Andalusia is an enchanting region of flamenco, Moorish architecture, tapas, and sprawling coastline. As mainland Spain’s southernmost autonomous community, it boasts an arid climate and unmatched sunshine year-round, making it the perfect getaway from winter or springtime blues (but watch out for the scorching summers).
Discover the beauty of these four Andalusian pearls, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville on your next visit to Southern Spain.
Málaga
Málaga is an Andalusian jewel. This sun-drenched port city on the Costa del Sol is the birthplace of Picasso and offers vibrant nightlife, ample shopping, and stunning historical sites.
Get lost in the Historic Center, where pastel buildings with Andalusian balconies line the bustling pedestrian streets. Pop by the Mercado Central de Atarazanas to discover the local flavors of Málaga. This expansive market hall features stalls with fresh produce, seafood, and meat, and several tapas bars backlit by a massive stained glass window depicting various landmarks across the city.
Museo Picasso Málaga
Pay tribute to the city’s illustrious local artist at the Museo Picasso Málaga. Housed in the Buenavista Palace, the museum features over 100 of Picasso’s works, from paintings and sculptures to drawings and engravings. Tickets are €12 (€10 reduced rate) and can be purchased online or in person.
Alcazaba of Málaga & Castillo de Gibralfaro
Not far from the museum is the Alcazaba de Málaga, an enchanting Moorish citadel with adjacent Roman ruins. Regarded as one of the best-preserved alcazabas (Arabic for fortress/castle) in Spain, take in the lush gardens, bubbling fountains, and captivating city views. Tickets can be purchased online or from ticket kiosks at the entrance. Entry is €3.50 for adults, or €5.50 for a combined ticket with the Castillo de Gibralfaro.
For prime sunset views, climb the hill to Castillo de Gibralfaro. This formidable Moorish castle dates back to the 14th century and provides sweeping views of the Mediterranean port and Málaga cityscape from its soaring fortified walls.
Caminito del Rey
For adventure seekers, experience “the most dangerous hike in the world” with a day trip to Caminito del Rey. Traverse the 100-meter-high suspended walkway once used by maintenance workers at the local hydroelectric dam between the Gaitanejo and El Chorro waterfalls.
This 8-kilometer walk boasts spectacular gorge views as it crawls along the Guadalhorce River, including suspended bridge crossings, tunnels, and the opportunity to spot local wildlife-like golden eagles and vultures.
Tickets must be purchased in advance on their website for independent entry or guided tours, and have a time-specific admission. If you don’t have access to a car (it is only about an hour’s drive from Málaga), there’s a train from Málaga to El Chorro. However, the train station is located at the end of the hike, so you’ll need to walk or take a shuttle to the start.
If you’re pressed for time, this tour is excellent and includes transportation to and from Málaga and an expert guide at Caminito del Rey. It also stops at the charming hillside town of Ardales where you can stretch your legs and enjoy a café con leche in the whitewashed town center.
Granada
Granada was my favorite city I visited in Andalusia. Flanked by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains, the city is bursting with character, from secret flamenco caves, decadent Moroccan-style tea rooms (teterías), and its crown jewel, the Alhambra.
Albacín
Get lost in the charming streets of the Albacín neighborhood. Its maze-like cobbled streets house a trove of picturesque villas, lookouts, and peaceful squares. Join the masses for sunset at Mirador de San Nicolás, where the fiery sky illuminates the Alhambra as musicians busk in the background. If you’re up for a hike, follow the hillside up to Ermita de San Miguel Alto for a stunning panorama in front of the small church.
Sacromonte
Down the hillside is the Sacromonte district, home to the unique whitewashed cave dwellings of the Roma people. Sacromonte is renowned for its flamenco caves and zambra, a relative of flamenco that originates from the area.
La Alhambra
Perched on the hillside across the Darro River, the Alhambra is the best-preserved Islamic palace in the world, making it a must-see on your visit to Andalusia The fortress complex is composed of the Nasrid Palaces, Partal, Alcazaba, and Generalife. The Nasrid Palaces ooze opulence with lavish courtyards and decadent royal chambers, the crowning glory of the Alhambra.
Tickets are not expensive (only €19 for the palace and gardens), but they sell out quickly, so book as soon as possible.
Carmen de los Mártires
Escape the crowds of the Alhambra at the nearby Carmen de los Mártires. A carmen is the typical house of Granada, and this stately 19th-century home and gardens are free to visit and will enchant you with their peaceful beauty. Gaze out over the city under the wisteria-draped portico, or wander the property’s collection of themed gardens, where you may encounter a resident peacock or two.
Tapas!!!
Finally, no visit to Granada would be complete without indulging in “free” tapas. A time-honored tradition upheld by most bars in Granada, each (alcoholic) drink ordered is served with a small plate. Depending on the establishment, this could be anything from deep-fried fish, meatballs (albóndigas), or mixed rice. Some of my favorite (local-recommended) bars for free tapas include Los Manueles, La Riviera, and Bodegas Castañeda.
Córdoba
Although its city center is compact, Códoba is rich in history, boasting an impressive four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
La Mezquita-Cathedral de Córdoba
The Mezquita-Cathedral de Córdoba (the Mosque-Cathedral) is the highlight. Once an Islamic mosque, La Mezquita was converted into a Christian cathedral during the 13th century. Admire the amalgamation of Christian and Islamic architecture, most notably the forest of multicolored double arches in the original section of the former mosque.
Tickets for general admission cost €13, but, entry is free between 8:30 am – 9:30 am Monday-Saturday. Just be prepared to get jostled on your way in as the crowd rushes the doors at 8:30 am.
La Judería
The city’s core and second UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Judería (the Jewish Quarter). This maze of winding streets and narrow alleys is brimming with traditional cafes, artisan shops, and tucked-away landmarks. Stroll down the enchanting Calleja de las Flores, a narrow whitewashed street adorned with blue flower planters and views of the bell tower.
Pay a visit to the Capilla de San Bartolomé, a small but beautiful chapel richly decorated with multicolored blue tile. (Entrance costs €1.50). For artisan goods, check out ZOCO, a typical patio of Córdoba surrounded by artisan workshops.
For more of Córdoba’s famous patios (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) head over to Córdoba Patios. This collection of homes boasts stunning patios decked out in foliage, vibrant flowers, and elegant architecture often centered around a fountain. Most are free to visit, others may request a small donation (bring coins).
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Check out the nearby Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs), a fortified palace with stately halls, expansive courtyards, and towers with epic city views.
Don’t miss the gardens, where perfectly manicured trees provide ample shade from the Andalusian sun for you to enjoy the colorful plantings and shimmering turquoise pools. Entry is €5 and free for children under 13.
Seville
Sevilla (or Seville) is the capital of Andalusia and is jam-packed with historic and contemporary landmarks, enchanting artisan ceramics, and intimate tapas bars.
Real Alzácar de Sevilla
Seville’s shining star is the Real Alcázar de Sevilla (Royal Alcazar of Seville). This impressive palace complex has earned a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list and is the oldest functional royal palace in Europe.
Like many monuments in Andalucía, the Alcazár has both Islamic and Christian roots and is renowned for its lavish jewel-tone tiles and expansive gardens. Tickets are €14.50 for adults and €6 for children.
Catedral de Sevilla
Nearby is the imposing stone facade of the Catedral de Sevilla (Seville Cathedral). Climb its signature Moorish belltower (La Giralda) for spectacular views of Seville and check out the 24 suspended bells that line the interior.
After, wander the church’s massive interior, marveling at the fine example of Gothic architecture in one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Tickets for the Seville Cathedral are €12 for adults, €6 for students, and free for children.
Plaza de España
No visit to Seville is complete without stopping by Plaza de España (Spain Square). This vast square is an architectural gem complete with stunning tilework, a Venetian canal with rowboats, a majestic central fountain, and a half-circular collection of buildings that gird the square. The square is free to visit and is often the site of impromptu flamenco performances on its expansive steps.
Triana
Stroll across the elegant Triana Bridge to the west bank of the Guadalquivir River and explore the charming neighborhood of Triana. Check out the local produce at the Mercado de Triana (Triana Market) for local meats, cheeses, fruit, and veg. The market is also home to a cooking school if you’re looking to master some Andalusian recipes before heading home.
Triana is also the perfect spot to indulge in Seville’s artisan specialty, ceramics. Calle Antilliano Campos is a pottery hotspot, with studio after studio brimming with brightly colored clay creations and home goods. My favorites are Ceramica Triana and Ceramica Santas Justa y Rufina, where I could have easily spent hours admiring the majolica mugs, bowls, plates, and other trinkets.
