it, seven reasons why you should visit Andalusia, Southern Spain!
This has given you some idea of what to expect before visiting Andalusia. While in Southern Spain, don’t miss out on the opportunity to check out the Islamic Heritage of Al Andalus!