Andalusia
If you’re looking to embark on a halal holiday in Europe, then Andalasuia should be on your must-visit list. Being a halal friendly destination, Andalasuia is perfect for Muslim travellers of all ages due to its range of activities all year round and exciting tourist attractions. Easily listed as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Spain offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, historic sites, natural wonders, and fascinating festivals. With something to explore for every season, from the lively culture in the major cities to the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside, we’re sure your trip will be nothing but a fun-packed halal holiday overflowing with precious memories that will last a lifetime.
Renowned for its natural beauty and climate, Spain has over 200 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the most culturally rich countries in the world, and hopefully, the next destination on your to-visit list! From hiking in the mountains of the Pyrenees to exploring the ancient monuments of the Alhambra, there is an abundance of activities to do, and a selection of local halal cuisine to indulge in. Also home to world class museums, and a selection of enchanting islands, those looking to enjoy a part of Spain’s history and its many historical sites, while also getting the chance to explore the many breathtaking islands Spain is proud to call part of their home, make it a truly wonderful destination.
Solo travellers, couples travelling for their halal honeymoon, and even Muslim families looking to enjoy a quick break will find Spain has plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday exploring the many beaches, an adventurous getaway filled with adrenaline pumping activities, or a bit of both worlds suitable for the younger and older tourist, at Salam Booking, we know you’ll find something for everyone in halal friendly Spain.
Must See:
Spain is a vibrant and visually stunning country that is a popular halal friendly destination for tourists from all over the world. With such a wealth of culture and history, awe-inspiring architecture, tranquil beaches and world-renowned cuisines that you can explore and enjoy, it’s understandably a country many flocks to annually.
Alongside the beautiful weather and delicious cuisine, there’s plenty to visit and do when visiting Spain. We’ve selected 5 must-see tourist attractions in the hope that you’ll get to discover at least one (if not all!) from this list.
Explore Alhambra Palace: A World Heritage site, Alhambra Palace beams with universal beauty and an exceptional expression of Moorish and Andalusian culture. An ancient palace, fortress and citadel located in Granada, Spain, the eighth-century-old site was named for the reddish walls and towers that surrounded the citadel.
Tour Seville & Cordoba: Enjoy a tour of the heart of Islam heritage in Andalusia and visit the beautiful cities of Sevilla and Córdoba. Situated in the south of Spain, Seville was the first capital of the Islamic kingdom of Al-Andulas. It’s here you’ll find plenty of Muslim influences linger in the architecture and customs that still exist. Córdoba on the other hand became a world-leading centre of education and learning during its Islamic period and is home to monumental masterpieces of Islamic and Moorish architecture. It’s also where you’ll find the Mosque of Córdoba which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the Pyrenees Mountains: Pyrenees Mountains are a chain of mountains in Europe that create the border between France and Spain. Granite covered by layers of limestone is what makes up the western part of the Pyrenees, while the eastern part is comprised of gneissose and granite. Rugged peaks, lakes, high waterfalls, hanging valleys, and dense forests are all landscapes that can be found within the mountains, making it worth the trek if you’re up for the adventure!
Adventures at Picos de Europa: A great place to try out a variety of adventure sports, The Picos de Europa National Park is a mountain range extending for about 20 km, forming part of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. Hiking, canyoning, caving, kayaking, mountain climbing and more can be enjoyed here, all with spectacular views.
Visit an art museum: Home to a handful of art museums, art lovers will enjoy exploring the many museums and galleries in Spain. El Prado The Museo Nacional del Prado is probably Spain’s most famous museum and can be found in central Madrid. Enjoy an art attack of interior and signed copies of masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez, amongst many others.
Cuisine:
With such a rich cultural heritage, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Spain is a great destination for those seeking out unique culinary experiences. Muslim travellers visiting Spain can enjoy a wide variety of dishes and flavours, many of which are unique to the region. Local dishes such as paella, gazpacho, pil pil cod, ajoblanco, and tapas can be found in most Spanish restaurants and are perfect for holidayers looking to try out halal cuisine. The list of restaurants with halal options in Spain is extensive and you will always find vegetarian options or dishes with the ingredients you want without having to look afar.
Just some of the many cities offering halal cuisine, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Costa del Sol, and Valencia have numerous halal friendly restaurants and will make for a pleasant eating experience whether it be something local you’re looking to try or a dish from another international cuisine. Some of the many halal certified restaurants include El Faro (in Marbella), Balansiya Restaurante (in Valencia), Restaurant Alcázar (in Seville), La Tahona (in Madrid), Asador de Aranda-Tibidabo (in Barcelona), and Los Almendros (in Cordoba). In certain establishments, if you request in advance they can prepare dishes using ingredients governed by Islamic law. There is also a selection of hotels throughout Spain that offer halal cuisine making it worthwhile to check if you’re planning to dine in or order room service. Some hotels offer all halal cuisine such as the Alanda Marbella Hotel in Marbella and Costa del Sol Torremolinos Hotel in Malaga, while plenty of others are available upon request or have nearby halal certified restaurants.
Islam:
There are more than 250 official mosques and Islamic religious centres in Spain, making it a must-visit for Muslim travellers looking to explore Islam in the popular European region. But with so many to choose from, you may be wondering which mosques should be at the top of your to-visit list. Locally known as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Córdoba is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus in the late 8th century. Number one on our list, and probably the most popular amongst visitors, this mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is worth seeing.
Guided tours of the inside are available, however, there’s plenty to see on the outside too! The architecture is breathtaking, and while you’ll be busy checking out all it has to offer, you can expect to see a forest full of columns and double arches, the Maqsura, the Mihrab, and the impressive choros located close to Mayor Chapel. The site of the original minaret is still accessible and is the place where the bell tower has been built. It’s possible to climb the steps to the very top where you can enjoy superb views of Cordoba. While today it is a cathedral, the roots of this magnificent mosque go back centuries, making it a popular destination among Muslim travellers. Displaying a combination of religious architectural styles, a rich history, and spectacular views, the Great Mosque of Córdoba is a beautiful landmark worth visiting, and one we recommend being part of your itinerary.
Best time to go:
Spain’s temperate climate, picturesque landscapes, and diverse terrain have made it a popular tourist destination for centuries. To ensure you make the most of your Islamic holiday, knowing when to visit is a must, especially when considering the activities you have lined up throughout your stay. Spain is a Mediterranean country with a warm and sunny climate, with temperatures ranging from cool in the winter to hot in the summer.
If you plan to lounge on the beach, then you’ll want to make sure the sun is shining bright. The best time of the year to visit is during March to May when Spring is in the air. It’s good to note that this is the peak season and many places may be crowded. However, you can expect hot sunny days and cooler nights to give you the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying the sun without it being overbearing. Summer in Spain, or during June to August can become too much for some, especially with how hot and humid it can get. For those that would prefer to enjoy the weather with more of a breeze, then Fall (September to October) offers perfect weather with it being neither too hot nor too cold, making it a much more comfortable stay.
