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ANDALUCÍA TOURISM NEWS AUGUST 14 - AUGUST 21
SPACE OF THE MONTH IN THE ALHAMBRA
The circle framed by the Alcazaba of the Alhambra and the Puerta de las Armas - one of the outside accesses to the Nazarene monument, make up the special area of the Alhambra you can visit during August.
These places are generally closed because of their design does not allow the simultaneous entrance of many people. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the entrance ticket to the Alhambra also allows you to walk where 8 centuries ago the guards did their rounds. The route ends at La Puerta de las Armas, the facade of which is made up by a horseshoe arch, plastered with glazed pieces.

SOPDE HOTEL STUDY
To say the offer to tourists in Málaga is a luxurious one is no exaggeration. In fact it has been highlighted by a study carried out by the Society for Planning and Development of the Provincial Government (SOPDE) which has shown that there are more five star hotels on the Costa del Sol than in the other coastal tourist zones of Spain. In fact, of the eight areas analysed, the Málaga coastline has 75% of the top class establishments.
14,000 hotels used by the 7 most important tour operators in the country have been analysed in the drawing up of this report, which also reveals that the Costa del Sol has the largest offer to tourists from these agents in that one in five hotels in their brochures is in the province of Málaga. This latest data underlines the quality of the Costa del Sol as a tourist destination.

ALMERÍA FERIA
The month of August is a good time to enjoy the numerous fiestas which are celebrated in Andalucía. One of them is the Almería Feria, which from this Friday and until the 26th will play host to thousands of visitors eager to spend a few days full of fun and dancing, and when they can also get to know the many attractions of this coastal city. During the day the centre of Almería transforms into a place where there is no space for boredom - only for a party.
Music, dance and of course the fabulous parade of horses through the main avenue of the city which fills to the brim with visitors. At night the attractions of the fairground and good musical shows including one from the Almería guitarist Tomatito. So now you know - get down to Almería for some fun.

AYAMONTE MUSIC FESTIVAL
The town of Ayamonte in Huelva province becomes the musical capital of Andalucía until August 19 with the celebration of the 19th edition of the International Music Festival. The event gives us the chance to enjoy ten concerts on three different stages, with musical styles which range from the 16th century to the current day, in jazz, flamenco, popular Portuguese and Brazilian music as well as opera and different classical composers. The Amador Jiménez Auditorium is one of the stages where the festival is held and sees the participation of the Andaluza Chamber Orchestra with figures as famous as Michael Stirling, Javier Perianes or Marina Shutova. A chance to enjoy good music in one of the most attractive places of the Huelva coastline.

CÓRDOBA MUSLIM NECROPOLIS
The city of Córdoba has many archaeological remains from its extensive Arab past. The latest of these to be discovered has been the remains of the largest Muslim necropolis found upto now in the city, with an area of 10,000 square metres. In this Arab cemetery, uncovered during works to construct the city ring road, its calculated that as many as 400 could be buried. These remains are found on both sides of the national road which links Córdoba to the airport and will not affect the work on the bridge to be built across the Guadalquivir here.

SIERRA NEVADA IN SUMMER
The Sierra Nevada Ski Station in Granada also offers us numerous activities to enjoy this nature park in the summer. There are activities for all tastes. Horse riding by the most beautiful lakes and valleys in the area. Trekking for 3 or 6 hours, with trips at all levels and for all publics and with attractive routes where you can discover wonderful views as well as the flora and fauna of the mountain.
For the most energetic there are mountain bike rides along steep tracks up and down and even over passes with nearly 2,000 metres height difference from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the neighbouring districts. There are also language courses for children which include activities such as trekking, sports, camping, canoes, skating and rock climbing among others. A unique chance to enjoy nature in the privileged natural setting that is the Sierra Nevada. A place to visit year round.

RURAL TOURISM - AL SUR
A new rural tourism association, Al-Sur, has been born in Andalucía with the aim of helping Andalucian businessmen in the sector to commercialise and promote their offers. The association brings together close to 200 members, among them rural houses, hotels, school farms and restaurants serving traditional cuisine, as well as companies from adventure. Sports, equestrian and cultural tourism. The Al-Sur tourism offer extends across all Andalucía, mostly in areas of grand natural value and beauty. Among its services also note a central reservation service, and the representation of members in ferias and conventions. The professional catalogue can be seen on the Internet at www.turismoalsur.com

VERACTIVA
This is Veractiva, one of the most important tourist fairs in the Andalucian community, and which was held in the Almería town of Vera a few days ago. More than 100,000 people attended the 6th edition, with all the Andalucian provinces represented to promote their tourist attractions, both sun and sand and rural.
Veractiva, which intends to inform visitors on the possibilities of the region, has become an obligatory reference point for tourism businessmen in Spain. Once again the Silver Moon prizes were awarded to those institutions or companies which have helped to promote Vera and the district. Canal 2 Andalucía received one of the prizes thanks to the work of the Andalucía Turismo programme.

VISITS TO THE CARAVELS DOCK IN HUELVA
The Caravel dock in Huelva, one of the most emblematic cultural and tourist attractions in Andalucía, expects to see more than 1,000 visitors a day during August, thanks to a special programme of cultural events dedicated to the province and Latin America.
Among the activities, the Huelva Diputación has organised musical performances, exhibitions, tastings and workshops on the dockside.
In addition the Caravel dock sees the Villablanca Dance Festival from August 21 to 26, with groups from countries such as Korea, Russia, Philippines, New Zealand, Cuba, Mexico or Taiwan. Free Latin American drinks and foods can be tasted until the 19th.
A few days ago Huelva celebrated the 509th anniversary of the departure of the three Caravels commanded by Christopher Columbus from the port at Palos de la Frontera. Several events were held in La Rábida, where some vessels used in the discovery of America can be seen.


AGENDA
The town of Santiago Pontones, in Jaén province, is celebrating its fiestas in honour of its patron saint until August 20. There are daily bull runs and nighttime verbenas as the days continue.

The beaches of Lepe in Huelva province are the stage for the 4th beach football tournament between the 17-19 of this month.

Good song and flamenco dance meet on the 18th in the Cádiz province town of Vejer de la Frontera in the 29th edition of the ‘Flamenco Night’. This Andalucian fiesta is declared to be of national interest.

Singers Victor Manuel and Ana Belén offer a concert on the 23rd in the Maestro Padilla municipal auditorium in Almeria. It’s one of the events programmed as part of the annual fair in the city.

The Las Brisas golf club in Marbella holds the Don José Banús trophy in Marbella on the 18th and 19th of August, while in Cádiz province the Sotogrande club celebrates another championship over the same dates.

Matadors José Tomás, Ricardo Ortiz and El Juli take to the ring on Saturday August 18th in the Malagueta bullring in Málaga as part of the bullfighting fair. They face 6 bulls from Juan Pedro Domecq.

In Punta Umbría, Huelva province, as well as enjoying the fabulous beaches, we can attend the 8th international dance festival on the 22nd.

As part of the events programmed with the Ommayads exhibition in Córdoba, an Andalusi Velada is to held on the evening of the 19th when we can enjoy traditional dishes from Arab Andalucian cuisine. It takes place at 10pm in the gardens of the Alcázar of the Catholic Kings.

The Benalmádena Sports Marina hosts the 8th international tuna fishing tournament between the 17-19 August. A spectacular event in Puerto Marina - one of the most emblematic tourist attractions on the coast.

Priego de Córdoba celebrates its international music, theatre and dance festival again this year in the Victoria theatre on Saturday 18. A good occasion to enjoy a good show and get to know this beautiful Córdoba village.

El Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz province is celebrating the 7th edition of the Juan de la Cosa regatta this weekend.

Among the many romería pilgrimages taking place in Andalucía this summer we can mention the one in the Huelva village of Alajar on the 19th and 20th in honour of San Bartolomé.