A Guide to Visiting Andalusia, Spain

A road trip through southern Spain blends history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Explore the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, and Seville’s Alcázar for a glimpse into Spain's Moorish past. Ronda features dramatic cliffside views, while Malaga provides a relaxed coastal atmosphere on the Mediterranean.

Seville

Real Alcázar

Originally built as a fortress, this became the royal residence of Spanish kings. A visit here offers insight into Seville’s royal history and provides a peaceful escape from the city.

You must book tickets days to weeks ahead of time.

Cathedral de Seville

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world famous for its grand scale and interior, along with housing Columbus. Climb the Giralda Tower, which was once a minaret for the mosque, for panoramic views of Seville’s skyline.

Plaza de España & María Luisa Park

Plaza de España is a semi-circular building surrounded by a large canal and gardens. Walk around the plaza, rent a rowboat on the canal, and witness the colorful ceramic tiles representing the different regions of Spain. Next to the Plaza, you'll find green spaces, fountains, and shaded paths at María Luisa Park.

Santa Cruz

Seville’s historic Jewish Quarter, with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and flower-filled patios. This is one of the most charming areas of the city, with plenty of cafés, shops, and hidden corners.

Flamenco Show

Seville is known as one of the best places in Spain to see authentic flamenco, with guitar playing, singing, and dancing. Find a venue, or “tablaos,” that offers an intimate performance in the Triana neighborhood, the birthplace of Flamenco.

Cooking Class

This is a fun experience, perfect for those interested in Spanish cuisine. Tour the nearby market and learn to prepare traditional dishes like gazpacho, salmorejo, or paella, using fresh, local ingredients.

Restaurants

Abantal - One Michelin star fine dining restaurant, with a menu focusing on Andalusian flavors.

El Librero Tapas Y Quesos - Known for its tapas and selection of artisanal cheeses from across Spain.

Restaurante San Marco Santa Cruz - Italian restaurant offering delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes. El Rinconcillo - The oldest bar in Seville, dating back to 1670 serving traditional tapas in a rustic setting. Bodega Santa Cruz - A beloved tapas bar in Seville, famous for its authentic, no-frills Andalusian dishes.

Bar Alfalfa: Casual, cozy spot for tapas.

Ronda

Puente Nuevo

This 18th century bridge spans the deep 100m El Tajo Gorge, offering one of the most dramatic views in Spain.

Plaza de Toros

A historic bullring and one of the oldest in Spain. Today, it functions as a museum and cultural venue with occasional performances like flamenco shows. You can also tour the arena, visit the museum to learn about bullfighting traditions, and explore the stables.

Jardines de Cuenca

Named after Ronda’s sister city in Spain, these terraced gardens along the cliffs of the gorge provide paths and views of the Puente Nuevo.

La Casa Del Ray Moro

This historic house features an iconic water mine and garden, which once served as a water source during Moorish rule. The steep descent takes you down approximately 200 steps, carved directly into the rock, leading to the base of El Tajo Gorge and the Guadalevín River.

Mirador de Ronda

A scenic viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and countryside, particularly stunning at sunset.

Setenil de las Bodegas

A short drive from Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique white village known for its cliffside architecture with many of its homes, shops, and cafes are built directly into massive rock formations. Walk through the streets of Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra to experience its charm.

Restaurants

Arrabal Restaurante - Contemporary Spanish cuisine with views of the countryside.

Restaurante Pura Cepa - Extensive wine selection and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Tragata Ronda - Tapas restaurant, selected cooking distinction on Michelin guide

Casa María - Family-style dining that serves a set menu based on the freshest ingredients available that day.

Córdoba

Photo by Girl with red hat

Mosque-Cathedral 'Mezquita'

What was originally built as a mosque, was later converted to a cathedral famous for its expansive prayer hall with hundreds of red-and-white striped arches and its intricate mihrab (prayer niche).

Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

A fortress built by the Christian kings and a history tied to the Reconquista. Wander around the well-preserved rooms, courtyards, gardens, and tower that provide views of Córdoba.

Puerta del Puente & Puente Romano

Puerta del Puente is the monumental archway that marks the entrance to the Roman Bridge, a beautiful ancient bridge with views of the city, the Mezquita, and the river.

Jewish Quarter

Characterized by its whitewashed buildings, small plazas, and courtyards. This area is also features historical sites and quaint shops selling local crafts. Walk through Calleja de las Flores, one of the most picturesque streets.

Palacio de Viana

This palace from the 14th century is known for its 12 traditional courtyards featuring flowers, orange trees, and fountains, each with distinct styles of Andalusian architecture.

Restaurants

Bodegas Campos - Andalusian-style tapas in a rustic setting.

Restaurante El Churrasco - Famous for its grilled meats, especially the churrasco (charcoal-grilled beef).

Noor - Three Michelin star fine-dining.

Taberna Salinas - A traditional eatery known for its fresh seafood and tapas.

Granada

Alhambra Palace

Moorish palace complex set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains with stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and intricate tilework. Witness the Nasrid Palaces with their stucco designs and reflective pools and head over to the watchtowers for views of the city.

You must book tickets days to weeks ahead of time.

Albaicín District

Granada's old Moorish quarter with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses with the view of Alhambra. From the Mirador de San Nicolás, you'll get one of the best views of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. The district is also home to traditional teahouses where you can enjoy a cup of Moroccan-style tea.

Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Witness Renaissance architecture at the Granda Cathedral and adjacent, the final resting place of Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella.

Hammam Al Ándalus

This hammam offers a relaxing experience inspired by traditional Arab baths. Located near the Alhambra, it provides a soothing retreat with thermal baths, massages, and aromatic steam rooms.

Mirador de San Cristóbal

A scenic viewpoint that offers views over the Albaicín district, the Alhambra, and the entire city of Granada. It's less crowded than the Mirador de San Nicolás, making it a more peaceful spot. Walking up to the mirador is a bit of a climb, but the views at sunset are worth it.

Montefrío

Located 30 minutes outside of Granada is the small town of Montefrío. National Geographic ranked its views among the top 10 in the world, with the town’s church perched on a cliff offering stunning panoramas of the surrounding hills. The town also features a medieval castle and remnants of a Moorish fortress.

Restaurants

Parole Ristorante - La Vera Cucina Italiana - Authentic Italian dining experience with homemade pasta.

Restaurante las Tomasas - Andalusian cuisine with views of the Alhambra.

Taberna La Tana - A cozy wine bar with small bites, one Anthony Bourdain visited.

Málaga

Photo by Marc Kleen

Alcazaba de Málaga

Explore the ancient walls, courtyards, and towers of this ancient fortress while enjoying stunning views of the city and Mediterranean Sea. The Alcazaba is often compared to the Alhambra in Granada, but on a smaller, more accessible scale. The nearby Roman Theatre is also worth a visit, as it lies right at the foot of the fortress.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

For panoramic views of Málaga and the coast, hike up to Gibralfaro Castle. The hike takes about 20 minutes from the Alcazaba, and it’s a steep but scenic walk through a path lined with pine trees.

Playa de La Malagueta

Just a short walk from the city center, this beach is a great option for sunbathing, swimming, or walking along the promenade. There are plenty of local restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars) offering fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.

Picasso Museum

As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is home to a museum dedicated to his work. The museum showcases over 200 of his works, from his early sketches to his later, more famous pieces.

Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to give you the chance to see the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, and the beaches from a unique perspective. Some tours even offer the opportunity to spot dolphins or go snorkeling.

Caminito del Ray

Located an hour from Málaga, this thrilling hike takes you over a canyon between cliffs. Once considered one of the most dangerous walks in the world, it has since been renovated for safety, making it accessible to all levels of hikers. The path runs along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Gorge adn takes 3-4 hours to complete. Tickets are required ahead of time.

Restaurants

Beluga - Upscale dining with fresh seafood. Casa Lola - A charming, traditional tapas bar offering a range of local dishes in a cozy setting. Restaurante Vino Mío - Combining modern Andalusian cuisine with live flamenco performances.