Why Travel to Andalusia?
Andalusia (Andalucía) is a land of myriad cultural and historical influences that mix to create something truly special. The region was ruled by a series of Berber/Arab kings until the Reconquest in 1492, when the Catholic nobles from Castilla seized the region and established Seville (Sevilla) as one of the most important trade cities of the era.
Nowadays, Andalusia boasts not only Moorish and Castillian influence, but also those of the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans, all visible in its stunning architectural marvels like the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the royal palace called the Real Alcázar in Seville and the enormous mosque the Mezquita in Córdoba. But Andalusia is not just a land of incredible architecture, but also of sunny beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, olive oil, flamenco and tapas. Whether you prefer hiking, history or having some fried fish, gazpacho and serrano ham in a plaza, Andalusia has it all.
Food, Wine, Olive Oil and More
When people think of the culinary offerings of Spain, the first things that come to mind are tapas, delicious ham, wine and olive oil, and Andalusia has all of that and more. The gastronomy of Andalusia includes tapas of savoury serrano ham (jamón serrano) and the olive oil of Jaén, considered the best in the world.
For wine lovers, Andalusia is the only place in the world to taste authentic sherry, including dry and blended sherries that are not as well-known as the sweet varieties. The Ronda wines, from the area of Málaga, include reds that pair perfectly ham, while the whites are a match for the famous fried fish of the area. Other famous wines come from Huelva, Córdoba and Granada. With so many options, the best way to navigate the enormous world of Andalusian gastronomy is with an experienced guide on a wine and food tour.
Best Places to Visit in Andalusia
- Seville: The capital of the region, Seville is one of the most spectacular cities in the south of Spain. The Real Alcázar, the ancient royal palace with its Moorish architecture and expansive gardens, is a must. Nearby in the Old City, the Giralda Tower and the enormous Cathedral de Santa María de la Sede offer both beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city. The medieval Jewish quarter, Santa Cruz, is filled with the iconic whitewashed buildings for which Andalusia is famous. The Plaza de España and its María Luisa Park are some of the most impressive public spaces in all of Spain.
- Córdoba: The ancient capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba and one of the largest cities in the world in the 10th century, Córdoba is a perfect example of the blend of Moorish and Castilian culture for which Andalusia is so well-known. The Mezquita, an enormous mosque with a cathedral built in the centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos has beautiful architecture and gardens, and both the Jewish Quarter and historic centre of Córdoba are perfect places to get lost in its streets.
- Granada: At the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of the best places in Spain to eat and drink, with its varied and delicious free tapas. Of course, it’s also the home of the Alhambra, an enormous museum with some of the most stunning architecture in Spain. On a hill across from it, the picturesque Albaicin neighbourhood has narrow streets, whitewashed houses and breathtaking views of the city. East of the Alhambra, the old palace called the Generalife boasts wonderful gardens and pools.
- Málaga: The second largest city in Andalusia, Málaga is at the heart of the Costa del Sol, so named because of how the sun always seems to shine. In the historic centre, the ancient fortress La Alcazaba towers over the city, an impressive example of Moorish architecture. Other architectural gems include the Málaga Cathedral and the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The Parque de Málaga contains an amazing array of botanical diversity for those looking for shade. And of course, no visit to the city is complete without trying its delicious fried fish!
- The Interior: While the beaches of Andalusia are certainly iconic, the interior of the region is not to be missed either. The Sierra Nevada Mountains offer stunning hiking trails and the famous White Villages of Las Alpujarras (Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileia), which take their name from their distinctive white houses. Near Jaén, the hills are covered with olive trees, making it a perfect place to try the best olive oil in the world.
- Beaches: With Málaga at its heart, the Costa del Sol offers magnificent, perpetually sunny beaches. However, for those who want a quieter experience, the Costa de la Luz, with one part near Huelva and the other between Cádiz and Tarifa, has golden sand and crystal-clear water. Farther west, Almería also offers beautiful beaches where the sea and desert meet.
- Doñana National Park: One of the most important wetland parks of Europe, Doñana includes many types of ecosystems and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Close to Huelva, Jerez de la Frontera and Cádiz, it is a perfect stop to unwind in nature after trying the famous wines of the region.
Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Andalusia. You can check our full list of top food tours to Andalusia and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Andalusia travel guide.
Capital of Andalusia: Seville
Population: 8,584,147 inhabitants (2023)