Andalucian highlights in the spring

Spring in Andalucía is like the awakening of body, soul and the land, in the vibrant country of Spain. It is the time of colour and fiestas, where people come together to celebrate the end of winter, not that it was ever that cold! Not only people, but the countryside awakens, it’s time to visit the national parks such as Donana and the Sierra Nevada. Take the spectacular route through the pretty whitewashed villages of Pampaneira and Capileira in La Alpujarra and get to the amazing beaches before the summer tourist rush!

Over 3,000 fiestas are celebrated every year in Andalucía; there is music, dance, excessive eating, exhibitions, fairs, carnivals and atmospheric religious processions. Almost every town and village has its own patron saint and Feria (fair).

April is the real start of the Feria season, try dancing Sevillanas and drinking sherry in Seville, or go on a pilgrimage, well at least a beautiful hike from Andujar to the National Park. Or for a truly memorable experience, watch the world’s longest horserace of 500km across three provinces.

Cordoba in May becomes home to a month of floral displays. In Jerez they also celebrate the Horse, with equestrian events and displays.

See Granada’s Music and Dance Festival in the Alhambra, and stay up all night for the Noche de San Juan and watch bonfires on the beach and people partying till dawn.

Visit the whitewashed town of Ronda, inland from Malaga, to see the impressive arch over the chasm and take time to visit its museums and gardens. With the flowers in bloom and the breathtaking surrounding scenery sparkling emerald under the pure cobalt sky, Ronda has to be one of the best sights in the whole of the wonderfully diverse lands of Andalucia, especially in the spring.