Best Destinations in Southern Spain (Andalucia)
Southern Spain is a blessed land, where natural beauty is lavish and manmade attractions are unforgettable. It is a magnet for tourists and an unmatched destination on their bucket list.
The south of Spain is all about enchanting towns like Seville, welcoming beaches on Costa del Sol, and hidden gems like Estepona.
The article below offers a sneak peek at eight most beautiful towns that you must visit!
Cádiz
If you want to go to a romantic town with plenty of historic attractions, watch satirical sketches at a traditional carnival, taste delicious Spanish meals and seafood at oceanfront restaurants, and sunbathe at the best Blue Flag beaches to the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, Cádiz is a great option.
Cádiz is assumed to be the oldest town in Western Europe that dates back to 1100 BC. Though the number of sights is impressive here, the 18th-century Castle of San Sebastian is a must-see.
Apart from the fortress, one should save time for Torre Tavira, the classic Moorish-style Gran Teatro Falla, and the impressive Cádiz Cathedral. After exploring the oldest areas, you can relax in the town’s botanical garden, Parque Genoves.
Córdoba
Sun-worshippers will admire visiting Córdoba, perhaps the sunniest and hottest city in Europe, marked by an eloquent mixture of styles, cultures and epochs. Córdoba is also home to a superb example of Moorish architecture, the UNESCO-listed La Mezquita, the Great Mosque.
It is an interesting adventure to walk in the atmospheric Jewish quarter, which is a maze of sinuous streets and whitewashed houses, or explore monumental sights, such as theCastle of the Christian Monarchs, Palacio de Viana,the Church of San Lorenzo, the Roman Bridge, and Calahorra Tower.
During siesta hours, plan an escape to nature and go to the lush and spacious Botanical Garden of Córdoba.
Estepona
Multi-colored houses, typical Andalusian patios, cheerful taverns, lush flowers and spacious beaches of the Costa del Sol have transformed Estepona into a fabulous wonderland for tourists.Estepona has not lost its authentic flavor and spirit of southern Spain.
It remains both a small working town and a luring seaside resort with enchanting Centro Historico and the beautiful marina decorated with opulent yachts and beach bars.
Estepona’s cobblestone streets will lead you to the 15th-century fortress Castillo de San Luis, constructed by Catholic Monarchs.
A much more demanded tourist destination is, however, Plaza de las Flores, tranquil and charming at any time of the day.
Granada
Stunning, mind-blowing, and haunting. These are the words that come to your mind when you compare Granada with other destinations.
Dominated by the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Alhambra fortress, which is the true masterpiece of Islamic architecture, Granada is the heart and soul of Andalusia at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It used to be the capital of the medieval Moorish kingdom, best preserved in the Albaicín historic Arab quarter, and then absorbed the grandeur of Catholic Monarchs, most evident in the Basilica St. John de Dios, Monasterio de la Cartuja, and Catedral Santa María.
Jerez de la Frontera
Stately, though undiscovered, Jerez de la Frontera is the pride of Andalusia.
The city is known for its unique drink, sherry, which is made nowhere else on the planet, and the beautiful equine ballet performances.
Flamenco fans ardently support Jerez’ status of the true home of flamenco and flock here in great numbers to feel the spirit of this traditional dance.
Architectural beauty of the city includes the octagonal 11th-century Alcázar fortress, baroque and Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, and the Church of San Miguel.
To broaden your outlook, visit the local Archeological Museum, and to sip the famous sherry, take a day tour to the Bodegas González–Byass Winery.
Málaga
Rated high as a lovely Andalusian destination and Picasso’s birthplace, Málaga has earned a reputation of a dynamic and cosmopolitan city in southern Spain.
Apart from Pablo Picasso Museum, Málaga boasts 30 other museums, chic restaurants, and beach bars in the Mediterranean marina. Bars and beaches are not the only visited attractions in Málaga.
The city has an elaborate medieval Catedral de Málaga, formerly serving as an Islamic place of worship, and the spectacular Alcazaba fortress of the Caliphal period, located near the site of the ancient Roman Amphitheater.
Ronda
Boasting a spectacular location on both sides of a steep cliff and suspended over a 100-meter gorge, Ronda is traditionally associated with the scenic Puente Nuevo bridge and the well-preserved Arabic baths. The town is also dubbed as the birthplace of the Spanish bullfight tradition.
It hosts annual staged bullfight performances at the Plaza de Toros bullring. Walking is highly recommended along the historic squares and streets of La Ciudad, the old Moorish quarter, or in theAlameda de José Antonio park, offering wonderful panoramic views.
Further exploration of Ronda’s unique heritage includes a visit to the 18th-centurymansion, the House of Moorish Kings.
Seville
Seville can rightly be called the tourist capital of Europe. This enchanting, romantic cityseems to cast a spell on visitors. Its cobblestone streets, elegant buildings, old-style street lamps, palm-lined lanes work miracles and mesmerize everyone who sets their foot on this god-loved land.
The majestic towers of Seville’s Cathedral, the lush gardens and décor of the 1000-year-old Alcázar fortress, which used to be the domain of Moorish rulers and Christian kings, and the old Jewish Santa Cruz quarter are all top things to see in Seville.
Interested in visiting any or all these destinations? At Costa Excursions we provide custom tours for groups and families. Get in touch with us for a quote and sample itinerary.
Andalucia is a great area in Spain to visit, and all the destinations mentioned on this post are worth visiting if you come to Spain. If you need help planning your trip to Spain, contact us and we will be more than glad to help you create a perfect itinerary.
