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Things to see and do in Andalucia
Andalucia is one of the most beautiful autonomous communities in the whole of Spain. It is located in the south of the country, where the warmth of its people and its history, culture and art capture those who visit.
It offers the visitor endless interesting things to see and do. It is one of the autonomous communities in Spain that attracts the most domestic and international tourists. Its cultural wealth, its environmental diversity and the open and friendly nature of its inhabitants form part of the magic elixir that makes Andalucia the tourist destination preferred by people from all corners of the world.
Here is a list of things to see and do in Andalucia; suggestions for savouring and enjoying the magical properties of the unique elixir this region offers. And although we know that this list could contain a million places to see and experiences to enjoy, you have to start somewhere. So take a look and make a note of these suggestions we have for you.
Experience first-hand the Carnival of Cadiz
Carnival in Andalucia in general, but particularly in Cádiz is one of the biggest cultural and tourist attractions. Indeed, in Cádiz people are very passionate about this festival, since the Cádiz carnival has the great honour of being recognised with the title of International Tourist Attraction Festival.
This festival is held just before the start of Lent (the 40 days prior to the start of Holy Week). Visiting Cádiz during this festival is special for the fun ambience that is felt on the streets thanks to the famous chirigotas, comparsas (satirical and poetic singing groups) and choirs.
Cadiz carnival, a unique event to enjoy the ‘art’ of Cadiz
Turn into a bird by engaging in paragliding, hand gliding or riding a hot-air balloon
Glide through the skies of Andalucia and gaze at the natural beauty of this unique land. In Vejer de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful towns in Andalucia, you can paraglide from the court of El Poniente Restaurant.
Visit Andalucia from the air in a hot air balloon
Go to Jerez de la Frontera
“The person from Jerez, generous and good natured” or “in Jerez they have wineries for apothecaries”… It is very interesting that Jerez can be described with the traditional Spanish refrain. Jerez is an Andalucian city deserving of its status as a must-see, especially if you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Spanish wine, but it has many more attractions. For an interesting experience, as you stroll around the San Miguel neighbourhood, think about “La Faraona”, the unparalleled Lola Flores and let yourself be inspired by the art of the neighbourhood where she was born.
Daytrip to Jerez de la Frontera: wine, horses and flamenco in the heart of the province of Cadiz
Go wine tasting, without getting drunk, and try best wines from Jerez in any of its most emblematic cellars
As we have said, this city deserves a mandatory stop and one of the reasons for this is its famous wine. As we usually say to describe them, “good birth, careful breeding and time” are the elements that define the characteristics of this wine. Sherry is one of the most versatile wines in the world. The variety of these wines ranges from very dry to one of the sweetest wines on the planet.
Become Guzmán el Bueno in his tower in Conil de la Frontera
The Guzmán Tower is the most recognised historical monument in Conil de la Frontera and was built in the 19th century by Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, and formed part of both the old castle and the walls that in the olden days protected the city. This tower had a double function, the first being a regular watchtower and the second something more “curious” which was to help fishermen with tuna watching.
Things you cannot miss in Conil de la Frontera
Enjoy with your five senses any of the culinary creations of the Michelin star chefs in Andalucia
Andalucia has 18 restaurants to its credit that have been awarded these most sought after stars. One of these has three stars, three have two and 15 of these restaurants boast one. There have been no new awards this year in the region, nor has any star been withdrawn.
The Michelin star restaurants in Andalucia
Become a rociero
While the village of El Rocío, despite being quite small, has some 2,000 inhabitants, it is interesting that on Whitsun its population swells and the village practically equals the country’s third most populous city, since hundreds of thousands of “El Rocío locals” come from all over Europe and Spain, particularly southern Andalucia, gathering here to celebrate the El Rocío Religious Procession in honour of the Virgin of El Rocío.
The most highly anticipated moment of the night is undoubtedly “the jump over the gate”. This act consists of jumping over the altar railing to remove the Virgin of the Hermitage and walk her around on the shoulders of different brotherhoods, and where the priests pray for her to be saved until dawn. On the Monday afternoon the Virgin returns to the hermitage.
The festivals you can’t miss in Andalucia
Lick your fingers, in Huelva
The gastronomy in Huelva combines the best of the sea and the land, since products like Jabugo ham and deep-water rose shrimp put Huelva’s culinary offering at a very high level. Eating in Huelva, thanks to its wide variety of fish, seafood, cold cuts and meats, has become one of the main tourist attractions.
Huelva and its Andalusian style gastronomy
Feel like Christopher Columbus during his first trip to the Indies
Entering the Huelva Muelle de las Carabelas Museum will make you feel like Christopher Columbus, since here you can find a detailed recreation of this adventurer’s journey to America. This museum is located in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva and is where you can see the recreations of the Niña, Pinta and Santa María ships.
In addition to these vessels, another attraction we can visit is an interpretation centre that will take us back in time to Guanahani Island, which is none other than the first island where Columbus disembarked.
Imagine you are in the red planet
The Tinto River is a coastal river in southern Spain that flows through Huelva. It starts in the Padre Caro Sierra and flows for almost 62 miles as far as the Huelva Ria, where its waters join those of the Odiel River. It is a very particular river, since it is known for the reddish hue of its waters. For many years, it was thought that these particular characteristics were due to mining contamination, however a group of scientific researchers debunked this false belief and concluded that its composition is essentially natural.
Rio Tinto, the most unusual natural area in Andalucia
Pass by Caminito del Rey, as if you were King Alfonso XIII of Spain
If you like hiking and are adventurous you will love the Caminito del Rey, since it offers heart stopping views, a vertigo challenge, adrenalin-charged ascents and unique experiences.
The El Chorro Natural Site is home to the Caminito del Rey, a 20-mile walkway that is barely three feet wide and hangs up to 328 feet above the river on the almost vertical walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge.
Become a romantic traveller of the nineteenth century
Romantic Ronda is quite a spectacle that you cannot miss; it involves experiencing the recreation of the romantic era in the city of El Tajo. It is an event of great historic and cultural interest that includes travellers, muleteers and the famous highwaymen who settled the Ronda mountains.
Step on the sand of Plaza de Toros de Ronda (Ronda Bull Ring), as if you were a famous bullfighter
Imagine that you are making the paseíllo move on the day of the exclusive Goya bullfight that is held in the city each September. This bullfight is an authentic jump back in time, where attendees will be immersed in the aesthetic of 18th century bullfighting. Feel like you are in a Francisco de Goya painting, whose name has been given to this event.
Ronda’s Pedro Romero fair and Goyesca bullfight
Pretend you are part of Marbella’s Jet Set
If you like fashion, Marbella is the perfect place. This city is one of the most important international shopping centres. Forget about Rome or Paris; in Marbella you will find the best fashion stores, so indulge and spoil yourself at one of its dazzling stores.
The essential fashion shops you must visit in Marbella
Feel and admire the work of the great Picasso
The ambience and the years lived in his native Málaga have given birth to some of the most famous Picasso artistic icons, such as flamenco and bulls. Let yourself fall in love with the work of the extraordinary Malagan artist thanks to its Picasso route, a tour through the streets where he spent his childhood, and discover his work and the places that marked this genius of art.
A route through Málaga which allows you to dive into the day-to-day life of Pablo Ruiz Picasso
Reminisce your childhood in Nerja
Gaze at the mythical La Dorada. The so-called Barco de Chanquete fishing boat from the famous TV series Verano Azul is one of Nerja’s obligatory tourist photos.
Discover Nerja through ten key points along the route of the legendary series “Verano Azul”
Go to prehistoric times
Tour some of the oldest caves in Andalucia. Gaze at cave paintings in caves such as La Pileta in Málaga province. This famous cave is a rich prehistoric site where you can find Paleolithic cave art and Neolithic remains.
Climb to the top of what was once considered the most impenetrable fortress of the Iberian Peninsula
Enjoy a visit to Jabal-Faruk or “lighthouse mount”. You most likely do not know what we are talking about, but the city of Málaga is home to Gibralfaro Castle, which was considered the most impregnable fortress in the whole of Andalucia and whose name is most likely more familiar to you. Another amazing experience is gazing at Málaga Bay from this castle, its port full of cruise ships and its emblematic Farola a delight.
3 emblematic places to see in Málaga
Let fire and water purify any physical or psychological problem
On the Night of San Juan de Almuñécar, participate in the traditional rituals of this festival to attract beauty, good luck and health.
Noche de San Juan (Saint John’s eve) in Andalucia
Imagine a Moor king or queen
Granada has treasures that you cannot miss, such as the Alhambra and the fabulous San Nicolás Viewpoint, from where you can gaze at the greatness of the sunset. Revel in getting lost in the Albaicín, stroll the alleys to find the house of the Morantes, the hidden water wells or the Las Pesas Arch… Discover the Granada, Santa Isabel and San Cristóbal Viewpoints. What more can you ask for?
Day trip to Granada: tour the city of the Alhambra in one day
Be brave and climb the highest peak of the Iberian Peninsula
From the Alpujarra to the very heart of the Sierra Nevada, the challenge is to climb an altitude of 11,414 feet to reach and enjoy one of the best views in the world; all from the summit of Spain, the Mulhacén.
Enjoy winter in the Sierra Nevada. We show you 10 essential things you need to know.
Enjoy the winter at Sierra Nevada. we give you 10 essential points you must know
“Eat till you burst” for four euros
Andalucia is one of those favourite destinations of the Spanish due to the great amount of culture, art and history that is hidden in each of its towns. It is also no less true that this is because it is where you can enjoy one of the best experiences, known here as “tapas hopping”. You surely know that to talk about Andalucia is to talk about tapas, one of the best experiences you can have in this life.
Discover the history of tapas in Spain and their best varieties
Get lost in the towns of Alpujarra
Located in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, here is where we find La Alpujarra, one of the most particular counties in the whole of Andalucia. Its singular land, which is unsurprisingly home to Mulhacén, has led to its towns springing up and growing according to the inclines of the mountain.
Route through las Alpujarras in Granada
Visit the Tabernas Desert
Tabernas is the desert of Almería. The reason why there is such an arid zone at this latitude has to be due to the effect of being surrounded by three mountain ranges. The Filabres Sierra, the Alhamilla Sierra and finally (and somewhat further away) the Alpujarra Sierra and the Sierra Nevada act as a natural barrier against the humid winds that come from the Mediterranean.
Look with alien’s eyes at the see of plastic of the greenhouses of Almería
The term “sea of plastic” is the most common way to call Poniente Almeriense county. This is due to the huge number of greenhouses covering the area. The purpose of these “tents” was to act as windbreakers, but the farmers ended up realising that they protected from the heat and also helped to bring forward harvests.
Pray in Cabo de Gata
Raise your eyes to the sky and ask the gods to ensure that the wonderful paradise you can see from its viewpoints continues for many more years.
Meet and look in the eyes of an authentic brunette woman from Córdoba
Find the similarity with the women of Julio Romero de Torres. Visit the museum of this famous Cordoba painter.
Be amazed and horrified by looking at the Christian cathedral in the middle of the Mosque of Córdoba
Although many consider it to be the greatest exponent of the list of follies that have been perpetrated by some kings in the name of some gods (kings and gods regardless of country or religion), the reality is that Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral is undoubtedly the most important monument in the whole of the Islamic West and its history sums up the evolution of the Omeyan style, in addition to the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of Christian construction.
The Arabian route through Andalucia allows you travel back in time to Al-Andalus
Enjoy the beauty of the patios in Córdoba
Patios Cordoba
The Córdoba Courtyards Festival is held in the first week of May and is traditional in this city. Many of them are located in private houses and you can discover flower carpets, artisanal Arabic mosaics and beautiful fountains.
Ten Andalucian patios you cannot miss
Buy the typical flamenco doll souvenir from Andalucia
Display it on one of your living room shelves. Give your house decor an Almodovarian touch with this very Andalucian souvenir.
Enjoy salmorejo soup in Córdoba or gazpacho in Seville
In Andalucia, each home has its own gazpacho or salmorejo. There will be someone who does not put cucumber in, another who forgoes the bread, someone else who prepares it without water, or without garlic… and as far the quantity of each ingredient goes… that is a matter truly impossible to control. However it is prepared and wherever you eat it, enjoy it because it is quite a delicacy.
Gazpacho and salmorejo, the most famous summer soups in Andalucia
Experience nature at Cazorla Natural Park
Cazorla Sierra is a county of Jaén, but it also has the peculiar feature of belonging to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, a destination perfect for lovers of rural getaways and nature, indeed anyone who appreciates and values finding wild fauna in its natural habitat.
Take photos at the Royal Alcázars of Seville
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is a complex of palaces surrounded by a wall. If you visit this place, fine tune your senses and enjoy its gardens in particular. Vegetation was an essential element in Muslim constructions, whose legacy remains to this day. It is now the place of residence of the Spanish monarchs when they visit Seville and is the oldest royal palace in use in Europe.
Eat a skewer on the Costa del Sol
Any Andalucian, Spaniard and visitor should at least once in their lives enjoy the pleasure of eating a sardine skewer fresh off the coals in a refreshment stall on the Costa del Sol. A cool beer and a lovely sunset over the Mediterranean Sea is the best gastronomic combination on a clear day.
Espetos: the best way to eat sardines, Andalucian cuisine
Have an oil and tomato breakfast roll in Antequera
A mollete is a kind of traditional Antequera bread that is characterised by its softness and round shape. This delicacy is prepared with pure oil pressed from the olive trees of these Analusian lands and tomatoes from the surrounding fertile plain. You must try this unbeatable way to start the day.
Breakfasts in Andalucia, the healthiest way to start each morning
Watch the sunset at the Parador de San Nicolás, Granada
One of the most beautiful views in the world can be found in the famous Parador de San Nicolás in Granada. The picturesque neighbourhood of Albaicín watches the sun go down each day in one of the prettiest sunsets on the planet, where the Alhambra sits majestically before you, bathed in different colours until night falls.
Day Trip to Granada: tour the city of the Alhambra in one day
Experience the wild nature of El Rompido
Marismas del Piedras
Considering the impact of humans on nature, finding still virgin spots can be difficult. This is why El Rompido is a must see where you can take a dip in its crystal clear water surrounded by the purest vegetation.
27 things to see and do to have a dream holiday in El Rompido
Breathe in pure oxygen amidst Spanish firs in Grazalema
Make sure to fill your lungs with fresh air in Grazalema and stroll among a fir species that is only conserved in this natural spot: the Spanish fir. You must visit this enclave at least once and experience being at one with nature.
25 things you cannot miss from Grazalema and Ronda
Take a stroll through Generalife in Granada
Generalife is the most beautiful garden in Spain. You can’t come to Andalucia and not take a stroll among its flowers and ponds. Located in the Alhambra, it is one of the most important tourist attractions in Granada and the most visited in the world.
See the Iberian lynx in Doñana
Lince Ibérico
Doñana is one of the places you must visit in Andalucia. When there, make sure you try and see one of the most important native species of the peninsula, the Iberian lynx.
Here are the top ten places in Andalucia for spotting animals
Go to a flamenco show in Seville
Spain has a close bond with flamenco and Andalucia in particular is its birthplace. You mustn’t miss a good flamenco show in Seville, where you can experience first-hand the art of the guitarists, singers and dancers that will make your hair stand on end.
The 16 Essential Places To See Flamenco In Andalucia
Try the ham from Jabugo
In the north of Huelva province is Jabugo, a small town that has the best Iberian hams in Spain. Eating a slice of this delicacy is a unique experience you mustn’t miss.
Learn about different types of ham. 100% acorn-fed Iberico ham is the best
Visit the Nerja caves
Whether or not you’re a history buff, the Nerja caves are a must-see monument. Its stalactites and stalagmites, along with its rock paintings, take us back to Prehistory and this is the best way to share our early ancestor’s past.
Family holiday: the 10 best activities to do in Nerja and the surrounding area
Watch the El Palmar sunset in Cádiz
The El Palmar sunset is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. The sun falls into the sea, creating an array of colours in the sky and leaving an unprecedented landscape for you to watch that will relax and relieve you of all your worries.
15 places where you can see the best sunsets in Andalucia
Eat tuna in Conil
Traditionally fished red tuna from Conil is the region’s product par excellence; a unique mouthful of the sea, which the locals cook like no one else. If you visit Andalucia, you must give into this temptation at least once in your life.
Conil tuna route. the festivity that celebrates the world’s best tuna
Drink a vermouth in the Baños del Carmen
The Baños del Carmen in Málaga is a singular place to have a glass of vermouth while watching the sea. The atmosphere is quiet and pleasant and a lot of cultural shows are organized. Don’t miss this experience.
Experience Semana Santa in Málaga
When in Andalucia, you must experience the peculiarity and beauty of Semana Santa in Málaga at least once in your life. The images are extremely venerated and are carried through the streets on large thrones. El Cautivo or Christ of the Legion and El Rico are the most famous.
Processions and saetas. Here are 10 things you should know about Holy Week in Andalucia
Enjoy the Seville Fair
Who is not familiar with the Sevilla Fair? It is the most famous fair in Spain and a must-see. Lanterns, local dress, polka dots and horses combine with good wine and the most select ham. Try to dance the Sevillana in this unique atmosphere of fun.
Swim in the waters of Bolonia
Taking a dip in crystal clear waters at a golden sandy beach is one of the best sensations in the world. Bolonia Beach is the most prestigious in Spain. Experience it for yourself.
Bolonia beach, one of the most beautiful and wild beaches in Spain
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Fuerte El Rompido
If you wish to discover this unusual side of Andalucía, don’t hesitate to stay at the best hotels. Without a doubt, the best option is Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has facilities where, apart from the regular services, you can enjoy the best of each spot in the Andalucian geography. Its over 60 years’ experience is the best warranty so you can devote your time to discovering these unusual corners. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema, El Rompido or Torrox are some of the places where you can find amazing accommodation facilities near the spots we have recommended for you.
