Time to visit one of the most beautiful places in the Iberian Peninsula. A region that abounds in both majestic seaports and world-class monuments. A place that tourists love as much for its wonderful climate as for its unique culture and delicious cuisine!
Andalusia is the second largest autonomous community in Spain in terms of area. It consists of eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, Seville. Some of them are located off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, while others are located inland.
The region is famous for its large number of monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as coasts such as Costa del Sol or Costa de la Luz, which are visited by crowds of tourists every year. Andalusia is also the capital of flamenco, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and one of the best locations for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. The basis of local gastronomy is fresh vegetables, seafood and fish. These ingredients are used to prepare not only wholesome dishes, but also tapas, which in some restaurants are served as a snack for free before a meal.
Andalusia is also a region of Spain with a rich, centuries-old culture, the manifestations of which can be seen at every turn. This is particularly evident during various holidays such as Semana Santa, Feria de Abril, or Feria del Caballo.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Spain, attracting millions of tourists from around the world every year with its sandy beaches. However, the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea is not the only reason why it is worth visiting this part of Spain. Costa del Sol includes cities such as Malaga, Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Nerja, which are perfect for family vacations with children, as well as for traveling as a couple or solo. There are many wonderful attractions and monuments that allow you to appreciate Andalusian culture and art even better.
Costa de la Luz
Costa de la Luz is the second most popular coast in Andalusia. This part of southern Spain is known for its excellent beaches for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving. The city of Tarifa, loved by surfers, is especially popular in this respect. Costa de la Luz is also a paradise for nature lovers – this is where the Doñana National Park is located, which is home to many species of wildlife, including flamingos, cranes and eagles.
What about monuments? If you like sightseeing, Costa de la Luz will not disappoint you either. Visit cities such as Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Huelva or Rota to feast your eyes on the magnificent Andalusian architecture and art.
Costa Almeria
Slightly less known among foreign tourists, the Costa Almeria is loved by the Spaniards themselves. Crystal clear water and impressive mountains in the background create an unforgettable scenery. Costa Almeria is a great place for water sports enthusiasts, as well as an ideal attraction for those who want to discover a less obvious face of Andalusia. To this end, it is worth visiting not only Almeria, full of monuments, but also the Cabo de Gata nature reserve, or the Oasys Mini Hollywood amusement park, loved by children. Did you know that this is where many famous westerns were filmed, such as “For a Few Dollars More”, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, or “A Fistful of Dollars”.
Costa Tropical
This least known coast in southern Spain is located near Granada. This part of Andalusia will appeal primarily to those who like active recreation, because to fully explore the Costa Tropical, it is worth preparing comfortable shoes and filling up the tank! The most practical means of transport is a car, which will allow you to reach the most interesting places on this coast. If you do not have your own, you can always use a rental company, e.g. RentalCars.
The most interesting places worth seeing on the Costa Tropical are undoubtedly the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Sierra de Baza mountain range. The picturesque and historic towns of Almuñécar and Salobreña also invite you to visit.
Seville – the capital of Andalusia and flamenco
As the capital and largest city of this region of Spain, Seville attracts many wonderful monuments that allow you to discover the true soul of Andalusia. The impressive cathedral, which is one of the largest temples of its kind in the world and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, makes an impression. Another important monument is the Royal Palace of Alcazar de los Reyes Catolicos, which was once the seat of the Moorish rulers, and today is one of the most important examples of Muslim architecture in Spain.
Among the most important monuments of the city, one cannot miss such places as: the Golden Tower (Torre del Oro), the Spanish Square (Plaza de España), or the former Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. It is also worth visiting the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Flamenco, which bring Andalusian culture and art even closer.
Seville is also a city that is famous for its wonderful festivals and traditions, such as the Semana Santa (translation: Holy Week) celebrations or the spring festival, Feria de Abril. Especially during the latter, we can get to know the enormous colors of this part of Andalusia, because it is then that the city is filled with singing, dancing and beautiful traditional costumes that are worn by the inhabitants.
Malaga and the famous Caminito del Rey trail
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, which, in addition to beautiful, sandy beaches, can also boast wonderful monuments. These include, among others, the Roman Theater, the Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación, the Alcazaba Palace complex and the Gibralfaro Castle. In the old town of Malaga, we will also find many interesting museums. The most popular one is the Picasso Museum, which presents the works of the famous cubist from various periods of his life.
In addition to the city of Malaga itself, it is also worth taking an interest in several other attractions that are located in the province of Malaga. The Caminito del Rey trail is particularly popular, which you cannot miss if you like a pinch of adrenaline and love beautiful views.
Ronda – the city of lovers
Also in the province of Malaga is the city of Ronda. It is a town loved by lovers and one of the most romantic corners in all of Spain. The beautiful center of the old town, historic buildings and an unusual bridge connecting this city torn over the precipice make the heart beat faster. It is also another location where we will find many interesting places and tourist attractions. The most interesting ones include: the Mondragón Palace, Casa del Rey Moro, the bullring (Spanish: Plaza de toros), the Arab baths (Spanish: Baños Árabes) and the Alameda del Tajo Park.
Cordoba and the largest mosque in the Iberian Peninsula
In Cordoba, we will also find a lot of monuments, most of which come from the times of Muslim domination in this part of Andalusia. Many of them have been inscribed on the UNESCO List. The most important one is La Mezquita – the largest mosque in the Iberian Peninsula. The second most important monument in the city is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
In Cordoba, you can also see a lot of influences from Jewish culture (it is not without reason that in the Middle Ages it was said that it was a city of three cultures: Christian, Muslim and Jewish). When visiting the local Old Town, it is worth visiting the Jewish Quarter (Barrio de la Judería de Córdoba), which will surprise you with beautiful whitewashed facades of houses. A few kilometers from Cordoba, Medina Azahara awaits visitors – the ruins of an Arab palace complex from the 10th century.
Granada and the most famous landmark in Spain
Granada is famous above all for the huge Alhambra palace complex. It is the best-preserved Arab palace in Spain, and according to some – also in the world. In addition to the obligatory Alhambra in Granada, it is also worth visiting the Gypsy Quarter of Barrio del Sacromonte. With a bit of luck, you can come across wonderful flamenco shows there.
An interesting place to visit is also Albaicín – an Arab district full of whitewashed houses. In the center of Granada at Plaza Nueva, we will find a lot of bars serving delicious tapas. This type of snack in most bars in Andalusia is also available for free with every meal ordered.
Jerez de la Frontera and dancing horses
Andalusia is a region of Spain that is famous for its enormous cultural wealth. A perfect example of this is the city of Jerez de la Frontera, which, in addition to being famous for the production of sherry, is also known for its unusual shows of dancing horses organized by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Each spectacle is a real show, during which horses perform complex dance routines, to the rhythm of traditional flamenco music.
When visiting Jerez de la Frontera, it is also worth paying attention to several emblematic monuments and museums, which include: the Cathedral of St. Margaret, Alcázar, the Villavicencio Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Taurino Museum, the Flamenco Museum and numerous historic churches.
Cádiz – The oldest city in Spain
Cádiz is a city with a centuries-old history. There is no shortage of monuments and museums here, thanks to which lovers of culture who like to learn about the past of the places they visit will find themselves perfectly here. Places that are particularly worth seeing are: the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Church of St. Francis, the Castillo de San Sebastian Castle, the Castillo de Santa Catalina Castle, the phenomenal Plaza de San Juan de Dios Square, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of the Roman Theater.
Cádiz is also a city of music and fun. Various festivals are held here every year, and the event that also attracts crowds of tourists from other parts of the world is the famous Carnaval de Cádiz, or carnival in Cadiz! This is a time when the streets of the city are filled with music, dance and colorful costumes.
Jaén and fabulous olive groves
It is said to be the world capital of olive oil. Contrary to appearances, however, it is not only olives that are the reason why it is worth visiting Jaén. The city hides many architectural gems, and the most interesting of these include: the Catedral de la Asunción Cathedral, the castle and at the same time the Castillo de Santa Catalina hotel, the Arab Baths (Baños Árabes de Jaén) and the former hospital (and today a cultural center) Hospital de San Juan de Dios. In Jaén, we will also find several historic churches: Iglesia de San Ildefonso, Iglesia de San Juan, Iglesia de San Bartolomé, Iglesia de la Magdalena.
Huelva
Did you think that western Andalusia would not surprise you with anything? Wrong! It is here, on the Costa de la Luz coast, that one of the most charming cities in this region of Spain is located. Huelva is one of the cities that make up the so-called Christopher Columbus Trail, thanks to which we will find a lot of references to this explorer here (for example, in the form of monuments). When it comes to monuments, compared to other cities in Andalusia, there are not too many of them here.
A popular place in the center of the Old Town is the Plaza de las Monjas Square. If you are interested in attractions for children, be sure to visit the small amusement park Parque de las Palomas (Atracciones La Cinta). You can admire excellent views in the former dock Muelle de Río Tinto. On the other hand, if you like communing with nature, it is worth mentioning that near Huelva there is the Doñana National Park (Parque Nacional de Doñana), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Parque Botánico José Celestino Mutis botanical garden.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve
Cabo de Gata-Níjar is a nature reserve located in southeastern Spain, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia, which delights with its wild nature, beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. This park is a true oasis of peace, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the city and the rush of everyday life.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar is an ideal place for lovers of hiking and cycling, who want to see amazing landscapes, such as volcanoes, cliffs, deserts and beautiful beaches. There are many hiking trails in the park, such as the volcanoes, cliffs and many others, which allow you to explore the most beautiful corners of the park.
Tabernas Desert
30 km from the city of Almería is the largest natural desert in Europe. The area of the Tabernas Desert reaches 280 km2, and in terms of views it is deceptively similar to the regions of Africa or North America. No wonder that this is where scenes for many westerns were filmed. What’s more! The film set once used for such well-known productions as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, “Lawrence of Arabia” or more recently – in the game “Assassin’s Creed” is open to visitors. All you have to do is go to the aforementioned Oasys Theme Park to feel on your own skin what life in the Wild West was like.
The Trail of White Cities in Andalusia
“Pueblo blanco” or “white town” is one of the most popular views in southern Spain – especially when we go beyond the borders of larger agglomerations. The trail of the white towns of Andalusia leads through nearly 20 towns, each of which has its own story to tell. One of the most famous places of this type is Setenil de las Bodegas, characteristic due to the houses built between the rocks.
Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the highest range in continental Spain, and also one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Andalusia region. It stretches for over 80 kilometers and includes the area of the national park of the same name. In the Sierra Nevada, we will find many hiking trails that offer amazing landscapes to all nature lovers. But that’s not all! Not everyone realizes that Sierra Nevada is also famous for its excellent ski slopes and it is one of the best places in Spain for winter sports.
IT IS WORTH KNOWING: In addition to Sierra Nevada, there is also the Sierra Morena mountain range in Andalusia, which is 400 km long, and its highest peak is Bañuelas (1324 m above sea level)
The most beautiful beaches in Andalusia
You certainly won’t complain about their lack. However, if you care about really unusual and less crowded places, try to choose slightly smaller towns for this purpose. Near the town of Tarifa (province of Cadiz) you will find Playa de Bolonia – a beach ideal for people practicing kitesurfing and windsurfing. Nearby you will also find Playa Punta Paloma and Playa de Los Lances – quiet, sandy beaches with excellent infrastructure.
In the city of Huelva, Playa de Mazagón awaits you – a beach recommended for relaxing with children or a larger group of friends. It is also very popular among residents and has excellent infrastructure, thanks to which it is very well-kept and safe.
Near the town of Barbate there is a small village of Zahara de los Atunes. Although this name probably does not tell you much, the local beach Playa de la Virgen del Carmen will surprise you with its length (about 5 km) and huge width. Nearby you can also find a semi-wild beach Playa de los Alemanes, which is one and a half kilometers long.
