Spain

Temperatures in Spain typically don't dip too low, even in winter when the lows typically stay in the 40- to 50-degrees Fahrenheit range country-wide. Summers, on the other hand, can get really hot, with highs creeping into the low to mid-90s in some places. For this reason, we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons in late spring/early summer (May or early June) or late summer (August to September, even October) to avoid the extreme heat. 

If you are looking for warmth with fewer crowds this is a great time to visit. Spring and early summer are also some of the best seasons for festivals. From Easter’s Semana Santa to local Flamenco fairs and the astonishing human towers of Catalonia. 

The main summer months of July and August are to be avoided as they are generally too hot to properly enjoy your holiday. September temperatures however are wonderful, especially for cycling. We recommend the Balearics for those wanting to catch some coastal sunshine before the winter season. This is also the perfect time of year to cycle the Camino, making the long stretches a little bit easier in the cooler temperatures! 

With late September and early October becoming very popular times to travel for this reason it's now a perfect alternative to Spring. In October, temperatures begin to dip across the country, however, Andalucia can still be in the 20s at this time of year.  

Tip: Do bring a good waterproof jacket if travelling during October as downpours can happen at any time.

With Moorish, Roman, and Greek influences, the region of Andalucia has a complex history, which is part of the reason it is such a fascinating part of Spain to explore. 

Early beginnings - dating back to around 8000BC, North African tribes (now known as Iberians) established farming settlements throughout Andalucia. The Phoenician traders (who originated from Southern Syria, Lebanon and Northern Israel) established the sea port of Cadiz in around 1100BC and led to the emergence of many cities on the Andalucian coast. The Phoenicians were followed by the Greeks and Carthaginians (hailing from Tunisia) who monopolised Western Mediterranean trading routes.

The Romans - from around the 3rd century BC, Roman legions appeared in Andalucia and would remain for nearly 700 years. Betis (Andalucia) was one of Rome's richest colonies, exporting olive oil and wine via the Guadalquivir river, Andalucia's main river and it is where Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born. Under Roman rule, Spain became a Christian country. The Roman Empire eventually collapsed following invasion from a barbaric tribe, the Visigoths.

The Moors - Islamic warriors invaded Spain in the year 711 and called the region Al-Andalus. Islam became dominant and The Moors spread their cultural legacy, evident in places such as the Alhambra in Granada and Mezquita (Great Mosque) of Cordoba They led the region for 8 centuries and the Andalucian cities of Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada and Cádiz were recognised throughout Europe as centres of great learning, renowned for impressive art and architecture, and homes to prestigious scientists and philosophers. They also created sophisticated irrigation systems, and many pueblos blancos. 

Reconquest -  In the 13th century, Christian reconquest reached Andalucia and by the end of the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragon, had taken the last stronghold of the Moors, Granada and the Alhambra Palace, and Columbus set sail from Andalucian port, Huelva, to discover America in 1492.