Andalusia - where true Spanish spirit is born

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When we arrived back home after our trip to Catalonia and Valencia, my parents and I realized that we were indeed wild about Spain. We understood that we want to know more about this magnificent country. We set out sights on Andalusia - the only region that may help to penetrate into the soul of true Spain. At last the happiest vacation of my life came, and we put off on our weekly journey. With a transfer in one of the largest European airport (Frankfurt Airport), we flew to Malaga.

It was the happiest and the most desirable travel of my life, so I was overexcited when I found myself in Costa del Sol - the widely spread resort in Andalusia. As soon as we relaxed after our exhausting flight in the exotic hotel, we started planning our trips during that week. We wanted to see as many places as it was possible for those seven days we had. My parents and I belong to the category of hyperactive tourists who love walking and investigating the unknown country, and who will never spend a day toasting on the beach. Overall, we planned to visit Mijas, Marbella, Puerto Banús, Granada, Cordova, Seville, Torremolinos, and Ronda. We thought that these different towns would сomplete the picture called Andalusia, and we were not mistaken. They indeed talked us a lot about this Spanish region, and helped to feel deeply the true Spanish spirit.

Being the motherland of flamenco, the place of the first corrida, and the source of the very Spanish hot passion, Andalusia remains not only a gimmick for all tourists, but also an asylum of the genuine Spanish self. To me, Andalusia is where authentic Spanish soul lives. All our trips to Andalusian cities made us believe that the south of Spain has a highly admirable historical and cultural heritage, enviable nature, and fascinating atmosphere of a native home. Indeed, when I visited all those places, I felt myself at home - as if I was born there and knew all streets and localities like the back of my hand. I have never felt myself in a foreign place like at home - only Andalusia gifted me this feeling that will always tempt me to come back to this Spanish region.

Andalusia is associated with notable contrasts. It is the poorest region in Spain. However, the cultural abundance and great history makes Andalusia the most precious pearl of the country. It is inhabited by different nationalities. Meanwhile, the political, economic, and social rights of aboriginal Andalusian population are above all there. It is the land of hard, routine, and enduring agricultural labor. At the same time, the local people are easy-going, open-hearted, and sensual. Andalusia is the presence of flaming sun and chernozem soil. Nevertheless, generous harvest of all kinds of cultivated plants and abundance of wild local flora is the integral part of Andalusian reality.

Andalusia, you are barbaric and noble, rough and esthetic, solid and various. I truly felt in love with you. Once, we'll reunited. Oh, Andalusia, I left my heart with you forevermore...

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Photos

Benalmadena seashore
The light house is non-functional now, but it undoubtedly adds coloring to the local landscape.

We lived in Benalmadena
It is one of many Andalusian towns creating the iconic look of snow-white Andalusia. The walls of local houses reflect sun and blind everyone, so to wear glasses always remains in a fashion here.

Hotel Holiday Polynesia in Benalmadena
The entrance hall of the hotel where we lived. When you enter the hotel, you get into the atmosphere of Bora Bora, Samoan, and Easter islands.

Hotel Holiday Polynesia
Special mention should be made of this 4 stars-hotel. It is perfectly set in the Polynesian style that indeed impresses all its guests and us above all.

Hotel Holiday Polynesia
This amazing hotel can be recommended to anyone who is looking for a high-quality and esthetically pleasant accommodation in Malaga.

The largest Buddist temple in whole Europe
The temple is located in Benalmadena, in the place with the highly positive energetics.

Mijas
One of the characteristic features in this Andalusian city is donkey taxi you can take to observe the localities.

Garden square in Mijas
Approaching the local church.

Small and old church in the rock
Today, the local people pray in this old church built in the 16th century.

Monument to a smuggler
In the past, Mijas (like other European cities) teemed with smugglers.

Near the functional bullring
It is square outside and oval inside. Me standing near a ticket window, where people may purchase a ticket for a seat under the sun or in the shade.

Blessed Sacrament
We were lucky to see the celebration of the important Catholic occasion.

Me observing Mijas
I like this city for its special atmosphere of heartfelt comfort.

Puerto Banús
Monument to Christopher Columbus seeing the unknown continent for the first time.

Mecca of luxury
Abundance of yachts, fancy cars, and seafood in one place.