The Rough Guide to Andalucia

by Geoff Garvey

This text is the definitive guide to one of Europe's most alluring destinations. With listings of the best places to stay, eat and drink, this guide also features topics ranging from Moorish architecture to the art of flamenco.

Genres: Travel, Spain, Reference

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.