The Andalusia region in southern Spain has completely stolen our hearts. The sunny climate, the warm-hearted people, and the diversity of the cities and landscapes keep us coming back for more.
Although we haven’t explored every corner of Andalusia (yet!), we feel it’s time to share our 9 favorite places that we think you absolutely need to visit when traveling this magical region.
Let’s dive in — in no particular order — here are our top picks!
1. Granada
Granada is pure magic. This city sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is home to one of Spain’s most famous landmarks — the breathtaking Alhambra. Walking through the narrow streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, feeling the vibe of this amzing city is one of the main activities we love to do. We also love the mix of Moorish and Spanish influences, the flamenco culture, and the stunning views from the many miradores (viewpoints). Don’t skip a sunset from Mirador de San Nicolás!
You can find the best view of the Alhambra up here and not to forget locals playing live music.
>> Read our Granada blog here.
2. Málaga
Málaga surprised us in the best possible way. It’s not just a beach destination – it’s a vibrant, cultural city, the perfecr destination for a city trip! The historic center is full of charming streets, local markets, and rooftop- and tapas bars. We loved visiting the Alcazaba, the Botanical Garden and strolling along the modern port area, Muelle Uno. Plus, the beaches are right there when you need a break from sightseeing.
3. Seville
Seville is Andalusia’s crown jewel. We’ve stayed here only one night, so we definitely want to go back! But even in these few hours, Seville stole our heart. This city just oozes romance and tradition. Think flamenco dancing in hidden courtyards, colorful ceramic tiles, and orange trees lining the streets.
The Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, and the impressive Cathedral with its Giralda tower are absolute must-sees. We loved getting lost in the Santa Cruz neighborhood and eating tapas and paella in one of the many restaurants.
>> Read our blog about Seville here.
4. Nerja
If you love charming beach towns, Nerja should be on your list. It’s one of our favorite places to stay and travel to different cities.
This coastal gem is famous for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. The Balcón de Europa offers stunning sea views. We love the relaxed vibe here — perfect for a slower travel day.
>> Read our blog about Nerja here.
5. Frigiliana
Frigiliana might just be the prettiest village in Andalusia. It’s a whitewashed hilltop town with narrow, cobbled streets decorated with flowers and colorful tiles. We might not choose this place for accomodation but as a daytrip or even a half-day trip we really do recommend it1
Walking through this little town feels like being in a postcard. We love the peaceful atmosphere, grab a coffee or sangria at one of the bars and restaurants while we enjoy the amzing views over the coastline.
>> Read our blog about Frigiliana here.
6. Cádiz
Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities, and you can feel its history on every corner. We had the least expectations of this city and we ended up being truly surprised about it! The old town is surrounded by the sea, which gives it a special island-like vibe. We loved wandering through the charming streets, eating fresh seafood at the local market, and watching the sunset from La Caleta beach.
The laid-back atmosphere makes Cádiz feel like a hidden gem, and in our opinion it is quite underrated!
>> Read our blog about Cádiz here.
7. Almería
Almería is often overlooked, but we think it’s absolutely worth a visit. The city has a beautiful Alcazaba (Moorish fortress) with amazing views over the city, and nearby you’ll find the spectacular Cabo de Gata Natural Park — a paradise for nature lovers and beach seekers.
We loved the more quiet vibe, the sunny weather in January and eating some authentic Moroccon food.
>> Read our blog about Almeria here.
8. Gibraltar
Technically not part of Spain, but right on the Andalusian coast, Gibraltar is a unique place to visit, so we can’t leave this one out of this list!
We love the mix of British and Spanish influences, the famous Rock of Gibraltar, and the cheeky monkeys that roam freely in the nature reserve. From the top of the rock, the views stretch all the way to Africa on a clear day — absolutely worth the climb!
>> Read our blog about Gibraltar here.
9. Marbella
Marbella is the perfect blend of luxury and laid-back beach vibes. Famous for its glamorous marina, Puerto Banús, and stylish beach clubs, Marbella is often seen as a playground for the rich and famous. But we think there is much more to discover!
We love wandering through the charming old town (Casco Antiguo), with its whitewashed houses, orange trees, and cozy tapas bars. The beaches are beautiful, the atmosphere is vibrant, and the promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll.
>> Read our blog about Marbella here.
Exploring Andalusia
Every place we visited in Andalusia has its own charm and story to tell. And that’s why we like it so much
We can’t wait to return and keep exploring! We hope to visit Córdoba and Ronda soon.
Have you been to Andalusia? What’s your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments!
Check out our latest video on YouTube with 6 of the above places. To stay updated with our travel adventures feel free to subscribe to our channel.
