Andalucía birdwatching

The journey for the author began in Southern Ireland, flying from Cork to Malaga - a popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain. Once the party was assembled we were driven by coach inland, to the medieval city of Ronda. My expectations of Spain were not great, wrongly believing that Spain was just Benedorm and the sun drenched Costas. The scenery was very different from my expectations, with olive trees, rugged limestone mountains and small ‘white towns’, so called because of the whiteness of the houses. The views changed with every turn of the road and change in height, revealing ever more interesting features.

Ronda is a medieval gem, set on two sides of a the El Tajo gorge, linked by the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, a high-level stone edifice towering almost 100 metres above the river Guadalevín. The views to the nearby mountains and over surrounding countryside are stunning. The two halves of the city located on each side of the gorge are totally different, the medieval side with its narrow streets, former palaces and merchants’ houses separated from the modern city of banks, shopping and residential areas. I was sorry to leave this fascinating city, certainly worth a whole day in its own right.

 

 

Andalucía location and climate

What does Andalucía have to offer? It has a great climate, national parks, mountains, small villages, friendly people, historic sites and a regional government that recognizes the value of its natural surroundings and wildlife as a tourist asset. If you prefer a beach holiday you will not be disappointed either with Malaga, Marbella and Manliva all close by on the coast.

Andalucía has three distinct weather zones, matching the geography, the coastal areas, inland and mountains.

Good weather is always a topic of interest for the British. Andalucía has three distinct weather zones matching the geography, the coastal areas, the inland lowlands and the mountains. The coastal areas have hot summers and mild winters. Expect clear blue skies with highs in the mid-thirties (°C) falling to around 15°C overnight from June through September, and virtually no rain.

Rain starts around the beginning of October heralding a winter of clear days interspersed with cloudy days and heavy rain at times – but rarely lasting more than a couple of days.

Highs around 20 °C, with cooler evening. Inland divides into two, the lowlands and mountains. The lowland climate can best be described as like the coast but hotter, with summer highs around 40°C. Something to consider carefully when planning your visit. The mountains are cooler with summer highs around 30°C and cooler evenings than the coast or lowland areas. The mountain air means that the power of the sun comes through with deceptive intensity, good sunblock would be needed by most people.

Feathered World - Supplement November 2008 - Tarifa Bird Fair 2008 and Birdwatching in Andalucía :-: Page 2 of 8