With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and mild Mediterranean temperatures, an Andalucia villa holiday has always been a popular choice. Although well known for its 600kms of mostly sandy beaches, Andalucia is a region of diverse landscapes. It encompasses the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville as well rural hilltop villages, such as Gaucin and Casares.

Seville is the capital of Andalucia and is well worth visiting to see the many historical buildings and magnificent churches. Visit the Gothic Cathedral and climb to the top of the Minaret for a spectacular view of the city. Don't miss the Mudéjar palace of the Alcázar or the ruins of the ancient city of Italica. Make a day trip to the beautiful city of Granada and the famous Alhambra Palace.

Ronda is an ancient mountain town, filled not only with the history of bull fighting and the Plaza de Toros, but also beautiful buildings and the spectacular El Tajo gorge. If you stand on the Puente Nuevo bridge, there are amazing views down into the gorge and out to the Serrania de Ronola mountains. Don't miss a visit to the nearby ancient city of Ancinipo, which dates back to the first century AD. See the fascinating medieval fortress in the white washed village of Casares. Gaucin is another spectacular mountain city with views to Gibraltar and the African coast. Visit the Castillodel Aguila (Eagle Castle) that dates from the period of Roman settlement. View the work of the thriving community of local artists or enrol in one of the art course on offer and try to capture the beauty of this mountain village yourself.

There are so many things to do on your Andalucia villa vacation. Take advantage of the perfect climate and view the splendour of rural Andalucia from a hot air balloon. Don't miss the national sport of bull fighting. This ancient sport began as entertainment in the village squares, until the first bullring was built in the city of Ronda in the late 18th century. Andalucia is home to around 70 bullrings, the most important of which is the Real Maestranza de Seville, which seats 10,000 people. Watch a performance of the passionate Flamenco dancing in a traditional bodega or peña flamenco or in one of the many Flamenco tablaos in the larger cities. Explore Andalucia on motorbikes or mountain bikes. There are many established trails. The region also provides the perfect conditions for paragliding and microlight (ultralight) flights. Given the importance of the horse to the people of rural Andalucia, it very easy to find horse riding facilities for all levels of ability. There are also plenty of opportunities for those interested in golf, polo, skiing, surfing or landscape painting. The region has several nature parks, all with excellent visitor facilities.

Each year Andalucia hosts over 300 fiestas, including carnivals, grape harvests, processions, holy week festivities and music festivals. The region's Catholic heritage has led to a tradition of wonderful carnival celebrations around Shrove Tuesday, before the 40 days of Lent commence. In Seville, the carnival celebrations take place throughout most of February.

The cuisine of rural Andalucia centres around pork and game dishes. Try the pork fillet in orange sherry sauce. Don't miss the cured ham made from the Iberico pigs and served raw, in thin slices on bread. Experiment with the tasty tapas options accompanied by a glass of cold sherry. Try the chilled Gazpacho soup, omelettes, Cola de Toro (ox tail), Morcilla Rondeña (blood sausage) and the excellent coffee, which is generally served black, espresso-style. Chestnuts are grown locally and form an important part of the local cuisine, whether roasted and sold on street corners or in sweet dishes such as Chestnut cake or chestnut stuffing in game. Spain has a long tradition of wine making, both red and white varieties, as well as Sherry. Locally brewed beer is also a popular drink. Try the San Miguel or the Cruzcampo.

Festivals and Events in Andalucia
Ronda - Fiesta de la Virgen de al Paz (January)
Seville - Seville Spring Fair (March)
Granada - International Tango Festival (March)
Andalucia region - Semana Santa Holy Week Easter processions (March)
Gaucin - Running of the Bulls (March)
Ronda - Feria de la Reconquista (May)
Granada - Festival of the May Crosses (May)
Granada - Granada Festival of Music and Dance at the Alhambra (June-July)
Seville - Carnival (February)
Ronda - Goyesque Fair (September)
Granada - International Jazz Festival (November)