This itinerary features western Andalusia, the area most foreigners picture when they think of Spain, and surely that is most often visited by tourists. This part of the region is characterized by the warmth of its people as well as its climate. Pueblos blancos, white towns, stepping down hillsides topped by the brooding ruins of ancient castles will become a common, though never commonplace, sight. While this is primarily agricultural and cattle-raising country, this itinerary also includes one of Spain's major metropolitan areas, Seville- the country's forth-largest city and the scene of Don Juan, Bizet's Carmen, Mozart's Figaro and glorious 16th century adventures to and from the exotic New World. It also includes the most tourist-intensive area in the country- the Costa del Sol from Malaga to San Pedro de Alcantara.
This is the part of Spain that extends to within about 15 kilometers of the northern tip of Africa and was the first area conquered by the Moors in 711. Except for the relatively small group of Moslems in Granada, Seville was also the last area reconquered by the Christians in the 13th century, and it is the area that retains the strongest traces of Moorish culture- not necessarily just architecture- to the present day.
The culinary specialties of the area include gazpacho and friend seafood dishes. Due to the warm climate, sangria is also delightfully ubiquitous. And, of course, this is the home of sherry, whose name comes from the English pronunciation of the wine-producing center of Jerez (formerly spelled Xerez, with the x pronounced sh).
Malaga had seen occupation by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors, before being recaptured by the Catholic monarchs in 1487. Today Malaga lies prey to a new onslaught as tourists flock from Northern Europe to soak up the sun- an invasion that has somewhat dimmed its old-world charm. However, this seaside town still has much to offer. It is famous for its Malaga dessert and aperitif wines and the early works of Picasso which can be found at the Museo de Bellas Artes.
