ANDALUCIA
Andalucia, known to many as "the bridge between two continents",
"the gateway to Europe", "a melting pot of cultures" or
"a meeting point of two seas" fits perfectly within any of these
definitions.
A direct link between Europe and Africa, and the place where the Atlantic
Ocean meets the Mediterranean, Andalucia has been fought over by numerous
cultures since the earliest times of civilization, being one of the areas
of settlement of our prehistoric ancestors.
In Andalucia, contrasts are the norm. The diversity of the landscapes which
make up the region provides an entire spectrum: from the warm Guadalquivir
valley, to leafy low mountain areas, from volcanic landscapes such as the
Tabernas Desert to the white peaks of Sierra Nevada.
Numerous tributaries, springing from the mountain areas along its banks, pour
the excess water from the reservoirs in Sierra Morena or the Betico Mountains
into the Guadalquivir. Such water takes on an important role in regulating
the water supply, not only for human consumption, but also in the case of
heavy rains and the consequent river floods.
The queen of heights is undoubtedly the Sierra Nevada, in the heart of the
Penibético System, where summits above 3,400 m, such as el Mulhacén
and el Veleta, preside majestically over the rest of the nearby ranges.
Within forty kilometres it is possible to travel from this alpine landscape
to the tropical shores of the Mediterranean. The Andalucian coast, almost
900 km long, is home to a large number of towns and beaches, the delight of
those who visit them.
This collection of environments forms a blend of tourist offers,
which range from the monumental glory of the big towns to the traditional
nature of small villages, a continual source of inspiration for all types
of artists.
Nowadays, Andalucia is a modern community, equipped with a
great infrastructure that knows how to welcome its visitors, and which, despite
being conscious of moving with the times, takes great pains to maintain its
roots and to look after its important cultural and monumental patrimony.
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