2023 Holidays in Andalucía: A Rural Paradise
Situated in the south of Spain, Andalucía is a region rich in countryside villages. Whilst it is also home to vibrant cities like Seville, Granada, and Málaga, Andalucía also features countless rural towns.
A perfect blend of nature, culture, and great value for money makes Andalucía the perfect destination for family holidays. With several international airports and lots of gorgeous Ruralidays holiday rentals, Andalucía is both a practical yet dreamy family holiday destination.
What are the best beaches in Andalucía?
Andalucía boasts a generous coast peppered with pristine beaches. Stretching from San Juan De Los Terreros (in the province of Almería) all the way to Portugal, Andalucía has a 800 km coastline that offers both famous beaches filled with tourists, jet ski rentals and several amenities, and unspoilt gems that are tucked away.
Nerja is a great option for families. Located east of Málaga, it’s home to the fascinating Caves of Nerja, where you can witness majestic stalagmites and stalactites. The caves also host summer concerts in a truly unique setting for live music.
Further along the coast, in the province of Almería, you’ll find the Playa de los Muertos, which translates to ‘Beach of the Dead’. Despite its ominous name, it is known for its crystal-clear waters and secluded caves tucked into its coastlines. This is a paradise for families that are keen on casual snorkeling and discovering underwater caves.
For those with an interest in history, Playa de Bolonia, which is an hour’s drive from Cádiz, offers both a family-friendly spot right besides ancient Roman ruins. Stunning rural geological formations make this vibrant beach have it all.
What to see and do in Andalucía?
One of the best parts about staying in Andalucia is the picturesque villages. With no shortage of rural areas, it’s no surprise that cities such as Ronda and Antequera, and towns like Mijas are still surrounded by natural beauty. However, there’s more to it, as all cities and villages are packed with family activities.
Ronda and Mijas in particular are worth considering for being Pueblos Blancos – whitewashed villages – meaning you’re engulfed in a sea of white buildings and cobblestone paths, while your eyes wander to the panoramic views of the countryside.
Staying in a village like these means that, altough nature is one stone’s throw away, you will also find modern-day facilities, such as cafés, restaurants, and city parks.
As for national parks, Sierra Nevada National Park is the most famous in Andalucía. Located in Granada, a vibrant student city, the park has rugged terrain, high peaks, and many days worth of trails. Because it’s so commonly visited, getting there with your family is relatively simple.
Lastly, if you’re looking for spiritual day activities in Andalucía, the Happilization center in a rural area in the province of Málaga can be a truly transformative family experience. Run by Master Choy, this sanctuary is often regarded as the start to a rejuvenating spiritual journey. One visitor, named Taylor, said it taught him “to use his chi to see, not his eyes”.
Planning your rural holiday
Andalucía offers tranquility in abundance, meaning you don’t need to venture far to have a relaxing time. Even though the region features good public transport, you might want to rent a car to live the authentic rural experience.
Regarding which season is the best to travel to Andalucía for your 2023 Holidays, autumn is surely pleasant, as it allows you to avoid crowds and still enjoy comfortable weather conditions. If you’d rather travel in winter, you’ll be pleased to know that winters in Andalucía are also mild, making it a timely escape from north Europe’s harsh winters. However, if you really love travelling in summer, know that, even though it’s usually crowded, there are several rural Andalucian beaches that are hidden and unspoilt gems.
