Andalucia is the most populated of the 17 autonomous communities that make up Spain. It is an area bounded by the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, Gibraltar and even Portugal, which are all popular destinations for British holiday makers. And flights available from all major UK airports.

The unique aspect of Andalucia, is the Muslim impact on its culture, architecture and way of life. For eight centuries the area was subject to Muslim rule until the conquest of Granada in 1492.

The area is well known for its Moorish architecture. Famous monuments worth visiting, whilst on holiday here, include the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Torre del Oro and Giralda towers in Sevilla.

The Alhambra is an ancient palace and fortress located on a hilly terrace about 740 metres in length. It covers a complete area of around 142,000 metres square and is enclosed by a fortified wall with 13 towers around it. The name comes from the red colouring of its sun-dried tapia bricks.

The plateau which the palace is located on contains a luxurious wood. Naturalists will be in heaven here as there are roses, oranges, myrtles and English Elms planted. Here nightingales fly freely and drink from the numerous fountains and waterfalls.

The Mezquita, is a tenth century Islamic house of prayer and is also the site of the cathedral church of St Vincent and a Roman Pagan Temple. The building was constructed in 784 AD and still stands today despite a number of additional buildings and extensions. The most noted features are the giant arches with over 1,000 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite.

Another site worth visiting whilst on holiday to is the Torre del Oro or Tower of the Gold. A military watchtower built in the 13th century, the tower has twelve sides and is named after the gold tiles located on its domed roof. The tower was also a prison during the middle ages and has also been used as a safehouse for precious metals.

Major towns which provide a good base for holiday makers visiting Andalusia include, Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Malaga, Huelva, Jaen and Almeria.

With such close access to the Mediterranean sun seekers are welcome in Andalucia and the weather can be expected to be moderate all year round. When holidaying here visitors should sample the local cuisine including seafood, paella, olives, grapes, oranges and tangerines.

Travelling to the area is relatively simple with well priced flights servicing the UK directly into the area. For those people wanting to trek through other parts of Spain on their way to Andalucia, flying into a larger city such as Barcelona or Madrid and then catching trains or buses throughout the country can be a more cost effective way.