The southernmost region of Spain, Andalusia, is my absolute favorite due to its warmer weather, Moorish architecture and slow pace of life. Andalusia offers sandy beaches and beautiful mountains with so much history, art, and cultural treasures. Though conquered by the Romans over 2000 years ago, as well as other civilizations, it was occupied by the Moors for almost 8 centuries. This is very evident in the buildings, the local pottery and crafts, their food, and in some of the local customs! This enchanting destination is also filled with whitewashed mountain villages, flamenco shows, remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the best tapas in Spain!
GRANADA
One of my favorite memories when I was backpacking through Europe in college was visiting Granada (one of Andalusia’s main cities) and ordering inexpensive drinks (that came with free tapas)! Bar hopping in Granada can be quite a treat! Back then, for under $10 USD we would drink and eat while minding our tight budgets! Though that was a while ago, you can still enjoy this long-standing tradition in its many bars, and it is still quite affordable! The word tapa (means “cover”, “lid” or “top”) which is what they do with these small appetizers. They serve them (or used to long ago) on a little plate on top of your drink or to accompany your drink. But Granada is so much more that just drinks and appetizers! One of the most remarkable monuments you can visit in Spain is the Alhambra. This palace and fortress complex is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and offers stunning gardens, courtyards, and intricate Moorish style art! Other things to do include visiting the Albaicin neighborhood with its bazaar-like markets lovely streets and squares! You will enjoy people watching even late into the night! Southern Spain goes to bed late, and local restaurants and bars are open into the wee hours of the night! Don’t worry as the next day you can do as the locals do and enjoy a nice nap, or siesta, during the day so you can do it all over again the next night!
SEVILLE
The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a city brimming with culture, history, and architectural marvels. While here you must explore the Seville Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world, and the opulent Royal Alcázar palace, another great example of the Moorish architecture in the area. Seville’s historic center, aka the Casco Antiguo, is best explored on foot so you can truly soak in the atmosphere and its hidden gems. Outdoor cafes and lovely shops are everywhere, and it’s easy to enjoy tapas, delicious Spanish wines or sangria, and even some flamenco music and shows throughout the city. The Santa Cruz neighborhood, the former Jewish Quarter, is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses adorned with flowerpots, and charming squares. The Triana neighborhood, located across the river, is also pretty special with its flamenco heritage and pottery industry. But here you will also find great restaurants, a riverside promenade, and lots of outdoor impromptu street performers! Seville has so much to offer that I recommend spending at least 3 nights here, but it also makes for a great spot to explore the area, so spending a week and doing day trips is also a great option!
CORDOBA
Córdoba is renowned for its Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally a mosque and is now a cathedral. One of the coolest and most unique buildings you will ever visit! I also love walking through the charming Jewish Quarter as there are many picturesque spots and quaint corners to explore. Its lovely inner courtyards, often part of private homes, can sometimes be visited on guided tours or during special events. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the fortress-palace, is also quite remarkable and worth a visit! Cordoba is easy to visit as a daytrip from either Granada or Seville if you just want to spend a few hours, too!
RONDA
Ronda’s position makes it one of the most impressive places to visit in Southern Spain! This dramatic city is perched over a deep gorge offering breathtaking views of the landscapes below. The iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, an 18th century feat of engineering, is the symbol of the city and divides the historic center in half. Here you can also visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain that is still used today! The town is also surrounded by valleys and mountains in which you’ll find the famous “pueblos blancos”, or white villages of Andalusia, located in the Sierra de Grazalema, an official UNESCO site. The drive into Ronda is also quite remarkable and extremely scenic!
MALAGA
Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is a vibrant city with a historic center, beautiful beaches, and renowned art scene. Some of its sites include the Malaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Picasso Museum, and strolling along the Malaga Harbor. There is also a well-preserved Roman Theater here where you can sometimes catch a play or musical performance. The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is housed in an old market building and has fresh food stalls where you can enjoy a meal with your travel companions and mingle with the locals. This laid-back beach town has lots of cultural events year round and boasts hot summers, perfect for the beach, and very moderate winters, great for relaxation!
CADIZ
Cadiz is a historic city located on a peninsula and offers stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and a lively atmosphere. This spot is not nearly as touristy as some of the others on the list, so you will see lots of locals enjoying their city on walks, at local cafes, and along its stunning coastline! Places to visit include the Cadiz Cathedral and the Torre Tavira for panoramic views. The streets of the old town are great for strolling as are the lovely seaside promenades on both sides of the peninsula. Do note that in the summer the beaches can get quite crowded, so visiting in spring, fall or winter may be best. Its maritime connection means the seafood is fresh and abundant so make sure to hit some of the local restaurants and local markets while here!
To summarize, Southern Spain is full of remarkable sites and destinations that are worth discovering. To get there it is sometimes easier to fly into Madrid and take a fast train down to Granada or Seville, though Seville also has an airport, if you don’t mind connections. Getting around the area is easy either by train or bus service, but driving also makes for a great way to truly explore the area and some of its smaller, more unique attractions. It is also easy to combine a trip to Southern Spain with either Portugal or other parts of Spain if you are looking for a longer vacation. We’re here to help you plan that perfect escape to Southern Spain, so reach out with any questions! Buen viaje!