Known as the the jewel of southern Spain and swept by the Mediterranean Sea, The Andalusian region borders the southern coast of Spain, the magneficient Costa del Sol, offers a wilde range of living opportunities;  Standing out for having some of the warmest winters in Spain, among with the hospitality of its inhabitants, the beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains, rivers and farmland, gives Andalucia a unique place to settle. Besides itsnatural beauty, it is a region with an exceptional history and culture

With approximately 9,000 million inhabitants, this autonomous community extends across eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. With impressive mountain ranges to the extensive beaches along the Costa del Sol, Andalusia offers a diversity of spectacular landscapes. The Doñana National Park, declared a World Heritage Site, is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to a varied fauna and flora. The Grazalema and Cazorla Mountains are ideal destinations for hiking and nature lovers.

Andalusia has been the scene of diverse cultures. However, it is the Arab influence that has left an indelible mark, especially in cities like Córdoba and Granada. The Alhambra, an impressive palace and fortress in Granada, is a visual testament to the opulence of the Islamic era.

The region has one of the most important cultural backgrounds of Spain, is the cradle of flamenco, with roots in gypsy culture and international recognition as a musical genre. Furthermore, Andalusian Holy Week is famous for its religious processions, which attract crowds of visitors each year.

Andalusian gastronomy is a delicious fusion of flavors. From tapas in the bustling Plaza de España in Seville to fresh fish on the Costa del Sol, the region offers an unrivaled culinary experience. Gazpacho, salmorejo, fried fish and Iberian ham are just some of the delicacies that you cannot miss.

Andalusia is known for its joy and hospitality. Local fairs, like the April Fair in Seville, are celebrations full of color, music and dance. The warm and welcoming Andalusian people will make you feel at home as you explore their charming cities and towns.

Andalusia is a land of contrasts, where modernity is harmoniously intertwined with tradition. Every corner of this region offers a unique experience, inviting you to immerse yourself in its history, enjoy its art and savor its rich culture. Without a doubt, exploring Andalusia is embarking on an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of southern Spain for those who aspire to move and acquire a home in this privileged enclave.

El Real Club de Enganches de Andalucía staged its annual Horse and Carriage Exhibition as part of the 2015 Feria de Pedro Romero. Entries are by invitation only from the Real Club de Engances de Andalucia and the event takes place on a Sunday morning, the venue being the famous Bull-ring in Ronda. The Carriages are restored to their original splendour especially for use in competitions, ferias and on festive occasions and costumes must suit the date of the carriage. The competition is in two stages, the first stage commences at 10am in the central Calle Virgin de la Paz with the judging of the carriages, harnesses, regalia and presentation of horses, which provides an opportunity to see up close the magnificent horses, carriages, coachmen and women. Thanks to organisations like El Real Club de Engances de Andalucia through the interest in events such as this many of the old professions that were becoming lost, coach builders, upholsterers, blacksmiths and lamp and harness makers have been maintained and an important number of jobs created.

The second stage of the competition starts at 12 noon and is held inside the Bull-ring. The exhibition commences with a dressage display to music by the riders of the Real Maestranza Riding School, a joy to watch. The great majority of the horses are Pure Bred Spanish (Pura Raza Española) and their technical preparation and training as classical dressage horses constitutes one of the prime objectives of the Real Maestranza together with the professional formation of future equestrian riders and teachers.

Carriages enter the ring one by one, up to 3 carriages at the same time in the arena where they perform the exercises as set out in the official rules. Marks are awarded to drivers for technical ability, driver position and horse management. The horses are awarded points for cadence, regularity of movement and attention to commands.

Carriages are drawn as follows: 1 horse (Limoneras), 2 horses (Troncos), 2 horses (Tándem), 3 horses (Tresillos), 4 horses (Cuartas) 5 horses (Media potencia), 5 horses (Cinco a la larga).

The carriages enter the ring in the following order

Limonera (1 horse) 

Troncos Señoras (2 horses female drivers)

Troncos Caballeros (2 horses male drivers)

Tándem (2 horses)

Tresillo/ Potencia (3 horses)

Cuarta (4 horses)

Media Potencia (5 horses)

Cinco a la larga (5 horses)

Fuera de Concurso (Drivers not entered in the official Competition)

Carrusel (Carousel)

The exhibition culminates in a spectacular carousel of all the carriages and horses for the judges final deliberation and is in itself amazing to watch.

A wonderful 2 hours of equestrian beauty, skill and technical ability

Zahara de la Sierra- Pueblo Blanco

Geograpical situation :

In the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
500 metres above sea level

Area: 72,4 square kilometres

Number of inhabitants: 1.523 approx.

Monuments to visit:

The remains of the Watch Tower, the Torre del Homenaje
The church of Santa Maria de la Mesa
The Chapel of San Juan de Letán
The Clock Tower

The white village of Zahara de la Sierra is found in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and situated in the province of Cadiz on the white village route.

The meaning of the name “Zahara” is not quite clear and there are many opinions concerning the history of the word. The village was once a Moorish outpost and some believe that the name comes from the name given to the fifth daughter of a Moorish King, Princess Zahar. It could also have derived from the Arab occupation of the village and the abundance of “azahar” – citrus blossoms that lace the streets and grow in the fields nearby.

Zahara de la Sierra was declared of historical interest in 1983. The Coat of Arms dates back to 1483, when Rodrigo Ponce de León conquered the village and received the title ”Marquis of Zahara”. The coat of arms can be seen inside the Town Hall and on a red silk flag on the main balcony. The village has two central squares where two beautiful old churches stand, each with differing architecture. The church of Santa Maria de la Mesa with its baroque altarpiece is worth viewing and also the remains of the 16th Century Watch Tower, the Torre del Homenaje, the views are spectacular from there. The typical whitewashed  houses  of the area los pueblos blancos (the white villages) line the streets adorned with flowers, together with other interesting buildings. The views are stunning and best appreciated from the look-out balconies or by climbing higher up to the Moorish castle. A very popular destination for rural tourism Zahara provides a variety of accommodation, excellent small shops, good bars and restaurants where you can sit outside, savour the sights and in the late summer and autumn breathe in the fragrance of orange and lemon blossom.

The main occupation of the area is agriculture, cultivating olives and cattle farming with a landscape of rich valleys and striking mountains that are a haven for birds and wildlife of all kinds. Successful local winemakers produce quality wine from vineyards in the locality.

Zahara is well known for its beautiful turquoise lake. The river that flowed through the valley was dammed and the valley flooded providing water for irrigation and livestock. The water that comes from mountain springs is clean and inviting and the reservoir is a popular venue for swimming in the summer months and a man-made beach provides a super recreational place for picnics and general relaxing. Activities such as walking and horse-riding through the lush valleys and mountain tracks give you an opportunity to experience first-hand the real beauty and enchantment of this fascinating area.