The Best of the South of Spain: Insider Tips for Andalucía Travel Planning

Andalucía is one of Spain’s most popular regions to visit. Travelers love it because it is beautiful, has many sites, and is just so Spanish. It is no wonder that I have handcrafted many Andalucía travel itineraries for my Spain Less Traveled clients. Since Andalucía is so large and there is so much there, it is hard to pick just a few highlights. Luckily, I am an expert. Andalucía really is my favorite region to explore in Spain, and I’ve explored it in-depth both off and on the beaten path.

(If you are planning your first trip to Spain and want to hit some of Andalucía’s highlights along with Madrid and Barcelona, be sure to also check out my Spain 101 tips.

And to truly get off the beaten path in Andalucía, have a look at the ultimate Andalucía off the beaten path travel guide!)

Here are six of my handpicked Andalucía travel highlights both on and off the beaten path.

Seville

Seville, or in Spanish Sevilla, is the capital of the Andalucía region as well as its largest city. Sevilla is worthy of a few days on your Andalucia itinerary. Spain’s largest cathedral is in the center of the city – make sure to climb the bell tower for beautiful views of Sevilla. Nearby, the Alcázar showcases some of the country’s best tile work and Mudéjar style architecture. It was built by the Catholic monarch, but to mimic Moorish style architecture.

You can take a virtual trip all around Spain at Plaza de España, built for the Ibero-American Exposition, this plaza is lined with benches that pay homage to each individual region of Spain.

For something different head across the river to the Triana neighborhood and visit the ceramics shops and market. A great spot for tapas and nightlife is the Alameda de Hércules, lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. For a great (and off the beaten path) Sevilla day trip, you might want to consider renting a car and heading to the Sierra de Aracena.

Nerja and Frigiliana

Unfortunately, much of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline is overbuilt with mass tourism. Parts of Andalucía’s Costa del Sol are notorious for this.

Instead of heading east from Malága toward Marbella, head east toward Granada. There you will find the beautiful coastal town of Nerja. With beautiful beaches and hidden caves, Nerja managed to maintain a lot of Spanish charm.

From Nerja, you can visit a bus up to Frigiliana, a beautiful whitewashed villages with a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, it’s the only town in Málaga province on the official list of pueblos más bonitos de España (most beautiful villages in Spain). Spend a bit of time here exploring the charming streets and taking in the views.

(We’ve got more tips about Málaga off the beaten path! Check it out!)

Los Pueblos Blancos

The whitewashed villages, are pueblos blancos are spread out in the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga. Ronda is the most popular, with its “new” bridge (Puente Nuevo) and stunning views down the gorge. But towns such as Grazalema, Olvera, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Zahara de la Sierra all deserve a stop as well. Make sure to sample the local Payoyo cheese, which comes from sheep in the Sierra de Grazalema. If you do rent a car, the town of Grazalema makes for a charming overnight stop if you have a few days to explore the area. The town’s Gastrobar La Maroma has some of the best food I’ve ever had in all of Spain.

These pueblos make for a great day trip from Seville or Cádiz.

There are basic day trips to Ronda with short stops in some of the other pueblos from Sevilla. But I highly recommend renting a car and exploring this area on your own.

Córdoba

Often simply a quick stopover as it’s on the way from Madrid to Seville, Córdoba deserves at least an overnight stop at minimum. The city’s highlight is the Mezquita (mosque), built by the Moors, but taken over by the Catholics, the Islamic style arches are breathtaking. A climb to the top of the bell tower is also worth it. Córdoba is a pleasant town for a stroll. In fact, the entire center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander around and get lost in the streets of the Judería, exploring Córdoba’s Jewish and Moorish past. You will quickly fall in love with Córdoba’s charm.

(For travelers looking for a trip centered around Spain’s Jewish history, check out our travel guide to Sephardic Spain!)

Every May, Córdoba hosts la Fiesta de los Patios (the festival of patios), where locals open the patios in their homes for the public to see. There is even a contest for the best patio. It’s my favorite festival in all of Spain. If you are as obsessed with Moorish architecture as I am, you have to go! (Be sure to join us at Travel Spain! We will be hosting a la fiesta de los patios experience for our community in Córdoba in May of 2021!)

(For even more things to do in Cordoba Spain, check out my handpicked favorites. And take a listen to the When in Spain podcast, where I was a guest talking about la Fiesta de los Patios.)

Jaén Province

One of Andalucia’s lesser-known provinces, Jaén is most famous for its olive oil. The postcard picture of the capital city, Jaén is just that. A beautiful cathedral with the backdrop of olive trees. Aside from being the World Capital of Olive Oil (yes, really), Jaén has some of Spain’s best nature.

The Sierra de Cazorla area is a natural park great for hiking. It is the largest protected area in Spain. And if small towns are your jam as they are mine, head to Úbeda and Baeza, two towns with impressive Renaissance architecture. You can even do an olive oil tasting in Úbeda.

There are fairly regular buses to and from Granada, but a car gives you the chance to really explore the province in-depth.

For something truly unique, scale the castle walls of Alcaudete. It is so Spain less traveled that chances are you will have it to yourself. The views from the top are impressive, and the town itself is a very local, working town off the tourist track.

Granada

It is no secret that I am obsessed with Granada. It is such a beautiful city and there are so many things to do in Granada Spain!

When my personal friends and family come to visit me in Spain for the first time, it is where I take them. Because I truly believe everyone must see Granada.

Off the beaten path, it is not.

But Granada is as marvelous as everyone says it is. It 100% should be included on your Andalucía itinerary (and for much more than a day trip). Of course, there is the Alhambra, which always tops the list of best Islamic architecture in the whole world.

Seeing the Alhambra requires planning in advance, and there are so many strategies for getting the most of your day at the Alhambra that I share with my clients and the Travel Spain! community. Spain Less Traveled also offers a comprehensive guide about how to visit the Alhambra.

But Granada is so much more than the Alhambra. Take time to get lost in the streets, stress-free in the old Moorish neighborhood, the Albaizyn. Go cozy up next to locals in a crowded tapas bar on Calle Nevas any night of the week (Granada is famous for its free tapas which are the most generous free tapas in Spain.) You can even tour the childhood home of famous Spanish poet Francisco García Lorca.

Set in the mountains, many agree that Granada is Spain’s most beautiful city. It is a highlight of any visit to Spain, so don’t forgo it!

Want More Andalucía travel tips?

We’ve got you covered! We have an extensive collection of Andalucía related content!

Here are tips all about Granada, Córdoba, Málaga, Almería, and Cádiz provinces (more coming soon)

And for all of the Andalucía off the beaten path spots not to miss, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to Southern Spain off the beaten path.

Planning a two-week trip to Andalucía? You can read about what is possible and download a free classic Andalucía itinerary here!

And we’ve covered many Andaluz cities in our guide to our 20+favorite cities in Spain for travelers!

Need personalized help for your trip?

Let me help put your perfect Andalucía travel itinerary together. Based in Spain and with 20 years in the professional travel industry, my passion is handcrafting Spain itineraries for travelers who want to discover Spain off the beaten path. And Andalucía is one of my personal favorite regions of Spain. Click Here to book your call.