Introduction
Firstly, Spain is a country known for its stunning coastline, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore Andalusia: 5 incredible cities to visit in Spain’s beautiful south. In the southern part of Spain lies the region of Andalusia, which is home to some of the country’s most beautiful cities. From the Moorish architecture to the flamenco dancing, Andalusia has a unique charm that draws visitors from around the world. One could say this region is the heart and soul of the country.
1. Seville
The first of my 5 incredible cities is Seville, the capital of Andalusia. It is a city that is steeped in history and culture. The city is famous for its stunning architecture, including the Alcazar Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace is an exquisite example of Mudéjar architecture, which is a blend of Islamic and Christian styles.
Other must-see sights in Seville include the Gothic Cathedral, the Plaza de España, and the Barrio Santa Cruz, which is the city’s historic Jewish quarter.
Seville is also known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. The city is home to many tapas bars, where you can sample some of the best food in Andalusia. The local specialities include gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomatoes and peppers, and paella, a rice dish that is usually cooked with seafood or chicken.
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2. Granada
Up next is Granada, a city renowned for its stunning Alhambra Palace, which is one of the most visited attractions in Spain. The palace was built in the 14th century by the Moorish rulers of Andalusia and is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be top of your list of places to visit when in Granada.
Top tip: if backpacking here from another city, it’s best to book accommodation in advance. For, as I found out when I just rocked up here, hostels are often fully booked. I ended up walking around for a good few hours, before I finally found a bed for the night. Not ideal when lugging a heavy backpack around!
The city is also home to the historic Albaicin neighborhood, which is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. The Albaicin is one of the best-preserved Moorish quarters in Spain and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Granada is also noted for its vibrant flamenco scene. The city is home to many flamenco bars, where you can watch live performances of this passionate dance form. Flamenco is an essential part of Andalusian culture, and watching a performance is a must-do experience when visiting Granada.
3. Cordoba
Thirdly is Cordoba, a city that is famous for its stunning mosque-cathedral, which is a brilliant piece of Islamic architecture. The mosque was built in the 8th century and was converted into a cathedral in the 13th century. The mosque-cathedral is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and is definitely worth a visit, while in this part of the world.
Here you can also find the historic Jewish quarter, which is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. The Jewish quarter is one of the best-preserved historic districts in Spain and is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Again, Cordoba has some great food on offer. Including salmorejo, a cold soup made with tomatoes and bread, and rabo de toro, a stew made with oxtail. As with previous cities mentioned in this article, likewise, Cordoba has a great selection of Tapas bars.
This beautiful southern city has a very deserving place in my 5 incredible cities to visit in Andalusia.
4. Malaga
Moving on in my blog ‘Andalusia: 5 Incredible cities to visit in Spain’s beautiful south’, let’s take a look at Malaga. It’s the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. Malaga has plenty to offer. Wonderful beaches to relax on, museums to explore and vibrant nightlife. Take a look around the Picasso museum if you love art. The museum is located in the historic Palacio de Buenavista and should be included in a visit to Malaga.
The city is also home to the stunning Alcazaba Palace, which is a fortress that was built by the Moors in the 11th century. The palace is an excellent example of Moorish architecture and offers stunning views of the city and the sea. Another must-see attraction in Malaga is the Cathedral of Malaga, which is a beautiful Renaissance-style cathedral that took over 200 years to build.
Malaga is also known for its beautiful beaches, as mentioned already. They stretch along the coast for miles. The beaches are a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
There’s exercise machines dotted about near the beach, where one can keep fit, without going to the gym. Instead enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Like other cities in this region, similarly, Malaga is dotted with great bars and clubs, making it a popular destination for those who love to party. Indeed, the nightlife here offers a rich experience.
5. Ronda
Finally we have Ronda. This is a city that offers great views and historic architecture. It is a very lovely city to visit while in Spain’s beautiful south.
The writer Ernst Hemingway spent a great deal of time here. Evidence of this is found as you walk around the place. The city is located in the mountains of Andalusia and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The city is home to the Puente Nuevo, which is a stunning bridge that spans a deep gorge and provides cool views of the valley below.
When I visited this charming city, I went to the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, the Plaza de Toros de Ronda. The bullring was built in the 18th century and is a beautiful example of traditional Spanish architecture. These days the venue rarely hosts events and is mainly preserved for posterity.
Ronda also has great food to enjoy. Particularly: rabo de toro, a stew made with oxtail, and migas, a dish made with breadcrumbs, garlic, and sausage.
Don't miss Spain's beautiful south
Andalusia is a region that is full of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
The five cities mentioned in this article are just a few of the many incredible destinations that the region has to offer. From the Moorish architecture to the flamenco dancing, Andalusia is colourful, lively and its people are very passionate. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the sun, Andalusia is a destination that should not be missed.
Staying with Spain, why not check out my blog Montserrat, Spain – Extraordinary day trip from Barcelona – a full guide
