The Rough Guide to Andalucia - Edition 5

by Geoff Garvey, Rough Guides, Chris Stewart (Contribution by)

Explore every corner of this beautiful Spanish region with the revised fifth edition of the Rough Guide to Andalucía. Let the 24-page, full-colour section inspire you on where to go and what to see, from the stunning White Town of Ronda to the prehistoric site of Los Millares. In addition, there are three, new, 4-page, full-colour ‘Tapas’, ‘Flamenco’ and ‘Semana Santa’ (Holy Week). The new ‘author picks’ section highlights the regions best hotels and restaurants, plus there are hundreds of listings of all the top bars, clubs, shops and tapas bars, to suit all budgets. The guide takes a detailed look at ‘green’ Andalucía, with extensive coverage of National Parks, Natural Parks and a special section on Andalucía’s flora and fauna. To help you make the most of ‘outdoor’ Andalucía, there is plenty of practical tips and advice on everything from hiking and rock climbing to kite surfing and mountain biking. The guide comes complete with over 55 maps and plans for the whole area.

Genres: Travel, Spain, Reference

712 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Jeremy Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Striking the right balance
Working on the recommendations on an Amazon list, I bought this to take along on a trip to Andalucía last week. It's a weighty tome that, following some basic travel information about the area, is divided into four sections dealing with geographical regions centred on Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Granada. There's also some helpful background, including a comprehensive history of Spain, a description of flamenco, and a survey of books about several aspects of the country which looks complete (at least, I couldn't think of anything that had been missed) and is healthily opinionated.

In a book like this, it can be difficult to get the amount of information right - too little, and the reader remains lost, too much, and they're overwhelmed. Besides the introductory and background material, I read the sections for the towns we were visiting (Mijas, Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Granada) and thought that the balance the authors had struck was exactly right. There are helpful overviews that emphasise the sights and buildings that mustn't be missed, along with pointers to sections that allow the reader to drill down, providing just the right amount of extra information about the history, layout and importance of what they're looking at. I paid less attention to the sections on accommodation and restaurants, but the parts I looked at appeared to be complete and accurate. This didn't leave my side for the whole of our visit, and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone touring this region.

Originally reviewed 10 October 2009

[Jack Hrkach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the Rough Guide series. I took this with me (along with about 100 other books, all on my Kindle) on my very recent trip to Spain (returned only 4 days ago). Granted, much of what is here can be found in the Rough Guide Spain, but this is more detailed in places, and has the benefit of being written more recently than the last available RG for that country. It was especially helpful on places like the Alhambra and the Mezquita at Cordoba, but I also went to and really enjoyed a recommended restaurant in Cadiz that I'd probably never have thought to eat at otherwise. Thanks to the Rough Guide team, for all you do to enhance this old man's travels!

[Eoin O'Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this on a recent two-week holiday in, you guess it, Andalusia. As always with the rough guide, it gives you ideas off the beaten track. Obviously, you can nowadays get a feel for the highlights from the internet, but there is I always feel, a lot that I get from these guidebooks that I would never come across if it wasn't for the book. I'm thinking specifically of the Roman baths of Manilva. I wouldn't even have heard of these it wasn't for this book. I mean, I've seen Roman Baths, but I have never actually been in one. What an experience. Also, the way the guidebook through description, guides you to what are the best of the many white villages in the region. For me, this was, Zuheros, because it contains a perfect blend of quiet village, climb to the top of the castle, wander around streets/church, with incredible views. Or for example, getting a sense of the Mediterranean steps on the Rock of Gibraltar. Again, a hike off the beaten track on a small rock, and very memorable for all that. Docked a point, because for a book published this year, the opening times etc are shockingly out of date. I guess for some things you still have to use the internet!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and inspired us to explore some out of the way places despite staying near Costa del Sol. Excellent, personal coverage of entire region. Only weaknesses are lack of sketch maps on entering towns - has regional overview maps and town centres but nothing in between. Also, coverage of coastal resorts is poor - they're not entirely bad! Recommended.

[Richard Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I go to Andalucia often and have been for many years. To be hinest I thought I'd seen it all, but I've been enlightened. There are still one or two things left to look forward to...

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, current information.

[Paul Devall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I scored it high as it was indispensable on a recent visit to Spain. We found places to stay that we might not have done if left to our own devices.

[lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read recent version of this guide. Very detailed. Excellent background info. Very good guide indeed.