Andalucia Travel Guide

In many ways, the southern Spanish region of Andalusia is both the epitome and antithesis of what we think of when we think of Spain. No other region in the Iberian peninsula has such a rich tapestry of influences, differing landscapes and cultures. Andalusia travel is something that will incorporate a vast swathe of southern Spain. 

Andalusia runs from the Portuguese border in the west, right along to the Mediterranean coast in the east, and at its closest point, is only nine miles from the north coast of African Morocco. This geographical connection with the African continent is something that makes the Spanish region of Andalusia stand out. Andalusian history, culture, cuisine, and regional identity are very much intertwined with Moorish North Africa.

Trips through Andalusia will see you visit world-famous cities such as Málaga, Granada and its capital Seville, and the quaint and unique towns of Cádiz and Ronda. Almost contradictory to the blissful Mediterranean weather along the coastal plains, Andalusia is also home to Europe’s most southerly skiing destination, the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

The sheer diversity of Andalusia is what makes it one of the best destinations in Spain. The perfect balance of Spanish tradition, including mountainside villages unchanged in centuries, blends seamlessly with iconic modern cities, almost defining Spain on the world stage. The true essence of Spanish culture intertwines with North African sensibilities and creates customs and traditions that are uniquely Andalusian.

Read on to see what travelling through Andalusia can bring, including the best time to go to Andalusia, how to get around Spain, Andalusian food, festivals in Andalusia, and so much more.

Andalusia has the envious reputation of being one of the warmest regions in all of mainland Spain, and that stands throughout the year. During July, August and September, temperatures rise to around 34°C, with Seville renowned for being one of Spain's hottest cities. 

In Andalusia, the high season falls around July and August, when vast amounts of holidaymakers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany head to the southern Andalusian coast. To avoid the huge crowds of other tourists and higher prices, it is best to avoid the high season and keep Andalusia travel to the shoulder seasons. 

The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall are some of the best times to visit Andalusia. During these months, temperatures hover around the 16-20°C mark, and rainfall is far less common than at the beginning and end of the year. This balance between manageable temperatures and dry days is ideal for comfortably travelling around the region. 

Although the Spanish weather can often be predictable during the summer months, throughout the latter part of the year, as well as the beginning, rain showers can be far more unpredictable, especially around the high-altitude areas of Andalusia.

If you’re interested in travelling to Andalusia for the ski season in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the best time to visit the region is between December and April.

Choosing to visit Andalusia will provide you with a varied selection of experiences and many must-see Spanish destinations. From the famous Costa del Sol, and iconic cities of Seville and Cadiz, to the unassuming skiing destination of Sierra Nevada and the surrounding national parks, Andalusia has it all.

To create your own customisable travel adventure through Spain’s most southerly region, check out the Local Designers based in Spain. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit in Andalusia.

Seville

The Andalusian capital of Seville is unarguably one of Spain’s most famous cities. One of the largest cities in Spain and the home of Flamenco, Seville has long been a popular post to visit in the region. Bathed in some of the best Spanish sunny weather, the city of Seville is a perfect destination to visit as the days get warmer.

The city's sheer beauty is only enhanced by its Mudéjar architecture, a real mix of Islamic and Christain influences - and nowhere is this better seen than in Seville’s Old Town. With narrow winding streets and elegantly looking buildings, a walk through the Old Town will be a walk down the centuries in the regional capital.

Covering just two-square miles, the Old Town is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Must-see sites include the Royal Alcázars of Seville, Seville Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Seville's stunningly beautiful Royal Alcázars is a perfect microcosm example of Andalusia’s dual heritage. This palace complex was built during the mid-13th century on top of the ruins of an Islamic alcazar, yet still retains elements of Islamic design and structure.

With majestic architecture, sun-soaked streets, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the call of Flamenco in your ears, the Andalusia capital of Seville is not to be missed. For an up-close and personal tour of Seville, take a look at this 5-Day History & Heritage tour of Andalusia.

Costa del Sol

With the name Costa del Sol, translating as the Coast of the Sun, it is no surprise that this coastal stretch of Andalusia is coveted by beach lovers the world over. This three hundred square miles stretch of southern Spanish coastline has forever been a haven for sun-seekers heading to Spain. Although the small region of the Costa del Sol is frequented by those looking for all-inclusive poolside holidays, it is also an incredible place to escape to the coast.

Playa Las Viborillas is the ideal beach along the Costa del Sol for those who wish to escape the crowds and have their own corner of paradise. Surrounded by high cliffs and lush vegetation, Playa Las Viborillas has an almost tropical feel, only increased by the many palm trees that provide ample shade from the sun.

If you’re looking for a beach with a little more atmosphere and sociable goings-on, then the Costa del Sol beach of Playa del Cable is the one for you. Known locally as Bounty Beach, Playa del Cable not only provides the sun, sea and sand during the day but also comes alive with music and gatherings well into the cool Andalusian evenings.

Córdoba

No visit to Andalusia would be complete with a stop off at the north Andalusian city of Córdoba. With more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other city in the world, Córdoba has a bounty of must-see sights and is one of the true gems of Andalusia. 

Córdoba’s most famous and emblematic landmark is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita. First built as a mosque in the late 8th century, the building was elaborately added to over the centuries, making it one of the best examples of Islamic art in all of Spain. Like elsewhere in Andalusia, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba perfectly shows the dual culture and textured history of the region’s Catholic and Islamic past. 

During the reconquest of Spain by Christians in the 15th century, a Catholic cathedral was constructed within the mosque. Today, this makes the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba one of the only known examples of its kind.

Alongside the Mosque-Cathedral, Córdoba is also home to the La Judería, the old Jewish Quater of Córdoba. This entire neighbourhood has UNESCO World Heritage status, and it is easy to see why. Passing through the high walls of the Almodovar Gate, you are greeted by whitewashed buildings and balconies filled with flowers. The narrow alleyway and charming street of La Calleja de las Flores are the district’s pinnacle and make for a great photo opportunity. The elegance and charm of Córdoba make it an ideal honeymoon destination, much like the rest of Andalusia travel.

Granada

Lying in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city of Granada is another of Andalusia’s most famous cities. Unlike the sun-soaked cities of Córdoba and Seville, Granada has a cooling mountainous feel at around 2,000 feet above sea level. The combination of pristine Spanish cityscapes and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains only adds to Granada’s appeal.

One of the most popular Andalusian cities, Granada is teeming with interesting and captivating landmarks. Top of the list of Granada landmarks is the hilltop citadel of Alhambra, an Arabic word meaning ‘red castle’. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, the Alhambra is made up of walled palaces, rose gardens, endless fountains and ornate Islamic decorations.

Mirroring the epic Moor-built citadel of Alhambra is the Albayzín district of Granada, surrounding the base of the fortress. Practically unchanged since its medieval Islamic heyday, the mass of winding streets and whitewashed houses is a real sight. 

Throughout history, Granada was known for its huge Romani population, the majority of which settled in the Sacromonte district of the city. Here, you can visit the cave homes carved out of the rock beneath the hillside. For a real immersive experience, stay around until the evening to experience zambra performances, a form of flamenco that incorporates elements of Moorish dancing.

Ronda and the White Villages 

An often criminally overlooked destination in Andalusia is the city of Ronda. The jaw-dropping location of Ronda on the top of the sheer-sided Taro Gorge is what really makes this location one of Andalusia’s best. Walking along the Puente Nuevo bridge, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the gorge and the flowing rivers below. 

If this unique and awe-inspiring landscape wasn’t enough, Ronda is also home to the iconic White Villages. These villages have beautiful whitewashed buildings and homes, some of which are built within the mountainside. As you walk around the villages, you can take in the unusual yet idyllic sights of these villages, as well as the natural landscapes surrounding Ronda.

Cádiz

Located on the southwest coast of Andalusia, the city of Cádiz is one of the oldest settlements in all of western Europe. An elegant seaport surrounded by endless beaches along the sunny Costa de la Luz, Cádiz is one of Spain’s most bustling ports and houses a cosmopolitan culture. Taking a city tour of Cádiz is a fantastic way to see this ancient city, both for its historical and modern attractions.

At the very heart of Cádiz is the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, a historical square flanked by a number of bustling cafes, restaurants and pretty water jet fountains. Cádiz’s Church ofSan Juan De Dios looms over the square, only adding to the centre of the city’s beauty.

Train 

Getting around Andalusia via train is not only efficient, but it can also add a sense of adventure to your travels. The Spanish National Railways Network provides a huge network of connections between Andalusia’s major cities, and there are Regional Services between the region’s far smaller towns and villages. 

There is also the option to take a high-speed service (AVE) to and from major cities such as Cordoba, Seville and Malaga. For simplicity, you can have your Spanish Local Designer purchase your tickets and organise your rail journey without any hassle.

Bus

Bus travel in Andalusia is one of the best ways to get around the region, as there are numerous bus companies operating in the south of Spain. Buses are often universally spacious and comfortable, providing you with the ideal transport to get from A to B. 

Travelling by bus is also helpful when you are visiting smaller towns and villages that may not have rail links between them. Throughout Andalusia's major cities, buses run to and from many urban areas throughout the day and have a few services in the evening.

Private Driver and Car Rentals

With well-maintained modern roads, travelling through Andalusia with a hired car is a joy. This gives you the freedom to explore the region under your own steam, but it also adds a whole new dimension to Andalusia travel.

To make things even easier, your Local Designer can organise a private driver to pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at popular landmarks and tours. Many of Designer Journey’s personalised and customised Andalusia tours offer private drivers, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the holiday.

Málaga

The Andalusian province of Málaga is an ideal place to stay, especially for those wanting a varied experience of the region. Located along Andalusia’s Costa del Sol, Málaga has a huge range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you want to spend your time on the nearby beaches or soak up the city's rich culture and history, Málaga has it all.

The geographical location of Málaga is also ideally placed to explore Andalusia. Sitting in the very centre of the region, transport links make it easy to reach cities such as Seville to the west and Granda to the east.

Seville 

The provinces and city of Seville are some of the most popular places to stay when exploring Andalusia, and as its regional capital, this comes as no surprise. As such a compact city, you are never too far away from the historic city centre. Staying in the Centro district of Seville will mean you will be within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions. 

From comfortable B&Bs, affordable hotels and luxury hotels, Seville has a great mixture of them all. As part of a Designer Journeys tour of Seville, you will stay in the Las Casas de El Arenal, a fine example of 18th-century Andalusian architecture.

Granada

Settling in the city of Granada can add a whole new dimension to your Andalusia travel. Sitting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, staying in Granada during springtime can provide a welcome mountainous relief from the heat of other major cities. Besides this, accommodation in Granada is extremely verified for a relatively small city. 

You can choose to stay in the city’s historic centre, Granada’s UNESCO district of Albaicín close to the mountains or Granada’s old Jewish quarter, which is home to some of the best places to eat in Granada. This variety of places to stay makes Granada a perfect base for exploring Andalusia.

Andalusian Gazpacho

When it comes to Andalusian cuisines, one dish stands out as the flag bearer for the region’s culinary identity, Andalusian Gazpacho. This cold soup is made from a blend of vegetables; traditionally, tomato, cucumbers, onion, bell peppers, garlic and olive oil. Although such as simple dish, the full flavour and cool temperature is a refreshing balm to the Andalusian sun.

Gazpacho can now be found all over Spain, yet the Andalusian Gazpacho takes pride in being the original and, some may say, the best. Whether you try the famous Andalusian Gazpacho in Seville, Granada, Cádiz or Córdoba, you will not be disappointed.

Sample Local Sherry at Taberna La Manzanilla

Much like Champagne in France and Port in Portugal, the Andalusian province of Cádiz is famed for its own world-famous drink, sherry - or Jerez, as the Spanish would say. This rich fortified wine has been exported across the globe, yet it is the western Andalucian city of Cádiz where the sherry must be made, protected by Spanish wine laws.

So, what better place to sample this hearty fortified wine than in the city of Cádiz? The famous Taberna La Manzanilla in Cádiz is one of the most authentic and traditional taverns in Cádiz. Taberna La Manzanilla serves only sherry, making it the ideal place to sample this delicious wine.

Pestiños

Those of you with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice in Andalusia. Andalusia’s culinary link with North Africa means that many of Andalusia’s desserts are influenced by historic Arabic Spain. A perfect example of this is the Pestiño. Pestiños are sweetened wraps of dough, deep-fried and glazed with sugar. 

Pestiños are typically eaten around Christmas and Holy week but can be found across Andalucia all year round. Through any city tour of Andalusia, you will find many market stores selling these delectable desserts.

Batalla de las Flores

The Batalla de las Flores, known in English as the Battle of the Flowers Festival, transforms the already floral cityscapes of Córdoba into a complete masterpiece of floristry. Taking place on the last week of April, the Batalla de las Flores includes a parade of fifteen floats, all of which are decorated and adorned with a multitude of flowers and floral decorations, making it a real sight for the senses.

Thousands of flowers and wreaths are thrown into the waiting crowd, whereby the crowd begins to throw them back - hence why the festival is known as the Battle of the Flowers. With such a strong focus on the blooming of flowers, it is no surprise that this traditional festival represents the ending of winter and the beginning of spring.

The Seville Fair

The Seville Fair, known locally as the ‘Feria de Abril de Sevilla’, is one of Andalusia’s most celebrated festivals. Beginning two weeks before the start of Easter, the Seville Fair originally started life as a livestock fair, where the local Andalusians would trade in cattle and horses.

Today, the Seville Fair has taken on a whole new identity, bringing the people of Seville together for a week of socialising and celebration. The festival includes many dancing performances, food stalls and a general street party atmosphere, making it an ideal time to visit Andalusia.

Visa: Spain is part of the Schengen region, making travelling within this region very easy. If you require a Schengen visa, they are valid for 90 days. Long-term visas will be required for any foreigner who wants to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in a maximum period of 180 days, except for citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. For more information, be sure to visit Spain’s official tourism website.

Currency: As part of Europe, the currency in Spain is the Euro. At the time of writing, May 2022, 1 Euro is equal to 1.05 USD. 

Language: Part of Spain, the main language spoken throughout Andalusia is Spanish. Many will speak Andalusian Spanish, which is a regional dialect though an official version of Spanish.

Visiting Andalusia will give you a whole new appreciation for the nation of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula as a whole. The region is a real cross-section of Spanish and North African-influenced cultures. The balance between exciting modern and cultured cities such as Seville and Granda contrasts perfectly with traditional Spain's old feel. 

A microcosm of all that is Spain can be found here; from the tourist-centred Costa del Sol beaches and the cafe and restaurant culture of Seville, right down to the untouched cave homes of the White Villages of Ronda, Andalusia is Spain.

To understand more about what this southern Spanish region can offer you, book a customisable and uniquely curated holiday through Andalusia with our Local Designers in Spain.