Andalucia is a direct link between Europe and Africa, and the place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean. It has been fought over by numerous cultures since the earliest times of civilization.

Andalucia covers 17.3% of Spanish territory, 87,268 km² in total, making it the largest single region, with an area greater than countries such as Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland.

In Andalucia, contrasts are the norm. The diversity of the landscapes which make up the region provides an entire spectrum: from the warm Guadalquivir valley, to leafy low mountain areas, from volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert to the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Within thirty miles it is possible to travel from this alpine landscape to the tropical shores of the Mediterranean. The Andalucian coast, almost 750 miles long, is home to a large number of towns and beaches, to the delight of those who visit them.

This collection of environments forms a blend of tourist offers, which range from the monumental glory of the big towns to the traditional nature of small villages, a continual source of inspiration for all types of artists.

Nowadays, Andalusia is a modern community, equipped with a great infrastructure that knows how to welcome its visitors, and which, despite being conscious of moving with the times, takes great pains to maintain its roots and to look after its important cultural and monumental patrimony.

Its climate where we are in the mountains around Ronda is glorious, not too humid and the heat not overpowering. it is not too humid which is what alpacas find difficult and the heat is just fine for them – and us, of course. Altogether is makes a wonderful place in Europe where climate and the environment is brilliant for us.

Recent History
Andalucia´s recent history tells of a 19th century plagued by political upheaval. It all began with the War of Independence and the first ratification of the Spanish Constitution, at the Court of Cádiz, in 1812. Attempts at modernization and industrialization, the massive exploitation of mineral resources, and the spectacular increase in exports of wine and olive oil were the most notable events within an economy which preferred to remain anchored to its agricultural roots.

The 20th century began with the goal of regeneration and was soon imbued with the optimism of the twenties. However, the persistence of social instability gave way to the Civil War of 1936 and its aftermath. After the remarkable economic and social transformation of the sixties and seventies, democracy returned to Andalucia once again and it was declared an Autonomous Region in 1981. The Junta de Andalucía was created as its highest governing body, and its parliament became the supreme instrument of representation for a population of approximately eight million inhabitants.

The economy of agriculture is a vital part of Andalucia’s history. With the distinction of having developed the merino sheep with its fine wool, it is an ideal location for the development of alpacas. Furthermore much of the agriculture is based on olive production which is suffering from competition from China especially and generally low prices. The Agriculture Department has said how keen they are to get farmers to diversify and they see alpaca breeding as an option.

Myths about alpacas in Andalucia
When we considered moving here to Spain we were concerned about how our lovely animals would adapt to the very sparse grazing and high temperatures.

No need to worry, they seem to thrive on the straw–like hay here and we have seen them lying out in 40ºC heat.  In fact, the animals have never been healthier and Spain is probably a more natural habitat than the lush pastures of Northern Europe.