andalusia travel and tours background

Everything You Need to Know About Andalusia Travel

In many ways, the southern Spanish region of Andalusia is both the epitome and antithesis of what we think of when we think of Spain. No other region in the Iberian peninsula has such a rich tapestry of influences, differing landscapes and cultures. Andalusia travel is something that will incorporate a vast swathe of southern Spain. 

Andalusia runs from the Portuguese border in the west, right along to the Mediterranean coast in the east, and at its closest point, is only nine miles from the north coast of African Morocco. This geographical connection with the African continent is something that makes the Spanish region of Andalusia stand out. Andalusian history, culture, cuisine, and regional identity are very much intertwined with Moorish North Africa.

Trips through Andalusia will see you visit world-famous cities such as Málaga, Granada and its capital Seville, and the quaint and unique towns of Cádiz and Ronda. Almost contradictory to the blissful Mediterranean weather along the coastal plains, Andalusia is also home to Europe’s most southerly skiing destination, the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

Planning to Visit Andalusia?

Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Spain experience. Begin designing your journey today!

The sheer diversity of Andalusia is what makes it one of the best destinations in Spain. The perfect balance of Spanish tradition, including mountainside villages unchanged in centuries, blends seamlessly with iconic modern cities, almost defining Spain on the world stage. The true essence of Spanish culture intertwines with North African sensibilities and creates customs and traditions that are uniquely Andalusian.

Read on to see what travelling through Andalusia can bring, including the best time to go to Andalusia, how to get around Spain, Andalusian food, festivals in Andalusia, and so much more.

Post Contents

When to Go to Andalusia

Costa del sol, ronda and the white villages, how to get around during your andalusia travel, andalusian gazpacho, sample local sherry at ​​taberna la manzanilla, batalla de las flores, the seville fair, things to know before your andalusia travel, looking to visit andalucia.

Andalusia has the envious reputation of being one of the warmest regions in all of mainland Spain, and that stands throughout the year. During July, August and September, temperatures rise to around 34°C, with Seville renowned for being one of Spain’s hottest cities. 

In Andalusia, the high season falls around July and August, when vast amounts of holidaymakers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany head to the southern Andalusian coast. To avoid the huge crowds of other tourists and higher prices, it is best to avoid the high season and keep Andalusia travel to the shoulder seasons. 

The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are some of the best times to visit Andalusia. During these months, temperatures hover around the 16-20°C mark, and rainfall is far less common than at the beginning and end of the year. This balance between manageable temperatures and dry days is ideal for comfortably travelling around the region. 

Although the Spanish weather can often be predictable during the summer months, throughout the latter part of the year, as well as the beginning, rain showers can be far more unpredictable, especially around the high-altitude areas of Andalusia.

If you’re interested in travelling to Andalusia for the ski season in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the best time to visit the region is between December and April.  

Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences  

Choosing to travel Andalusia will provide you with a varied selection of experiences and many must-see Spanish destinations. From the famous Costa del Sol, and iconic cities of Seville and Cadiz, to the unassuming skiing destination of Sierra Nevada and the surrounding national parks, Andalusia has it all.

To create your own customisable travel adventure through Spain’s most southerly region, check out the Local Designers based in Spain . Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Andalusia.

The Andalusian capital of Seville is unarguably one of Spain’s most famous cities. One of the largest cities in Spain and the home of Flamenco, Seville has long been a popular post to visit in the region. Bathed in some of the best Spanish sunny weather, the city of Seville is a perfect destination to visit as the days get warmer.

The city’s sheer beauty is only enhanced by its Mudéjar architecture, a real mix of Islamic and Christain influences – and nowhere is this better seen than in Seville’s Old Town. With narrow winding streets and elegantly looking buildings, a walk through the Old Town will be a walk down the centuries in the regional capital.

Covering just two-square miles, the Old Town is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Must-see sites include the Royal Alcázars of Seville, Seville Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Seville’s stunningly beautiful Royal Alcázars is a perfect microcosm example of Andalusia’s dual heritage. This palace complex was built during the mid-13th century on top of the ruins of an Islamic alcazar, yet still retains elements of Islamic design and structure.

With majestic architecture, sun-soaked streets, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the call of Flamenco in your ears, the Andalusia capital of Seville is not to be missed. For an up-close and personal tour of Seville, take a look at this 5-Day History & Heritage tour of Andalusia .

With the name Costa del Sol, translating as the Coast of the Sun, it is no surprise that this coastal stretch of Andalusia is coveted by beach lovers the world over. This three hundred square miles stretch of southern Spanish coastline has forever been a haven for sun-seekers heading to Spain. Although the small region of the Costa del Sol is frequented by those looking for all-inclusive poolside holidays, it is also an incredible place to escape to the coast.

Playa Las Viborillas is the ideal beach along the Costa del Sol for those who wish to escape the crowds and have their own corner of paradise. Surrounded by high cliffs and lush vegetation, Playa Las Viborillas has an almost tropical feel, only increased by the many palm trees that provide ample shade from the sun.

If you’re looking for a beach with a little more atmosphere and sociable goings-on, then the Costa del Sol beach of Playa del Cable is the one for you. Known locally as Bounty Beach, Playa del Cable not only provides the sun, sea and sand during the day but also comes alive with music and gatherings well into the cool Andalusian evenings.

Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!

For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.

No visit to Andalusia would be complete with a stop off at the north Andalusian city of Córdoba. With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other city in the world, Córdoba has a bounty of must-see sights and is one of the true gems of Andalusia. 

Córdoba’s most famous and emblematic landmark is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita. First built as a mosque in the late 8th century, the building was elaborately added to over the centuries, making it one of the best examples of Islamic art in all of Spain. Like elsewhere in Andalusia, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba perfectly shows the dual culture and textured history of the region’s Catholic and Islamic past. 

During the reconquest of Spain by Christians in the 15th century, a Catholic cathedral was constructed within the mosque. Today, this makes the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba one of the only known examples of its kind.

Alongside the Mosque-Cathedral, Córdoba is also home to the La Judería, the old Jewish Quarter of Córdoba. This entire neighbourhood has UNESCO World Heritage status, and it is easy to see why. Passing through the high walls of the Almodovar Gate, you are greeted by whitewashed buildings and balconies filled with flowers. The narrow alleyway and charming street of La Calleja de las Flores are the district’s pinnacle and make for a great photo opportunity. The elegance and charm of Córdoba make it an ideal honeymoon destination , much like the rest of Andalusia travel. 

Lying in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city of Granada is another of Andalusia’s most famous cities. Unlike the sun-soaked cities of Córdoba and Seville, Granada has a cooling mountainous feel at around 2,000 feet above sea level. The combination of pristine Spanish cityscapes and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains only adds to Granada’s appeal.

One of the most popular Andalusian cities, Granada is teeming with interesting and captivating landmarks. Top of the list of Granada landmarks is the hilltop citadel of Alhambra, an Arabic word meaning ‘red castle’. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Alhambra is made up of walled palaces, rose gardens, endless fountains and ornate Islamic decorations.

Mirroring the epic Moor-built citadel of Alhambra is the Albayzín district of Granada, surrounding the base of the fortress. Practically unchanged since its medieval Islamic heyday, the mass of winding streets and whitewashed houses is a real sight. 

Throughout history, Granada was known for its huge Romani population, the majority of which settled in the Sacromonte district of the city. Here, you can visit the cave homes carved out of the rock beneath the hillside. For a real immersive experience, stay around until the evening to experience zambra performances, a form of flamenco that incorporates elements of Moorish dancing.

An often criminally overlooked destination in Andalusia is the city of Ronda . The jaw-dropping location of Ronda on the top of the sheer-sided Taro Gorge is what really makes this location one of Andalusia’s best. Walking along the Puente Nuevo bridge, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the gorge and the flowing rivers below. 

If this unique and awe-inspiring landscape wasn’t enough, Ronda is also home to the iconic White Villages. These villages have beautiful whitewashed buildings and homes, some of which are built within the mountainside. As you walk around the villages, you can take in the unusual yet idyllic sights of these villages, as well as the natural landscapes surrounding Ronda.

Located on the southwest coast of Andalusia, the city of Cádiz is one of the oldest settlements in all of western Europe. An elegant seaport surrounded by endless beaches along the sunny Costa de la Luz, Cádiz is one of Spain’s most bustling ports and houses a cosmopolitan culture. Taking a city tour of Cádiz is a fantastic way to see this ancient city, both for its historical and modern attractions.

At the very heart of Cádiz is the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, a historical square flanked by a number of bustling cafes, restaurants and pretty water jet fountains. Cádiz’s Church ofSan Juan De Dios looms over the square, only adding to the centre of the city’s beauty.

Getting around Andalusia via train is not only efficient, but it can also add a sense of adventure to your travels. The Spanish National Railways Network provides a huge network of connections between Andalusia’s major cities, and there are Regional Services between the region’s far smaller towns and villages. 

There is also the option to take a high-speed service (AVE) to and from major cities such as Cordoba, Seville and Malaga. For simplicity, you can have your Spanish Local Designer purchase your tickets and organise your rail journey without any hassle. 

Bus travel in Andalusia is one of the best ways to get around the region, as there are numerous bus companies operating in the south of Spain. Buses are often universally spacious and comfortable, providing you with the ideal transport to get from A to B. 

Travelling by bus is also helpful when you are visiting smaller towns and villages that may not have rail links between them. Throughout Andalusia’s major cities, buses run to and from many urban areas throughout the day and have a few services in the evening. 

Private Driver and Car Rentals

With well-maintained modern roads, travelling through Andalusia with a hired car is a joy. This gives you the freedom to explore the region under your own steam, but it also adds a whole new dimension to Andalusia travel.

To make things even easier, your Local Designer can organise a private driver to pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at popular landmarks and tours. Many of Designer Journey’s personalised and customised Andalusia tours offer private drivers, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the holiday.

Where to Stay In Andalusia

The Andalusian province of Málaga is an ideal place to stay, especially for those wanting a varied experience of the region. Located along Andalusia’s Costa del Sol, Málaga has a huge range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you want to spend your time on the nearby beaches or soak up the city’s rich culture and history, Málaga has it all.

The geographical location of Málaga is also ideally placed to explore Andalusia. Sitting in the very centre of the region, transport links make it easy to reach cities such as Seville to the west and Granda to the east.

The provinces and city of Seville are some of the most popular places to stay when exploring Andalusia, and as its regional capital, this comes as no surprise. As such a compact city, you are never too far away from the historic city centre. Staying in the Centro district of Seville will mean you will be within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions. 

From comfortable B&Bs, affordable hotels and luxury hotels, Seville has a great mixture of them all. As part of a Designer Journey tour of Seville , you will stay in the Las Casas de El Arenal, a fine example of 18th-century Andalusian architecture.

Settling in the city of Granada can add a whole new dimension to your Andalusia travel. Sitting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, staying in Granada during springtime can provide a welcome mountainous relief from the heat of other major cities. Besides this, accommodation in Granada is extremely verified for a relatively small city. 

You can choose to stay in the city’s historic centre, Granada’s UNESCO district of Albaicín close to the mountains or Granada’s old Jewish quarter, which is home to some of the best places to eat in Granada. This variety of places to stay makes Granada a perfect base for exploring Andalusia.

Places to Eat & Drink

When it comes to Andalusian cuisine, one dish stands out as the flag bearer for the region’s culinary identity, Andalusian Gazpacho. This cold soup is made from a blend of vegetables; traditionally, tomato, cucumbers, onion, bell peppers, garlic and olive oil. Although such as simple dish, the full flavour and cool temperature are a refreshing balm to the Andalusian sun.

Gazpacho can now be found all over Spain, yet the Andalusian Gazpacho takes pride in being the original and, some may say, the best. Whether you try the famous Andalusian Gazpacho in Seville, Granada, Cádiz or Córdoba, you will not be disappointed.

Much like Champagne in France and Port in Portugal, the Andalusian province of Cádiz is famed for its own world-famous drink, sherry – or Jerez, as the Spanish would say. This rich fortified wine has been exported across the globe, yet it is the western Andalucian city of Cádiz where the sherry must be made, protected by Spanish wine laws.

So, what better place to sample this hearty fortified wine than in the city of Cádiz ? The famous Taberna La Manzanilla in Cádiz is one of the most authentic and traditional taverns in Cádiz. Taberna La Manzanilla serves only sherry, making it the ideal place to sample this delicious wine.

Those of you with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice in Andalusia. Andalusia’s culinary link with North Africa means that many of Andalusia’s desserts are influenced by historic Arabic Spain. A perfect example of this is the Pestiño. Pestiños are sweetened wraps of dough, deep-fried and glazed with sugar. 

Pestiños are typically eaten around Christmas and Holy week but can be found across Andalucia all year round. Through any city tour of Andalusia , you will find many market stores selling these delectable desserts.

Andalusia Festivals and Special Events

The Batalla de las Flores, known in English as the Battle of the Flowers Festival, transforms the already floral cityscapes of Córdoba into a complete masterpiece of floristry. Taking place on the last week of April, the Batalla de las Flores includes a parade of fifteen floats, all of which are decorated and adorned with a multitude of flowers and floral decorations, making it a real sight for the senses.

Thousands of flowers and wreaths are thrown into the waiting crowd, whereby the crowd begins to throw them back – hence why the festival is known as the Battle of the Flowers. With such a strong focus on the blooming of flowers, it is no surprise that this traditional festival represents the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.

The Seville Fair, known locally as the ‘Feria de Abril de Sevilla’, is one of Andalusia’s most celebrated festivals. Beginning two weeks before the start of Easter, the Seville Fair originally started life as a livestock fair, where the local Andalusians would trade in cattle and horses.

Today, the Seville Fair has taken on a whole new identity, bringing the people of Seville together for a week of socialising and celebration. The festival includes many dancing performances, food stalls and a general street party atmosphere, making it an ideal time to visit Andalusia. 

Visa: Spain is part of the Schengen region, making travelling within this region very easy. If you require a Schengen visa, they are valid for 90 days. Long-term visas will be required for any foreigner who wants to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in a maximum period of 180 days, except for citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. For more information, be sure to visit Spain’s official tourism website .

Currency : As part of Europe, the currency in Spain is the Euro. At the time of writing, May 2022, 1 Euro is equal to 1.05 USD. 

Language: Part of Spain, the main language spoken throughout Andalusia is Spanish. Many will speak Andalusian Spanish, which is a regional dialect though an official version of Spanish.

Visiting Andalusia will give you a whole new appreciation for the nation of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula as a whole. The region is a real cross-section of Spanish and North African-influenced cultures. The balance between exciting modern and cultured cities such as Seville and Granda contrasts perfectly with traditional Spain’s old feel. 

A microcosm of all that is Spain can be found here; from the tourist-centred Costa del Sol beaches and the cafe and restaurant culture of Seville, right down to the untouched cave homes of the White Villages of Ronda, Andalusia is Spain.

To understand more about what this southern Spanish region can offer you, book a customisable and uniquely curated holiday through Andalusia with our Local Designers in Spain

Marta Ostoja-Kiedrzyńska

Hi! I’m Marta, a Barcelona-based travel writer, photographer, creator and spontaneous traveller. Fearlessly optimistic, I always look at the bright side of things – that is why I make a great travel companion. I love sharing travel inspiration, be it through writing or my Instagram photography. If I am not taking pictures or writing about new destinations, you will find me dreaming of new places, planning my next trips or compulsive buying plane tickets to the most remote spots on earth. I am not very keen on adventure sports but somehow I always end up rafting in rivers full of snakes or jumping out of a plane (Yikes!). Find me on Instagram for more travel inspiration!

Ultimate Travel Guide to Tuscany

Ultimate rhodes itinerary: top things to do, you may also like, spain in september.

September in Spain follows the peak season, as families travel back home for work and school you will find that Spain in September is a month of leisure and opportunity. As peak…

The Best of Greece in Summer

Trips you may like 11-Day Luxury Honeymoon: Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Santorini If you are looking for a relaxing honeymoon in Greece and to get a taste of Athens and some of…

Greece in February

10 best islands to visit in greece..., 7 italy highlights locals agree should be....

Trips you may like 5-Day Rome, Florence & Venice Getaway Embark on a getaway to three of Italy’s most-loved cities! Your Italy itinerary is 5 days from Rome to Venice, beginning in…

Greece in July

La sagrada familia: barcelona’s must-see attraction you....

Trips you may like 4-Day Whistle-Stop Barcelona On this 4-day trip, you will discover Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. This cosmopolitan, Mediterranean city is filled with Roman remains, medieval quarters and the…

Spain in August

Discover all there is to know about Spain in August and connect to one of our Local Designers to plan your trip today.

Spain in June

Why a barcelona wine tour is a....

Unlock your next trip

• How it Works
• Become a Local Designer

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Andalucia Tours & Trips

Spain has always left visitors spellbound. The country is steeped in history and culture that has inspired the world. Travel to Andalusia, explore famous sites in Granada and adventure through Moorish Spain. From the beautiful temperatures and sights to the delicious food and wine, there's so much to experience!

156 Andalucia tour packages with 1,712 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Best of Southern Spain

My husband, adult son, and I joined the tour in Granada and we had an excellent group and guide! The only issue we had was the fact that we had to do a lot of walking with our luggage as opposed to having that taken care of. There was also an issue with the bus driver Going in to Granada which delayed the group and we almost missed our Alhambra tour. But Thiago took care of us and straightened everything out. We also loved the final meal in Barcelona where we cooked our own dinner with a shirt f but Tiago took care of us and straightened everything out. We also loved the final meal in Barcelona where we cooked our own dinner with a chef from Agency about trains refugees so that they can be successful cooks in Spain. Such a great cause not to mention the food was amazing

• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

South of Spain with Lisbon

The places and hotel was good, however I did not like that we did not have the same tour guide for the entire trip. We had multiple tours join us and leave us during the tour. Also for half the tour we had to have spanish and english - which sometimes we feel the english information was way less than the spanish.

Madrid and Andalusia (6 destinations)

Overall I had an amazing time! I do think it would be beneficial to show the ages of the people signing up for the trip. In the past 2 tours of done, there have been younger people and couples. Given that I was traveling alone, it would have been great to bond with younger travelers as well. In addition, there were a couple times where some of the men on the trip commented on my looks, which made me uncomfortable. Sensitivity training may be a good idea for travelers to take as well before any trip. And lastly, the final day in sevilla, the boat cruise was honestly a waste of money, and i think it would be best to remove it from the itinerary. It’s hard to hear the recorded voice playing in the back.

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

The tour seemed well organised. Excellent driver and comfortable coach. Our guide was o.k., but gave the impression of being rather tired. All the hotels were of excellent 4 star quality and very well located. The selection of food on offer at most of the hotels was excellent, especially the breakfasts. The group meals, with no choice offered, were very basic and uninspiring. The main disappointment was in Granada, where we were told we had an organised tour of the Alhambra. HOWEVER.... our tour was only of the gardens and we weren't able to see the main reason for being there...the Alhambra Palace! Our outside tour lasted for 2 hours 40 mins. in cold, wet weather. Far too long and very boring and tiring. When I asked him why we hadn't been taken to see the Palace itself, the guide told us that it was very difficult to get tickets these days. One has to book well in advance. But at no point were we warned if this situation. If we had been told when we booked the holiday, my friend and I would have booked our own entrance ticket to the Alhambra

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Spain

This was a well run tour , we were given good information about each city and place we stayed at. Our guide was competent and informative. Viviana went out of her way to ensure we had the information to see the sights each day, The tour took us to the areas of Spain we wanted to see. In hindsight the trip to Tangiers wasn't a great day trip, it also would have been better to stay in another place not Tarifa,, it is not a great Intrepid place to go.o

From Madrid to Barcelona

For my first tour. I really enjoyed the tour. Ofelia was our tour guide and she was with us the whole time if we needed anything. It was nice having someone there with us. We really enjoyed the places that were in the itinerary and the overall experience. I would highly recommend this tour. I felt the hotels at each location were good. I would recommend doing the flamenco shows. Con: The only thing that could have been better was the food, but all the activities and accommodations were great, which made up for it.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

We signed up for an English tour and were put on an English/Spanish Tour. The whole bus was Spanish speaking people with only 4 of us English. Our first Tour Guide Alex was horrible. He totally forgot us 4 English speaking Customers. We had to beg and remind him constantly to give us info. When he did we got a very very watered down version. All the other Tour Guides were Great: Mohamed in Morocco and Felipe back in Spain. Alex actually put a Very bad taste in our mouths for Julia travel. The tour itself was Awesome and Most Amazing!

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Colors of Spain - 8 Days

Why didn’t we see a tour of olive oil and olive farming and manufacturing? Your trip overall was good but eating at Highway truck stops was awful and so was the food. How difficult would it have been to make a reservation at a real restaurant within 15 minutes of the rest stop

Andalusia with Costa del Sol and Toledo from Madrid

Group of 50 travellers was too large. The transportation was excellent, with a very comfortable bus & a great driver named Gabriel. Our guide, Ismael was very knowledgeable & friendly. The itinerary was good , with the exception of the Costa del Sol, which should be left off all future trips. Another night in Granada or somewhere else would be preferable. Opttional supplementary activities were good. Overall, good value, but I would like smaller groups of 20 or so travellers.

Discover Moorish Spain National Geographic Journeys

Lalo was fantastic!! He added so much to the trip. It would not have been as good as it was without him. He made us feel comfortable everywhere! He obtained local guides that were wonderful. THe accommodations were fine, except for the hotel in Madrid - Acta Medfor. In fact, I arrived a day early and paid for one day. Although I made my reservation two months early, they charged me 244 Euros for one night, which was outrageous as it was a much lower quality hotel. My buddy on the trip also did the same and she was only charged 130 euros. Can't figure it out but feel ripped-off. I should have stayed some place else but only stayed there for the convenience of joining the tour.

Colors of Charming Spain - 9 Days

The itinerary was excellent. The only reason we have it a 4 vs a 5 is that we paid for 1st: “superior” hotels and , a- a couple of the hotels like the Novotel and the Hilton Garden Inn did not have appropriate AC and the bathroom were not as clean as expected; and b- others that did not pay for superior rooms sometimes did stay in better hotels. The folks rating the hotels should have higher standards.

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Southern Spain: Authentic Andalusia

My first trip with G Adventures, was great. Andalusia is a unique place. Beautiful nature, friendly people and delicious food. It was lovely to be part of this hiking tour. I met amazing people from all over the world. Of course I have to mention our two sweet leaders. Irene and Daniel were super nice with great spirit. Definitely I'm doing this again.

Andalusia with Costa del Sol & Toledo

it was a Nice trip we could have used more english from guide , felt like he was just filling us in with minimum information

Essential Spain

We booked 2 back-to-back trips to Italy and Spain with Indus and we were very happy with both trips. Italy was amazing! The tour Indus ran was flawless and my companion and I really enjoyed it. Everything from the tours to the hotels and the service was top notch! It feels great to travel after 2 years. Highly recommend both Marvellous Spain and Amazing Italy trips with Indus.

Historic Tour of Muslim Spain

What people love about andalucia tours.

The itinerary was good; liked the fact that we had a lot of time on our own and that we had the same hotel at least 2 nights in a row. Did not like the fact that we had to take a public bus to our hotel with luggage in tow, and that we had to drag our luggage to various pick-up stops. We have not experienced that on prior tours. The day in Cordoba was poorly planned, leaving us no time to tour the city on our own as was promised. Otherwise everything was fine.

the tour and tour guides were great ☺️

Andalucia Tours starting in:

• Madrid (49)
• Malaga (28)
• Seville (16)
• Almeria (5)
• Group (127)
• Fully Guided (107)
• Family (95)
• Explorer (74)
• In-depth Cultural (69)
• Personalized (44)
• Coach / Bus (26)
• Private (24)
• Partially Guided (22)
• Self-Guided (22)
• Bicycle (18)
• Active (16)
• Hiking & Trekking (15)
• River Cruise (13)
• Self Drive (11)
• Intl. Flights Included (10)
• 7 Day Tours (34)
• 10 Day Tours (58)
• 2 Week Tours (10)
• 3 Week Tours (8)
• Spring 2024 (87)
• Summer 2024 (84)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (100)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (64)
• Spring 2025 (54)
• Summer 2025 (18)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (21)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (13)
• April 2024 (60)
• May 2024 (85)
• June 2024 (81)
• July 2024 (66)
• August 2024 (69)
• September 2024 (89)
• October 2024 (95)
• November 2024 (72)
• December 2024 (56)
• January 2025 (42)
• February 2025 (49)
• March 2025 (54)
• April 2025 (20)
• May 2025 (17)
• June 2025 (18)
• July 2025 (13)
• August 2025 (16)
• September 2025 (17)
• October 2025 (18)
• November 2025 (16)

Other Regions in Spain

• Southern Spain (144)
• Northern Spain (137)
• Costa Brava (75)
• Catalonia (71)
• Galicia (54)
• Balearic Islands (50)
• Canary Islands (50)
• Mallorca (40)
• Valencia Region (20)
• Tenerife (17)
• Costa Del Sol (13)
• Cantabria & Asturias (11)
• Gran Canaria (9)
• La Gomera (8)
• La Palma (5)

Travel Styles

• Budget (13)
• Luxury (10)
• Singles and Solo (102)
• For Couples (54)
• Seniors (60)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Andalusien Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Andalousie
• Español: Circuitos por Andalucía
• Nederlands: Andalusië Rondreizen

13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Andalusia

Written by Lisa Alexander , Michael Law , and Lana Law Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law spent 10 weeks touring the sights of Andalusia in 2022.

Andalusia is the Spain of the imagination, a dreamy sun-kissed land where passion, poetry, and drama collide. Fearless matadors, fabulous festivals, and foot-stomping flamenco symbolize this emblematic region. Whispering the legacy of a bygone era, crumbling Moorish castles and old Jewish quarters have a subtle seduction. Ancient mosques and synagogues were replaced with Christian churches after the Reconquest, but the romance of the past remains.

You can feel the legacy of the past while wandering the twisting medieval cobblestone streets, admiring the swirling Arabesque patterns in Islamic architecture, and listening for melancholy notes of Gypsy soul in the strumming of Spanish guitar. A stroll through almost any of Andalusia's historic towns leads to delightful discoveries of fountain-adorned squares and whitewashed houses with flower-filled patios.

Andalusia is also a place of contrasts: snowcapped mountains, lush green river valleys, and wild gorges. The dramatic scenery provides stunning backdrops for amazing sights. From the glorious cathedral of Seville to the magnificent Alhambra palace in Granada and the Great Mosque of Córdoba, Andalusia has some of the most thrilling monuments in the world .

Learn about the sightseeing highlights in this enchanting region of southern Spain with our list of the top attractions in Andalusia.

1. Seville: A Quintessential Andalusian City

2. the alhambra palace in granada, 3. córdoba and the great mosque, 4. the puente nuevo in ronda, 5. the ancient port town of malaga, 6. the pueblos blancos of andalusia (white villages), 7. marbella: a glamorous beach resort with a quaint old town, 8. andalusian traditions in jerez de la frontera, 9. renaissance architecture in úbeda, 10. historic monuments and old-world charm in baeza, map of tourist attractions in andalusia.

Romantic, dazzling, and sensual, Seville has a quintessential Andalusian character. This alluring city is one of the best places to visit in the region to experience traditional culture, including lively religious festivals and the famous flamenco dance.

Seville is also a city where you can get a feel for the joys of everyday life in Andalusia, simply by wandering the quaint cobblestone streets, relaxing in sunny plazas and taking an evening " paseo " (stroll) along with the locals. At night, the historic center is illuminated by old-fashioned street lamps, which gives it a special ambience.

The most important monument is the Seville Cathedral , which was converted from the Great Mosque and is the grandest Gothic church in Christendom . Another Moorish architectural relic is the Alcazar , with its dazzling Mudéjar decor and lavish gardens.

The medieval Barrio Santa Cruz , once the Jewish district, is a charming quarter with winding alleys and picturesque courtyards.

On a pleasant afternoon or balmy evening, the Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa is a wonderful spot to go for a walk or enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the park's canal.

The Alhambra is a masterpiece of Islamic design and one of the most visited attractions in Spain . The complex includes several splendid palaces, gorgeous landscaping, fragrant rose gardens, and lavish decorative fountains. Because of its exquisite architecture and cultural value, the Alhambra is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The Moors arrived from the deserts of North Africa (present-day Morocco and Algeria) in the 13th century, they were awestruck by the lush landscape of Granada. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains , abundant water from the Río Darro ensured rich vegetation and agriculture. The Moors built the remarkable hilltop citadel here, and overflowing fountains were placed all over the grounds as a symbol of wealth.

Granada continued to flourish as a Moorish city until the 15th century. When the Catholic Monarchs arrived to reconquer the city in 1491, Granada was the only remaining stronghold of Moorish rule in Andalusia.

The last Moorish king, Muhammad XII (known as Boabdil), capitulated by giving King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella the keys to "paradise" (Boabdil's description of the Alhambra) after the Christian Reconquista (Reconquest) was complete in 1492. As the legend goes, Boabdil wept when taking in his final glimpse of the Alhambra during his journey of departure from Spain.

Along with the Alhambra, the Albayzín (Albaicín) district shares the UNESCO World Heritage classification. This medieval Islamic town has retained its Moorish character , seen in the maze of narrow, winding pedestrian streets and clusters of quaint whitewashed houses.

Further evidence of the city's Arabic heritage is found at the Alcaicería (on Calle Alcaicería), an outdoor market that is a relic of the old Moorish bazaar, and the luxurious Hammam Al Á ndalus , traditional Arab Baths that pamper modern tourists with spa treatments.

Other must-see sights in Granada include the Renaissance Cathedral and the adjoining Capillo Real where the Catholic Monarchs are buried. High on the list of top experiences is watching authentic flamenco performed by locals in a Gypsy cave on the Sacromonte .

Córdoba is most famous for the Great Mosque, but this city offers much more for visitors, from charming narrow streets to an ambience you won't find in other Andalusian cities.

While Paris and Rome were in the Dark Ages, Córdoba was the most important city in Europe, a center of civilization where great scholars Maimonides (a Jewish philosopher) and Averroes (a Muslim philosopher) shared their ideas, and a place where the people of three religions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, lived in harmony.

Top among the must-see sights of Córdoba is the UNESCO-listed Great Mosque surrounded by several historic residential quarters. The breathtaking sanctuary exemplifies Muslim architecture with its repeated rows of arches and columns, Byzantine-style mosaics, and gilded mihrab (prayer niche). This 8th-century monument is one of the most magnificent Islamic buildings ever constructed.

The Judería (the old Jewish quarter) is an especially atmospheric neighborhood of narrow pedestrian streets, quiet squares, and charming whitewashed houses. The homes in this district are famous for their decorative patios, adorned with colorful potted flowers.

During May, the town of Córdoba celebrates the Fiesta de los Patios , a highly anticipated festival with a competition for the most beautiful patio.

In a spine-tingling setting, Ronda offers dramatic views and wild scenery . Built above a steep ravine (El Tajo) crossed by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), this spectacular Pueblo Blanco features whitewashed houses clinging to the edge of a cliff top.

Proud of its traditional Andalusian culture, Ronda has the second-oldest bullring in Spain. The Plaza de Toros is still used once a year for the Goyesque bullfight (during the Feria de Pedro Romero , a festival that takes place the first week of September). The festival also includes a parade of women wearing flamboyant costumes of the late 18th century, the era of Francisco de la Goya.

Ronda has a special beauty and romantic charm. Enjoy exploring the atmospheric cobblestone streets of La Cuidad , Ronda's old Moorish town, which has many historic mansions and palaces.

On sunny days, Ronda's parks are the ideal place to stroll tree-lined paths and relax in the shade. The Alameda del Tajo and Alameda de José Antonio parks both offer striking panoramic views of the landscape.

Providing another angle of Ronda's heritage, the Museo del Bandolero (Bandit Museum) illustrates the history of those daring, infamous anti-heros of the region.

Malaga is an ancient Mediterranean port town and has the weathered fortresses to prove it. Standing on a hilltop overlooking the bay, the old Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro castles watch over the harbor action and offer splendid coastal views.

Among the endless stretch of Costa del Sol beach resorts, Malaga is an anomaly because it is a real working city. Although this pleasant seaside town does have a fabulous sandy beach, the Playa de la Malagueta , sightseeing rather than sunbathing is the main draw for visiting Malaga.

With plenty of cultural sites and historic monuments to explore, travelers can easily keep busy here for a few days. The long list of tourist attractions in Malaga includes ancient ruins, the 16th-century Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación , beautiful gardens, and a fantastic Picasso Museum , as well as dozens of other excellent museums.

The medieval Old Town of Malaga is especially delightful. While exploring this maze of narrow pedestrian streets, visitors will find inviting little boutiques and hidden plazas filled with outdoor cafés and al fresco dining terraces.

Another favorite spot is the harbor, which is a great place for a leisurely stroll or to dine at one of the waterside restaurants.

The Pueblos Blancos are enchanting, off-the-beaten-track tourist destinations in Las Alpujarras , the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada, and in the Sierra de Grazalema and the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.

Driving or long-distance hiking is the only way to arrive at these remote hilltop villages, but it's worth making the detour or even a multiple-day itinerary through Andalusia's most undiscovered and unspoiled area.

Full of old Moorish ambience, the Pueblos Blancos are characterized by their simple whitewashed houses. The architectural style is influenced by the Berber aesthetic of the Moors who hailed from North Africa.

Adding to the charm are the vibrant potted flowers, narrow cobblestone lanes, and lovely churches. Most of the villages are clustered on hillsides with marvelous views of the snowcapped mountains and verdant valleys.

The gateway to the Pueblos Blancos is Arcos de la Frontera , with its glowing white buildings arranged in a semicircle on a cliff top. Ronda is the most dramatic of Andalusia's whitewashed villages, famous for bullfighting, as well as awe-inspiring scenery.

One of the prettiest of the villages is Grazalema , a high-mountain town nestled in a valley and surrounded by a spectacular natural park.

Along the Costa del Sol , the glamorous resort town of Marbella is prized for its stunning seaside scenery, palm-lined promenades, and sandy beaches along a 27-kilometer shoreline. As an upscale vacation town, Marbella has plenty of golf courses and private clubs that cater to a discerning clientele.

For a fashionable dining scene, head to the Puerto Banús , a gorgeous marina where many fancy yachts are docked. The port area also has many trendy restaurants and designer boutiques.

For beachside meals, the Playa de Alicante offers great choices. The closest beach to Marbella's city center is the Playa La Fontanilla , just a short walk from the Old Town.

More than just a beach destination, Marbella has interesting cultural attractions. The perfectly manicured Old Town ( Casco Antiguo ) is an enchanting Moorish village with flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses and charming cobblestone lanes.

Hidden throughout the pedestrian streets and alleyways are exquisite little churches and quiet courtyards with sidewalk cafés. At the heart of the Old Town, the Plaza de los Naranjos is a lovely square shaded by orange trees and filled with restaurant terraces.

Other things to do in Marbella's Old Town include shopping at stylish boutiques, visiting museums, and admiring historic churches. The renowned Spanish Contemporary Engravings Museum displays works by Goya, Picasso, and Miró, among others.

The Municipal Collection of Archaeology is found at the pleasant Plaza del Altamirano . On this charming square, the tables from two restaurants spill out onto the cobblestone outdoor patio space. It's an inviting spot to dine al fresco during summertime.

The most noteworthy churches are the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación , built on the site of a former mosque, and the Iglesia del Santo Cristo , built in the 16th century.

Jerez de la Frontera (35 kilometers from Cádiz) is a refined aristocratic town famous for its Andalusian pedigree horses and traditional equestrian shows.

In an elegant building on the Avenida de Duque de Abrantes, the Fundación Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation) stages the popular show titled Cómo Bailan los Caballos Andaluces (How the Andalusian Horses Dance), an equestrian ballet in the Andalusian style of the 18th century.

The Feria del Caballo (Jerez Horse Fair), held annually in May at the Parque González Hontoria, showcases the town's prestigious pedigreed horses. Visitors will appreciate the food stands, dance competitions, and children's activities at this lively event.

Jerez de la Frontera is also known for the traditional Andalusian art of flamenco dancing and cante jondo (deep song), a dramatic and evocative style of Gypsy singing. The Centro Andaluz de Documentación del Flamenco educates visitors about the various forms of flamenco singing, guitar, and dance, through videos, documents, and descriptions of historical figures.

The annual Festival de Jerez stages traditional, as well as avant-garde, flamenco performances of an exceptional caliber at the Teatro Villamarta and other venues.

Amid picturesque olive plantations, this UNESCO-listed historic town of Úbeda is renowned for its Renaissance architecture. The central feature of the Casco Antiguo (Old Town) is the pedestrian-only Plaza de Vázquez de Molina , graced by the 16th-century Sacra Capilla del Salvador del Mundo.

With its richly sculpted Plateresque facade and Italian Renaissance-style domed interior, the Sacra Capilla del Salvador del Mundo stands out as one of the most emblematic landmarks in Úbeda. The chapel contains noteworthy artworks including the Transfiguration of Christ altarpiece by Alonso Berruguete. You may visit the chapel, which is open daily year-round; entrance requires an admission fee.

Excellent accommodations are found on the Plaza de Vázquez de Molina square at the four-star Parador de Úbeda , which occupies a 16th-century Renaissance palace featuring a typical Andalusian courtyard and traditional decor. The Parador de Úbeda has a fine-dining restaurant that serves regional cuisine.

Near Úbeda is Baeza (about 10 kilometers away), another UNESCO-listed city with marvelous Renaissance buildings, and Cazorla (about 45 kilometers from Úbeda), dominated by an ancient castle.

Cazorla is the main town of the Sierra de Cazorla mountain range and is a good base for hikes or climbs into the Parque Natural Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas nature reserve, a ravishing landscape of rivers, waterfalls, forests, and canyons.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Úbeda (10 kilometers away), Baeza boasts an ancient Roman, Moorish, and Christian heritage. Rolling hills, olive groves, and fields of corn surround the town, which has retained an old-world ambience in its cobblestone streets and elegant squares.

In the 16th century, Baeza became an important trading center and university town. The town's wealthy past is seen in the handsome old houses and noble mansions, as well as its Renaissance cathedral, the Catedral de Baeza on the Plaza de Santa María, built in the 16th century on the site of a demolished mosque.

The spacious Paseo de la Constitución in the center of Baeza is lined with impressive 17th-century mansions. The Plaza de los Leones at the west end of the Paseo de la Constitución was named after the fountain in the center of the square that incorporates four figures of lions from the Roman site of Cástulo.

History abounds in Cadiz, long considered the most ancient city in Western Europe. With its mix of beaches and history, most people fall under the spell of Cadiz's charms in very short order.

Miles and miles of sand stretch southwards from the city; some of the best beaches in Spain , are found here. Set up your towel and umbrella at Playa de la Victoria and soak up the scene, or for a bit of luxury rent a sun lounger at a beach restaurant and have your drinks and food hand-delivered to you.

The Old Town is a delight to wander around and get lost in its warren of narrow streets and alleys. Historical buildings house small restaurants serving up fine Andalusian cuisine while others house eclectic and interesting shops. Not to be missed is Cadiz Cathedral and the lively plaza out in front along with Plaza de San Juan de Dios near the cruise port.

Jaén enjoys an idyllic natural setting at the foot of the Sierra de Jabalcuz and Sierra de la Pandera mountains, where the rolling hills are covered with expansive olive groves.

Steeped in history, Jaén originated as a walled Carthaginian town, and during Roman times was an area of silver mining. In the Moorish era, Jaén was the capital of the Islamic Kingdom of Jayyan, which was reconquered by Christian armies in 1492.

Must-see attractions are the UNESCO-listed Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Asunción de la Virgen , a remarkable Renaissance cathedral, and the renovated Arab Baths building that now houses the Manuel Moral International Museum of Naïf Art .

The most prominent site of Jaén is the majestic 13th-century Castillo de Santa Catalina , perched on a rocky hilltop. This old Moorish stronghold was captured in 1246 by King Ferdinand III.

Beautifully restored, the Castillo de Santa Catalina has been converted into a four-star luxury hotel, the Parador de Jaén with a swimming pool and luxuriant garden. Guest rooms feature traditional Andalusian decor and panoramic views of the landscape. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant serves regional cuisine including specialties such as Pipirrana (mixed vegetable salad) and Ensalada de Perdiz ( partridge with salad).

Located at the far southern tip of Andalusia, Tarifa is a fun and funky town that attracts a diverse and interesting crowd.

It has long been a destination for wind sport enthusiasts for its consistent and strong breezes, and the youthful vibe makes the place lively and enjoyable. Beaches both in town and down the way are some of the most beautiful in Spain. The spectacular Playa Valdevaqueros has golden sands, crystalline waters, and to top it all off, a huge sand dune at one end. Come here to be amazed by the sea of kiteboarders racing across the waters on a windy day.

Tarifa has a small and compact Old Town jammed full of great restaurants with patios full of tourists and locals enjoying the warm evenings. Check out Silos 19 for their exceptionally prepared duck dishes.

Camping is a popular and affordable pastime here and a string of delightful campgrounds are set just back from the beach.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Best of Spain: Andalusia may be the most emblematic region of Spain, but there are so many other must-see destinations throughout the country. For vacation-planning ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to visit in Spain . Beach lovers planning a summer holiday should read our list of the best beaches in Spain to decide on the ideal seaside locale.

More on Spain

• 1 Provinces
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Climate
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 7 Get around
• 13 Stay safe

Andalusia ( Spanish : Andalucía ) is the southern part of Spain . It has a heritage back to the Roman Empire , and a diverse scenery of deserts, beaches along the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz and the Sierra Nevada range, with Iberia's tallest mountains, and Europe's southernmost ski resorts.

Andalusia encompasses an area of 87,268 km 2 with 8.4 million inhabitants. To the south in the Province of Cadiz at the very tip of Spain lies the British overseas territory of Gibraltar where it is separate from North Africa by just a few miles.

Provinces [ edit ]

Andalusia is divided into eight provinces, each having the same name as its respective provincial capital city.

Cities [ edit ]

• 37.377222 -5.986944 1 Seville — the heart of flamenco, the capital and largest city of Andalusia
• 36.84153 -2.4746 2 Almería — lots of medieval remains and fortresses
• 36.516385 -6.23 3 Cádiz — the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula and possibly of all of southwestern Europe
• 37.89158 -4.8195 4 Córdoba — used to be the capital of an Islamic caliphate in the Middle Ages
• 37.178056 -3.600833 5 Granada — home to the magnificent La Alhambra Palace
• 37.270866 -6.9572 6 Huelva — a maritime port town with the oldest football club of Spain
• 37.771784 -3.78863 7 Jaén — the world's capital of olive oil and a booming cultural tourism destination
• 36.719444 -4.42 8 Málaga — a large harbour city right on the Costa del Sol
• 36.50083 -4.935 9 Marbella — wealthy resort town on the Costa del Sol

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 36.740634 -5.17566 1 Ronda — a beautiful town with an impressive bridge along the deep gorge
• 38.011667 -3.371667 2 Úbeda — a Renaissance monumental town of many hills included in UNESCO's World Heritage List
• 36.7222 -2.19394 3 Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park — Andalusia's largest coastal protected area, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe's oldest geological features
• 37.00505 -3.99295 4 Alhama de Granada — an old spa village above a gorge
• 37.444275 -2.821 5 Baza Natural Park — 53,649 hectares of Natural Park
• 36.79 -4.48 6 Costa del Sol — sunny beaches and beautiful villages along Spain's southern coast
• 36.625955 -5.17298 7 Júzcar — a small village painted Smurf blue for 2011 movie Smurfs II .
• 36.951155 -3.390546 8 La Alpujarra — a mountainous district south of the Sierra Nevada
• 37.05 -3.3 9 Sierra Nevada — the highest mountains in the Iberian Peninsula, excelling for skiing and hiking

Understand [ edit ]

Andalusia has a rich Moorish heritage , including many fantastic examples of Moorish architecture which were built during the eight centuries when Andalusia, as Al-Andalus , was the centre of the Arab population in the Iberian peninsular. The Moorish rule effectively ended in 1492AD when the Christians recaptured Granada .

Nowadays, the region is a very popular tourist destination with a lot of British and German package holidayers coming to stay in the concrete resorts on the Costa del Sol. But if you stay away from the concrete resorts you will find lots of culture, amazing scenery and great food.

Climate [ edit ]

Andalusía has a Mediterranean climate with hot, arid summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Temperatures often surpass 35°C in the summer and average 10.5°C in January and February, the coolest months. Spring warms up gradually, and days in which it is possible to comfortably sunbathe can show up as early as May. Autumn experiences warm temperatures in September, that can possibly extend into October. The region is overall quite sunny, amongst the sunniest in Europe after regions of Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Talk [ edit ]

Like most of the rest of Spain, Andalusia's main language is Spanish .

Get in [ edit ]

Major airports: Seville (Sevilla), Malaga, Almeria, Jerez de la Frontera.

By car [ edit ]

The main road routes into Andalusia are

By plane [ edit ]

Malaga has the third biggest international airport in Spain, which a lot of discount airlines fly to. From Malaga, the A-7 E-15 motorway runs westwards along the coast to Gibraltar and eastwards to Almeria and beyond. To head north from Malaga, the A-45 motorway runs to Cordoba . There are also airports in Sevilla , Jerez de la Frontera , Granada and Almeria

By train [ edit ]

Spain's railway network is not as developed as those of many other European countries, but Algeciras , Almeria , Cadiz , Granada , Huelva , Jaén , Malaga , Cordoba and Sevilla are all served by regular train services. Spain's highspeed AVE network connects Malaga, Cordoba and Sevilla to Madrid. Some of the other smaller towns are served by less frequent services, see individual city guides for further details. For more info, see the RENFE website .

Get around [ edit ]

Bus services around Andalusia are provided by

• Alsina Graells [dead link]

See [ edit ]

• Moorish architecture in Granada , including the Alhambra.
• Lake Negratin is situated at the foothills of Mount Jabalcón. As one of Europes largest lakes, it really is worth seeing not least for the most magnificent lunar-landscape that surrounds it. The rock formations and the colours it produces during different times of the day can be likened to those of the Grand Canyon. There is a manmade beach where you can laze the day away, a number of restaurants dotted round the lake and on a nice day you can swim or take out a pedalo boat, which might lead you to pink flamingos and various other wildlife.
• Seron is nestled on the lower slopes of the Sierra de los Filabres and is a picturesque town that cascades down the hillside. Dominated by its Castle, which sits at the very top, Seron is famous for its ham and provides a more traditional experience of Andalusian life. It is a beautiful location to start your exploration of the Filabres, or visit at the right time of year and you might find yourself submerged in a vibrant fiesta.
• Las Menas , an old mining village abandoned thirty years ago, makes an interesting stop in the Sierra de los Filabres. You can investigate old ruins crumbling amidst the most breathtaking countryside, stop for coffee and cake at the hotel and even camp for the night.
• Las Sierras de Cazorla y Segura
• Marismas del Odiel
• Sierra Nevada
• Sierra de las Nieves y su Entorno
• Cabo de Gata-Nijar
• Las Dehesas de Sierra Morena
• Intercontinental Biospehere Reserve of the Mediterranean

Do [ edit ]

• Andaventur Granada Adventure Company . Outdoor sports in the Sierra Nevada National park and Granada province, Tandem paraglider flights, Canyoning, Hiking, Ski, Rock Climbing, Horse riding.  
• Long clean beaches on the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz .
• Walking and hiking in the Sierra Nevada
• Rock Climbing Company , ☏ +34 952 742 962 , +44 1492 641430 . High quality rock climbing and scrambling courses in Andalusia. Courses based in Malaga province both on the coast and also inland near to the El Chorro gorge.  
• Windsurfing and Kiting in Tarifa Spains southern tip
• Horse riding and Spain go hand-in-hand and with such spectacular mountain ranges at your disposal as the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra Hills; you have a feast of beautiful Andalusian trekking land to indulge in astride your faithful friend. There are several stables situated in these areas and all offer the option to ride for an hour, a day or even as long as 7 nights. Accommodation and food are included in prices and the whole experience offers a unique way to see this amazing part of Spain. Prices vary from €25 to €1200 and there are so many options to choose from that you will undoubtedly find something to suit your level and requirements.
• Flamenco is the all-Andlusian art with a history stretching back over 3,000 years. The Museo del Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum) is the ideal place to learn more about this phenomenon. Shows are offered on Friday and Saturday nights at 19:30, too.

Events [ edit ]

• Andalusia day ( Día de Andalucía ): 28 February annually. Commemorates the February 28, 1980 referendum on the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia, in which Andalusians achieved recognition for an autonomous region within the state of Spain.

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

Andalusia is a very safe region; cities and villages alike are safe if you are smart and don't do anything stupid. However, places like Malaga, Marbella, and Fuengirola attract millions of tourists yearly, and sadly, some end up partying like animals.

In Granada, it is advisable to avoid women offering plants (usually heather). They will offer you a plant for free, and then when you accept it, they will read your palm and demand money. If you refuse to give it to them, they may start screaming at you, and you will generally want to avoid this situation. Aside from this, the area is usually very safe, but one should still take the usual precautions, especially in Malaga, Seville, etc.

While parts of the Andalusian coast have made headlines for scenes of migrant boats landing on beaches, they are not as frequent as the media might suggest, and most of the time, migrants tend to stick to themselves if left alone.

Go next [ edit ]

• Alentejo — sparsely populated region in Portugal 's southern plains
• Algarve — popular beach and resort region in southern Portugal

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Has Geo parameter
• Articles Geo different to Wikidata
• All destination articles
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

In partnership with SSA Education Abroad

• Watch the Alandis Travel introduction
• Reach out to us at [email protected]

Spanish Tour Programs

Andalusia cultural tour: highlights of southern spain.

• Spain , Art & Literature , Historically Relevant , Monuments , People, Culture & Traditions , UNESCO Heritage Site

Up to 4 miles / day

Tour overview.

Program activities, schedules and personnel may change due to local circumstances.

In such an event, we will inform you as quickly as possible.

Arrive in Malaga, Orientation & Welcome Dinner. (D)

Lecture on introduction to andalusia, city centre walking tour, picasso museum (b), ronda walking tour, ronda´s bullring, winery visit and tasting (b, l), transfer to granada, alcazaba, roman theater, lecture on moorish spain (b), albayzin & royal chapel, flamenco show (b), alhambra & generalife gardens, independent exploration (b), transfer to sevilla, cordoba great mosque & synagogue (b, l), lecture on seville´s golden age, cathedral, alcazar royal palace, jewish quarter walking tour (b), fine arts museum, olive oil mill visit and tasting, independent exploration (b), itálica, cooking class & farewell paella lunch (b, l), end of program (b).

Overnight: Malaga

The tour coordinator will greet everyone and we will review the program schedule, emergency procedures and answer questions. After orientation, we will set out with our tour coordinator to take a walk and explore the area around the hotel. At a restaurant, we´ll enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu.

After breakfast, an expert will join us to give a presentation on Andalusia. We will learn about the different cultures that have influenced the shape of this region throughout history.  Then, we will meet a local expert for a walk to the Historic Old Town to learn more about the history of this magnificent city. 

In the afternoon, we will depart from the hotel by private bus towards the Picasso Museum to meet a local guide who will lead our visit to the museum.

After breakfast, we will set out with a local expert for a day trip to Ronda. Upon arrival, we will visit the oldest bullring in Spain and the three main bridges that cross the famous gorge under the guidance of a local guide. During the walk, we will also learn about the unique role Ronda played during Spain’s Civil War. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, on our journey back to Malaga, we will stop at a winery where we will enjoy an expert-led visit and a wine tasting session. Then, we will continue to Malaga, expecting to arrive late in the afternoon.

Overnight: Granada

Breakfast at hotel. After check-out, we will meet a local expert who will accompany us to the Alcazaba. This fortress palace dates back to the Muslim period and it is one of the most visited historical monuments in Malaga. We will then visit the Roman Theater, built in the first century A.D. Afterwards, we will begin our transfer by private bus to Granada. 

After checking in at the hotel and settling into our rooms, a local expert will join us at the hotel meeting room for a presentation on Moorish Spain and its influences.

After breakfast, we will meet a local expert for a walk through the Albayzin, with its well-preserved Moorish streets. The Albayzin is Granada’s oldest Arab district, located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. Afterwards, we will walk with the same expert on a field trip towards the Royal Chapel, the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

In the afternoon, after enjoying some free time for independent exploration, we will depart by bus to a local “tablao” for a special flamenco music and dance show.

After breakfast, we will spend the morning at the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens with a local expert. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most significant examples of Islamic art.

Then, we will have free time to explore the city and our tour coordinator will be happy to offer suggestions.

Overnight: Seville

After check-out, we will be transferred by private bus to Seville. On route, we will stop in Cordova, crossroads of civilizations and the mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. While here, we’ll enjoy expert-led explorations of the Great Mosque and Cathedral, and one of the last-standing ancient synagogues in Spain. Afterwards, at a local restaurant, we will enjoy a delicious set menu. Then, we will continue to Seville, expecting to arrive in the late afternoon.

After checking in at the hotel and settling into our rooms, we will have an orientation walk.

After breakfast, we will walk to Alandis Travel headquarters, an 18th century old mansion, where we will be joined by a local expert who will give us a presentation on the 16th and 17th centuries in Seville.  Then, we will meet with a local guide who will lead us inside the Cathedral, one of the world´s largest and most packed with historic treasures and art.

In the afternoon, we will meet with a local expert who will accompany us to the extraordinary Alcazar Royal Palace and lead us in our visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we will walk around Seville’s oldest neighborhood and former Jewish quarter, the Barrio of Santa Cruz .

We will depart for a walk with our tour coordinator to the extraordinary Fine Arts Museum where we will meet a local expert who will show us the brilliant works of 17th century Spanish Masters of Art such as Velazquez, Zurbaran, and Murillo. Then, we will depart by private bus to spend the rest of the morning visiting an Olive Oil Mill. An expert will give us a lecture on the production of the “golden liquid” of Spain and we will have an oil tasting session.

Then, we will return to Seville and we will have the rest of the day free to explore the city, for which our Tour Coordinator will be happy to offer suggestions.

We will depart by private bus to the Roman ruins of Italica, birthplace of two Roman emperors, for an expert-led visit with a local historian. Afterwards, we will return to Seville to have a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. We will learn about the most popular traditional Spanish dish, Paella, and how to cook it. After enjoying the meal we cooked, we will have free time to pack, explore or just relax.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport at a designated time.

Tour Inclusions

• Bilingual Staff
• Expert Tour Coordinator during the entire program
• Expert Local Guides for each visit
• Local Experts for each lecture
• Private ground transportation
• Entrance fees to Picasso Museum, Ronda Bullring, Alcazaba, Roman Theater, Granada Royal Chapel, Alhambra, Cordova Great Mosque, Synagogue, Seville's Cathedral, Seville's Alcazar Royal Palace, Italica, Fine Arts Museum
• Enriching Experiences: Olive Oil Mill visit and tasting, Winery visit and tasting, Hands-on cooking class, Flamenco performance
• 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
• Accommodation in 4* hotel at city center
• Worldwide Health Insurance for the duration of the entire program
• Tips are included throughout the program

Tour Pricing

Price per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $760.

For a minimum of 15 pax.

Additional Experiences

Customize your trip according to your interests by adding any of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Madinat al-Zahra Tour

Guitar making workshop.

Ceramic Painting Workshop

Day Trip to Ronda

Monastery of la cartuja, request more info.

Calle Harinas, 18. Sevilla, 41001. Spain

(US) +1 646 504 2897 (ES) +34 650 749 180

[email protected]

Connect with us

Seals of quality.

Alandis Travel

• About our company
• News, Guides & Travel Resources
• Experiences
• Tailor-made Programs
• COVID-19 Restrictions
• Press Package

Programs for you

• Universities
• High Schools
• Group Travel for Adults
• Guided Tours of Spain
• Guided Tours of Cuba
• Guided Tours of Puerto Rico

Tours by Theme

• Architecture
• Art & Literature
• Food & Wine
• Hands-on Experiences
• Hiking & Outdoors
• Historical Relevance
• Nature & Wildlife
• People, Culture & Traditions
• Social Projects
• UNESCO Heritage Sites

©2024 Alandis Travel | Wholesale Tour Operator & Study Abroad Company in Spain, Cuba & Puerto Rico | All Rights Reserved.

Receive your brochure

Where should we send you the brochure?

Beautiful Things to do in Andalusia, Spain

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 14, 2024

From the classic Alhambra to ‘Fifty Shades of Pink’, there are plenty of reasons to visit Andalusia Spain. Andalusia is such a magical place to me. It was the first Light & Land Tour I attended as a client in 1999 with landscape photographer Charlie Waite. From this moment on, I was lured to Andalusia and photography.

Travel to Andalusia – A Magical Photo Journey

All Andalusia Travel photos by Peter Hendrie if you’d like to photograph Andalusia, check out his upcoming photo tours

Now I lead this tour to Andalusia every February in search of the hectares and hectares of almond blossom in various shades of pink that line the steep-sided hills on the eastern foothills of the snow-capped Sierras Nevada mountain range.

There’s plenty more to enjoy about Andalusia.

1. Exploring the Alhambra – Granada

Known around the world, the Alhambra is the jewel in the crown of any visit to Andalusia. With the complete Arabic name as Qalat Al-Hamra, this a palace and fortress complex located in Granada.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, it’s easy to understand the draw that this place has on us all.

Considering the palace was built during the middle of the 13th century, its beauty remains remarkably intact. You have to marvel at the buildings’ intricate designs, detailed mosaics and hand-carved cedar panels.

Constructed by the Arabs as a stronghold, the Alhambra sits in a hillside location overlooking the Spanish city of Granada, with unforgettable views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the rolling hills of the Andalusian countryside. Read more: 26 Best Things to do in Granada, Spain

2. Witnessing the Almond Blossom

I’ve been lucky enough to visit and photograph some of the most amazing places around the globe, but nothing quite prepares the mind for the sways of shades of white and pink blossom that cascade down the hillside in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Alpujarras region of Andalusia.

‘Fifty Shades of Pink’ pretty well sum up the feelings you get as you immerse yourself into the curves and crevasses, exploring grove after grove along the width and breadth of Las Alpujarras.

These blossoms offer up some fantastic photographic possibilities.

3. Whitewashed hilltop villages

Cast your mind back far enough to the era of the Spaghetti Westerns with those small villages that film directors would have you believe were filmed in the USA.

They were actually often filmed along the Alpujarras and Almeria in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, not in Mexico or the States as you would have imagined.

Andalusia in one of the few places in the world where you can find such villages hugging the hillside like limpets to rocks, often perched precariously high up on outcrops.

Perhaps the most picturesque villages are the famous trio of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira that cling, one close above the other, to the slopes of the Poqueira Valley.

When the sun’s rays strikes the rooftops of Capileira mid-morning, the village illuminates the valley beneath the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

4. High-altitude ham and other top grub

At over 4,840 feet above sea level, Trevélez is the highest village in Europe, overhanging a fast-flowing river and plunging mountain valley with panoramic views across the valley and the sea beyond.

Trevélez is famous throughout Spain for its superb mountain air-cured hams, or Jamón Serrano.

Spain has developed an incredible reputation for food over the years, and you can expect tasty discoveries across Andalusia.

Other notable dishes to try here include gazpacho, Gambas al Ajillo (prawns with garlic and chilli oil) and fried fish, but there are plenty more, alongside wines, notably the wines of Jerez, including sherry. Read more Spanish Food: 17 Spanish Dishes to Try in Spain or at Home

Looking for other places to visit in Spain – Read about Barcelona at Night

5. Peace, quiet and lots of space

The Bohemian town of Orgiva, the base for Light & Land’s tour, nestles in the fertile valley of the Guadalfeo River.

Orgiva is 20 kilometers from Capileira and is the largest town of Las Alpujarras. This laidback town is a draw for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern day life.

It’s truly relaxing to spend time here.

6. Marbella

7. National Parks and Villages

There are plenty of other ways to relax in Andalusia’s landscapes. Much of the land across Andalucia is protected as a national park or natural reserve. Large sections of the coast remain unspoilt, with peaceful beaches waiting to be walked on or photographed.

There are also plenty of quiet rural villages where the farming lifestyle appears much the same as it probably has been for decades, if not centuries.

If space, peace and quiet appeal to you, you’ll find plenty of it in Andalusia.

Going to Spain? Read more about these Spanish Cities

• Toledo, Beautiful Spanish History Awaits
• Cuenca and the Casas Colgadas
• 15 Free Things to do in Seville, Spain
• Camping in Spain: Everything You Need to Know
• Via Ferrata, Spain – Take your adventure to New Heights

Read More about another Spanish Cit ies

• A Local’s Guide to What to do in Barcelona at Night
• 26 of the Best Places to Visit in Barcelona
• Where to Stay in Barcelona
• Gaudi in Barcelona – 13 Must-See Architectural Wonders
• The 16 Most Romantic Cities on Earth

Author Bio:

Peter Hendrie leads Andalusia travel photography tours every February and shares his reasons for why you should visit Andalusia and fall in love with this magical Southern region of Spain .

Peter Hendrie will be guiding an “Almond Blossom and Architecture of Andalucia” photography workshop in Andalucia from Feb 09-13, 2018. For details, see Light and Land Photography Tours

Later in the year, he’ll be leading workshops in Exmoor, including Astrophotography and Coasts & Rivers. See More at Peter Hendrie Tours  For more on Peter’s photography, see his gallery at PenterHendriePhotography.com

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

26 Best Things To Do In Spain In 2024

19 Amazing Things To Do In Malaga, Spain In 2024

Where to Stay in Madrid: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

16 thoughts on “Beautiful Things to do in Andalusia, Spain”

Great post, am really excited as we’ve got an upcoming visit in June and the Alhambra is definitely top of the list! Very intrigued by the Almond Blossoms too, never knew about that!

Hey..your blog is very amazing, I love to visit everyday..

Andalusia is an incredible place to discover on Iberian Peninsula. It boasts finest Islamic style of architecture, your post is informative throws light on new areas. Genuinely helpful for everyone.

This is not the first of your posts I’ve read, and you never cease to amaze me. Thank you, and I look forward to reading more.

Love the article, Spain is a beautiful country – the people and the landscapes. Nice photographs. I try to visit Spain @ least once a year to explore the country. Keep up the good work and articles

Resourceful article and pictures are really wonderful, thanks for sharing the most intriguing experience. Al Hambra is the fantastic place to explore. I have great interest in historical places. I may visit Andalusia this year.

Andalusia is absolutely fabulous! Excellent pictures. Thank you so much for sharing it.

It is greate places as I like the see in photos. I wish to be there 🙂

Wow! What an explanation about Andalusia. Keep it up, Peter!

I just loved your pictures of andalusia thanks for sharing the article

I loved the article since I started my blog focusing mainly on travel, I drop by your blog almost every day. Your post gave me opportunity to look back on my stay in overseas for working and studying.Thank you for writing this. One of my favorite posts since I started following

Great place! Dream place! Thank you for those beautiful images and tips!

Andalusia is absolutely fabulous!! All great places to go! Looking awesome photos in your post! Thank you so much for sharing this great information..

I loved ANdalisia! So different, relaxed, delicious food! IF i meet some spanish guy I want to live there 😛

Amazing photos, very good photos, useful information. I have never been in Spain. Now it is on my list. Thanks for sharing!

this is extremely beautiful and amazing thanks for sharing the article

Andalusia Road Trip: The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Andalusia: one of the most heart-stoppingly beautiful regions in all of Spain . There’s nothing better than driving along the meandering mountain roads between hilltop castles and stopping at beautiful white villages for mouthwatering tapas along the way. The landscapes are iconic; sweeping olive groves cross the open valleys, dotted with orange trees that overlook white sandy beaches in the distance. From charming pueblos to historic cities, discover the best places with this ultimate 2-week Andalusia road trip!

Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary

Andalusia is one of the greatest places to road trip. The drives are beautiful, crossing a diverse range of landscapes—between canyons, under viaducts, and on coastal roads. Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to see all the charming white villages of Andalusia that sit among the hilltops, as well as the most famous cities and beaches in Spain.

Whether it’s action or relaxation, there’s something for every type of traveler on this 2-week road trip itinerary (best done by car for ultimate freedom). 

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 1 – 2: Seville

On day 1 of your Andalusia road trip, begin in one of the most stunning cities in Spain: Seville. This city is famous for the Alcazar, an incredible Moorish palace with the most intricate details and beautiful gardens.

This is your first glimpse of the Moorish history in Spain, an Islamic reign that lasted hundreds of years from the 8th until the 15th century before the country was reconquered by the Christians. This part of history lives on in the architecture seen all around Spanish cities, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia. 

Here are all your hotel options in Seville.

You’ll also notice this architecture at Seville Cathedral, which still looks more like a mosque than a church. It’s also possible to climb the bell tower (minaret) for the most beautiful panoramic views over the city. 

Read: 14 Best Things to do in Seville

Aside from learning about the rich history of Seville, it’s a beautiful city to wander and explore. Everywhere you go, you’ll smell the strong scent of Sevillan oranges among the trees, hear the sound of flamenco dancing, and see the traditional Andalusian courtyards with their gorgeous tilework and fountains.  

Tip: Seville is well-connected to other major cities in Spain, like Barcelona or Madrid , so you can arrive in the city by train if traveling from an international airport.

Where to Stay in Seville

If you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend booking a hotel with a rooftop pool and aircon to escape the heat in the afternoons when temperatures can reach upwards of 40°C (104°F). The more modern hotels with these amenities are just outside of the center.

Hotels in Seville 😴

If a pool isn’t essential for you, look for a traditional boutique hotel in the historic center of Seville, which normally have the traditional inner courtyards and Moorish architectural details.

Day 3: Cordoba  

Wonderful Cordoba: the city of flowers! This city might be small, but it’s perfect as a stopover on your Andalusia road trip. One day is the ideal amount of time to wander the beautiful streets, admiring the many patios (courtyards) filled with vibrant-colored flowers and blue ceramic pots.

Here are all your hotel options in Cordoba.

If you’re visiting in May, watch the city come alive during the Festival de los Patios, a competition for the best florally-decorated courtyard in the city! In fact, this festival is so important that it’s been classified as an ‘intangible heritage’ by UNESCO .

Read: Best Things to do in Cordoba (The City of Flowers)

There are many beautiful buildings to see in Cordoba , but the most famous is the Mezquita (the cathedral of Cordoba). This is one of the most incredible cathedrals we’ve ever seen! What was once a mosque during Moorish times is now a cathedral.

However, barely any changes have been made, and it’s home to some of the most magnificent Islamic architecture you’ll find in Spain. The interior is fantastic, with perfect archways decorated in red and white candy-cane stripes. 

Where to Stay in Cordoba 

Cordoba is home to lots of beautiful boutique hotels, which can be found in the historic center. Make sure to book well in advance if you’re planning on traveling to the city during May, as the festival means that accommodation gets booked up fast and is far more expensive than usual.

Hotels in Cordoba 😴

Another good time to visit is April, when the patios will nearly be ready for the fiesta, but it won’t be as busy.

Day 4 + 5: Granada (Must-do on your Andalusia Road Trip)

Arrive on day 4 in Granada, the most magical city in Spain. Not many cities can boast this kind of scenery; the ancient city is surrounded by snow-topped mountains and has a beautiful river that trickles down into the town.

In the background, sitting on top of the cliffside, and shadowed by the mountains, is the majestic Alhambra Palace (one of the most famous sites in all of Spain).

Here are all your hotel options in Granada.

This colossal fortress complex was once the home of the ruler of the Nasrid dynasty (during the Moorish period in Spain ), and every detail is spectacular. You need a half-day alone just to walk among its opulent buildings and gardens filled with roses and orange trees. 

After your time sightseeing, get lost in the maze-like streets of the old town, paddle in the river off the hillside Albaicin neighborhood, or eat free tapas (in Granada, you get a free plate of tapas with every drink you purchase). 

Read: Ultimate Granada Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Granada

Stay in the historical center close to the cathedral to easily access the city’s shops, restaurants, and most ancient buildings.

Hotels in Granada 😴

Albaicin is also a lovely neighborhood to stay in, particularly as it has excellent views of the city below and across the river to Alhambra. 

Potential Day Trips from Granada: Iznajar + Montefrio

Iznajar and Montefrio are two of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and must-sees on your Andalusia road trip itinerary! Both lie close to Granada and can be visited as half-day trips. We recommend Iznajar as a top priority and Montefrio at sunset if you have time.

Iznajar has one of the most picturesque locations, sitting high up on a hilltop overlooking an open valley and lake below. It’s most famous for its beautiful streets and patios, which are decorated with hundreds of flowerpots and brightly colored geraniums.

This tiny village is mainly home to elderly local people, so the pace of life is slow (it’s the perfect place to wander for a few hours and soak up the atmosphere of Spanish life!). Best of all, Iznajar is just over 1-hour drive from Granada, so it is the ideal half-day trip from the city.

Click here to read all about the things to do in Iznajar .

Montefrio is a hilltop town home to the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle. The views from here are unparalleled, so much so that National Geographic voted Montefrio as one of the top 10 views in the world! Visit the fortress to reach the highest point of the village, followed by a walk to the National Geographic viewpoint, where you can see a direct view of Montefrio sprawled across the hillside. It’s truly one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and the perfect place to visit at sunset.

We stayed in this lovely hotel looking onto the castle .

Day 6 + 7: Frigiliana + Nerja

It’s time to head for the beach! This strip of coastline is named ‘Costa del Sol’, meaning sunshine coast, and it lives up to its name. This area has many beautiful resorts and villages, but Frigiliana and Nerja are some of the loveliest.

Nerja sits on a clifftop overlooking the sea, with fantastic views of the coves and coastline below. It’s the perfect place to stay for the night, with many lovely hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

Here are all your hotel options in Nerja.

From Nerja, you can drive to Frigiliana in under 15 minutes. This beautiful whitewashed mountain town is one of the most photogenic spots on your Andalusia 2-week road trip. Cobbled streets worm uphill, bordered by white houses with painted doorways and flower pots.

You could spend a few hours just getting lost in the streets, taking photos of each beautiful entranceway, and shopping in all the cute ceramic shops. We recommend booking dinner here one evening as many restaurants have terraces where you can sit and enjoy fantastic views of the valley below. 

Here are all your hotel options in Frigiliana.

Where to Stay

There are more accommodation options in Nerja, and you can easily access the beaches if you’d like to swim or sunbathe. If you want to stay in a villa, Frigiliana has many pool options, but you’ll need to book ahead as it’s very popular. 

Hotels in Nerja 😴

Hotels in Frigiliana 😴

Day 8 – 9: Malaga (Half-Way on Your Andalusia Road Trip)

Welcome to dynamic Malaga, a beachside city with a picture-perfect old town. You can find almost everything in Malaga , whether it’s castles, museums, galleries (Malaga was the birthplace of Picasso), or street art. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Andalusia! 

Here are all your hotel options in Malaga.

Exploring the sights of the old town is a must-do on your 2-week Andalusia road trip, for example, the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which are both historical monuments with beautiful views of the city. If you have time, we also recommend taking a half-day trip to the Caminito del Rey , one of Spain’s most thrilling hikes.

Read: Best Things To Do in Malaga

Where to Stay in Malaga

Stay in the old town to be near some of Malaga’s most historic and beautiful buildings.

Hotels in Malaga 😴

Alternatively, if you want more of a beach break, there are plenty of great hotels next to the sea, which are still within walking distance of the city center. 

Day 10 – 11: Ronda

Beautiful Ronda is a place famous throughout Spain for its iconic bridge that hangs over the canyon. The town itself almost looks as if it is balancing precariously on top of the gorge, providing some of the most incredible views out over the Andalusian landscapes.

There are several viewpoints to see the bridge (Puente Neuvo) at its finest: either from below, the lovely Jardines de Cuenca, or the Mirador de Aldehuela. Grab your camera and take some incredible photos from these locations. 

Here are all your hotel options in Ronda.

In the late afternoon/evening, take some time to explore the town of Ronda, whether it’s the main street with its boutique shops or the pretty churches and ancient Arab baths. Ronda is magical and will steal your heart! 

Read: 11 Best Things to do in Ronda, Spain

Where to Stay in Ronda

The main draw to Ronda is the incredible views from the top of the Tajo Gorge. For this reason, many hotels sit on top of the gorge looking out over the valley, so you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation. 

Hotels in Ronda 😴

Day 12: Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unusual white villages of Andalusia and is a fascinating stop on your Andalusia road trip. This pretty town has houses wedged between and under the gorge rock, looking as if they’re almost growing out of the stone itself.

Here are all your hotel options in Setenil.

It’s a popular visit for those who want to visit Calle Cuevas del Sol, a street filled with cave bars and restaurants—one of the most unique experiences on your Spain trip! 

Read: Setenil de las Bodegas (The Cave Village of Spain)

Tip: Combine Setenil with Olvera (another white village) for one of the most beautiful drives along meandering roads and through sweeping valleys of olive groves and fields of sunflowers. 

Where to Stay in Setenil

Setenil is small, but there are some great accommodation options, particularly the cave houses, which have been turned into apartments or hotels.

Hotels in Setenil 😴

Alternatively, stay in any of the white villages of Andalusia and visit Setenil de las Bodegas on a day trip.

Day 13: Villaluenga del Rosario or Zahara de la Sierra

Villaluenga del Rosario and Zahara de la Sierra are another 2 of the white villages of Andalusia . This is a group of 19 whitewashed pueblos (small towns) in the region that are known for their charm and beauty. 

Villaluenga del Rosario

Villaluenga del Rosario, meaning ‘town of the rosary,’ is unusual in that it hugs the side of the mountain and doesn’t have any hilltop viewpoints, unlike some of the other white villages in the area. However, it’s actually the highest, sitting at 900 meters above sea level! Many great hiking trails lead up into the mountains from here, and there are some beautiful, ancient sites within the town itself, from the old bull ring to the cemetery (one of the most picturesque we’ve ever seen).

Here are all your hotel options in Villaluenga del Rosario.

Zahara de la Sierra

If you have some time, drive to Zahara de la Sierra for some of the most spectacular views you’ll find on your Andalusia road trip itinerary. Discover one of the most important fortresses in the area that sits high up on the mountaintop, providing incredible views over the bright blue lake below. If you want, you can also take a boat trip across the lake to see the town from a different angle.

Here are all your hotel options in Zahara de la Sierra.

Stay in a rustic bed and breakfast or hotel in the countryside to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. There are also a few accommodation options within the towns themselves but book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Hotels in Villaluenga del Rosario 😴

Hotels in Zahara de la Sierra 😴

Day 14 + 15: Cadiz

Cadiz has really different energy compared to many other places in Spain. Not only is it one of the oldest cities in all of Europe , but its southernmost nature makes it feel very raw, wild, and rugged.

The coastline has long sandy beaches, with plenty of wind for watersports, backed by the city’s ancient maze of streets and beautiful historic buildings. It’s also a port town, so you’ll see plenty of fishing boats bobbing on the water, giving it a village atmosphere even though it’s a reasonably sized city.

Here are all your hotel options in Cadiz.

As it’s so far away from many of the bigger cities in Spain, like Barcelona or Madrid , it still has a very traditional Spanish feel (most restaurants only serve the traditional tapas menu and drinks). Two days is a great amount of time to explore the old city, climb the cathedral tower (incredible views), enjoy the nearby beaches, and shop in the local food markets. 

Where to Stay in Cadiz

Stay in the historical center closest to the oldest sites in the city and enjoy the evening atmosphere when everyone congregates at the little bars among the narrow streets.

Hotels in Cadiz 😴

Day 16: Seville (End of your Andalusia Road Trip)

Day 16 is the final day of your Andalusia road trip itinerary, and what a trip it’s been! From charming white villages nestled among the hilltops to beautiful coastal towns and Moorish cities, you’ve seen some of the most beautiful places in Spain . Drive back to Seville (1 hour 20 minutes) to drop your hire car and head home. You might even have time to squeeze in one last Spanish meal before your train or flight!

Tip: Seville has an airport with flights leaving to major cities in Spain, as well as France and beyond. If you’re looking to travel further afield, take a train from Seville back to major cities like Barcelona , Madrid , or Malaga, where you’ll find international airports with more flights.

How to visit Andalusia in 2 weeks

Andalusia is a massive region in southern Spain, with countless beautiful villages, hikes, and cities to explore. You could easily spend a month or more slowly working your way around the region. However, 2 weeks is the ideal amount of time to see the majority of Andalusia’s highlights. This Andalusia road trip itinerary (2 weeks) is designed to be done by car, although it is possible to use public transport (with a bit more planning). 

Getting to Andalusia

There are a few airports in Andalusia. However, Malaga is the biggest, with flights arriving from all over Europe as well as internal flights from other bigger cities in Spain.

If you’re flying into Barcelona or Madrid, consider taking the train to Andalusia. There are many high-speed, direct options that will get you to Malaga, Granada , or Seville in a matter of hours.

Getting Around Andalusia on your 2-week Road Trip

The best way to experience Andalusia is by car. The region is vast and very remote, meaning you’ll have greater freedom to reach the small villages and rural nature if you can drive. 

It is possible to travel by bus in Andalusia, but not all the destinations on this itinerary have public transport connections. You might have to make changes or take taxis to reach the more remote parts of Andalusia.

Buses move between the major cities and towns in Andalusia and are usually very cheap and comfortable. Make sure to do your research in advance as to whether you need to pre-book or can pay by cash on arrival. 

Trains link major cities in Andalusia, as well as some towns. For example, Seville , Malaga, Granada , and Cordoba. However, you won’t be able to reach any of the white villages by train. 

Our Favorite Accommodation in Andalusia

There are many beautiful accommodation options in Andalusia, whether it’s a charming old town hotel tucked down a narrow street in Seville , a cave apartment in Setenil , or a bed and breakfast overlooking the Alhambra in Granada . Below are some of our favorites for a 2-week itinerary in Andalusia.

• Seville: Hotel Gravina 51 , Lukanda Hospec , Hotel Dona Maria , Oboe Sevilla Catedral
• Cordoba: H10 Palacio Cordoba , Hotel Boutique Suite Generis , La Ermita Suites , Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero
• Granada: Casa de la Catedral , Casa Bombo , BiBo Real Chancilleria , Häxaris Casa Boutique
• Nerja: Apartamentos NUEVA 22 , Casa Eva
• Frigiliana: Bed and Breakfast Villa Corte Azul , Casa Calle Real 87
• Malaga: Be Mate Hotel , Vincci Larios Diez , iloftmalaga , ICON Malabar
• Ronda: Apartamentos Circulo De Artistas , Salvatierra Guest House , La Escondida , Romántica Lofts
• Setenil: Casa Cueva un Rincon , Apartamentos Cantareria Jazmin , Casa Rural El Tajo , Casa Cueva Las Calcetas
• Villaluenga del Rosario: Casa de los Cuadros , Conjunto Rural Casa Victoria
• Zahara de la Sierra: Cuesta la Ermita , Alojamiento Rural El Pinsapo
• Cadiz: Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas , Candelaria10 , El Armador Casa Palacio , La Casa del Consul

How Much Do 2-Weeks in Andalusia Cost?

Andalusia is one of the cheapest regions in Spain. Eating out is very reasonable, and in some cities, tapas is even free! What’s more, book ahead, and you can find beautiful hotels for a fraction of the price you’d find in bigger cities like Madrid or Valencia .

Expenses for a 2-Week Andalusia Road Trip

A 2-week road trip in Andalusia will cost you anything between 2000-3000 USD. This includes accommodation for every night of your stay, food, entrance fees, the price of your rental car, and fuel. 

Costs of Traveling in Andalusia

Travel on a budget in Andalusia, from $180 − $380 USD weekly per person, mid-range $460 − $1590 USD, and high-end from $1590 − $2480 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $150 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $35 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $5 − $15 USD
• Activities: $2 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Andalusia

The most popular time to visit Andalusia is during the summer when you can make the most of the beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean Sea. However, be aware that the summer months are very busy and can be more expensive (particularly in August when the Spanish take their holidays). These are also the hottest months when temperatures in places like Cadiz and Seville can exceed 40°C (104°F). Because of this, it’s not the best time for city sightseeing. 

Instead, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn. You’ll still get warm temperatures and beautiful sunny days, but it’ll be much more comfortable for sightseeing and road-tripping. Temperatures can be in the high 20s as late as the end of October! 

Travel Insurance for your Andalusia Road Trip

It’s always a good idea to purchase single-trip travel insurance, even if you’re only traveling for 2 weeks in Andalusia. This covers the potential for any accidents or loss, for example, theft of baggage, canceled flights, or a road accident.

We use Heymondo for all our trips, as they have very responsive customer service and a 24-hour online chat where you can speak with medical professionals.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Spain trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Things to Know About Andalusia

There are a few things you can learn about Andalusia that will make your trip run a little more smoothly:

• Tap water is safe to drink in Andalusia. It is quite chlorinated, which can make it taste a little different from what you’re used to. However, drinking is safe, so bring your reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free ! 
• Siesta time. During the summer, all shops and restaurants close for siesta (typically somewhere between 4 PM – 8 PM). On Sundays, most conveniences are also shut.
• Public holidays. Spain is a country with some of the highest number of public holidays in the world! This means there is always a fiesta somewhere, so make sure to check ahead for shop, restaurant, and road closures.
• Hot summer temperatures . In August, temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). Make sure to plan your sightseeing in the early mornings or evenings to avoid being in the sun (the hottest time of day is usually around 4 PM). Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
• Always carry cash , especially in small villages where sometimes card is not accepted.
• Bring extra layers if you’re traveling in the mountains, as it can get cooler in the evenings. 

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Andalusia via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Granada, Spain: Best Things To Do (Travel Guide)

Renting a car in spain in 2024: all you need to know, 6 most beautiful white villages of andalusia, spain.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hello, Do you feel like this would be a safe trip to do a solo female? (A solo female who does not speak Spanish at that.) Thanks!

Hi Meghan! Spain in general is a safe country to travel to, with low crime rates. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas (pick pocketing does happen) traveling should be a breeze. Though we recommend learning some Spanish words, people in Andalusia are very welcoming and kind, and see a lot of other travelers. You can always download Spanish offline on Google Translate for those moments English (and hand gestures) don’t seem to work. Though we don’t think many of those moments will occur :) The region also has good public transport that’s easy to navigate, making getting around very straightforward, even if you’re not familiar with Spanish. Hope that helps a bit!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

• Client log in

Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)

Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. is based in Malaysia. The head office is in Kuala Lumpur. The company operates in the Tour Operators industry. The enterprise was incorporated on September 29, 1983. In its most recent financial highlights, the company reported a net sales revenue increase of 1062.38% in 2022. A negative growth of 43.94% was recorded in its total assets. Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.’s net profit margin decreased by 3.4% in 2022.

Headquarters No. 25, 27 & 29, Jalan 1/76, Desa Pandan Kuala Lumpur; Federal Territories; Postal Code: 55100

Contact Details: Purchase the Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. report to view the information.

EMIS company profiles are part of a larger information service which combines company, industry and country data and analysis for over 145 emerging markets.

Similar companies

To view more information, Request a demonstration of the EMIS service

Must-see attractions in Andalucía

The Alhambra is Granada’s – and Europe’s – love letter to Moorish culture. Set against the brooding Sierra Nevada peaks, this fortified palace started…

Real Alcázar

Catedral & Barrio de Santa Cruz

A magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture, Seville’s royal palace complex is a breathtaking spectacle. The site, which was originally…

It’s impossible to overemphasise the beauty of Córdoba’s great mosque, with its remarkably serene (despite tourist crowds) and spacious interior. One of…

Catedral & Giralda

Seville’s showpiece church is awe-inspiring in its scale and majesty. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 over the…

Museo Picasso Málaga

This unmissable museum in the city of Picasso’s birth provides a solid overview of the great master and his work, although, surprisingly, it only came to…

Cueva de Nerja

It’s hard to imagine the surreal world that lies beneath the mountain foothills 4km east of Nerja, and it’s even harder to believe that these vast caverns…

Punta Paloma

One of Andalucía's most fabulous beaches, Punta Paloma, 10km northwest of Tarifa, is famous for its huge blond sand dune. At its far western end, you can…

Museo de Bellas Artes

El Centro & El Arenal

Housed in a grand Mannerist palace, the former Convento de la Merced, the Museo de Bellas Artes is one of Spain's premier art museums. Its collection of…

Parque de María Luisa

Parque de María Luisa & South of Centre

A glorious oasis of green, the 34-hectare Parque de María Luisa is the perfect place to escape the noise and heat of the city, with duck ponds, landscaped…

Capilla Real

The Royal Chapel is the last resting place of Spain’s Reyes Católicos (Catholic Monarchs), Isabel I de Castilla (1451–1504) and Fernando II de Aragón …

Metropol Parasol

La Macarena & Alameda de Hércules

The Metropol Parasol, known locally as Las Setas (The Mushrooms), is one of Seville's iconic modern landmarks. Built in 2011 to a design by German…

Catedral de la Asunción

Jaén's massive cathedral still dwarfs the rest of the city, especially when seen from the hilltop eyrie of Cerro de Santa Catalina. Its construction…

Catedral de Málaga

Málaga’s elaborate cathedral was started in the 16th century on the site of the former mosque. Of the mosque, only the Patio de los Naranjos survives, a…

Sacra Capilla del Salvador

This famous chapel, built between 1536 and 1559, is the flagship of Úbeda Renaissance architecture. Commissioned by Francisco de los Cobos y Molina as his…

No time to visit Granada’s Alhambra? Then Málaga’s Alcazaba can provide a taster. The entrance is beside the Roman theatre, from where a meandering path…

Basílica San Juan de Dios

Built between 1737 and 1759, this spectacular basilica unveils a blinding display of opulent baroque decor. Barely an inch of its interior lacks…

Hospital de los Venerables Sacerdotes

This gem of a museum, housed in a former hospice for priests, is one of Seville’s most rewarding. The artistic highlight is the Focus-Abengoa Foundation’s…

Dating to the 9th and 10th centuries, this rare jewel of a mezquita (mosque) perches a five-minute walk above Almonaster's main square. The almost…

Parroquia de la Asunción

On the edge of the Barrio de La Villa, this church represents a high point in Andalucian baroque chiefly thanks to its wonderful Sagrario (Sacristy),…

Gruta de las Maravillas

Beneath Aracena's castle hill is a web of caves and tunnels carved from the karstic topography. An extraordinary 1.2km, 50-minute loop takes you through…

Plaza de España

This bombastic plaza, designed by architect Aníbal González in the Parque de María Luisa, was the most extravagant of the building projects completed for…

Museo Histórico Municipal

Sevilla Province

Écija's history museum, housed in the 18th-century Palacio de Benamejí, is an authentic gem. It has rooms dedicated to the area's prehistory and…

Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar

Costa de Almería

Boasting glorious beaches, vertiginous cliffs and a semi-desert hinterland, this 340-sq-km park occupies Andalucía’s southeastern corner. It’s a wild…

A looming fortification with great curtain-like walls rising from the cliffs, Almerìa's Alcazaba was founded in the mid-10th century and went on to become…

Bodegas Tradición

Jerez de la Frontera

An intriguing, evocative bodega, not only for its extra-aged sherries (at least 20, mostly 30 years old) but also because it houses the Colección Joaquín…

Palacio de Viana

A stunning Renaissance palace with 12 beautiful, plant-filled patios, the Viana Palace is a particular delight to visit in spring. Occupied by the…

Playa San Pedro

Set between dramatic headlands 3km northeast of Las Negras, this sandy hideaway is the holy grail of the park's numerous beaches. The 250m-long playa,…

Playa de Mónsul

The most celebrated of the playas off the San José beach road, Playa de Mónsul is a fabulous sandy wedge hemmed in by sharply eroded lava rocks and a…

Playa de Valdevaqueros

Sprawling between 7km and 10km northwest of Tarifa, to the great white dune at Punta Paloma, Valdevaqueros is one of Tarifa's most popular kitesurfing…

Antequera Dolmens Site

Antequera's two earth-covered burial mounds – the Dolmen de Menga and the Dolmen de Viera – were built out of megalithic stones by Bronze Age people…

Castillo de Santa Catalina

High above the city, atop cliff-girt Cerro de Santa Catalina, this fortress's near-impregnable position is what made Jaén important during the Muslim and…

Catedral de la Encarnación

Almería’s formidable, six-towered cathedral, begun in 1525, was conceived both as a place of worship and a refuge for the population from frequent pirate…

The ruins of ancient Itálica, the first Roman city founded on the Iberian Peninsula, are extensive and, in parts, quite spectacular. Broad paved streets…

Cuevas de Sorbas

These rare and spectacular caves, 2km east of Sorbas, are part of a vast network of underground galleries and tunnels. Guided visits lead through the…

Castillo de La Iruela

In a stunningly picturesque and panoramic perch on a rocky pinnacle towering over pretty La Iruela village, this ancient fortification is well worth the…

Necrópolis Romana

This ancient Roman necropolis is one of the most important of its kind in Andalucía. The site, which is slightly let down by a lack of signage, contains…

La Geoda de Pulpí

In 2019 the world's second-largest geode opened to the public in northeastern Almería's Sierra del Aguilón. Measuring an astounding 8m long by 2m tall,…

Colegiata de Santa María de la Asunción

Lording it over the town, this formidable Renaissance structure – two churches above a crypt – sits on the site of the town's medieval parish church. It…

Medina Azahara

Eight kilometres west of Córdoba stands what's left of Medina Azahara, the sumptuous palace-city built by Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III in the 10th century…

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Built under Castilian rule in the 13th and 14th centuries on the remains of a Moorish predecessor, this fort-cum-palace was where the Catholic Monarchs,…

More destinations you need to see

• Tailored Experiences
• Nerja (Town) + Frigiliana & El Acebuchal
• La Axarquía White Villages & Buddhist Stupa
• Discover Las Alpujarras, departures from Málaga
• Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas
• El Saltillo, Canillas de Aceituno & Salares
• Rio Chillar walking tour
• Hiking along the cliffs of Maro - Cerro Gordo Natural Park
• Discover Andalusia
• Magazine TF

Travel Factory Andalucía:

experiences through different eyes...

Our tours in Andalusia

Small groups.

Semi-Private &

Private Tours

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs and interests

Personalized tours

Create your own

customized tour

Unique experiences

Discover this land from within

Travel Factory Andalusia Experiences aim to give a general as well as in depth vision of the different Andalusian regions, exploring their nature, history and culture.

We work with small groups ( scheduled semi-private tours ; on request private group tours and tailor made experiences )., our team is made up of dedicated official guides and our main objective is to create an unforgetable, individualized experience tailored to our guests., the excursions or " roadtrips " have different stops and walking routes allowing us to discover the secrets of various andalusian regions such as la axarquia in malaga, las alpujarras in granada or the serrania de ronda , among others., book your travel factory andalucía experience now.

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Suppliers of:

• http://www.facebook.com/viveandalucia
• http://www.twitter.com/viveandalucia
• http://instagram.com/viveandalucia
• http://www.youtube.com/user/viveandalucia
• Places to visit
• Explore Andalusia
• Plan the trip
• Professional

Our capitals

Much more than cities

Province of Almeria

• Almería y su Entorno
• Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento
• Cabo de Gata y Níjar
• Costa de Almería
• Sierra de los Filabres
• Sierra de María/Los Velez
• Valle de Almanzora

Province of Cadiz

• Costa de la Luz (Cádiz)
• Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales
• Jerez de la Frontera
• Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema

Province of Cordoba

• Córdoba y su Entorno
• Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir
• La Campiña (Córdoba)
• Alto Guadiato
• La Subbética
• Los Pedroches

Province of Granada

• Altiplano de Granada
• Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín
• Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado
• La Vega y la Campana
• El Poniente Granadino
• Granada y Sierra Nevada
• La Alpujarra

Province of Huelva

• Andévalo y Parque Minero
• Doñana y Entorno
• Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche
• Costa de la Luz (Huelva)
• Huelva y Lugares Colombinos
• Niebla y el Condado

Province of Jaen

• Jaén y Entorno
• Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros
• Sierra Mágina

Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas

• Úbeda/Baeza
• Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén

Province of Malaga

• Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental
• Antequera y Entorno
• Costa del Sol Occidental
• Málaga y Entorno
• Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal
• Valle del Guadalhorce

Province of Seville

• El Aljarafe
• La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir
• La Vega del Guadalquivir
• Sevilla y Entorno
• Sierra Norte

Main attractions

Mezquita de Córdoba

Alcazaba de Málaga

Jaén Cathedral

Cádiz Cathedral

Muelle de las Carabelas

Alcazaba de Almería

Alhambra y Generalife

Andalusia's Natural Treasures

Cerro del Hierro

Duna de Bolonia

Caminito del Rey

Georuta Desierto de Gorafe

La Geoda de Pulpí

Gruta de las Maravillas

Tinto River

Los Alcornocales

Sierra Nevada

Sierras Subbéticas

Torcal de Antequera

Despeñaperros

• Costa del Sol
• Costa de la Luz- Cadiz
• Costa de la Luz-Huelva
• Costa Tropical
• Blue Flag beaches
• Gastronomic Activities
• Michelin Star

Cultural Tourism

• Adapted Golf
• Pitch & Putt

Nature Areas

• Leisure Parks
• Health and Beauty

Places of leisure

Offers and Experiences

Astrotourism - Star Tourism

Tourist Routes

Andalucía a caballo

Meetings and congresses

• Spanish language schools

Cyclotourism

Andalusia made to measure

With the family

Digital and energetic nomad

Andalusia all year round

Summer in Andalusia

Autumn in Andalusia

Christmas in Andalusia

Andalusia in Spring

How to get around in Andalusia

Come by air, by boat or by land

Transport companies in Andalusia

• Practical information

Where to sleep?

Hotel-Apartment

Housing for tourism purposes

Rural House

Country House Lodge

Rural Resort

Campsites and overnight parking

Youth Hostel

Boarding House

Where to eat ?

• Restaurants

Gourmet markets

Things to do

Ideas for your trip

Publications and Brochures

City brochures

Coast leaflets

Area brochure

Specialised brochures

Folletos genéricos

Provincial leaflets

Specialised books

What is NAC?

How does NAC work?

How to create offers in NAC ?

SmartData Andalusia

¿Qué es smartdata?

Fuentes smartdata

Solicitar usuario

Acceso smartdata

Material Audiovisual

Condiciones de uso de la galeria multimedia

Colecciones

• Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info
• Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno
• Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento
• Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar
• Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería
• Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres
• Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez
• Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora
• Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz)
• Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales
• Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz
• Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera
• Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema
• Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno
• Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir
• La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba)
• Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato
• La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética
• Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches
• Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada
• Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín
• Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado
• La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana
• El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino
• Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada
• La Alpujarra La Alpujarra La Alpujarra La Alpujarra
• Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero
• Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno
• Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche
• Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva)
• Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos
• Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado
• Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno
• Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros
• Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina
• Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas
• Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza
• Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén
• Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental
• Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno
• Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental
• Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno
• Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal
• Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce
• El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe
• La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir
• La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir
• Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno
• Sierra Norte Sierra Norte Sierra Norte Sierra Norte
• Main attractions . Main attractions . Main attractions . Main attractions . Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info
• Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info
• Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol
• Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz
• Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva
• Costa Tropical Costa Tropical Costa Tropical Costa Tropical
• Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches
• Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities
• Michelin Star Michelin Star Michelin Star Michelin Star
• Recipes Recipes Recipes Recipes
• Adapted Golf Adapted Golf Adapted Golf Adapted Golf
• Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt
• Live . Live . Live . Live . Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info
• Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info
• Andalusia all year round . Andalusia all year round . Andalusia all year round . Andalusia all year round . Summer in Andalusia +info Summer in Andalusia +info Summer in Andalusia +info Summer in Andalusia +info Autumn in Andalusia +info Autumn in Andalusia +info Autumn in Andalusia +info Autumn in Andalusia +info Christmas in Andalusia +info Christmas in Andalusia +info Christmas in Andalusia +info Christmas in Andalusia +info Holy week +info Holy week +info Holy week +info Holy week +info Andalusia in Spring +info Andalusia in Spring +info Andalusia in Spring +info Andalusia in Spring +info
• How to get around in Andalusia +info . How to get around in Andalusia +info . How to get around in Andalusia +info . How to get around in Andalusia +info . Come by air, by boat or by land +info Come by air, by boat or by land +info Come by air, by boat or by land +info Come by air, by boat or by land +info Transport companies in Andalusia +info Transport companies in Andalusia +info Transport companies in Andalusia +info Transport companies in Andalusia +info Practical information +info Practical information +info Practical information +info Practical information +info
• Where to sleep? +info . Where to sleep? +info . Where to sleep? +info . Where to sleep? +info . Hotel +info Hotel +info Hotel +info Hotel +info Hotel-Apartment +info Hotel-Apartment +info Hotel-Apartment +info Hotel-Apartment +info Apartment +info Apartment +info Apartment +info Apartment +info Housing for tourism purposes +info Housing for tourism purposes +info Housing for tourism purposes +info Housing for tourism purposes +info Rural House +info Rural House +info Rural House +info Rural House +info Country House Lodge +info Country House Lodge +info Country House Lodge +info Country House Lodge +info Rural Resort +info Rural Resort +info Rural Resort +info Rural Resort +info Campsites and overnight parking +info Campsites and overnight parking +info Campsites and overnight parking +info Campsites and overnight parking +info Youth Hostel +info Youth Hostel +info Youth Hostel +info Youth Hostel +info Hostel +info Hostel +info Hostel +info Hostel +info Boarding House +info Boarding House +info Boarding House +info Boarding House +info
• Where to eat ? +info . Where to eat ? +info . Where to eat ? +info . Where to eat ? +info . Restaurants +info Restaurants +info Restaurants +info Restaurants +info Gourmet markets +info Gourmet markets +info Gourmet markets +info Gourmet markets +info
• Things to do . Things to do . Things to do . Things to do . Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Events +info Events +info Events +info Events +info Ideas for your trip +info Ideas for your trip +info Ideas for your trip +info Ideas for your trip +info News +info News +info News +info News +info
• Publications and Brochures +info . Publications and Brochures +info . Publications and Brochures +info . Publications and Brochures +info . City brochures +info City brochures +info City brochures +info City brochures +info Coast leaflets +info Coast leaflets +info Coast leaflets +info Coast leaflets +info Area brochure +info Area brochure +info Area brochure +info Area brochure +info Specialised brochures +info Specialised brochures +info Specialised brochures +info Specialised brochures +info Folletos genéricos +info Folletos genéricos +info Folletos genéricos +info Folletos genéricos +info Provincial leaflets +info Provincial leaflets +info Provincial leaflets +info Provincial leaflets +info Specialised books +info Specialised books +info Specialised books +info Specialised books +info
• NAC +info . NAC +info . NAC +info . NAC +info . What is NAC? +info What is NAC? +info What is NAC? +info What is NAC? +info How does NAC work? +info How does NAC work? +info How does NAC work? +info How does NAC work? +info How to create offers in NAC ? +info How to create offers in NAC ? +info How to create offers in NAC ? +info How to create offers in NAC ? +info Who we are +info Who we are +info Who we are +info Who we are +info
• SmartData Andalusia +info . SmartData Andalusia +info . SmartData Andalusia +info . SmartData Andalusia +info . ¿Qué es smartdata? +info ¿Qué es smartdata? +info ¿Qué es smartdata? href="https://smartdata.andalucia.org/que-es-smartdata/" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info ¿Qué es smartdata? +info Fuentes smartdata +info Fuentes smartdata +info Fuentes smartdata href="https://smartdata.andalucia.org/fuentes-smartdata/" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Fuentes smartdata +info Solicitar usuario +info Solicitar usuario +info Solicitar usuario href="https://smartdata.andalucia.org/solicitar-usuario/" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Solicitar usuario +info Acceso smartdata +info Acceso smartdata +info Acceso smartdata href="https://smartdata.andalucia.org/acceso-smartdata/" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Acceso smartdata +info
• Material Audiovisual +info . Material Audiovisual +info . Material Audiovisual +info . Material Audiovisual +info . Condiciones de uso de la galeria multimedia +info Condiciones de uso de la galeria multimedia +info Condiciones de uso de la galeria multimedia href="https://media.andalucia.org/galeria/terminos" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Condiciones de uso de la galeria multimedia +info Lo último +info Lo último +info Lo último href="https://media.andalucia.org/galeria/search" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Lo último +info Colecciones +info Colecciones +info Colecciones href="https://media.andalucia.org/galeria/collections" style="margin-left: 10px;" target="_blank">+info Colecciones +info
• - +info - +info - +info - +info

Art, culture and traditions

Andalusia’s age-old history has left behind a wealth of artistic heritage. The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Giralda Tower and old town of Seville are all World Heritage sites, but the majority of its towns and villages also bear witness to the peak of Andalusia’s artistic heritage over the ages.

The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture to be seen in its most important buildings, the castles, fortresses and monasteries to be found throughout the region, complete a hugely valuable array of heritage. The native region of Velázquez , Murillo and Picasso is home to canvasses, sculptures, jewellery, images and archaeological remains to be found in cathedrals, museums, churches, convents and palaces, guardians of this important artistic development. Even in the most remote villages you can find a first-rate altarpiece, a masterpiece of painting or an item of the most intricate precious metal work.

The variety of fiestas and celebrations to be found in Andalusia is as broad as its geography and the calendar of events is a real encyclopaedia taking in the arts and customs of its people.

The spring festivals, planting and harvest festivals, patron saint’s day fiestas, fairs, wine festivals, open-air fiestas and pilgrimages all demonstrate the finest local crafts, gastronomy, music and religious beliefs.

The Carnival celebrations give a noisy start to the season, with a humorous, satirical look at everyday roles in society. During Easter week, churches bring out their most valuable treasures to accompany the Passion statues for processions that follow their itineraries faithfully year after year. The Corpus Christi festivities are the inspiration for another dazzling parade. The May Crosses festival brings together the sacred and the profane in spectacular harmony.

Bullfighting has fundamental importance in Andalusia on account of its deep roots. For three quarters of the year there are bullfights held in many different bullrings, to coincide with local fairs that are the scene for dancing and song accompanied by the guitar. Flamenco music is the most authentic expression of Andalusian folklore. The flamenco festivals in summer offer a calendar of performances to suit all tastes.

“ Romerías ” are religious processions that take place in the countryside, heirs of ancient fertility rituals.

The region’s ceramics and pottery, its artwork in metal and jewellery, its leatherwork for shoes or saddles, craft textiles from blankets to embroidery and shawls, along with a whole range of further crafts including furniture making, wickerwork, picture framing, work in stone and marble and musical instrument making, have all become highly renowned.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share by email

we recommend

EXPLORE ANDALUSIA

• Discover Andalusia
• The best sun in the world
• 100% Natural
• Andalusia flavor

PLACES TO VISIT

• Almería
• Cádiz
• Córdoba
• Jaén
• Málaga

EXPERIENCES

• Active turism
• Conferences and Congresses
• Touristic Routes

TRAVEL PLAN

• Accommodations
• Guided Activities Companies
• Tour Operators and Travel Agencies

30 most beautiful places to visit in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia is a dream destination in Spain for many travelers! From its glamorous royal palaces to its flowerful whitewashed villages and natural wonders – it has it all! Here are the most beautiful places you should visit in Andalusia, Spain!

We spent more than two months driving around Andalusia and exploring everything this historic and unique region had to offer! Starting from the big cities, and most special hidden villages to underground caves and hiking in the air. Let’s dive in!

In this blog post, you will find all the most beautiful places to visit in Andalusia with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps . I’m sure I have covered pretty much everything you might be looking for! Happy exploring!

Read more >>> Andalusia bucket list: 27 best destinations in Andalusia, Spain

This post contains some affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!

TABLE OF CONTENTS »

1. Montefrío – the village with the most beautiful view!

Montefrío in Granada – one of the villages with the best view in the world! Did you know that National Geographic made a list of villages with the best view in the world and Montefrío village in Granada province in Andalusia was one of them?

There is a viewpoint named after National Geographic where you can see the exact view that has captured the world. The village is a true hidden gem in Andalusia with its Iglesia de la Encarnacion being the only completely round church in Spain!

I definitely can’t argue with National Geographic – if they say so then this must be amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Andalusia! However, there is something extra special to this village and we spend quite some time looking at this iconic view!

Location: Montefrío village seen from National Geographic viewpoint

2. Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar – the most flowerful place in Andalusia!

Iznájar is a small hilltop town in Córdoba province – a typical Andalusian mountaintop town with whitewashed houses and a castle on top. However, it has one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Andalusia right in the heart of it – Patio de las Comedias.

Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia for sure! It is a small square between buildings that is meticulously decorated with blue flower pots, plants, plates, colorful doors, tables, and chairs as well as a fountain.

There are also a couple more things to do and places to see in Iznájar like the Santiago Apóstol church and Iznájar castle. My favorite places were the impressive viewpoints with stunning views! This definitely is one of my favorite places in Andalusia!

Location: Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar

2. Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda

Puente Nuevo bridge is the essence of Ronda and it sits on the top amongst the best Instagram spots in Ronda and Andalusia. It is one of the most iconic places in the South of Spain! And likely the main reason people travel here from all over the world!

The bridge stretches over a 100-meter-deep gorge – El Tajo – connecting two parts of Ronda town. Ronda was my favorite town in Andalusia, and I’m happy to include this unforgettable view amongst the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

There are multiple viewpoints you can go to get great photos of the Puente Nuevo bridge and the gorge, the river, and the waterfall. However, the Arco del Cristo viewpoint was my favorite of all the best Puente Nuevo bridge photo spots !

From this viewpoint, you can get the best photo of the famous bridge because the bridge and the waterfall are both very well visible. You can easily take a photo of yourself standing in the shot without covering the beautiful view!

Want to walk there? There is a paved pathway with steps leading downhill from the town center (it starts here !) to the viewpoints of Ronda bridge and it is quite easy to get there. Just be careful around the edges of the cliff!

Want to drive there? If you drive a car, I don’t recommend driving to the very bottom of the gorge as you will have to climb a considerable distance uphill to get the best view! It is best to park your car midway ( somewhere here ) and then walk to the viewpoint.

Location: Arco del Cristo viewpoint

4. Iconic Setenil de las Bodegas cave village

It would be hard to find a more unique place than Setenil de las Bodegas village! The most iconic thing about the village is that people here still live in cave houses and work at shops and cafés built under rocks.

The most iconic place in Setenil de las Bodegas village is Calle Cuevas de la Sombra (Street of Shadow caves). It is the only street in the village completely covered by rocks and this is where you will get one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Andalusia !

There is only a small part of the street that goes under the rock (like 100 meters or so). So I really recommend walking there and back to see this place from both sides of the street.

If you have more time, there are multiple beautiful photo spots in Setenil de las Bodegas with inspiring inscriptions on the walls. As well as other bucket list things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas including shopping in the deepest cave in the village!

It is truly one of the best places to visit in Andalusia ! Located just 1h 30min away from Malaga , this is the perfect day trip destination when visiting Andalusia. Besides it is located just 20 minutes from Ronda so you can visit both places in one day!

Location: Calle Cuevas de la Sombra

5. Marbella – the most beautiful Old Town in Andalusia!

Marbella is one of the most famous whitewashed towns in Andalusia and also one of the most beautiful ones. Although it has grown to be quite a big city, the Marbella Old Town is still the same authentic Andalusian town with flower pots and narrow streets!

If you are looking for those Southern vibes in a typical Southern town with white houses, winding cobblestone streets, flower bushes, and plants everywhere, then paying a visit to Marbella is a must.

We spent a couple of days exploring Marbella Old Town. Some of the best places to visit in Marbella include the Plaza de los Naranjos Square, Calle Carmen Street – one of the most beautiful streets in Marbella , and the Santo Cristo de Marbella chapel.

Enjoying tapas at El Boqueron or MIA CAFE – Tapas & Bar is definitely amongst the best things to do in Marbella! There are many beautiful spots around Marbella Old Town and countless photo-perfect corners everywhere you look !

Location: Marbella Old Town

6. Castillo de Colomares – the most unique castle in Andalusia!

Although it sounds like it is a castle, Castillo de Colomares is actually a monument in a form of a castle dedicated to the life of the explorer Christopher Columbus. It is one of the most unique, but, at the same time, beautiful places in Malaga province.

What makes it very unusual is that it does look like a centuries-old castle, but it was actually finished in 1994 after a 7-year-long construction. You can visit this beautiful hidden gem in Andalusia for an entrance fee of 3 EUR.

This monument was a work of a private artist so you won’t find it in most travel itineraries about the best things to do in Malaga so many tourists, unfortunately, never find out about it.

Besides the beautiful architecture, this monument also houses the smallest church in the world measuring less than 2 square meters! Can you imagine a church that small? I hope you get to visit this place – one of my favorite hidden gems in Andalusia !

Location: Castillo de Colomares

7. The majestic Royal Alcázar of Seville

Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia and the crown jewel of Seville . It was built as a house for kings and still is the house of kings – the upper floors of Alcázar still host the royal family when they visit the city of Seville .

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a complex that consists of palaces, patios, courtyards, staterooms, unique bathing rooms, and massive gardens with pathways, ponds, fountains, trees and flowers, benches, pavilions, and even a maze.

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a must-visit place for any visitor to Seville and is definitely one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Andalusia ! It is a prime example of the Mudéjar architectural style in Spain!

Especially such places as Patio de Doncellas , which is the main courtyard in the Alcázar, and Salón de Embajadores feature outstanding ornaments and decors in Mudéjar style. Isn’t it stunning?

Royal Alcázar of Seville is full of some of the best Instagram photo spots in Seville . The most famous ones you will find in the main palace courtyard – Patio de Doncellas . It features a beautiful long reflective pool and Mudéjar style archways all around it.

Then definitely take a look at Baños de Doña María de Padilla bathing house with a pool in an arch-shaped room in the basement. Those enlightened arches and the reflection in the water look pretty cool!

And don’t forget to enjoy the gardens with palm trees and decorative trees along the pathways. I recommend coming to Royal Alcázar of Seville for the earliest time in the morning and buying tickets online before!

Location: Royal Alcázar of Seville

8. The impressive Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville

Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville is a 15th-century palace featuring a very rich collection of art pieces from around the world. This massive complex consists of multiple palace buildings, patios, and stunning gardens with blooming trees and water systems.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia. The architecture, the gardens, the archways around the patios, fountains, sculptures, and endless rooms full of art pieces make this place a must-visit spot in Seville.

Every corner in the Palacio de las Dueñas complex is so beautiful and well-maintained. Makes it hard to choose my favorite place! But I guess the main patio with yellow arches could be THE ONE.

In the 20th century, this palace became a meeting place for the members of many European royal families and international celebrities like Jacqueline Kennedy, Wallis Simpson, and Grace Kelly.

Although it is a bit pricey (we paid 12 EUR each) this is one of those places that I felt was absolutely worth the price! We bought tickets on-site right before entering.

The entrance fee includes audioguides so you can find out more about this beautiful place. Make sure to check their website before coming because quite often they close the whole palace for private events.

Location: Palacio de las Dueñas

9. The iconic Plaza de España square in Seville

Although the Royal Alcazar and other palaces in Seville are incredibly majestic and stunning, actually my favorite place in Seville is the well-known Plaza de España square with its pointed towers, arches, colorful tiles, and bridges!

Plaza de España is a landmark square and one of the most beautiful places in Seville and in Andalusia! The best thing about this place is that you can visit Plaza de España square for free!

Plaza de España square was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition that took place in Seville. The square is shaped in a huge half-circle with two massive towers, a water feature and bridges over it, and a long walkway lined with arches.

The square has beautiful architecture and simply stunning ornaments and decorative elements. It features scenic bridges with lanterns, archways, and beautiful ornaments decorated with colorful tiles.

If you are looking for a photo without the crowds I suggest coming here in the morning – at least at 9 AM. We arrived a bit after 8 AM and it was empty, but it does get very crowded during the day.

There are multiple unique and creative photo spots around the Plaza de España square in Seville. I have included all the exact photo locations in my blog post about the best Instagram spots in Seville ! Go check it out to find the exact coordinates!

Location: Plaza de España

10. The stunning Casa de Pilatos in Seville

Casa de Pilatos is a 16th-century palace located in the historic part of Seville . The jewel of this place is the main courtyard. It blends together Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Romantic elements through statues, archways, marble, and colorful tiles.

Casa de Pilatos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia. As you walk around the patio you will be amazed by the details, the statues, the windows with columns and arches, the colorful tiles creating delicate mosaics, and so on.

There are two gardens in the palace complex. The gardens in private residences were a sign of wealth. And these ones in Casa de Pilatos are truly the oasis of peace.

They are decorated with lush plants, blooming flowers, colorful benches, fountains, flower pots, and trees. Truly beautiful! One of the best places to visit in Seville for sure!

Location: Casa de Pilatos

11. The famous Nasrid palaces in Alhambra, Granada

What is Alhambra?

Alhambra is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in Granada, Andalusia, and possibly in Spain. It is a massive fortress on a hill in Granada. Inside the citadel, there are multiple palaces and residences built for kings, expansive gardens, and other infrastructure made for Alhambra to be a self-contained city.

Which is the most beautiful place in Alhambra?

The Nasrid palaces – multiple royal palaces built by different Arab kings from the Nasrid dynasty – are the crown jewel of Alhambra. If you don’t visit the Nasrid palaces, then you haven’t seen Alhambra, that is why it is important to buy the right tickets well in advance that include a visit to the palaces!

But in case you don’t have time to explore all parts of Alhambra, then going to the Nasrid palaces is a must! All other parts are a bit less impressive and not so strikingly beautiful. Visits to the Nasrid palaces take place at certain hours so you need to book tickets prior to the specific time you wish to visit.

Which ticket do I need to choose for Alhambra?

There are different parts to visit in Alhambra and there are different tickets available for visitors. To see all of Alhambra in all its glory you would need that General ticket that includes all three parts of Alhambra – the Nasrid palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba.

Book now >>> Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces (small group)

There are tickets that don’t include the Nasrid palaces and it is a big NO! Although seeing something in Alhambra is better than nothing, the Nasrid palaces are the central part and the most important part of all places in Alhambra!

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Comares Palace

One of the most beautiful places in the Nasrid palaces is inside the Comares Palace – one of the first palaces you will see during your visit. There is the famous Patio de los Arrayanes – an inner courtyard with a long rectangular reflective pool typical of Moorish architecture.

Back then the courtyard typically was a central space around which other rooms were organized. Somehow we got a beautiful peaceful moment inside the courtyard as we arrived 30 minutes before the opening and were the first in line to enter.

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Palace of the Lions

As you walk to the next palace in the Nasrid palace complex you will find yourself inside the Palace of the Lions – one of the most famous palaces in Islamic architecture in the world and, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.

Again the central element here is the courtyard – Patio de los Leones or the Courtyard of the Lions. There is a wide rectangular courtyard surrounded by a stunning forest of columns that have these ornately carved decorations and Arabic inscriptions.

In the middle of the courtyard, there is a magnificent marble fountain that is being held by twelve sculpted lions – thus the name of the palace. This whole setting is just breathtaking!

However, my favorite spots were those column forests at each end of the Courtyard of the Lions. The ornate carvings are incredible and definitely make this one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia !

No wonder Alhambra was amongst the finalists at the New 7 Wonders of the World voting contest! If you ever go to Spain then this is definitely one of the top bucket list places to visit in Granada and in Andalusia!

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Partal Palace

The beautiful Partal Palace built in the 14th century is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Alhambra complex. It is another palace built for one of the Nasrid dynasty kings and is the last palace you will see during your visit to the Nasrid palaces in Alhambra.

It is a beautiful palace with a tower and an arcade and a reflective pool in front of it. The palace offers amazing views through the arched windows where you can see the hills and houses of Granada.

Location: Entrance to the Nastrid Palaces – Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces

12. The world’s most beautiful sacristy in Granada!

Discover the most beautiful sacristy in the world inside Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada – one of the hidden gems in Granada ! Located on the outskirts of the center of the city, this monastery is a must-see place in Granada !

Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada is a place with indescribable beauty. The plain grayish outside walls hide some of the most beautiful things you will ever see! The sacristy left a big impact on me and I will never forget this place!

The monastery was built in the 16th century and combines many architectural styles. The complex consists of a huge courtyard and many different rooms and halls around the perimeter like the church, the sanctum, the sacristy, and common rooms.

However, this place hides one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Andalusia and one of the most beautiful places in Granada – the sacristy. It is considered to be the most beautiful sacristy in the world and I can attest to that.

The paintings inside the dome, the marble, the exquisite carvings, and the bedazzling art is something I will never forget. The famous Nasrid palaces in Alhambra have really serious competition here!

You will find a ton of hidden corners and truly beautiful gems in the monastery! Definitely, my favorites among them all were the church and the sacristy. The patio was great too for some fresh air and relaxation. I really hope you get to visit this place!

Location: Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada

13. The bedazzling Basílica de San Juan de Dios in Granada

Basílica de San Juan de Dios is a true hidden gem in Granada . I am definitely not one of those people who always have to visit churches and cathedrals wherever I go, however, sometimes it is worth it and this is one of those times.

This 18th-century Baroque basilica is simply breathtaking. It is as if they tried to compete with the famous Nasrid palaces in Alhambra when they built this place.

Embellished with ornate frescoes, golden altars, and a soaring dome, I was almost blinded by this bedazzling beauty. Definitely one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

There is an entrance fee to see this extraordinary building, but it is so worth it! The best thing is that you can not only visit the big hall of the church but also walk to the secret chambers behind the altar and inside the rooms and halls that are normally reserved for church personnel only.

Every room, staircase, and chamber is filled with jaw-dropping Baroque decorations, sculptures, furniture, and art. I thought this would be a relatively quick visit, but this unbelievable beauty left me speechless and unable to take my eyes off the spectacularity of it all.

The visit includes visits to the main hall, behind the main altarpiece, the sacristy, dressing rooms, and side chapels. My favorite spot was up on the upper balcony where you can see everything from above. I definitely recommend stopping here for an hour of your time!

Location: Basílica de San Juan de Dios

14. Córdoba’s famous flower courtyards – Patios de Córdoba!

Córdoba is famous for its beautiful courtyards called ‘patios’. There is a whole festival in May where numerous courtyards compete for the award as the best and most beautiful courtyard in the city. Exploring these flowerful patios is a must-do thing Córdoba !

How to see the best patios in Córdoba?

The fastest and most easiest way to see the most beautiful and awarded patios in Córdoba is to join a guided tour! You will be able to learn more about this beautiful tradition of decorating patios and a local expert will tell you everything there is to know.

Choose one of the tour options below – see which time you prefer and which fits your schedule!

Visit flower patios in Córdoba during the festival!

The festival – La Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba – takes place each year in May (usually at the beginning). Tens of private courtyards participate in the festival and access to all the patios is free of charge.

If you happen to go to Córdoba during the festival, there will be a whole program and map, and timetable for when, where, and how to visit all the patios. You can read more about the festival on their website .

This is definitely the time when everyone shows off as much as possible to get the award. However, this festival attracts a lot of people – the city will be as busy as it gets!

Visit flower patios in Córdoba all year round on your own!

You can also visit the patios all year round on your own. You just need to be able to find them on the map on your own too! Many patios are maintained and remain beautiful throughout the year with spring, summer, and autumn months being the best ones when a lot of different flowers will be in full bloom.

There is a whole list of patios that you can visit either on your own or on a guided tour. Check out this website for more info ! There you can download a pdf file with actual tourism information – look for patios in the list and see which ones are available at the time when you are visiting!

Walk Ruta de Patios Córdoba (on your own)!

If you happen to visit Córdoba between February and June then you might want to consider walking Ruta de Patios Córdoba route! Some of the best and most awarded patio owners are collaborating to offer everyone a way to visit the most beautiful patios in Córdoba.

You can buy tickets (they cost 6 EUR per person) and get a map with 5 different patios in Córdoba. With this ticket, you can enter the courtyards during certain hours. You just need to be able to find them on the map (you can see the map on their website, but you will get a paper format at the ticket office)!

Ticket office location: Ruta de Patios Córdoba – ticket office

15. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a landmark tourist attraction in Andalusia and is one of the main reasons people visit this city. It is a spectacular cathedral that was once a mosque when Córdoba was under Islamic rule.

When the Christian kings conquered the city it was redesigned into a cathedral. The building itself was expanded over the centuries and under different rulers so it is an important historic monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

Although it is now a cathedral, for the most part, it still looks like a mosque. If you want to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba you have to buy tickets in advance . You can do it online for a certain hour when you wish to come.

I recommend coming in the morning. The lines outside are massive, however, the building is massive too so there is a place for a lot of people. Although we came in the morning there were already about 200 people in line in front of us (but it moved fast).

This is one of the bucket list places to visit in Córdoba and one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Andalusia in terms of architecture – the endless red-and-white striped archways is something you don’t get to see very often.

Location: Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

16. Palacio de Viana and its flowerful courtyards in Córdoba!

Palacio de Viana is a stunning Renaissance palace with numerous gardens, patios and courtyards, vibrant flowers and blooming bushes as well as rooms full of art collections and artifacts. Every corner around there was very picturesque and beautiful.

This palace-like house is a real example of how wealthy families lived in Córdoba centuries ago. Every room here is filled with relics and tools that were used in each corresponding room during daily life centuries ago.

But I have to admit that this place is famous for its’ incredible courtyards. There are numerous courtyards and each is unique and well-maintained. There is an entrance fee to see Palacio de Viana, but at certain hours you can visit its courtyards for free.

Palacio de Viana is definitely a must-see tourist attraction in Córdoba ! We only had limited time to explore all the rooms and corners, but I was stunned at how beautiful everything was and how big this place was. It felt like a never-ending maze of gardens!

Location: Palacio de Viana

17. The famous hiking trail Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey is one of the bucket list things to do in Andalusia, Spain. It was once considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world but since reconstruction a couple of years ago it is now a relatively safe and easy hike!

Caminito del Rey translates as the King’s Little Path – the King of Spain really was here and even crossed one of the bridges! It is a unique walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. It is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

The hike is about 8 kilometers long from start to finish (there is a 1 to 1.5-kilometer walk from the parking lot to the start of the trail). It goes along a wooden and concrete walkway. The hike offers some of the most scenic views in Andalusia!

To walk in complete safety and find out more about the gorge and the iconic hiking route I recommend joining a guided tour . We did this and the guide was really fun and energetic. One of my favorite memories from Andalusia!

Location: Caminito del Rey – Entry tickets and shuttle bus

18. Rooftop of the Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga

One of the symbols of Malaga is the cathedral! It is a landmark building in the city and by being built in the Renaissance architectural style it is one of the most beautiful places in Malaga and also in Andalusia!

Apart from the beautiful architecture, this cathedral also holds a special secret – you can actually climb on the roof of it for some of the most iconic photos and incredible views in Malaga city! Visits to the roof happen in groups at certain times.

You can buy tickets at the cathedral or online where you can see the timetable for the visits. The roof is not easily accessible as you can only get there by ascending ~200 steps through a narrow staircase.

The group is accompanied by two guides who will let you walk around the perimeter of the roof. The views of the city and the port of Malaga are quite magnificent! If you can, go there before sunset when everything is in golden shades and colors!

Location: Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga · Entrance

19. La Concepción – historic botanical garden in Malaga

One of my favorite Instagram spots in Malaga and also one of my favorite places to see Malaga from above is La Concepción. It is a historic botanic garden on the outskirts of Malaga city.

There is an entrance fee of 5.20 EUR to visit this garden and it is open every day except on Mondays. You can visit it for free on Sunday afternoons ( read more here ). This place was a beautiful estate of an aristocratic family.

The garden is not only full of exotic and unique plants, but also historic buildings and charming corners – waterfalls, sculptures, ponds, gardens, and greenhouses. The most beautiful place in the garden is the historic gazebo with incredible views over Malaga!

Location: Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción · Historic viewpoint

20. Gibralfaro mountain in Malaga

There is only one place in Andalusia where you can get an iconic shot of the typical Spanish bullring from above. And it is from Gibralfaro mountain in Malaga making it one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Andalusia!

Gibralfaro Mountain is one of the best places to go to see Malaga from above . There is a paved path leading uphill the mountain with some benches along the way. And there are a couple of different viewpoints.

On top of the mountain, you will see a castle – Castillo de Gibralfaro. The castle dates back to the 10th century when it was built by the emir Abd al-Raḥmān III who founded the Caliphate of Córdoba – the medieval Islamic kingdom in the territory of Andalusia.

You can see prices and visiting hours for the castle here . There is an entrance fee to the castle, but you can visit it on Sunday afternoons for free. You can reach the castle by car, by bus or by taxi. However, I really recommend hiking up there on foot.

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro · Mirador de Gibralfaro

21. The Balcony of Europe in Nerja

Nerja is a coastal town in the famous Costa del Sol area in Spain. It is located just a 50-minute drive away from Malaga city and offers more authentic experiences in a more relaxed atmosphere than the big Andalusian cities.

The most famous and beautiful place in Nerja is the so-called Balcony of Europe. It is a viewpoint built above a cliff – a large platform stretching into the sea with some fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains, and the coastline.

This has to be the busiest place in Nerja as there are benches to sit on, restaurants, ice-cream shops, and a beautiful palm-lined promenade. People just come here to relax and socialize. It is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset as well!

The Balcony of Europe is the ultimate must-visit spot in Nerja and one of the most popular photo spots in Nerja , so definitely take a photo here! You can get a great shot on the balcony, from the side, or from the beach next to it.

The square on top of the balcony is lined with beautiful white double arches decorated with Andalusian-style blue flower pots with flowers. We came here to watch the sunrise and it was one of my favorite memories from our Andalusian road trip!

Right next to the big square, you will find a small and really short street – Calle Tajillo. It is probably the most flowerful street in Nerja. There are flower pots on the walls, around windows, and on the ground.

Calle Tajillo is very short and it ends with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the coastline – Mirador de Calle Tajillo ! Don’t skip this place! It will only take a couple of minutes for you to visit this spot!

Location: Balcón de Europa – Flower street Calle Tajillo

22. The indescribable Cueva de Nerja

Nerja Cave is probably among the most impressive and beautiful caves I have visited (and I have visited many!). Obviously, it is a popular tourist attraction in Nerja and a must-visit place in Nerja for any visitor to this town and Andalusia!

The entrance to the cave costs 13 EUR and can be bought online for the exact time you wish to visit. It goes like a conveyor belt – you arrive at your designated time, show tickets to the staff and enter the cave.

The cave is pretty huge and full of stalagmites and stalactites. You can get there by taxi, a car, or a special tourist train that goes from Nerja center to the cave and back. This is definitely one of those iconic bucket list places to visit in Andalusia!

Location: Cueva de Nerja

23. Historic center of Frigiliana – the charming whitewashed flower village!

Frigiliana is considered one of the most beautiful whitewashed villages in Andalusia , Spain. With narrow cobblestone streets, houses, and stairs decorated with flowerpots and plants, this is a charming destination in the South of Spain.

It is located just a 15-minute drive away from Nerja and is definitely worth a visit! Frigiliana is a typical whitewashed Andalusian village built on a hillside. It is decorated with plants, flower bushes, and all tones of blue and purple doors!

We spent 3 fantastic days exploring the historic center of Frigiliana . The village has unbeatable views and it is one of my favorite places in Andalusia! Check out the best places to visit in Frigiliana and the most beautiful photo spots in this charming village!

Location: Frigiliana

24. The majestic Catedral de Cádiz!

Catedral de Cádiz is amongst the most beautiful buildings in Cádiz and in Andalusia. The construction of the cathedral started in the first half of the 18th century and lasted for more than 100 years. It was built in neoclassical and baroque styles.

At the time of building this cathedral, Cádiz was a booming city and the massive cathedral was built, in part, as a consequence of that – to impress the trading partners (like America) and to present the city as an important, well-off partner.

Visiting the inside of the cathedral is an extraordinary experience on its own, however, there is more to the cathedral. You can actually climb up to the Bell Tower (or Clock Tower) of the cathedral.

The Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Cádiz was one of my favorite places to visit in Cádiz ! Climbing to the tower is included in the entrance fee to the cathedral. First, you visit the cathedral, and then at the exit of the cathedral, there is a door to get to the tower.

The climb is long. There is a continuous incline spiraling upwards until the very top of the tower. There are no stairs, but a flat surface leading up. Once you get to the top there are 360-degree views over the city.

I really recommend walking up there at full hours when the bells ring. It was loud and it was fun! You can buy entrance tickets at the entrance or online . The same ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, to the crypt underground, and also to the Clock Tower.

Check out seaside views of the Cathedral of Cádiz!

If you are looking for some iconic views of Cádiz then this is definitely one of those! There are two nice viewpoints at the seaside (locations below).

The best view and photo spot of the cathedral is from the Baluarte de Capuchinos fortress located right next to the seaside promenade. You get a fantastic overlook of the city coastline and the majestic Cathedral of Cádiz.

There is also another viewpoint along the promenade – Mirador El Vendaval – where you can get another great shot of the coastline and the cathedral. However, I could say that this from the Baluarte de Capuchinos fortress was slightly more iconic.

Location: Catedral de Cádiz – Baluarte de Capuchinos – Mirador El Vendaval

25. Calle Ciegos in Jerez de la Frontera – the most beautiful street in Spain!

One of the most special and beautiful places in Andalusia is hiding in the heart of Jerez de la Frontera city! There is a street named Calle Ciegos or the Alley of the Blind which is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Spain!

The combination of the narrow and winding cobblestone street, the vine leaf cover above the head, and the view of the cathedral at the end of the street make this an iconic place in Andalusia!

We visited this place in spring when the leaves were not in full bloom yet. However, we got a great view of the cathedral! In a couple of weeks – sometime around May or later – the street will look like a leave-covered tunnel!

This street was once a public street. It was named Calle Ciegos or the Alley of the Blind because this was once a usual gathering place for poor and blind people who would beg for money from churchgoers. The street was a regular route to go to the church.

However, it is not publicly accessible today. After the famous González Byass sherry and wine bodega expanded, the municipality allowed this street to be included in their territory. You can only access it if you go on a tour to González Byass bodegas .

I would guess you can visit this street if you go to the Restaurante Pedro Nolasco restaurant that is located right next to this street. Or if you stay at their hotel – Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe – and ask them to show you this street. It is all part of their territory.

Location: Calle Ciegos – Bodega Tio Pepe

26. Claustros de Santo Domingo in Jerez de la Frontera

Claustros de Santo Domingo is one of my favorite hidden gems in Jerez de la Frontera. The building was a 13th-century cloister built in Gothic and Mudejar styles. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia in terms of architecture!

It is a rather small and simple place – you can only walk around the courtyard and admire the unique doorways and windows, however, if you happen to be in Jerez de la Frontera , then stop by! I don’t think it is worth traveling there specifically to visit this spot.

Today the cloister is the municipal property and holds different exhibitions and other events. The building has opening hours however the entrance to see the building and the inner courtyard is free.

When we visited there were just a few people inside and I suppose not many tourists would know about this place as it is a bit further away from the heart of the historic center.

It will only take about 10-15 minutes to visit this building as the courtyard is not too big and you can walk around it quite quickly. Definitely pay a visit to see this beautiful architecture if you happen to be nearby! It feels like stepping back in time for sure!

Location: Claustros de Santo Domingo

27. Olvera – the town with the most picturesque views!

Featuring some jaw-dropping views, Olvera is one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia with some unmatched picturesque views! It sits on a hilltop with a church and castle standing high above the rest of the village.

Must-do things in Olvera whitewashed town include exploring the Historic Center of the town and climbing up Calle Calzada street to the scenic Iglesia Mayor Parroquial hilltop church .

The best place to visit – Olvera Castle ! The castle was built in the 12th century as part of the defensive system for the Nasrid Kingdom. It sits on a rock at 623 meters above sea level and offers some of the most picturesque views in Andalusia!

If you visit the castle (it has working hours and an entrance fee), there are stone stairs leading up the cliff to the castle and at one point you can get this iconic view of the massive church below you! One of the most iconic Instagram spots in Andalusia !

Location: Olvera

28. Arcos de la Frontera – the most scenic town!

Although there are many villages in Andalusia built upon a cliff or a hill, Arcos de la Frontera is somewhat on another level! Standing on the very cliffside on a massive towering cliff this village has some of the most outstanding views!

Plus, there is a scenic river flowing around the village’s cliff from three sides making it one of the most inaccessible villages in Andalusia. Of course, it is easier nowadays with bridges and paved streets, but you still have to climb to get to the best spots.

The best places to see in the Arcos de la Frontera include Iglesia de San Pedro church, the photo-perfect Bésame en este Arco white arch, cliffside viewpoints Mirador de Abades and Mirador Plaza del Cabildo , and Basílica de Santa María de la Asunción .

Location: Arcos de la Frontera

29. Gruta de las Maravillas

Gruta de las Maravillas or the Grotto of Wonders is a spectacular cave complex in the province of Huelva in Andalusia. It is one of the most spectacular hidden gems and beautiful places you will find in Andalusia – especially if you are a cave lover!

Visits to Gruta de las Maravillas happen in guided tours. Although the tours are in Spanish, you can get an audioguide in English and follow along. The caves feature massive stalagmites and stalactites as well as small underground lakes.

Location: Gruta de las Maravillas

30. One of the most beautiful cemeteries in Spain at Villaluenga del Rosario!

With a population of less than 500 people, Villaluenga del Rosario is a tiny but very scenic village in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park right down the Navazo Alto mountain. It doesn’t get more authentic than this!

There is a beautiful viewpoint – Mirador Villaluenga del Rosario – right in the heart of the village where you can climb up to see the village from above. On the outskirts of the village, you will find a beautiful hidden gem – the cemetery.

The unique cemetery was built inside the ruins of a church destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Spain, so that is definitely a good reason to stop by this village during your Andalusian road trip!

However, there is another reason to go to Villaluenga del Rosario. This village is the home of the Payoyo cheese! The cheese has received many prestigious awards and is considered a Spanish delicacy.

Payoyo cheese is only made from the milk of goats and sheep that graze in Villaluenga del Rosario and other areas of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park! There is a factory right here in this village where you can buy this exclusive cheese!

Location: Villaluenga del Rosario – Mirador Villaluenga del Rosario – Cemetery

More Andalusia travel inspiration!

• 21 most beautiful white villages and unique towns in Andalusia
• 31 most iconic Instagram photo spots in Andalusia, Spain
• 27 hidden gems and secret places you should see in Andalusia
• 17 most beautiful castles and palaces in Andalusia, Spain
• Malaga bucket list: 11 best things to do in Malaga
• Granada bucket list: 17 best things to do in Granada

Happy exploring!

Andalusia, the Southern region of Spain, is a one-of-a-kind place. It offers the perfect mix of history, architecture, vibrant cities, quiet hidden villages, unique nature, scenic hikes as well as sandy beaches and the perfectly blue water of the Mediterranean Sea.

We spent almost 3 months discovering everything Andalusia had to offer starting from world-famous places like Alhambra , we went underground inside Nerja cave, hanged in the air at the Caminito del Rey hike, and picked up our jaws when we saw Ronda bridge.

I hope you enjoy your time in Andalusia as much as we did! And I hope you will get some inspiration from my blog to make your trip even more adventurous, fun, exciting, and unforgettable! Andalusia is definitely worth it!

PIN FOR LATER!

Marta is an economist turned full-time traveler. She comes from a small village in a small country (Latvia) with a big dream to see the big World and share it all with you!

On Explored by Marta, you will find travel guides and bucket lists made for active travelers who plan their own itineraries with a little bit of everything - must-see spots, hidden gems, cities, nature, fun adventures, and relaxation!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Holidays in Andalusia
• Cultural Tours
• City Based Tours
• Trekking Tours
• Wine & Olive Routes
• Day Trip Tours
• Tailor Made Tours
• Other Tours
• Choose Your Base
• Wine & Olive Tours

Tours in Andalusia

The Alhambra Palaces – Granada

Here at YOUR ANDALUSIA, we take your idea of a dream Tour Holiday in Southern Spain and help you turn that into a reality. We will make suggestions that will enable you to get the maximum out of the time that you have to spend here in Andalusia. Our Tours are personalised and our experience lets us know what is important to clients, whether they be individual travellers, a couple, a family or an extended group of friends.

We at YOUR ANDALUSIA offer a variety of chauffeur driven Cultural Tours to suit all tastes; from our Day Trip Tours visiting Andalusian cities to our 5 star Private Tour Packages, staying of course, in 5 star hotels.

You may be interested to know however that our most popular Tours are undoubtedly our 5 and 7 day Villa Based Holidays, quite simply because they offer our clients everything !!! On these Tours you will have the opportunity to spend a day in each of the cities of Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga and Ronda and of course to visit all the World Heritage sites and wonders that these cities have to offer, (The Alhambra, The Mezquita and The Royal Alcazar to name but a few). In the evenings you will be able to enjoy the ‘real’ Andalusian way of life at your private luxury villa or in the restaurants and tapas bars of our traditional Andalusian town. AND WHEN WE TELL YOU THAT THIS STYLE OF TOUR HOLIDAY STARTS FROM JUST €895 FOR A 5 DAY TOUR, YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE SO POPULAR!!

Click on our drop down menu in this page to learn more about all of the Tours/Holidays that we have to offer, or indeed scroll down this page, where below you will find examples of a short four night, €˜City Based Tour€™ and a longer 6 night, €˜Cultural Andalusia Tour€™. The important thing to remember however is the flexibility which our company can offer, so should these formats not suit your requirements exactly, please let us know and we will do everything possible to provide you with the Dream Andalusian Experience that you desire.

City Based Tour.

Day1. We will collect you at Malaga airport on your arrival and time permitting we will start your Andalusian experience with a short stop off in Malaga city centre or a visit to the mountain town of Mijas , one of the most famous €˜Pueblos Blancos€™, (white towns), in Andalusia. Later we will transport you to your chosen accommodation, aiming to arrive there for around 6pm.

Day2. We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and head off to visit the Andalusian Capital of Seville where our guide will walk you through the historic centre of the city, explaining the background to the important World Heritage sites such as the 15 th century Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies, as well as the other iconic sites of this magnificent city. We will aim to finish the walk around 1.30pm, in time for lunch at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the the old Jewish Quarter, (the area known as El Barrio De Santa Cruz), and after lunch you will have time to enter into the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar or perhaps take a boat trip on the famous river Guadalquivir. We will meet up again at the pre-arranged time and place and head back to your accommodation.

Day3. We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30 and head off to visit the city of Granada and the mystical Alhambra, (another World Heritage site), which was the centre of the ancient Moorish kingdom of Granada and the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, until its surrender in 1492. We will park in the historical centre of the city and begin the walking tour where you will have the opportunity to visit the 16 th century cathedral and the Royal Chapel and mausoleum of Queen Isabel and King Fernando, Los Reyes Catolicos, who completed the Christian re-conquest of Spain when they accepted the surrender of Granada in 1492. Other notable sites include the Basilica of San Juan De Dios, the Bib-Rambla and the Plaza Nueva. We will completed the city centre tour around 1pm, in time for lunch and at 2pm head off in the vehicle to the Alhambra complex where you will have four hours to soak in the wonders of the fantastic World Heritage site comprising of palaces, gardens and fortresses. You will be met by our guide at 6pm at the exit from the Alhambra and taken back to your accommodation.

Day4. We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and head off to visit the romantic city of Cordoba , the centre of the Moorish empire of Al-Andalus for more than 300 years. A city that was a beacon of light during the troubled medieval times and where peoples of all faiths and backgrounds lived in harmony. We will park the vehicle fifty metres from the medieval walls of the city and enter into the historic part through the ancient €˜Seville Gate€™. The jewel in the crown of Cordoba is of course the incredible World Heritage site of the Mezquita, but during our morning walking tour you will have the opportunity to visit other impressive sites such as the 14 th century Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, (infamously used as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition from 1482), the Royal Stables, (now the home of the famous €˜Passion and Spirit€™ Andalusian Equestrian Stable), the 14 th century Synagogue, (one of only three medieval Synagogues left in Spain) and the early 15 th Century Chapel of Saint Bartholomew, built in the Mudejar style. We will arrive at the steps of the Mezquita around 1pm, in time for lunch at one of the many quality and reasonable priced restaurants in the area. After lunch you will have free time to enter into the Mezquita and continue exploring the other highlights of the historic city, such as the Roman Bridge, the Calahorra Tower, the Door of the Bridge, Saint Raphael€™s Triumph, (a monument to the Patron Saint of Cordoba), the ancient Hospital of Saint Sebastian, the Almodovar Door, (one of the seven ancient entrances to the city), and the Arab Baths. At around 5.30pm we will meet at the pre-arranged point and you will be driven back to your accommodation.

Day5. Departure Day. Depending on the timing of your flight, we will stop off at Antequera on our way to Malaga airport. Antequera is a mid size market town with over two dozen religious buildings. We will take time out to have a coffee before visiting the three Dolmens located in the town, (intact Neolithic structures dating from around 5,000 years ago), after which we will continue on our journey to Malaga Airport.

Cultural Tour of Andalusia.

Day 2. We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and head off to visit the iconic town of Ronda , spectacularly set high above the Guadalevin gorge with the hills of the Serrania de Ronda as its backdrop. Ronda is more than a picture postcard town, it is a place steeped in history, its very name being an adaptation of the name given to the site by the ancient Celts who settled there in the 6 th century BC, Arunda . Ronda is also the birthplace of modern day bull fighting and has beguiled many a famous traveler, including Orson Welles and Ernest Hemingway, as well as the famous 20 th century German poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, who were all seduced by the beauty and history of this town. Hemingway is said to have been inspired by the famous Puente Nuevo, (New Bridge), in Ronda when writing his account of Spanish Civil War atrocities in his book, For Whom the Bell Tolls . Ronda is the perfect Andaluian town to explore at your own pace and after arriving we will take the short walk to the historic centre of the town where you will be free to visit the museums and sights and choose one of the many quality restaurants to have lunch. We will arrange to meet up again in front off the historic bull ring at a pre-arranged time in the afternoon before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 3.   We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and head off to visit the romantic city of Cordoba , the centre of the Moorish empire of Al-Andalus for more than 300 years. A city that was a beacon of light during the troubled medieval times and where peoples of all faiths and backgrounds lived in harmony. We will park the vehicle fifty metres from the medieval walls of the city and enter into the historic part through the ancient €˜Seville Gate€™. The jewel in the crown of Cordoba is of course the incredible World Heritage site of the Mezquita, but during our morning walking tour you will have the opportunity to visit other impressive sites such as the 14 th century Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, (infamously used as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition from 1482), the Royal Stables, (now the home of the famous €˜Passion and Spirit€™ Andalusian Equestrian Stable), the 14 th century Synagogue, (one of only three medieval Synagogues left in Spain) and the early 15 th Century Chapel of Saint Bartholomew, built in the Mudejar style. We will arrive at the steps of the Mezquita around 1pm, in time for lunch at one of the many quality and reasonable priced restaurants in the area. After lunch you will have free time to enter into the Mezquita and continue exploring the other highlights of the historic city, such as the Roman Bridge, the Calahorra Tower, the Door of the Bridge, Saint Raphael€™s Triumph, (a monument to the Patron Saint of Cordoba), the ancient Hospital of Saint Sebastian, the Almodovar Door, (one of the seven ancient entrances to the city), and the Arab Baths. At around 5.30pm we will meet at the pre-arranged point and you will be driven back to your accommodation.

Day 4. We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and start our visit to some of the natural beauty spots of central Andalusia. First of all we will drive into the El Torcal natural park in the mountains above Antequera. We will drive up to the visitors centre at around 4000 feet above sea level where we can take a short 45 minutes walk amongst the natural stone sculptures formed after millions of years of wind and rain erosion. There you will be able to soak up the tranquility of the area and may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the mountain goats and griffin vultures that are often visible during our visits. After our walk we will take a short break in the cafeteria of the visitors centre before heading off to drive through the Guadalteba Natural Park and stop off for a leisurely lunch at a lakeside restaurant. After Lunch we will complete our drive through the park making a couple of stops to take in the wonderful views available in this region, including the famous El Chorro gorge and €˜El Camino del Rey€™ , (the Kings Walkway), before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 5.   We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30am and head off to visit the Andalusian Capital of Seville where our guide will walk you through the historic centre of the city, explaining the background to the important World Heritage sites such as the 15 th century Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies, as well as the other iconic sites of this magnificent city. We will aim to finish the walk around 1.30pm, in time for lunch in one of the many wonderful restaurants in the area and after lunch you will have time to enter into the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar or perhaps take a boat trip on the famous river Guadalquivir. We will meet up again at the pre-arranged time and place and head back to your accommodation.

Day 6.  We will collect you after breakfast at 9.30 and head off to visit the city of Granada and the mystical Alhambra, (another World Heritage site), which was the centre of the ancient Moorish kingdom of Granada and the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, until its surrender in 1492. We will park in the historical centre of the city and begin the walking tour where you will have the opportunity to visit the 16 th century cathedral and the Royal Chapel and mausoleum of Queen Isabel and King Fernando, Los Reyes Catolicos, who completed the Christian re-conquest of Spain when they accepted the surrender of Granada in 1492. Other notable sites include the Basilica of San Juan de Dios, the Bib-Rambla and the Plaza Nueva. We will completed the city centre tour around 1pm, in time for lunch and at 2pm head off in the vehicle to the Alhambra complex where you will have four hours to soak in the wonders of the fantastic site comprising of palaces, gardens and fortresses. You will be met by our guide at 6pm at the exit from the Alhambra and taken back to your accommodation.

Day7 . Departure Day. Depending on the timing of your flight, we will stop off at Antequera on our way to Malaga airport. Antequera is a mid size market town with over two dozen religious buildings. We will take time out to have a coffee before visiting the three Dolmens located in the town, (intact Neolithic structures dating from around 5,000 years ago), after which we will continue on our journey to Malaga Airport.

Your Andalusia

Special deals.