6 Must-Visit Places in Andalusia, Spain

You’ll find Andalusia in the south of the Iberian Penisula which is Spain’s most populated autonomous community. A region known for its sunny coastline, flamenco dancing, striking architecture and historic towns, be sure to add it to your travel bucket list.

After 7 months in Latin America, I didn’t want our trip to end. So when our flight meant a layover in Madrid the most logical thing to do was to plan a 3-week long Andalusian adventure, to delay the inevitable homecoming.

Spending 3 weeks travelling around Andalusia was one of the best decisions I have made, the vibes were on point. It’s impossible to tell you where my favourite stop was, hence today’s post running you through the 6 must-visit places in Andalusia.

So keep reading and get planning your great Andalusian adventure!

Fun Fact- The name Andalusia came from the Arabic word Al-Andulas which is what the area was known as under Moorish rule from the 8th-15th century.

Cádiz

Cádiz is an ancient port city with some dreamy coastal views. This is the place to come if you’re not too sure whether you are after a city break or a beach break. You can combine taking a dip in the ocean with walking the cobbled streets and tasting traditional Andalusian cuisine. 

My favourite part of Cádiz was just simply strolling along the coastline. In particular, the view of the Cathedral de Cádiz with the gleaming blue ocean water to its side was a sight to behold, it is the perfect coastal city to add to your Andalusia trip.

Top Things to Do in Cádiz, Spain

• Get your beach on at La Caleta Beach
• Visit the Plaza de las Flores and Mercado Central
• Stroll around Alameda Apodaca Park
• See the Cathedral de Cádiz and the Bell Tower

Sevilla

Sevilla the capital of Andalusia and famous for oranges, tapas and sunshine, is a city you simply must visit in Andalusia. You’ll feel the life in Sevilla as soon as you meander the cobbled alleyways, I mean historians date the city back to the 8th century so it’s been here a while. 

I fell in love with Sevilla during my time there, it was the perfect mix of relaxing and intriguing. You can spend your days taking tours of historical sites and discovering the culture. Or maybe you’re looking for a more slow-paced holiday with spa trips, shopping and searching for the best tapas dish.

Top Things to Do in Seville, Spain

• Visit the Real Alcazar de Sevilla
• Cruise or paddle along the Guadalquivir River
• Try a ceramic painting workshop in the neighbourhood of Triana
• Explore the Cathedral de Sevilla and Giralda Bell Tower

Discover the ultimate travel guide to Seville, Spain here —->

Córdoba

You will not regret visiting Córdoba, it has to be one of Andalusia’s most stunning cities. With both a Roman and Moorish history the city has a blend of the two styles that will have you falling for its beauty in no time. 

Famously Córdoba is known for the Mesquita or the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, which speaks to the aforementioned blend of two usually very opposite styles. But the beauty of the city doesn’t end there. Between all the white homes and flower-lined streets, you will find some incredible patios. In May the annual Patios de Córdoba festival is held, in which locals open up their courtyards in order to find the most magical patio in Córdoba.

Top Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain

• Discover the stunning courtyards of Palacio de Vianna
• Climb to the top of the Mesquita Cathedral Tower for incredible views
• Walk along the Roman Bridge and see the Almodovar Gate
• Go to a light show at Alcazar de los Reyes

Granada

In the shadow of the great Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is another must-visit city in Andalusia. You’ll have a neverending list of things to do in this Andalusian town from flamenco shows to tapas tastings and visiting the infamous Alhambra.

The attractions are spread around the city and with the Alhambra towering over everywhere, you will quickly realise you are in for a hilly journey if your main mode of transport is your feet. However, after working out all the leg muscles wandering the tiny alleyways, be sure to refuel yourself with some churros. Granada is home to the most delicious churros in Andalusia, in my opinion.

Top Things to Do in Granada, Spain

• Visit the famous Alhambra, be sure to get tickets in advance
• Hike the Los Cahorros trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range
• Eat churros at Cafe Bib Rambla
• Watch a sunset from San Nicholas or San Miguel viewpoint
• Discover Sacromonte neighbourhood and stop by the Cave Museum

Malaga

Malaga was the destination that surprised me the most in Andalusia, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. Compared to the likes of Granada, Sevilla and Córdoba its praises don’t get sung as much. This may be due to the more commercial style of the city, however, don’t write it off. I loved sitting on the streets of Malaga, having some nibbles, maybe a few drinks and soaking in the surroundings.

As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, you’ll also find an artistic side to Malaga. On many of the streets, you’ll find shops selling some local crafts, a great place to find some Andalusian-style souvenirs. And with reliable public transport connecting Malaga with some sandy beaches around the Costa del Sol, it’s the perfect spot for a beach day or five.

Top Things to Do in Malaga, Spain

• Check out the beautiful architecture of the Alcazaba
• Take in views of the city from Mirador de Gibralfaro
• Head outside the city and hike the famous Caminto del Rey
• Bask in beautiful views over the city from Castillo de Gibralfaro

Did You Know? Andalusia’s coastline is over 1000km and runs along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean?

Nerja

As a resort town on the Mediterranean Sea, you can bet you’ll find some of the most inviting ocean waters here. With a different feel to many of the other places I have mentioned earlier in this post, Nerja is the place to come if you want more of a relaxing Andalusian destination.

With a laid-back style, you won’t cram your day full of sightseeing here, although there are sights to be seen. Have a slow visit, wander the streets lined with white buildings and spend your days on some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia.

Top Things to Do in Nerja, Spain

• Visit the Balcon de Europa and stroll the nearby streets
• Paddle board or kayak to the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs
• Discover the wonder of the Nerja Caves
• Visit the neighbouring town of Frigiliana

How to Travel Around Andalusia, Spain

It’s difficult to just pick one destination to explore, but you don’t have to. How do you get around these beautiful destinations you wonder? I have the answer and luckily there are options depending on your travel style and budget.

By Car

You can rent a car to explore the Spanish region of Andalusia. It means you can dance to the beat of your drum and stop wherever you wish and who doesn’t love a good road trip?

I recommend comparing the prices of rental cars on booking.com and shopping around for the best price. Be sure to have decent insurance as you don’t want any unexpected bills at the end of your trip.

For navigating your way around Andalusia, Spain, download Waze, the only driving app I will ever trust. It’s regularly updated and will make sure you are headed on the quickest path to your destination.

By Train

The region of Andalusia and the destinations mentioned above are all well connected by trains, with the exception of Nerja. A lot of the lines have high-speed trains meaning you can be at your next destination in no time.

I recommend booking tickets in advance on the Trainline app. We booked a train from Madrid to Seville around 4 months in advance and it saved us about £30. 

By Bus

Taking buses around Andalusia is going to be a more budget-friendly option, however, it may take a little longer than previous options. 

Alsa buses cover all of the destinations mentioned above in this post and their buses were pretty luxurious, with comfy seats, USB charging stations and some even had a TV. Check out the timetables and book tickets on their website here.

With many more destinations in Andalusia we didn’t visit a return to this gorgeous part of Spain is very much on the cards. What is a good adventure if you don’t leave wanting to go back?

Have you visited Andalusia before, or maybe you have another favourite destination in Spain? Let us know in the comments.

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