THE SEASON AHEAD
For me, the spring and early summer is an intoxicating time to be in Andalucia. This is a season of colour and fragrance, where almond and orange trees blossom in the countryside, and the scent of jasmine lingers on the breeze in towns and cities. You can go hiking in the sierras at this time without the punishing heat of the summer months, and enjoy drinks and tapas outside without a lingering winter chill.
If you happen to be visiting Andalucia in April, you will notice preparations being made for the start of feria season. The region’s festivals are most famously marked in Seville, firstly during Holy Week (Semana Santa), but then followed later in the month by the Feria de Abril. The latter is a joyous, week-long celebration of traditional costume, music, flamenco, and horsemanship. As you would expect, the city’s hotels get booked out many months in advance, but a villa in the nearby hills provides the perfect balance. And, even if you are not staying close to Seville, you will find that every town and village has at least one festival to celebrate as the summer progresses. In Andalucia, there is always something happening!
Louisa– February 2025
WHERE & WHEN
Where are the best locations for luxury villas in Andalucia?
Andalucia is a vast province, meaning it can sometimes be challenging to know where to stay. We particularly recommend luxury villa rentals in the foothills of the Cordillera Penibética. This gentle mountain range in southern Andalucia offers tranquillity and glorious rural scenery, but with good road access to both the coast and the clutch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Seville, Granada, and Cordoba.
In the foothills to the west of Malaga, we offer villas located a stone’s throw from Andalucia’s historic ‘white villages’. One of the most picturesque, Ronda, can easily be visited from some of our exclusive villas. You can also explore the green gorges and caves of the Sierra de Grazalema national park. In addition, we feature luxury villas a short drive from the sought-after beaches in and around Marbella, for a taste of Andalucia’s much-loved Costa del Sol.
To the east of Malaga, we can organise villas in similarly invigorating rural locations. These are located a shorter distance to Granada, as well as to the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range. The beaches that can be reached by car on this side of Malaga are generally a more low-key affair than the glamourous options closer to Marbella.
When is the best time to visit Andalucia for a villa holiday?
Andalucia is one of Spain’s warmest and sunniest regions, making it a great year-round destination. The villa season generally runs between March and late October. Within this time, we particularly recommend visiting in the spring and autumn.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Andalucia, with mild temperatures ranging from 18-26C (64-79F) and plenty of sunshine. You can start dining outside early at this time, and enjoy prime cultural attractions such as Granada’s Alhambra without the summer crowds. Spring is also the best time of year to go hiking in the foothills of Andalucia’s stunning southern mountain ranges.
Over summer in Andalucia, you can expect plenty of hot sunny days, making this the most popular time to enjoy the region’s beaches. Temperatures in inland cities such as Seville can often exceed 35C (95F) in July and August. Renting a villa in the hills will offer slightly gentler temperatures due to the higher altitude, as well as a private pool for refreshing swims.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Andalucia. You can spend time on the region’s beaches with fewer visitors, and conditions are usually still perfect for swimming until mid-October. Temperatures often sit between 24 – 28C (75 – 82F), making outdoor dining still very enjoyable.
