If possible, aim to coincide with the freshness, the clarity and the wildflowers of spring. April and May are picture-perfect, March and June also well suited for cooler- or warmer-blooded people. The high peaks are snow-covered, the temperatures lower down are a pleasant 20-30 celsius, and the sea is moving slowly from downright cold (March) to refreshing (June). But Easter festivals may mean availability is limited, so book ahead!
A good alternative is autumn (September / October), when the first rains have refreshed the soil, the crowds have left and the sea is still pleasantly warm. Again, expect 20-30 celsius, clear days and occasional rainstorms – but few wildflowers.
Wintertime (November to March) is increasingly popular among those on a short sun-hunt from northern Europe. The big cities are lively (cosy tapas bars, indoor concerts), the prices and availability are favourable, the air can be delightfully crisp and clear – but be prepared for some heavy rainshowers, especially away from the coast, and some snowfall above 1000m altitude.
Do try and avoid, if possible, the heat, the crowds and the high prices of midsummer (July and August). Temperatures, especially in Seville (Spain’s hottest city), can soar to over 40 celsius; but if you head up to the hills (eg Aracena, Alpujarras), you can expect a more bearable 30 celsius, with cool mountain nights.
As well as minor local festivals, the following public holidays and major festivals occur in Andalucia:
New Year's Day: January 1
Epiphany: January 6
San Cecilio gypsy festival, Granada: February 1
Carnival festivities (especially Cadiz):week before Lent
Semana Santa (especially Seville): week before Easter
Feria de Abril (Seville fair): two weeks after Easter, but always in April
Good Friday through Easter Monday
Labour Day: May 1
Pampaneira Carnival (Alpujarras): May 3
Corpus Christi: June - early or mid
Dia de San Juan: June 24
Dia de Santiago: July 25
Feria de Malaga: August 13-21
Assumption Day: August 15
Vendimia sherry harvest (especially Jerez): around September 5-12
Feria de Ronda: September 1-15
Discovery of America Day: October 12
All Saints: November 1
San Martin (pig slaughter & ham-making in rural towns): November 11
Constitution Day: December 6
Immaculate Conception: December 8
Christmas: December 25, December 26
To search flights across all airlines, we recommend using Skyscanner
ANDALUCIA: BY AIR
From the UK: carriers include easyJet, Ryanair, Iberia and British Airways. Flight time is around 2.5 hours.
Within Europe: try Vueling, easyJet, Ryanair, Air Europa and Iberia.
From the USA: try Iberia, British Airways (via London).
By train from the UK: you can take a train from London to Malaga via Barcelona (the approximate journey time is 32 hours). See Seat 61 for details.
By car from the UK: take a ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Bilbao or Santander (the journey time is 24-30 hours) - but you still have to cross the whole of Spain (over 1000km / 600 miles).
FROM THE AIRPORT:
Chances are you’ll be hiring a car (see below). If not, your best option is a taxi. Otherwise, from Malaga airport take the electric train to the city (8 km / 20 minutes), alighting at RENFE for onward trains, or to Guadelmedina for the centre. From Seville airport take the express bus to the Puerta de Jerez for central hotels (12 km / 30 mins).
ANDALUCIA: BY CAR
Spain is one of the cheapest places in the world to hire a car - see our car rental recommendations.
ANDALUCIA: BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are good bus and train (RENFE) links throughout Andalucia. See RENFE.
ANDALUCIA: BY TAXI
Good value within the cities, and easy to hail on the streets or from a phone. There are taxi ranks at major hubs.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are required. There are good, English-speaking doctors and dentists throughout Andalucia, and some British expat doctors along the Costa del Sol. EU citizens are entitled to reciprocal medical care in Spain (take a recently-stamped E111 form), but additional medical insurance is recommended. In summer, take mosquito repellent and use strong suntan cream. Avoid the midday sun in July and August and drink plenty of water. Water is generally safe but if not fed by a natural spring, is heavily chlorinated. Cheap bottled mineral water is widely available.
CHILDREN
Spaniards love children so you are likely to receive a warm welcome. Babysitters are available at most hotels/villas. However, the locals invariably take their babies and children with them to dine in the evenings. Traditional Andalucian restaurants are usually very accommodating. Not all hotels and restaurants have sufficient high chairs, so if you own the screw-on type, take it with you.
You shouldn't have a problem with fussy eaters as you'll find plenty of familiar foods in the restaurants and supermarkets (pizza, pasta, yoghurts, simple grilled fish, chicken and meat with chips are readily available).
Nappies, baby food and formula milk can be bought locally but if you have a preferred brand take a supply. If you require a child seat for the car, pre-book with the hire company.
TIPPING
In restaurants, service charge is usually included in the price but people often leave tips as well. 10-15% is about average. Tax or IVA is 7% which will be included in the bill. 10% is the norm for taxis.