Andalusia is a charming place, full of beautiful places, with charm. From the winding streets of unusual villages, its sensational natural landscapes to the amount of intangible assets that build it. There is something ineffable in its heritage, but also in those magical corners that adhere to the pupils of the traveler.
To try to condense the essence of Andalusia to a handful of monuments and essential places would be to reduce the richness of this versatile land to an unfinished guide. But those who are looking to fall in love for the first time will be very satisfied noting for their next trip the most beautiful places in Andalusia.
1. Royal Alcazar of Seville
World Heritage Site along with the Cathedral of Seville and the Archivo de Indias, scene of the acclaimed Game of Thrones, among many other television series, is the oldest active royal palace in Europe. There are many virtues of this space and its unique corners, graced with an environment full of greenery.
2. Mosque-Cathedral – Cordoba
Cordoba dresses in flowers in spring, one of the best seasons to visit the city of the Caliphs. Along with its outstanding heritage, where the Alcazar, the Palacio de Viana or the Mosque-Cathedral combine wonderfully, Cordoba offers hundreds of corners, alleys and neighborhoods full of charm. Like its people and its gastronomy, cradle of salmorejo, flamenquín or the delicious eggplants with honey.
3. Alhambra – Granada
The Alhambra in Granada is one of the most beautiful and visited monuments in Andalusia and the world. Few more presentations require this heritage treasure that never ceases to overwhelm and trap in each visit. Its emblematic spaces, the mysterious gardens, the refreshing patios, the filigree, the Nasrid art are abundant. A display of unquestionable beauty, almost divine.
4. Seville Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest temple in the city and a jewel of enormous dimensions. Witnesses of the passage of time, its walls have lived centuries of history that the routes to the roofs of the Cathedral illustrate to perfection.
5. Cazorla – Jaén
Cazorla impresses in many ways. A paradise of rural tourism with breathtaking landscapes in every corner. It also has El Castillo de la Yedra as icing on the cake and the Palacio de las Cadenas. In addition, you can stay in one of its incredible cave houses.
6. Doñana National Park – Huelva
Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Doñana National Park is one of the most remarkable natural treasures on the planet. Among the many benefits of Doñana, it stands out as a route for a great variety of migratory species. A vast ecological island, at the same time refuge and natural space of enormous beauty.
7. Riotinto Mines – Huelva
The mysterious landscape that gives it its colorful craters and old locomotive cemeteries make this visit a must in Andalusia. By the way, the British footprint in Huelva is one of the most consolidated in Andalusia.
It has to do with railroads and wharfs, with an unprecedented connection between the mining areas of Andévalo (Tharsis, Riotinto,…) and the sea; with the transit of ore to foreign countries. The cultural dimension of the British presence in Huelva is an evidence that, beyond architecture, landscaping and mining, we find in the language.
8. Bolonia (Tarifa) – Cadiz
Cadiz, in general, could be paradise on earth; and Bolonia, wild, isolated and infinite, the perfect beach. Beyond the dunes, a natural monument, you can also delight in the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia.
Among its many virtues we highlight a pleasant spring without as many people as welcomes in summer. Diving into the crystal clear water will make you feel like in an island paradise.
9. Lanjarón – Granada
Take advantage of the last vestiges of winter and visit Sierra Nevada and the surrounding towns. The municipality of Lanjaron is the only one nominated among the 7 wonders of nature of the world.
Its privileged enclave as well as its remarkable springs have made it one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia, one of those little villages to get lost for a while. Perfect to get lost among its neo-Mudejar spas.
10. Beautiful (and mysterious) places of Andalusia: Cabo de Gata – Almeria
Cabo de Gata refers to agate, a mineral formation that occurs inside volcanic bubbles, an etymological reminder of the ancient Almeria.
Thus, from Cabo de Gata to the vicinity of the town of Vera, the volcanic province of Cóbdar, the region of Cuevas de Almanzora and the province of Alborán constitute the most complex volcanic complex of the Iberian Peninsula. Specifically, 13 extinct volcanoes whose activity ceased a million years ago.
11. Castle of Almodovar – Cordoba
It has important monuments to take into account as the parish of the Immaculate Conception and the hermitage of Our Lady of the Rosary and San Sebastian. But above all of them stands out the imposing castle of Almodóvar del Río.
A destination of extraordinary beauty that is also seen in major productions of the small screen as Warrior Nun or Game of Thrones.
12. Plaza de España – Seville
The embrace of the city to the world, an amazing architecture that unfolds its arms and accesses the most popular park in the city.
The goodness of this space has not gone unnoticed to contemporaneity and this square has hosted major events and has witnessed the passage of history, from the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 to the Dior haute couture parade.
13. Caminito del Rey – Malaga
This excursion is one of the great tourist attractions of Malaga and a historic place, since it was inaugurated in 1921 by King Alfonso XIII and, although it was closed to the public for several years, today you can walk along it without any problem.
14. Mulhacén Peak – Granada
24 kilometers of route that takes about 10 hours to complete and leads you to the high peak of Mulhacén. One of the most beautiful peaks in the whole country on a demanding route in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
15. New Bridge – Ronda
It is one of the most visited cities in Andalusia, being the New Bridge its most famous tourist attraction. However, Ronda also has other points of interest such as the Mondragon Palace or the Arab baths.
It is worth mentioning (if the gourmets do not already know it) the restaurant Bardal of the chef José Aparicio, awarded with two Michelin stars.
16. Vejer de la Frontera
The winding streets of Vejer, its whitewashed houses, its history or the many gastronomic offerings make this inland town of Cadiz (but a few kilometers from the sea) a must on our route, and our first stop.
Stroll around the walled enclosure, take a look at its viewpoints and photograph splendid panoramic views of the sea at your feet and do not miss its crafts and gastronomy, dotted throughout the length and breadth of the municipality.
17. Nerja – Malaga
Beyond being the scene of one of the most iconic series of our history, Nerja is a charming village to get lost in its narrow streets, enjoy its white houses and enjoy the spectacular beaches in Nerja and in the surrounding municipalities.
The town of ‘Verano Azul’ remains a perfect destination in summer and also the rest of the year. Visit its famous caves or its forceful waterfalls, discover Frigiliana or Torrox are among its many attractions.
18. Colomares Castle – Benalmádena
There are those who have spent years summering on the Costa del Sol and do not imagine that at the exit of Benalmádena, the walk that leads to the top of a hill leads to one of the most unique castles in the country: the Colomares. Views of the coast, yes, and a fascinating construction of stone, exposed brick and white cement that evokes the life and deeds of Christopher Columbus.
19. Calahorra Castle – Granada
Calahorra boasts this beautiful castle whose history dates back to 1509, in the middle of the Italian Renaissance, as the first Spanish construction of these characteristics. It is a National Monument although it is a private building that sometimes allows visits to its interior.
20. Beach of the dead – Almeria
Hidden coves, transparent, turquoise waters and a very fine golden sand make up the framework of the beach of the Dead. Free of overcrowding (among other reasons because of its difficult access), it is an ideal destination for admirers of naturism. This Almeria oasis is located near Carboneras and its name is due to the fact that in the past corpses, victims of shipwrecks, used to arrive here because of the sea currents.
21. Setenil de las Bodegas – Cadiz
The slopes of the Guadalporcún river have made possible the creation of one of the most genuine villages of the Sierra de Cádiz. In the interior of the province of Cadiz, Setenil de las Bodegas is located, a surprising prehistoric enclave that hides more than one wonder.
22. Zuheros – Córdoba
It is thought that the first settlers of Zuheros, the Banu Himsi, arrived in these lands towards the end of the 9th century. This group of Muslims would settle in an area of crags called “Sujayra” (and which give name to the village) and on one of the cliffs built the imposing castle that presides over Zuheros. From the heights of the castle, the panoramic view of the surroundings is extraordinary.
Zuheros is wrapped in an ocean of olive trees and governs the Subbetica from the huge crag on which it is situated. Its streets are labyrinths of lime that hide small squares, bends and viewpoints of great beauty. It is not surprising that its historic center has been designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest and Zuheros is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.