Rural Tourism in Andalucía - Spain

Andalucía is the most populous and the second largest in area of the autonomous communities in Spain. It experiences a Mediterranean climate but is subjected to occasional torrential rains and extremely hot temperatures. The Andalusian terrain has mountain ranges that affects climate, the network of rivers, soils and their erosion, bioregions, and even human economies insofar as they rely on natural resources. With its wide variety of landscapes, stunning natural features, and numerous wild animals, Andalucía is excellent for rural tourism. Whether you want to climb a mountain, spot a bird, get on your bike, dive into a lake, tickle a trout, or find a mountain hide-away, you'll encounter what you're looking for in the wilds of the region's countryside.

Bird-watching in Andalucía

Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.

Birdwatching in Andalucía

Not surprisingly, the Straits of Gibraltar are a key point of passage for raptors, storks and other birds migrating between Africa and Europe. Northern migrations take place between mid-February and June, while those birds heading south will set off between late July and early November when there's a westerly wind. Gibraltar itself is generally good for birdwatchers, although when there is not much wind the Tarifa region on the Atlantic coast is usually better.

Mountain biking or cycling

Mountain biking

Mountain biking and cycling are viewed as both serious sports and a relaxing pastime in Andalucia. It is not unusual to be overtaken by a group of lycra-clad cyclists tackling the steep mountain roads, particularly at weekends. In the country as a whole, cycling is a popular competitive sport, with over 5,000 annual cycling races and events staged at all levels throughout the country. These include many professional races, such as the tour of Spain held over three weeks in April and May and the third most important world cycle race after the tours of France and Italy.

Climbing

Rock climbing

For those who find the activities above not quite exciting enough may like to try mountaineering, rock climbing or caving, all of which are popular in this part of Spain with a wealth of challenges and some of the best areas in Europe outside the Alps.

The most popular and spectacular mountain range for climbers is the Sierra Nevada. Its peak, Mulhacén is the highest peak in the Iberian peninsula (3.482m). There are many possible locations for climbing in this area.

Sources : http://www.andalucia.com/rural/home.htm

                https://www.google.com.my

                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusia

Posted by : Tong Hui Wen - A13A1306

Canary Islands 

Canary Islands rural tourism is by far the best way of getting to know the islands' true natural beauty.Rural tourism in the Canaries will introduce you to the history and culture of the islands, so that you can enjoy a living heritage, and see the day to day life of its people, its flavours, its music and its fiestas.

Contact with nature in the Canary Islands is unique and different on each island but always surprising. The archipelago is a place of vast contrasts and majestic landscapes, volcanoes, sand dunes, forests and lava fields. The staunch protection of its land and skies preserves the great natural beauty of the islands.

Teide National Park

some of the best views are to be had of Teide from the other islands, particularly from a-top of the Garajonay National Park in Tenerife's closest neighbour island - La Gomera. Teide National Park, slap bang in the centre of Tenerife covers a huge area of 18,990 hectares. Spain's highest peak - Mount Teide (3718m) is here, but it's not Spain's largest national park, however it's certainly the most popular with huge numbers of holidaymakers visiting the park every year (about 4 million).

La Palma and the Caldera

La Palma, the greenest of all the Canary Island, been nicknamed the Pretty Island.  La Palma has no shortage of natural water supply - there are numerous springs in the park. Uneven erosion has been going on here for thousands of years, to great effect. The heights of the crater or caldera are dotted with crests known as Roques - there's diverse volcanic material here and the Roques jutting upwards have eroded at a slower pace. The heart of the Caldera is the Barranco de Las Angustias (Gorge of Fear), which is a semi-circular ravine stretching 8km in diameter and 2000m from the base to the highest point.

Sources :

http://www.natureflip.com/caldera-de-taburiente-national-park

http://www.turismodecanarias.com/canary-islands-spain/products-holiday-travel/volcanic-experience/bienvenido/index.html

Posted by Lim Mui Ling A13A1465