Discover the Best Places to See in Andalucía, Spain – 8 Must-Visit Spots!
Andalucía is full of surprises. You might even feel like you’ve accidentally travelled to another part of the world with its beautiful mix of Islamic architecture and lively markets, but this is Spain. From ancient palaces and crazy, colourful souks to stunning landscapes and delicious tapas, Andalucía has so many must-visit places. Here is a short Andalucía travel guide and 8 must-visit spots – trust me, you’ll want to add these to your Andalucía itinerary.
Where exactly is Andalucía and how to get there?
Andalucía is located in southern Spain, bordering both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with Portugal to the west. It’s well-connected and super easy to reach: You can fly directly into places like Seville, Málaga, or Granada from most major European cities. If you’re already in Spain, high-speed AVE trains from Madrid or Barcelona can make for a quick and comfy journey to Andalucía’s key destinations.
✈️ Book cheap flights from London to Seville here
✈️ Book cheap flights from London to Málaga here
✈️ Book cheap flights from London to Granada here
How to get around Andalucía?
The region has a pretty good rail network connecting cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, and local buses serve smaller towns and villages. If you’re planning to explore more remote areas or want to take scenic drives through the countryside, I’d absolutely recommend hiring a car, though. Generally, it is fairly easy to get around Spain, so you won’t need much planning at all.
When to Visit Andalucía?
For me, the best times to visit Andalucía are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Both are perfect for exploring with mild temperatures, and you’ll avoid the tourist crowds. Spring brings Andalucía’s landscapes to life, and autumn adds a warm, golden glow to the scenery – which is amazing for photos!
In the end, it depends on what you’re after, as summer (although hot) can also be great for a visit, especially if you want to combine a trip to Andalucía with a trip to Spain's famous Costa del Sol, Barcelona, or maybe the Balearics.
What are The Best Places to See in Andalucía, Spain? Here are my 8 Must-Visit Spots:
1. Walk Around the Patios de Córdoba – A Hidden Gem
Patios de Cordoba
Let’s start with the Patios de Córdoba, a true hidden gem. It honestly is kinda hard to describe, but I’d say it’s basically an open-air museum full of beautiful clay pots filled with flowers. Locals spend all year carefully decorating their patios and arranging the flowers, and each patio is unique – you’ll probably get a chance to meet the owners, too. Visiting feels a little like taking a peek into traditional Andalusian life, and of course, it’s absolutely perfect for photos. Now, I must admit, Sophie and I visited some years ago, so the prices have gone up a little, but below you can find a range of guided tours from £13.
🌷 Book a guided Tour of the Patios de Cordoba here
2. Marvel at the Alhambra – Granada’s Famous Fortress
I know, visiting a fortress doesn’t sound super interesting at first, but trust me, the Alhambra is famous for a reason and far more than you may think. The Alhambra is an architectural masterpiece that transports you to Andalucía’s past. You’ll find a beautiful mix of palaces, gardens, and courtyards, each with so much detail that’ll leave you amazed and have you taking a photo on every corner. Wandering through, I couldn’t believe the intricate tile work and the sheer scale of it. If you visit only one spot in Granada, make it this one. It really is unforgettable and definitely one of the best places to see in Andalucía! Oh, and make sure to wear walking shoes, as you can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds.
3. Be in Awe at La Mezquita in Córdoba
Walking through La Mezquita
You really can’t miss La Mezquita when you’re in Córdoba – it’s absolutely stunning! Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, this place is now a cathedral, and it’s a beautiful blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by rows and rows of iconic red-and-white arches that seem to stretch on forever – I’d never seen anything like it before.
If you can, try to time your visit with a guided tour; the stories and history behind each element really bring the place to life. Honestly, La Mezquita was one of those experiences that left me a little speechless and was a definite highlight of our trip! It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Andalucía. Good to know: When visiting La Mezquita, make sure you are respectful when taking photos, and be aware that it can be pretty dark inside, so you may need to make do with a photo similar to mine or bring a lens that shoots well in low light.
🤩 Book a guided Tour of La Mezquita here
4. Go Shopping at the Alcaicería – Granada’s Souk
If you love noisy, fun markets, where you can easily get lost for hours, you’ll feel right at home here. The Alcaicería souk in Granada has colourful stalls full of ceramics, textiles, and trinkets. We spent ages just browsing around and if you’re into tea, don’t miss the chance to sit down for a pot of fresh mint tea. I loved the vibe here so much that we came back in the evening for a Flamenco show nearby. Honestly, such a fun spot.
5. Experience a Flamenco Show – An Absolute Must
You can’t leave Andalucía without seeing Flamenco – after all, it’s the actual birthplace of Flamenco! We found this fun venue in Granada, and it was one of the most eclectic performances I’d ever seen. Being real, at first I didn’t enjoy it; I think somehow I expected something a little more melodic, maybe? But Flamenco music and dance are so unique that it took a good few minutes for me to get used to it. Shortly after, I found myself tapping along to the rhythm, and it’s definitely one of those experiences that stays with you. Highly, highly recommend!
💃 Book your Flamenco Show in Granada here
6. Take in the Views from Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Talk about breathtaking! This bridge spans across a deep gorge, and the views from the bottom are incredible. We took a short (I really mean short here – it probably only takes 15 minutes or so) hike down for the perfect Insta shot, and let me tell you, it was worth every step. Ronda is also a great spot to eat some local Spanish food, so make a day of it if you can. It’s easily one of the most stunning places we saw on the trip.
7. Visit Barrio de Cuevas – Discover Cave Houses
Ever seen a real-life cave house? In Guadix, you can visit these unique homes where people have lived for generations. Some are still decorated with original bits and bobs, and there’s even a recording of one of the former owners singing while she goes about her day! This was one of those discoveries that seemed random at first, but it turned out to be one of the coolest experiences we had in Andalucía, and it’s definitely one of the best places to see in Andalucía if you’re into unique things to do. I honestly think not many people know about this place!
8. Explore Toledo’s Historic Streets
Alright, so Toledo isn’t technically Andalucía, but it’s such a gem that I had to include it. The beautiful (and hilly) streets here were so fun to explore, and we found this cosy family-run spot that served up “carcamusas” – a super tasty pork dish. Toledo’s vibe is so welcoming, and it’s a perfect day trip if you’re heading north. I’d say you can probably spend about 3 hours here or so. Good to know: For the best view of Toledo, and to understand why it has so many steep streets, head to the viewpoint just outside of town; you can’t miss it!
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to See in Andalucía
Every corner of Andalucía has something special to offer. Even though it’s part of Spain, it feels like you’re getting a taste of both Spain and Morocco all in one – how cool is that? From the peaceful patios in Córdoba to the stunning bridge in Ronda, whether you’re exploring the Alhambra, munching on the best tapas in Toledo, or tapping away to Flamenco in Granada, Andalucía had me wanting to come back for more. We totally fell in love with this place, and I know you will too!