</a></span>"}'/> 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.
Andalusia is divided into eight provinces, each having the same name as its respective provincial capital city.
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.
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.
Like most of the rest of Spain, Andalusia's main language is Spanish .
Major airports: Seville (Sevilla), Malaga, Almeria, Jerez de la Frontera.
The main road routes into Andalusia are
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
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 .
Bus services around Andalusia are provided by
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.
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Winding streets through whitewashed villages, the clink of tinto verano glasses scraping against tapas plates, sweeping views across gorges, endless sour orange trees, and 700-year-old palaces: these are just a few of the incredible things that you’ll find on an Andalucia road trip.
As Spain’s southernmost region, there are a downright overwhelming number of places to visit in Andalucia, ranging from whitewashed hilltop towns (pueblos blancos) to Mediterranean beaches to snowcapped mountains, and everything in between!
Planning a southern Spain itinerary can be tricky, if for no other reason than that it’s hard to narrow down exactly where to go.
After two long trips spent falling in love with the south of Spain, we’ve put together this road trip itinerary for Andalucia in the hopes that you come away loving it as much as we do (and avoid some mistakes that we learned the hard way).
If you’re ready to soak up the magic of Andalucia, this southern Spain road trip itinerary is for you!
Table of Contents
Renting a car for your andalucia road trip, can this andalucia itinerary work without a car, the ultimate southern spain road trip itinerary, other destinations to add to your andalucia itinerary, the best time to road trip andalucia, what to pack for a road trip in southern spain, andalucia road trip itinerary map.
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With a region as large and diverse as Andalucia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 10 day southern Spain road trip is quite the challenge!
We structured this Andalucia road trip as a loop beginning and ending in Seville, home to one of the largest airports in the region.
Since it’s a loop, you can easily reverse this itinerary if you wish, or start in a different city (such as Malaga).
We designed this southern Spain itinerary around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and stunning landscapes.
It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 10 hours.
You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!
We don’t dedicate much time to the famous Costa del Sol on this travel guide, as this is more of an enjoy-all-the-attractions itinerary rather than a relax-on-the-beach itinerary, but we do include a bit of time to soak up views by the Mediterranean as well.
In addition to the detailed 10 day southern Spain itinerary we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of more incredible places to visit in Andalucia that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style.
This guide to road tripping Andalucia is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!
For most people, of course, taking an Andalucia road trip will require renting a car
We recommend renting a small car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.
For the purposes of this southern Spain itinerary, we recommend picking up a car the morning you leave Seville.
There’s no reason to pick one up for your time in the city, as parking it will be a hassle and you won’t need it for exploring Seville.
Check rates and book your rental car today!
This southern Spain itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit Andalucia!
From offbeat villages to charming hikes to out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Andalucia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.
That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Andalucia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.
If you’re not planning to drive, we recommend basing yourself in larger cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, and taking day trips (independently, guided, or a combination of both) from there.
As much as we love Ronda, we wouldn’t recommend spending more than perhaps one night there without a car.
If you want to structure your itinerary for southern Spain without a car, we highly recommend using Omio to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in Andalucia!
Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Andalucia today!
Starting your southern Spain travels in Seville means diving right into the heart of Andalucian culture!
Depending on what time your plane lands, kick off your Andalucia vacation with a visit to the Seville Cathedral–once the biggest church in the world–and a climb up its bell tower.
The Giralda (bell tower) not only includes a beautiful view but is part of Andalucian history.
Before the Reconquista (when Christian powers overtook the Moorish kingdom that once ruled this area), this bell tower was the minaret of a mosque on the same site.
When the sun starts to set, head out for tapas and tinto verano (similar to sangria, but less elaborate and beloved by locals).
We don’t recommend picking up your rental car until day 3 of this itinerary–you won’t need it when exploring the heart of Seville.
When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.
We had a fantastic experience at Petit Palace Puerta de Triana on our most recent trip to Seville.
The hotel has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far from guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.
Looking for something a bit different?
The incredibly popular Hotel Rey Alfonso X is an excellent choice, and their rooftop views are sublime!
If you’d like to stick to more of a budget, Hotel America Sevilla gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.
Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII !
Today, it’s time to explore the rest of the major attractions in Seville!
Be sure to visit the famous Plaza de Espana, wander through the picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz (the former Jewish Quarter), and potentially see a Flamenco show .
Touring the gorgeous Alcazar is also a must: parts of this unique palace were built in the Moorish style, by Islamic craftsmen, for Christian rulers.
The result is a unique and beautiful combination of cultures that brings together several aspects of Andalucian history.
If you’re interested in experiencing more modern architecture in Seville, the famous Metropol Parasol is a fun spot with great views.
For foodies, we highly recommend taking a food tour in Seville on the first full day of your trip: not only is it incredibly fun, but it will help you know exactly what to order during the rest of your southern Spain itinerary!
And, if you’d like to explore the history of bullfighting in Spain, the Plaza de Toros is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world and can be toured (for obvious reasons, we do not recommend attending a fight).
Today, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Cordoba!
Lying about 1 hour, 45 minutes northeast of Seville, Cordoba is famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral , which is exactly what it sounds like–a cathedral built literally inside a former Moorish mosque.
It’s one of the most unique houses of worship we’ve ever set foot in, and it alone would be worth visiting Cordoba for!
While Cordoba’s history dates back to the Romans (and you can stroll across the aptly named Roman Bridge while there), its Moorish period is responsible for much of the city’s stunning architecture and fame.
Cordoba peaked in the 10th century, when it was, for a brief moment, the biggest and one of the most powerful cities in the world.
In addition to the Mosque-Cathedral, be sure to explore Cordoba’s many flower-filled patios, check out the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and visit the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter during your day in Cordoba.
We loved our stay at Hesperia Cordoba !
Set just over the river from Cordoba’s historic center and a very short walk from the Roman Bridge, Hesperia Cordoba features spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a rooftop with one of the best views in the city.
For those traveling Andalucia on a budget, Cordoba Carpe Diem is a great option in the heart of the city.
And, if you’re looking to stay in a hotel so luxurious that it’s practically a museum, the popular Hospes Palacio del Bailio is the clear winner (it even features actual Roman ruins!).
Winding roads, stunning hilltop towns, and olive trees as far as the eye can see: these are the views that you’ll enjoy when driving from Cordoba to Granada on your Andalucia road trip!
If you’d like to add an extra stop or two to your morning, the Medina Azahara (a UNESCO World Heritage recognized archaeological site) and the Castle of Almodovar del Rio (a magnificent castle dating to 760 that was a Game of Thrones filming location) are both excellent options.
Both places are a bit out of the way, but as the drive between Cordoba and Granada is only about 2.5 hours long, you’ll have plenty of time if you’d like to stop.
Once you get to Granada, settle in and start sightseeing!
Depending on what time you get in, we recommend exploring the picturesque Albayzin (Arab Quarter), climbing up to the Mirador San Nicholas (it’s worth every step!), and enjoying plenty of tapas.
If you have time, consider heading up to Sacromonte to visit the interesting cave museum and to attend an an intimate flamenco show –the neighborhood is famous for them!
We rented an apartment from Mosaiko Homes in Granada, and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!
Mosaiko Homes is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!
Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique Casa de Reyes (that decor!).
For a bit of luxury, the popular Shine Albayzin is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks the Alhambra !
Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Seville or the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.
If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 day southern Spain itinerary, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!
On the fifth day of your road trip in Andalucia, it’s time to visit the region’s top attraction: the Alhambra!
While the Alhambra is most famous for its stunning Nasrid Palaces built by the Moors, there is an overwhelming amount of things to see at this iconic fortress.
From Generalife and its gardens (a summer retreat for the Nasrid dynasty) to the Alcazaba (the oldest portion of the fortress, which dates to the 1200s) and beyond, there are many sides to the Alhambra to visit.
General tickets to the Alhambra are competitive and often sell out far in advance (you can check available dates here ), but luckily, organized tours and skip-the-line tickets (which are only slightly more expensive than general tickets) are very easy to come by.
Deciding whether to take a tour of the Alhambra or simply use an audio guide is a personal choice, and both have pros and cons.
We took this popular tour , and while we got frustrated with how much it dragged in certain places, we loved having the context of a live guide–especially in the Nasrid Palaces.
We also loved not having to manage the tightly controlled timed entry system for the Nasrid Palaces ourselves.
Keep in mind that not all Alhambra tickets include entry to the Nasrid Palaces.
Make sure that your ticket does, though, because they are truly the star of the show!
You will likely be exhausted after visiting the Alhambra, which makes this afternoon the perfect time to visit one of Andalucia’s gorgeous hammams.
Hammam Al Andalus is well-known, gorgeous, and accessible to English speakers. We loved our time there!
Today, start your morning by enjoying any sightseeing you haven’t had a chance to enjoy in Granada, such as visiting the stunning Granada Cathedral and Royal Crypt.
Depending on what time you get started in the morning and how much time you want to spend on the beach, you can also consider heading 20 minutes outside of Granada to enjoy the popular hanging bridges at Los Cahorros Gorge in Monachil.
From there, it’s time to make your way to the Costa del Sol: no southern Spain itinerary would be complete without soaking up some sun!
We recommend heading toward Malaga via the A-44 to A-7 route–it’s slightly longer than going the A-92 route, but you can’t beat the views driving along the Mediterranean for half the drive!
There is an endless number of options when it comes to deciding what town to stay in on the Costa del Sol!
Malaga, the biggest city in the region, is perfect for those who want to potentially take an afternoon road trip to a nearby beach but want to dedicate most of their time to culture.
The best things to do in Malaga include visiting the celebrated Picasso Museum, Alcazaba , Roman Theatre, Cathedral, and beyond, which make for a compelling, but not beachy, trip.
If you’re looking for idyllic beaches, Nerja is the place to go (that’s where the above photo was snapped!).
A beautiful resort town with a promenade?
Estepona might be right for you.
No matter where you end up staying, make sure that you spend at least part of the day admiring views of the Mediterranean with a gelato or glass of tinto verano (or both) in hand.
Since you’re visiting via a Costa del Sol road trip, you can also easily stay in one town and squeeze in a quick afternoon visit to another!
Last but certainly not least, say goodbye to the Costa del Sol and head north again to Ronda , one of our absolute favorite places in Spain.
Situated on a ridge, Ronda features sweeping views, a gorge, an 18th-century bridge that is earnestly referred to as the “New Bridge”, ties to the Lost Generation, and idyllic whitewashed streets–and that’s without even leaving the town center.
Much smaller than Seville or Granada, Ronda is nonetheless well worth savoring.
Once you arrive, start by exploring a few of the best things to do in Ronda, such as visiting the Cuenca Gardens, marveling at Puerto Nuevo (and Puerto Viejo and the Arab Bridge, while you’re at it), and visiting the historic Arab Baths (now a museum, though there is also a functioning hammam in Ronda!).
For sunset, there is absolutely no better place to be than admiring the views of Puerto Nuevo and the surrounding landscape from the Alameda del Tejo!
We can’t rave about our stay at Catalonia Reina Victoria in Ronda enough–it may just be one of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in!
Unbeatable views over the countryside (we upgraded to a terrace room, which was absolutely worth it), excellent customer service, comfortable rooms, easy parking on site, and walking distance to all the best things to do in Ronda–it’s hard to beat that!
The popular Hotel Montelirio , with views of the Puerto Nuevo, is also a great option.
However, as Ronda is the last stop on your Andalucia road trip and finding parking in the city center is fairly simple, you may want to go the complete opposite route and stay in a country hotel just outside of town!
The beautiful and well-reviewed Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas is located a 15-minute drive from Ronda, offers a pool, gorgeous views, and a bit of peace and quiet to end your trip with.
In addition to being a fantastic town to visit in its own right, Ronda is also surrounded by excellent day trip options!
Our first choice would undoubtedly be a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas: if you only have time to visit one place outside of Ronda, make it here.
This historic town features many homes and businesses built directly into the surrounding gorge, and the result is one of the most unique towns we have ever laid eyes on!
Other fun places to visit include Juzcar (also known as Spain’s “Smurf Village”–it is painted entirely blue!), and the Cueva del Gato swimming hole.
If you want a unique perspective on Ronda’s famous Puerto Nuevo, you can also drive to the bottom of the ridge and view it from an entirely different angle (keep in mind that there are some tiny dirt roads involved here, but it is doable).
Looking to ditch the car entirely?
You can find plenty of horseback riding tours in the area!
It’s time to wrap up your Andalucia road trip!
Today, make your way back to Seville to drop off your rental car and head home.
If you have time for a little extra sightseeing, consider spending the morning visiting any attractions you didn’t get a chance to see in Ronda or Seville.
Or, for an incredibly relaxing end to your 10 days in southern Spain, book yourself a visit to a hammam in either city!
A mere 10 days in Andalucia could never hope to cover every incredible destination that southern Spain has to offer!
If you’re lucky enough to have a longer timeframe to work with, here are a few more places to consider adding to your itinerary for southern Spain, from beach towns to mountainous parks.
Over 3,000 years old and almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is visually stunning and historically fascinating.
It’s fairly small, given that it is physically constrained by its location, but packed with interesting sights, including over 100 watchtowers!
Technically speaking, your Andalucia road trip doesn’t have to only take place in Spain!
Head to Gibraltar to enjoy views from the famous Rock of Gibraltar, check out the resident wild monkeys, and enjoy the excuse to walk (literally) across the border of Spain to the UK.
Don’t forget to pack your passport!
A great alternative to cities like Seville, Jerez de la Frontera offers many of the usual Andalucia highlights–Moorish castle, riding school, festivals–but is (slightly) more off the beaten path.
It’s also famous for its sherry production, making it a fun stop for spirit lovers!
Offering skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and gorgeous mountain views year-round, Sierra Nevada National Park makes an excellent addition to an itinerary for southern Spain for those looking for a place to relax in nature.
Located just east of Granada, Sierra Nevada National Park is easy to add to this itinerary–or, if you’re not much of a beach person, you can even swap the Costa del Sol for some time here!
Looking for luxurious yachts, high-end nightclubs, and–essentially–the Spanish version of St. Tropez or Monaco?
Head to Puerto Banus, just next door to Marbella, and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Start by checking out the Golden Mile!
Surrounded by the Guadalete River on 3 sides and–like Ronda–situated on the edge of a ridge, Arcos de la Frontera is visually stunning and one of the best whitewashed towns (pueblos blancos) to visit in Andalucia.
Don’t miss the views from the Castillo de los Arcos while you’re there!
Located at the far southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa is far enough out of the way that it doesn’t see quite as many visitors as the famous Costa del Sol (among those who aren’t kitesurfing enthusiasts, anyway)–but it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Featuring wide, sandy beaches famous for kitesurfing and a charming whitewashed town center, Tarifa is a laid-back delight.
It also lies a short ferry ride away from Morocco , and you can take a day trip to Tangiers as part of your time there!
With stunning gorge views and adrenaline-inducing heights, El Caminito del Rey is one of the most iconic hikes in Andalucia!
A decade ago, it was often touted as being the most dangerous hike in Spain–or even the world–but it has now been restored to be much more accessible.
… For those of us with a fear of heights, though, it can still pose a mental challenge!
Andalucia can be a year-round destination–if you can brave the summer heat, that is.
Southern Spain, particularly cities like Cordoba and Seville, are known for being some of the hottest places in Europe.
Summer temperatures can easily reach 98°F (36°C) in the inland cities, which is why during July and August, you’ll find the crowds down at the Costa del Sol, where the temperatures are milder and there’s the Mediterranean to cool off in.
Ideally, this itinerary for southern Spain is designed for the spring or fall, when temperatures are warm but reasonable, the sun is usually shining, and the flowers are in bloom everywhere you look.
If you’re willing to bundle up a bit, winter can also be a wonderful time to take this Andalucia road trip.
The prices and crowds will both be smaller, and if you’re so inclined, you can even go skiing in Sierra Nevada near Granada–the southernmost ski area in Europe!
Here are a few essentials you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Andalucia, Spain!
Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.
We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Spain.
Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.
Hands-Free Phone Mount — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in Andalucia.
Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!
Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.
Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your southern Spain packing list.
Swiss Army Knife — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh bread from the bakery?
You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Andalucia vacation!
Camera — We absolutely adore our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.
Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!
Reusable Water Bottle(s) — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use these .
Hand Sanitizer — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.
Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.
In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.
beautiful, do you sell a map of this
We don’t sell a map or printable version of this itinerary (yet), but you can click on the button at the top right of the map embedded at the bottom of this article and download it to take with you!
This is exactly the trip we plan to take this fall. Thank you for this great guide! Are the places you reccommend to stay pet friendly? It appeared your were travelling with your dog and we are also travrling with ours. Gracias!
Yes, all of the places we mention staying at personally in Andalucia are pet-friendly and Ranger stayed with us at all of them!
I can’t speak to the alternative suggestions provided, as I don’t source pet-friendly hotels specifically for those (very few of our readers travel with their dogs).
Have a wonderful trip!
Hi Kate, It seems finally I have found the perfect road trip for southern Spain. I plan to go early December or maybe in Jan-Feb. I would like to add 3-4 days to the trip. Could you recommend how to do that? Regards, Amitabh
The sky is the limit!
Beyond the destinations I outlined in the “other destinations” section of the post, you could potentially consider adding on a few days in Morocco with a longer timeline.
You can also easily add more days to any of the destinations included in the itinerary. There’s lots of great hiking around Granada, for example, and of course there’s always the option of enjoying even more beach time along the Costa del Sol.
Would you change anything if you were doing this between Christmas and New Years?
Other than adjusting you schedule for closures (the Alhambra is closed on December 25 and January 1, for example, and you can expect restaurants to close as well), nope! There are a lot of advantages to a winter trip, starting with the smaller crowds. Hope you guys have a great time!
Andalusia’s rich history, beautiful landscape and comfortable climate attracts millions of tourists every year, and no wonder. From the fascinating cities of Cordoba , Seville and Granada to the hectic resorts of Costa del Sol, from the fantastic beaches along the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada, Andalusia has something to offer everyone.
Roman temples, Moorish palaces and Baroque churches bear witness to Andalusia’s rich and intriguing history. That past is still very much alive in the vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and stunning architecture that has made Andalusia famous around the world.
The beaches of Andalusia are among its greatest assets. The beaches along the Costa de la Luz attract plenty of windsurfers as well as tourists after the cool Atlantic breeze. The busy beaches of the Costa del Sol often come with all amenities and a wide range of entertainment, like paddle boats or paragliding. Several are lined with a beach promenade and chiringuitos, beach bars, ready to serve you traditional seafood and a drink right on the sand. Costa de Almeria and Costa Tropical have plenty of private coves where you can enjoy the serenity of the surrounding countryside and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Andalusia’s landscape is very diverse, with mountain regions, marshes and continental Europe’s only desert. Driving through the countryside, you might come across olive groves, sunflower fields or grassy mountain slopes where goats roam free to graze. Don’t forget to stop by one of Andalusia’s traditional pueblos blancos, white villages, where you can soak up the quiet atmosphere among winding streets, white-washed buildings and flower-decorated courtyards.
When evening comes, you might want to try out Andalusia’s most famous and traditional dish, tapas. To dine the Andalusian way, take a tour around the bars in search of your favourite tapas. Afterwards you can try out the lively and yet very laid-back Andalusian nightlife which may offer everything from quiet live venues to vibrant flamenco bars and bustling nightclubs.
Hot summers and mild winters combined with many days of sunshine makes the Andalusian climate ideal for tourists all year round. Whether you come here for the historical monuments, the countryside or the sun, Andalusia will not disappoint you.
To find the best hotels in Andalucia and around the world, we’ve built Travelmyth, the advanced hotel search engine with a huge collection of category filters. From hotels with spa in Atlanta to hotels with swimming pool in Cornwall , Travelmyth is the best place to get hotel recommendations based on your interests.
Find information about selected Hotels, apartments and rooms in Andalusia and 5 star hotels in Andalusia to choose the perfect place for your accommodation.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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.
Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.
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:
Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.
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.
8 Life Lessons from the Camino de Santiago
Your Essential Guide: How to Rent a Car in Spain with Confidence
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Alhambra: Tips, Tricks and Must-Sees
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.
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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
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Adventure Travel; Art & Culture; Beaches, Coasts & Islands; Food & Drink; Hotels. The most charming and luxurious boutique hotels in Andalucía. Jul 26, 2022 • 10 min read. Luxury in Seville, a room with a view of the Alhambra in Granada, rustic charm in the countryside and more: these hotels are among Andalucía's best.
ESSENTIALS. More than 800 kilometers of coastline, three National Parks and cities such as Seville, Cordoba or Granada, are the letter of presentation of Andalucía, but this land is much more. Discover the essential places you should not miss if you come to Andalucía and enjoy the trip!
Before embarking on our Andalusia road trip, it took a little bit of head scratching and quite a bit of research in order to answer all questions and decide on a route and itinerary for the trip. ... Florence Travel Guide: 28 Unmissable Tips for the First-Time Visitor. 3. 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Detailed Route Guide + Map. 4.
In Granada, you'll see the Alhambra palace, the Generalife gardens and the mediaeval Albaicín neighbourhood; in Cordoba, its historic centre with the great Mosque; in Seville, the cathedral, the Alcázar palace and the Indies Archive; and in Jaén, the monumental sites of Úbeda and Baeza. You'll also be able to experience festivals such ...
Andalucía. Just as the American image of Germany is Bavaria, the Yankee dream of Spain is Andalucía. This is the home of bullfights, flamenco, gazpacho, pristine whitewashed hill towns, glamorous Mediterranean resorts, three exciting cities (Granada, Sevilla, and Córdoba), and the south coast (Costa del Sol).
First/second week Sept: Vendimia Celebrating the vintage at Jerez. 27-Oct 1: Feria de San Miguel In Órgiva (Las Alpujarras) featuring traditional dancing and a huge paella cook-up. If you're planning a trip to Spain, don't miss our Spain itinerariesand information on how to get there. Andalucía's cuisine.
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.
Get information on Andalusia Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. Read the Fodor's reviews, or post your own.
To save money on your 10-day itinerary in Andalusia, you should buy the Andalusia Pass. It includes: A skip the line ticket for the Alcazar of Seville; A skip the line ticket for the Alhambra of Granada and the Nasrid palaces; A guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba; An audio guide for Seville and Granada, to download on your smartphone.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and captivating history of Andalucia. Plan your dream vacation to this enchanting region of Spain with Visit Andalucia. Explore vibrant cities, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. Uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Andalucia a must-visit destination.
The hiking path is about 4.8 miles (7.7km) long and takes around 3 - 4 hours to complete. 4. Road Trip Through the Pueblos Blancos. Andalusia's pueblos blancos, or white villages, are charming towns and villages that dot the mountains and valleys of southern Spain.
The Andalusia region is the southernmost region of Spain. Its west side borders Portugal and the east side with Murcia, and the northern part borders the regions of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. Andalusia's coastline is bathed by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This Spanish region is divided into 17 provinces.
To give you an idea of the approximate cost of a week in Andalucia, here is what I spent: Accommodation for 2 for one week: 350€. Transportation for 2 (flight from Geneva + train Seville - Cordoba + car rental): 385€. Visits for 2: 85€. Food for 2: 240€. Total for 1 week in Andalusia for 2 people: 1060€.
1) 4-5 Days trip to Andalucia from Seville. For this first 4-5 days itinerary in Andalucia, let's land at Seville airport to discover the region. From there, you'll visit Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz. A quick note: If you want to land in Seville and visit Granada during a 4 or 5 days trip, it's also doable. However, in such a short time ...
Seville (Sevilla) - Seville is an absolute must-visit on any trip to southern Spain, and is one of the best cities in Andalusia.Be sure to give yourself several days to soak in a city that is full of highlights. While many Andalusia guides recommend taking include taking a cruise along the River Guadalquivir, many of the cruises get mediocre reviews, at best.
Andalucia - Travel Guide. Andalucia is a fascinating region in Spain. Below is my Andalucia Travel guide to help you plan your ideal itinerary including the best places in Andalucia (especially villages, beaches, archaeological sites, forts...), road trip guides and plenty of photos and video to make you dream of your next trip!
11 days - Explore Andalucia by car. Explore the best of Andalusia in this itinerary from the historic and cultural cities of Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Málaga to the famous stretch of the Costa del Sol including the luxurious resort town of Marbella, the white-washed villages of Ronda, Mijas, Casares and Setenil de las Bodegas, the ...
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.
Andalusia travel guide. From flamenco to tapas, Andalusia is home to traditions synonymous with Spain. Read our guide to this diverse region, from the Costa del Sol's beach resorts to the Moorish heritage of Seville and Granada.
Genuine Andalusia is a Spain Travel Planner holding the key to a memorable vacation to Andalusia and beyond. A trusted, awarded and caring travel advisor crafting some of the best Spain vacation itineraries for very small private groups since 2013. Allow yourself the peace of mind to have a destination expert plan your dream trip to Spain.
Riveting Ronda, Spain: Things to Do + Travel Guide. About Kate Storm. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband ...
Andalusia's rich history, beautiful landscape and comfortable climate attracts millions of tourists every year, and no wonder. From the fascinating cities of Cordoba, Seville and Granada to the hectic resorts of Costa del Sol, from the fantastic beaches along the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada, Andalusia has something ...
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.