Andalusia (Andalucía) is the vast, culturally rich southern region of Spain, known for its Moorish heritage, flamenco, whitewashed villages, and dramatic landscapes ranging from deserts to the snowy Sierra Nevada. It’s the country’s most populous autonomous community and includes major cities like Seville, Málaga, Córdoba, and Granada.
What Andalusia Is
- A historical region and autonomous community in southern Spain
- Formed officially in 1981 with its own parliament and president
- Capital: Seville
- Population: ~8.6 million (2024)
- Area: ~87,600 km², larger than countries like Austria or Switzerland
Geography & Landscapes
- Bordered by Portugal, Extremadura, Castilla–La Mancha, Murcia, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic
- Sierra Nevada, the highest mountains in Iberia south of the Pyrenees
- Guadalquivir River basin, the fertile heart of the region
- Tabernas Desert, Europe’s only true desert
- Nearly 900 km of coastline
Culture & History
- Deeply shaped by Roman, Visigothic, and especially Islamic (Al-Andalus) heritage
- Cities like Córdoba and Granada preserve world-famous Moorish architecture (e.g., the Mezquita, Alhambra)
- Birthplace of flamenco, with strong traditions in music, dance, and festivals
- Known for white villages (pueblos blancos), olive groves, and vibrant street life
