The 10 Must-See Beautiful Places To Visit In Andalusia, Spain

The 10 Must-See Beautiful Places To Visit In Andalusia, Spain


This list of the “must-see beautiful places to visit in Andalusia” will help you organize a trip to these lands of southern Spain full of charming corners.

This autonomous community, through which essential civilizations have passed, leaving an important historical and cultural heritage as a legacy, has become a favorite among travelers.

Thanks to its cultural heritage, friendly people, and delicious cuisine, including dishes such as gazpacho, salmorejo, fried fish, or marinated dogfish accompanied by a good sherry wine.

Besides visiting the big cities, another thing to do in Andalusia is visiting picturesque villages with white facades and cobblestone streets, the big cities, the extensive golden sandy beaches, and the incredible natural parks, which will be the perfect complement to your trip.

Although there is always enough time to get to know all its tourist attractions and enjoy all its experiences, I believe that in about three weeks you can make a complete circular route by a car that will allow you to enjoy the freedom to stop where and when you want, or by public transport using cities like Seville or Malaga as a base.

Andalusia offers the best travel conditions during spring and fall when temperatures do not exceed 40 degrees during July and August. 

However, in spring, you need to bear in mind that Easter and the April Fair are celebrated. This means there are more visitors, and the prices of accommodations are higher.

Based on my experience of the trip through Andalusia by car, I have made this list of what I think are the 10 must-see places to visit in Andalusia. Let’s start!

The 10 Must-See Beautiful Places To Visit In Andalusia, Spain

1. Cabo de Gata

The Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar is an area that has been protected to preserve its diverse ecosystems that form one of the most beautiful landscapes to see in Andalusia.

Among its arid landscapes and volcanic origin, you will find charming villages like Nijar, Las Negras, Rodalquilar, and La Isleta del Moro. 

Additionally, over 60 kilometers of coastline features cliffs, rich sea beds, and beaches to enjoy, such as the Cala de San Pedro, Cala de Enmedio, Playa de Mónsul, and Playa de Los Muertos, and Genoveses.

The best way to conclude your park tour is by enjoying the views of the coastline from Cabo de GataOpens in a new tab. lighthouse, located at the most south-eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula, and the Mirador de las Sirenas. 

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2. Frigiliana

A walk along the narrow streets of Frigiliana, located near the famous Costa del Sol and regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. 

This old Moorish quarter of steep slopes with whitewashed houses contrasted with the green and blue of the doors and windows will make you fall in love at first sight.

Among its highlights are the Town Hall, the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, the Balcón del Mediterráneo, the Cuesta del Apero, the Calle El Garral, the Miel de Caña factory and the Casa del Apero.

To get to Frigiliana, if you do not have a car, you can take a bus from Malaga to Nerja and take another one. This will drop you off in the center of the village. 

Another more comfortable option is to book an excursion to Frigiliana from Malaga, which includes the famous Nerja Caves.

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3. Doñana National Park

The Doñana National Park, located between two continents and between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, is one of the great natural wonders to visit in Andalusia.

This extensive protected natural area, having valuable ecosystems and unique biodiversity, stands out for the large number of waterfowl concentrated in its marshes. It is the place of passage, rest, and breeding for thousands from Africa and Europe.

To watch birds and enjoy the scenery, you can go to the Marismas del Rocio or José Antonio Valverde Visitor Center or take a boat trip from Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

One of its most spectacular corners is the area of the Acantilado del Asperillo. Depart here for the trails of Laguna de Jaral and Cuesta de Maneli. 

These trails take you through landscapes of moving dunes and pristine white sandy beaches, which will leave you speechless.

Other essential places are the village of El Rocío, famous for its multitudinous pilgrimage, the Acebrón Palace, and the Acebuche, from where several hiking trails start.

If you do not have a car, an excellent option to visit this park is to book an excursion from Seville or Cadiz. 

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4. Cities of Andalusia

The autonomous community of Andalusia has some of the most beautiful cities in Spain. It has a more significant historical heritage thanks to its history of cultures such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians.

See its main monuments, such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Cathedral of Seville, and the Mosque of Cordoba. 

Stroll through the narrow streets of its historic neighborhoods, taste its delicious cuisine, enjoy the extensive range of leisure and culture or relax on its beaches. These are just some of the things to do in these cities.

5. Ronda, one of the places to see in Andalusia

Andalusia and Spain have many beautiful towns to visit. One of them is Ronda, which is prominent for its location on a plateau and its environment in the Serrania Natural Park.

Its best known and most spectacular place is the New Bridge that joins the two parts of the municipality, divided by the Tajo, a gorge 100 meters deep and through which passes the Guadalevín river. 

In addition to the bridge and enjoying the views from its various viewpoints, it is worth visiting places like the Plaza del Socorro, the Plaza de Toros, the Mondragon Palace, the House of the Moorish King, the Arab baths, the Almocabar Gate, and the Arab walls.

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6. White Villages

Dotting the beautiful landscapes of the Serranías de Ronda, the Sierra de Grazalema, the Sierra de Cádiz and Los Alcornocales, are the Pueblos Blancos, another of the jewels to see in Andalusia.

Its name comes from the pristine white of the facades of their houses painted with a mixture of lime, water, and sand to prevent the damage caused by the sun and to refresh the interior.

The majority of these 20 villages are situated between the provinces of Malaga and Cadiz and are characterized by their characteristic white color, labyrinthine streets, charming corners, and lots of brightly colored flowers which contrast with the white walls.

Among its most beautiful villages are Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Ojen, Vejer de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ubrique, Olvera, and the surprising Setenil de las Bodegas. Their houses are literally between large rocks.

This route of the white villages of Cadiz that you can tour for about 3 days has become one of the most beautiful car tours in Spain. Another place to visit in Andalusia is essential.

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7. Caminito del Rey

One of the top things to do in Andalusia is to walk along with the Caminito del Rey, a pass built into the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, more than 100 meters high.

This linear route of almost 8 kilometers, of which 1.5 run on wooden walkways barely 1 meter wide and suspension bridges, reach heights of up to 300 meters and offer spectacular views of this canyon opened by the Guadalhorce River. 

It takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete it, and it is one-way, so you must take a shuttle bus to the parking lots north or south.

The disadvantage of this route is the difficulty obtaining a ticket, other than a guided tour, as they sell out within minutes of leaving. A more comfortable option is to book this tour from Seville or Granada.

8. Villages of the Alpujarra

The Alpujarra, a historic region located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, between Granada and Almeria, is another of the most beautiful places to see in Andalusia.

These landscapes of valleys, hills, and mountains are dotted with villages with white-painted, flat-roofed Berber-style houses that seem to be stacked on top of each other, giving them a unique look that has attracted bohemians and artists from all over the world.

On a 2 or 3 day drive through these Andalusian villages you should include some of them such as Lanjarón, Pampaneira, Bubión, Capileira, Orgiva, Trévelez and Busquístar.

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9. Ubéda and Baeza

The cities of Ubeda and Baeza, located in the province of Jaén and declared World Heritage Sites, are two other must-see places in Andalusia.

Separated by just 15 minutes by car or bus, these two small cities have an impressive monumental ensemble composed of Renaissance palaces and churches from the 16th and 17th centuries and a beautiful natural environment with an abundance of olive trees.

Ubéda’s must-see sights are the Sacred Chapel of El Salvador, the Basilica of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares, the Hospital de Santiago, the Synagogue of the Water, and the Palace of the Chains.

While Baeza has jewels such as the Plaza de los Leones, the Old University, the Palace of Jabalquinto, and the Plaza de Santa Maria, which houses the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady.

10. Beaches of Cadiz

The pristine beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters of the coast of Cadiz are perfect for relaxing after a tour of southern Spain. They are among the best beaches to see in Andalusia.

Throughout its more than 260 kilometers of coastline, you will find sandy beaches with all the amenities for families, coves surrounded by cliffs, and beaches with powerful waves for surfing.

Among the most recommended are the beach of Bolonia in Tarifa, the beaches of Caños de Meca, Faro de Trafalgar, Los Alemanes, El Palmar, Zahara de los Atunes and the six Calas de Roche.

Al Amin Sagor

Hi, I'm Al Amin Sagor. Join me as I share travel tips, personal insights, and amazing experiences that have shaped my adventures. Let's explore together and make lasting memories.

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