Andalucia Information

A BRIEF HISTORY
In Roman times (the 3rd century BC to 5th century AD) Andalucía, governed from Córdoba, was one of the most civilized and wealthiest areas of the Roman Empire. Rome imported Andalucian products such as olives, copper, silver, fish and garum (a spicy seasoning derived from fish), and Andalucía gave Rome two emperors, Trajan and Hadrian.

In the late 19th century, rural Andalucía was a hotbed of anarchist unrest. During the civil war Andalucía split along class lines and savage atrocities were committed by both sides. Spain’s subsequent ‘hungry years’ were particularly hungry here in the south, and between 1950 and 1970 some 1.5 million Andalucía’s left to find work in the industrial cities of northern Spain and other European countries.

The early 21st century has seen an important shift in Andalucía’s ethnic balance with the arrival not just of ever more northern European sun-seekers but also economic migrants from Latin America, Morocco, sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe.

WEATHER
Andalusia is located in southern Spain. It has a distinctive culture influenced by its hot Mediterranean climate.  Andalucía has an excellent climate for holidaymakers who like guaranteed sunshine all year round. Spring and autumn are lovely seasons - midday temperatures are around 30ºC. In July and August the inland temperature can reach 40ºc. Even in December and January coastal temperatures can reach 20 to 25º, perfect for sunbathing, even though the locals wouldn’t agree! However there are some very surprising regional variations.

LANGUAGE
Spanish.  Andalucian’s are an ethnic group or nation in Spain centred in Andalusia and have a unique accent and its own rich lexicon of expressions. The Andalucian accent can be fun and even humorous to learn and use. They are known for being jovial, carefree people with lots of personality and their character is reflected in the way they speak.

They are generally not considered an ethnically distinct people because they lack two of the most important markers: their own language and an awareness of a presumed common origin, although the latter is debatable. Nonetheless, Andalucians do have a distinct dialect and a rich culture which includes the famous flamenco style of music and dance.

WINES & LIQUORS
The wines of Jerez are famous the world over, praised even by William Shakespeare. The liquors of the region are also popular, included the anís made in Rute, and in Cazalla de la Sierra, and the rums from the Tropical Coast of Granada (Motril).

HEALTH
No vaccinations are necessary for Spain and bottled water is recommended. You should also obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), this is free of charge. and provides free basic care as offered by the state hospitals.  It does not cover major health treatment or any treatment provided by private clinics.  The EHIC does NOT replace the need for full travel insurance.  

PASSPORTS & VISAS
EU citizens need a full passport for stays up to 3 months. Other nationalities should check with the Spanish Embassy in plenty of time before departure.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Euro.  Cash is changeable in banks, hotels and bureaux de change.  ATMs are available in major towns and credit cards are widely accepted.

VOLTAGE
The voltage in Spain is 230V. UK electrical appliances will work but need a two-pin continental adapter.