The following page is an archive list of gay bars and clubs that was prepared in 2004 and updated occasionally. We understand that all are now closed (as of 2024).

There are numerous associations of gay and lesbians in Andalucia. The largest and most well known, Colega, has offices in every provincial capital and is represented in many other towns and cities as well. If you are looking for any kind of support or the opportunity to connect with different facets of the local gay community in your new place of residence in Andalucia.

In the twenty-first century the idea of the exclusively ‘gay’ hotel is fast becoming an anachronism. There are still plenty of people who feel more comfortable in a BLGT - bi, lesbian, gay, transgendered – setting, although there are even more who are finding a welcome in mixed accommodation.

Carnival is the biggest event in Cadiz's calendar, and the most important of its type on mainland Spain, just as the Feria is for Seville. People flood in from all over Spain, and beyond, to enjoy the noisy, colourful, festive atmosphere, singing competitions, concerts (rock, flamenco, samba), comedy, children's shows, parades, firework displays and street parties. Carnaval is also celebrated in towns and cities around Andalucia.

The singing competition (COAC, Concurso Official de Agrupaciones Carnavalescas) is the central event of the pre-Carnaval, with four types of groups taking part - chirigotas, choros, cuartetos and comparsas. About 300 groups in total enter the contest.

There are several types of singing groups and songs at the Carnaval. They perform both at the theatre in the official competition, and also on the street. All wear fancy dress.

Are you planning your trip to the Carnival but feel nervous about actually speaking Spanish? We've created a special collection of carnival words, to add to the fun!

Obviously, the programme varies from year to year, but you can take this as a rough guide to what happens on which day of the Carnaval. Check local press and websites for up-to-date information.

In November the Andres Segovia International Classical Guitar Competition takes place in La Heredura's beautiful San José Church. This annual event attracts leading classical guitarists under 35 years of age from around the world and its objective is to promote the diffusion and study of the guitar.

Art exhibitions and other cultural activities take place at the Centro Cultural Alfonso X El Sabio. Calle Larga 89. Tel. 956 541 987. Open Monday to Friday 11.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 22.00. A collection of Visigothic artefacts found in southern Spain and Portugal, as well as ceramics from the 16th and 17th centuries, are exhibited in the Sala Museo el Hospitalito.

There are many karting circuits in Andalucia where you can have fun. They can be found at Campillos, La Puebla de Cazalla, Cartaya, Torre del Mar.

Impressive large (2km) bay sheltered and dominated by two large headlands. The beach is supported by a typically Spanish town which started out as a fishing village. Popular with the young and old alike, La Herradura is a bastion of national tourism, and is a popular summer retreat for residents of Granada city. It is less well-known among non-Spanish visitors.

Every year, millions of tourists take a break in Andalucía and indulge in the lifestyle that helps to make this Southern Spanish region so much of a hit with visitors and residents from all over the world. In Andalucía it is all close at hand, thanks to a wide range of accommodation available, year-round and at prices to fit every budget - in every location.

Andalucia has so much to offer, it is hardly surprising that an ever-increasing number of people are seeking to establish a home here. For many, the climate is the chief deciding factor. The winters are mild and the summers hot without becoming oppressive. The province also boasts a wide variety of cities, coastal resorts and countryside. Whether you seek the jet set lifestyle of Marbella, the peace of a country retreat, or the Moorish grandeur of Granada. Andalucia has it all, and more.

Jaen capital is yet another Andalusian city that has a certified "Fiesta of National Touristic Interest" and as in every other corner of the province, jinienses (residents of Jaen) believe their particular processions are without a doubt the most beautiful in all of Spain.

Semana Santa in Cádiz province is celebrated with great fervour and passion. The provincial capital, Cádiz, holds tremendous, extravagant processions - on par with those of all the other provincial capitals in Andalucia. Certain towns make an extra effort at Semana Santa and are, therefore, worth a special visit. These are: El Puerto de Santa María, Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera and Chiclana de la Frontera.

Regional parliament elections have been called for the 19th June 2022. The previous ones were December 2018. Here is an overview of main parties or coalitions that are or have been active in the last ten years.

There is undoubtedly a wonderful lifestyle to be had in Southern Spain. The Costa del Sol, being primarily a holiday resort, has a transient population with many visitors who are obviously unable to speak Spanish.

Many people living in Andalucia and especially the Costa del Sol, say that they have little opportunity to practice their Spanish! This is due to the presence of so English speaking residents and visitors, as well as bars, restaurants and shops where no Spanish is needed to get through the day.

Education is a primary concern for families relocating to Spain. For many children and young people, arriving in Spain and starting at a new school can be daunting at first, especially with a new language to learn.Andalucia offers a complete state school system from three to 18 years - three to five years is Infantil; six to 12 years Primaria; 12 to 18 Secundaria (ESO and Bacillerato) .