With its historic cities, forested mountains, and windswept beaches, Andalucía encompasses the best parts of Spain. Hugging the country’s southern coastline, the region boasts year-round sunshine as well as a melting pot of cultures. Romans, Moors and Christians all played their part in shaping this rugged land.
Inland, you’ll find a wealth of World Heritage Sites, including the famous Alhambra Palace, while the coastline is dotted with lively beach towns and kitesurfing hotspots. Flamenco dancing, tapas and sherry—key parts of Spanish culture—all originated here.
When it comes to exploring, the easiest way to get around is by train. Read on to discover what to see, do and eat in Andalucía.
Image Credit: Getty Images, KavalenkavaVolha. Image Location: Roman Bridge, Córdoba, Andalucía, Spain
Where is Andalucía in Spain?
The region of Andalucía covers most of southwest Spain. It is divided into eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. Uniquely, its shores are washed by both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The north is dominated by rugged mountains, while at its center you’ll find Andalucía’s Big Three cities: Seville, Córdoba and Granada. On the south coast, Málaga boasts beaches and art galleries, while the ancient port of Cádiz is a must-visit for Roman ruins.
What are the best things to do in Andalucía?
Start in Seville, the capital of Andalucía and easily accessible by train from Madrid. The gothic cathedral here is one of the largest in the world, attracting over two million visitors each year. Marvel at its grand interior, including the 98ft-tall altarpiece, as well as the intricately carved Giralda bell tower outside.
From here, you can hop on the train to both Córdoba and Granada. Don’t miss Córdoba’s famous Mezquita-Catedral (Mosque-Cathedral), with its incredible candy-cane-striped ceilings. The city is also known for flamenco dancing, the region's best-known cultural export.
Got room for a little more culture? Head to Granada where the Alhambra Palace is sure to impress. Built in the 13th century, it’s one of the finest preserved examples of ancient Islamic architecture in the world. Elsewhere, Málaga is the place to visit for art buffs; reserve tickets for the Picasso Museum and Centre Pompidou.
But Andalucía isn’t just dominated by renowned art and architecture. It’s home to a mix of wild national parks, forest-carpeted mountains, world-famous golf courses, and golden beaches. Extreme sports enthusiasts will enjoy kitesurfing in Tarifa or mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada, while party animals should head to Marbella’s luxury hotels, glitzy nightclubs, and golden sands—accessible from Málaga with a quick bus transfer.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Alhambra, Granada, Andalucía, Spain
What do Andalusian people typically eat?
Tapas are a good way to sample Andalusian cuisine. You’ll find tapas across Spain, but the idea of serving a selection of small dishes is thought to have originated in Andalucía.
Legend says that, during hot summers, drinks were topped with a piece of cheese or sausage to protect them from flies and dust. Head to 350 year-old El Rinconcillo in Seville for typical Andalusian tapas, like mojamas (salt-cured tuna slices) and chicharrones (crispy pork belly).
Elsewhere, a chorizo-filled spread called pringá, refreshing gazpacho and chocolate-dipped churros are popular favorites. Coastal destinations, like Cádiz, boast excellent seafood. Wherever you visit, make sure you try a glass of fino, a dry sherry from Jerez where the spirit was first fermented.
Mojama (salt-cured tuna) and fino (sherry). Image Credit: Getty Images, Ernesto Sevilla
Can you recommend a southern Spain itinerary?
Absolutely. Firstly, how much time do you have? Secondly, what’s your priority? Is it visiting natural beauty spots or exploring art galleries and ancient palaces?
If you’ve only got two or three days, we’d recommend focusing your time on Seville for a taste of Andalusian culture and architecture, or Málaga for a combination of art and beach time (both have international airports).
To really explore the Big Three, we suggest spending at least five days in Andalucía: two days in Seville, one day in Córdoba and two days in Grenada.
Image Credit: Getty Images, John Harper. Image Location: Marbella, Andalucía, Spain
How should I travel around Andalucía?
Train is the best way to get between Andalucía’s major cities and towns. For example, Seville is just 47 minutes from Córdoba, and 2.5 hours from Granada. On arrival, you can easily get around on foot, on the metro or by taxi. Make sure you check out Trainline for the best deals on train tickets, as well as live-service updates.
The trains in Spain are rarely a pain
Download the Trainline app to get those deals and live updates direct to your smartphone. For more info and travel hacks, check out our guide to buying online train tickets in Spain and guide to getting around Spain by train.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, James O'Neil. Image Location: Ronda, Andalucía, Spain