Weather Lowdown
July in Andalucia is usually very hot, sunny and dry. Over the region as a whole, daytime temperatures typically reach a maximum of 36°C (96°F), and the temperature typically falls to 20°C (68°F) overnight. Near the Mediterranean coastline, daytime temperatures are often a little lower thanks to cooling sea breezes, although the temperatures often stay above 20°C (68°F) overnight. Sea temperatures in July are around 23°C (73°F)--perfect for swimmers.
Skies above Andalucia in July tend to be clear, with only 7% chance of precipitation. Most Julys are completely free from rain, while there are typically 12 hours of bright sunshine per day.
Rain, if it does occur, will most likely show up as the odd summer thunderstorm. Humidity ranges from dry (22%) to very humid (86%), with wind speeds ranging from calm to moderate breeze, occurring from the west.
July is characterised by gradually increasing temperatures. At the beginning of the month, averages are around 23°C (73°F), with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). As the month progresses, the length of day slightly decreases but averages rise up to 26°C (78°F), with highs of 35°C (95°F) and lows of 16°C (60°F).
Where to Stay
Hotel Palacio de Mengibar
Good accommodation is available at the Hotel Palacio de Mengibar. This 4-star accommodation caters to luxury-minded guests, with its elegant double and solo rooms. Onsite amenities include sauna, spa, car park, restaurant and piano bar.
Architect Hostel
The Architect Hostel is a backpacker's paradise set in a former school of architecture. Located in the heart of Seville in Plaza Nueva, it's just next to the Cathedral, Giralda, and the Alcazar. The hostel offers a large common kitchen, free breakfast and wifi, and A/C in all rooms. All rooms cater to four, eight or ten individuals, and sheets and duvet are provided.
Hotel Vereda Real
For accommodation that is both high quality and affordable, you are best off heading to Seville. The Hotel Vereda Real (Centra Gines a Valencina) is situated on the fringes of Seville itself in the Aljarafe Sevillano region and offers cosy, wood-furnished accommodations. The hotel offers parking or free transfer service to Seville's city centre.
Hit the Beach
Matalascanas
Matalascanas is the closest beach to Seville and consequently one of the more popular. It is a resort town, full of loud DJ music and high-rise apartment blocks. Outside of the town itself there are miles of empty sands, Donana National Park, accessible to pedestrians or cyclists.
Eating & Drinking Out
Milano Experience
Milano Experience in Fuengirola serves succulent fare in a fine dining atmosphere. Try the gnocchi with gorgonzola and nuts, stuffed pasta with asparagus and walnut sauce, rice with prawns in saffron and curry and ox carpaccio with rocket and parmesan.
Las Piedras Gastrobar
Las Piedras Gastrobar is another tasty bistro in Fuengirola. Open for lunch and dinner, the food is exceptional, with freshly barbecued steaks and lamb. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this fantastic restaurant is a sure stop on the Costa del Sol.
Restaurant El Lobo
Restaurant El Lobo is a cute, inexpensive experience in Tarifa. Run by a Belgian, dining is served a la BBQ, in which the patrons grill their own meats at their table. Portable grills are provided where you can cook sausages, pinchitos, and cheese to your taste.
Things to Do
Fiestas Calatravas
Summer festivals are held in most towns and cities across Andalucia during the summer months. The Fiestas Calatravas is held every July at Alcaudete in Jaen, which boasts food, markets and archery, close to the Castillo de Alcaudete which is an impressive gothic castle well worth paying a visit. Late in July, the Feria: Noche Andalusi de le Rosa is held in nearby Banos de la Encina in Jaen, which features a market, music, dancing and presentations of flowers.
Virgin del Carmen Festival
The Virgen del Carmen festival is held around mid-July at many centres along the Mediterranean coastline, in which the patron saint of fishermen is carried through towns and over to ships off the coast. A particularly good place to see this is Barbate in the province of Cadiz as Virgen del Carmen is also the patron saint of the town. Nearby, the beaches of Playa del Carmen are very popular with tourists for sunbathing, while to the north of the town, there is a large protected area with pine forests which is worth exploring.
Casa Natal Picasso
Those interested in art can visit the Casa Natal Picasso which is Pablo Picasso's birthplace and contains numerous exhibitions and displays relating to Picasso and his works of art. For those after outdoor activities, close by to the north lies the El Chorro Gorge which offers stunning limestone scenery and opportunities to go rock climbing.
