The best beach clubs in and around Marbella for a day by the sea
The best and most original gardens of Andalusia
Few places in the world offer as much peace as a garden, and it is complicated not to leave stress behind when you enter one of the botanical gardens of Andalusia where orange blossom, jasmine, rose bushes and lilies intoxicate your senses with their wonderful perfumes The south of Spain has an enormous floral wealth, so the gardens of Andalusia can show the world the majesty of its species. Not in vane thousands of tourists are eager to visit them because the parks of Andalusia are practically natural historical monuments open to the public because even many of them are within the tourist itineraries.
So if you intend to travel south do not hesitate to take a moment and walk quietly through one of these gardens that we highly recommend.
Jardines del Real Alcázar, Seville
Next to the oldest inhabited royal palace in Europe, today there are ancient Muslim gardens, which nowadays, are an authentic encyclopaedia of natural history, as result of the flattering Sevillian climate, the fertility of the plants and flowers in this garden produce a whole range of light and various aromas that will delight everyone.
Also here you can enjoy gardens like Crucero; of the XII century and of Muslim origin, the one of the Poets, the English or that of the Marques de Vega-Inclán. In each and every one of them you must leave the hurry at the door and contemplate its wonderful flowers and plants (palms, pomegranates, oaks, cypresses, orange trees …).
Los Patios de Córdoba
The Patios in Cordoba have their origin in the tradition of decorating with pots and plants the patios of the different houses, just as if they were vertical gardens.
In Córdoba due to its climatology the inhabitants adapted the shape of the house to their needs, so they centred the house surrounded by a patio, which commonly had a fountain and/or a well that collected rainwater. And it is in this architectural context where they placed abundant vegetation to increase the sensation of freshness when entering through the entrance hall to the house.
There are two types of patios, the private patios, either single-family houses or neighbours’ houses, which are the most special, since the flora occupies the entire façade creating a wonderful example of a vertical garden. The second type is formed by the patios monuments, being the Palace of Viana the best known.
1. La Concepción Gardens, Malaga
La Concepción Historic Botanical Garden is an English landscape garden with more than 150 years of history. Located on the northern edge of Málaga, it is one of the few gardens in Europe where subtropical plants grow. It has more than 50,000 plants and around 3,000 species, varieties and cultivars, both subtropical and native. Highlights include its collection of more than 100 palm species, bamboo, aquatic plants and the historic garden itself. It’s a lovely place to visit as a couple and unwind among the scents of its flowers.
El Aljibe, Alcala de los Gazules
The Botanical Garden of El Aljibe, in Los Alcornocales Natural Park, in the Province of Cadiz, is a very special place to get to know, at a quick glance, the plant wealth that this area has, which is characterized by its high rainfall and the presence of unique Mediterranean species. Among its attractions is its strong connection to the water, as creeks, wells and streams clutter this space giving a relax halo. We recommend that you sit in the shade of one of its trees and enjoy a comforting reading.
El Castillejo, The Cadiz Forest
This Botanical Garden is included inside the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. During a visit to El Castillejo Botanical Garden, you can know some of the most interesting plants of the Andalusian flora: the Spanish fir, Mediterranean fir that only lives in Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra Bermeja; or the Grazalema poppy, endemism that is only found in the mountainous area to which it owes its name.
Dunas del Odiel
The Dunas del Odiel Botanical Garden has an area of 8 hectares and is in theProvince of Huelva. It is the home of more than 30.000 specimens of 84 different tree and shrub species and offers special care to species that are endangered and of interest. If you come to this land, you can enjoy a passionate journey through this flora, where you can practice landscape photography in an exciting manner.
The Villa Onuba Garden, Fuenteheridos
Villa Onuba Gardens is the name of an estate owned by the Marist Brothers that offers a place of retreat and foster home for groups wishing to conduct retreats, seminars, workshops or training activities in its facilities. Its gardens constitute a true paradise of great environmental qualityas all the species of the mountainous area are represented in this wonderful botanical garden. It also has over 100 species of trees and shrubs from American, Asian and African flora. Despite its private use, the estate is open for the visit of all the nature lovers.
Estepona, Costa del Sol Garden
Estepona has, in recent years, become a real garden as a whole. Its narrow alleys are full of flower pots following a city beautification plan that unifies the colors and the pots, giving the historical district a unique beauty. The town also has a botanical orchid garden that is home to more than 1,500 species of orchid. A comforting and pleasant walk through the city that leaves you exposed to all its plant charm that day to day earns the appellative of “Costa del Sol Garden”.
The Genoese Park, Cadiz
The Genoese Park is a spacious landscaped walk with segments of the romantic tradition that will captivate you. The place has waterfalls with a lake, a concert hall, a coffee shop and a variety of botanical species, some of them of great rarity and magnificence. The park has a roughly trapezoidal shape and releases coolness in summer days. A good place to delight your eyes with the colors of its floral variety, to which you should go to if you are in the city of Cadiz this summer.
María Cristina Park, Algeciras
The María Cristina Park, of 1830, is located in Algeciras. After its reconstruction at the beginning of the century constitutes an early example of a Hispanic Arabian garden recreation. Andalucia has been a cradle of different cultures throughout its history, and this fact is noticeable, not only in the monuments, but also in our plant heritage. In Algeciras you can enjoy a pleasant walk in this María Cristina Park where you can enjoy the most unique gardens of the city.
El Generalife, Granada
El Generalife is the villa with gardens inhabited by the Muslim kings of Granada as a resting place, located in the city of Granada, Spain. It was conceived as a rural village, where ornamental gardens, orchards and architecture were integrated, near the Alhambra. It was declared, along with the Alhambra, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and has become one of the most beautiful gardens of Spain, not only for its Arabian style plant value, but by the environment in which it is located.
El Retiro Historic Garden, Malaga
Foto de ‘Málaga en el corazón’
El Retiro Historical Garden or El Retiro de Santo Tomás is a Botanical Garden of Malaga City located in Churriana. It is primarily a French-style garden that combines with the Italian, English and Arabian styles. The garden consists of three parts: vegetable garden, garden-patio and garden-courtier. The last two were designed by the architect Martín de Aldehuela and subdivide into smaller gardens. Among the emblematic specimens, an elm tree almost 200 years old and a group of ancient cypress trees stand out. The shade of these trees offers a welcome refuge on summer afternoons. If you’d like to visit this corner of Málaga province, check the visiting arrangements beforehand, as it is a private estate.
Molino de Inca botanic garden
Molino de Inca is a lush garden in Torremolinos. Covering more than 15,500 square metres, it is home to almost a thousand plant species. You can also enjoy its ponds, small waterfalls and natural maze.
More gardens
Real Jardín Botánico de Córdoba
Av. de Linneo, s/n, 14004 Córdoba
Tel: +34 957 200 355
Google Maps
Jardín Botánico Detunda-Cueva de Nerja
Urb. Cueva de Nerja, 3, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Tel: +34 637 782 395
Google Maps
Jardín Botánico San Fernando
Av. Almirante J M Pery Junquera, 35, 11100 San Fernando, Cádiz
Tel: +34 956 203 186
Google Maps
Jardín Botánico Hoya de Pedraza
Carretera de Sierra Nevada, acceso a Pradollano, Monachil (Granada)
Tel: +34 697 958 939
Google Maps
Parque Botánico-Arqueológico El Majuelo
Av. Europa, s/n, 18690 Almuñécar, Granada
Tel: +34 958 616 070
Practical tips for visiting the gardens of Andalucia
A stroll among flowers, fountains and centuries-old trees is even more enjoyable when you don’t have to watch the clock. If you’re planning to explore any of these gardens, keep these tips in mind before you set off.
Check how to get in
The places on this list have different visiting arrangements. Gardens within monuments, such as the Real Alcázar and the Generalife, require a ticket, while access to private patios and some estates may be limited. Check each venue’s official website for opening times, admission prices and whether you need to book.
Think about the time of year
If you’d like to see the gardens in bloom, check before you go, as different plants flower at different times. In summer, an early morning or late afternoon stroll is usually more pleasant, especially in hot cities such as Seville and Córdoba.
Come prepared for a walk
Wear comfortable shoes, as some gardens are extensive and have dirt paths, slopes or steps. Water, sun cream and a hat will also come in handy if you’re spending several hours outdoors. If you’re bringing a pushchair or need an accessible route, check the facilities in advance.
Give yourself time to explore
Try not to squeeze too many visits into one day. Take a moment to admire the plants, find a shady spot and enjoy the sounds and scents that make each garden special. Stick to the paths and follow the signs to help preserve these beautiful places.
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WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Fuerte Grazalema
If you want to discover the most beautiful gardens in Andalusia, the best option to stay is, without doubt, Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has facilities where you can enjoy, in addition to its services, the best of each point of the Andalusian geography. Its more than 60 years of experience are the best guarantees to spend your time walking through these natural spaces. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema, El Rompido or Torrox are some of the enclaves where you can find these incredible accommodations close to all these gardens that we recommend.
