Andalusia is the subtropical garden of Spain. This pleasantly warm area is known for its unusual history, its diverse and variegated landscapes and its gentle climate. Picturesque beaches, impressive mountains, historical places and the lively, hospitable people of Andalusia make it one of Europe‘s favorite destinations.
Andalusia offers a great variety of coasts and fascinating cities with numerous landmarks of interest that testify to the nearly 800 years of continous, peaceful coexistence between three cultures. Until 1492, Christians, Jews and Arabs lived in Andalusia together and there their lifestyle and cultural and architectual development took shape.
Andalusia, so-called Pueblos blancos, fascinate with their special charm. The life of the outgoing and friendly villagers takes place in the Plaza, the geographical and social center of the villages. There guests can dive into the Mediterranean atmosphere of Andalusia. You can indulge in typical meals and excellent wine in the numerous street-cafes, bars and restaurants.
Axarquia – the landscape around Monte Alegre
In the hilly foothills of Axarquia – one of the most beautiful and most original landscapes of Andalusia`s coast – lies Monte Alegre in the very midst of a scenic almond- and olive-grove. In this unique area numerous animals and plants are living in an untouched nature. Monte Alegre offers its inhabitants an excellent scenic view on the offshoots of the Sierra Nevada, the close by reservoir `La Vinuela` and the sea.
Monte Alegre belongs to the county Alcaucin. In the adjacent village Periana – which is nationwide well-known for its olives – numerous shops and public institutions like a post-office, a doctor-center, banks, restaurants and schools are to be found. The next two bigger towns are Velez-Malaga – the province-capital of Axarquia – and Torre del Mar. They offer a capacious infrastructure, shopping-centers, spare-time-institutions and a modernly equipped hospital.
Only a few kilometers distanced from Monte Alegre the well-known healing-sources of Alhama de Granada are located. A bath in these sources eases the pain of many diseases such as rheumatism, arthrosis and respiratory diseases and they also promote the general well-being.
Undamaged nature-reserves, silent nature-parks, stalactite caves, mellow mountain-valleys and first-class skiing-areas are to be reached from Monta Alegre as easily as the finest rock- and sand-beaches of Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical and Costa de la Luz.
The close-by cultural cities and the centers of economy Granada, Malaga, Sevilla and Cordoba are renowned for their multitude of monuments distinguished by their cultural diversity.
Worthwhile visiting is the Mezquita de Cordoba the third largest mosque of the world that was built in the 8th century by the Arabs. In Granada the Alhambra, the residence of the Moorish rulers that was built in the 14th century, attracts thousands of visitors year after year. Artful ornaments, a sea of colours and fascinating water-fountains impart an oriental magic upon the Alhambra.
International connections
The international airports of Malaga, Jerez, Sevilla and Almeria as well as the national airport of Granada ensure good and best accessibility.
From the airport Pablo Picasso in Malaga Monte Alegre can be reached within 50 minutes via highway direction
Velez-Malaga and the freeway direction Alhama via Periana.
Many highways connect the most important cities of Andalusia with its capital. Alternatively Madrid can be reached by high-speed-train. Further on there exists a well-built network of coach-travelling that links the south of the country with its center.
For more information: www.andalucia.org