15 best things to do in Andalusia?! What do you mean, only 15?! You could list a million places to see and experiences to live in Andalusia, but you have to start somewhere.

So for the moment, I’ll write down these 15, which are, for me, the best things to see and do in Andalusia.

It is a land of magical light, beautiful cities, and endless coastlines—the land of rebujito, fried fish, and the controversial Cruzcampo beer.

Anyway, with all the love I feel for this little piece of the world (God, I’m starting to sound too cloying!!), here I show you the 15 best things to see and do in Andalusia (at least once in a lifetime).

What to see and do in Andalusia? Here is the list –

Page Contents

The 15 Best Things To See and Do In Andalusia, Spain

1. Enjoy the sunset with the Alhambra as a backdrop

It doesn’t take a genius to know that the Alhambra in Granada is one of the most beautiful monuments in all of Andalusia, in all of Spain… and yes, why not say it, also in the whole world.

Perhaps not everyone knows that this impressive monumental complex declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is the protagonist of one of the most incredible sunsets on the planet.

Don’t miss the spectacular display of colors that can be seen every day at sunset from the picturesque neighborhood of Albaicin, with the majestic Alhambra in front of you. It is one of the best things to see in Andalusia, without a doubt.

Needless to say that after (or before) contemplating it from afar, you also have to get to know it up close, and an excellent way to do that is with a guided tour of the Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces.

2. Visit the Mosque of Cordoba, a must-see in Andalusia

A visit to the Mosque of Cordoba is another must-see in Andalusia. Also declared a World Heritage Site, the hypnotic forest of reddish tones that form the columns and horseshoe arches inside is the pride of the people of Cordoba. And yes, this city deserves a little more time.

3. Have fun on the streets of Triana

It was more than clear that Seville had to join the party as well, a pearl to match Granada and Cordoba.

Because Seville has a unique color and smells of orange blossom, getting lost in its charming streets is a delight. It has the wonderful Giralda and many other beautiful monuments to visit.

Despite this, it is not on my list because there is another must-see in Seville, Triana, the city’s essence.

Furthermore, flamenco, which runs through the veins of Andalusians, is especially evident in these streets. Also, take the opportunity to see a live show of this Andalusian art.

4. Visit the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.

Even though I may not be entirely objective, Andalusia is incredible! It has some of the most beautiful cities in Spain and some of the most significant monuments, including breathtaking natural landscapes.

Do not overlook the Cabo de Gata Natural Park in the often forgotten province of Almeria and see for yourself what I am talking about.

I am sure you will not doubt that getting there is one of the best things to see and do in Andalusia!

5. Feel the adrenaline of the Caminito del Rey

Not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo, the Caminito del Rey is built into the steep walls of the Paso de los Gaitanes in the province of Malaga.

Suspended more than 100 meters high and with sections less than a meter wide, this popular path in the past was part of the daily life of the inhabitants of the area. They used it to move comfortably between the different caves and villages.

Over the years, the weather deteriorated so much that it became the favorite destination for those seeking solid emotions.

Until a few years ago, it was restored and quickly became one of Andalusia’s most famous tourist attractions.

6. Get to know Úbeda and Baeza, World Heritage Villages

Located just 10 kilometers apart, in the heart of Jaén, another of the unknown places in Andalusia, are Ubeda and Baeza.

These two World Heritage Sites are an ideal getaway from Jaén and one of the best places to see in Andalusia.

Their palaces, churches, convents, and manor houses perfectly summarize the Renaissance of the 16th century. Complete tour of Úbeda and Baeza with entrance tickets

7. Get lost in La Alpujarra, one of the best things to do in Andalusia.

At the foot of the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, between the provinces of Almeria and Granada, lies the magical region of La Alpujarra.

Land of mysteries and legends, its picturesque villages of white houses perched on impossible slopes are connected by countless routes and trails.

Andalusia is an area to discover quietly, to enjoy the beautiful walks in the middle of nature, to fill your lungs with the fresh air that you breathe there… and to fill your belly with delicious (and also famous) Treveléz ham.

8. Take a route through the White Villages of Cádiz

It is a diverse environment, with white houses of the Alpujarra to whitewashed facades of the White Villages of Cadiz.

Arcos de la Frontera is the gateway to this romantic route that extends through protected natural areas such as the Sierra de Grazalema.

Along the winding roads of this itinerary, you will find no more and no less than 19 villages. Each one is so beautiful that you will be lost in their beauty.

If you don’t have time to visit them all, don’t worry. No matter which one you choose, you will surely end up falling in love with this region and come back to visit them all.

Even so Setenil de las Bodegas (one of the most beautiful villages in Spain), Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema or Arcos de la Frontera are safe bets. These are the essential White Villages of Cadiz you should visit.

9. Marvel at the New Bridge of Ronda

One of the best things to see in Andalusia is the famous Puente de Ronda. Spanning the dizzying gorge carved by the Guadavín River, this spectacular bridge joins the new and old towns, blending in with the rock walls surrounding it.

It took more than three decades to build. However, as every effort has its reward, the bridge can boast today of being one of the most famous sights in all of southern Spain. Visiting New Bride of Ronda is a must thing do in Andalusia.

10. Feel the soul of Cadiz, one of the must-see cities in Andalusia.

Granada has the Alhambra, Cordoba has the Mezquita, Seville has the Giralda and Cadiz… oh my Cadiz! The Tacita de Plata is all of it. If you are traveling in southern Spain, do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the oldest cities in the world.

And to fall surrendered to its charms, which are not few. So that you don’t miss anything, here are the things to see and do in Cadiz city… and province.

11. Patéate Doñana

No Andalusian province is spared from appearing on this list, and Huelva also offers lots of exciting places, among which I highlight the Doñana National and Natural Park.

This true paradise for bird lovers (there are more than 300 different species) is one of the most important natural parks in Europe.

Although it is possible to visit many park areas on your own, others are restricted and are only accessible with excursions organized by approved companies. This is intended to reduce the impact of human beings in this protected area.

12. Don’t miss a corner of the Picasso Museum

Are you one of those who think that Antonio Banderas is the most famous Malagueño in the world? Mmmmm… I am sorry to tell you that Pablo Picasso’s genius beats him a “little bit” in international recognition.

Malaga, the city where the most influential artist of the 20th century was born, hosts an integral part of his works in the Picasso Museum. This is a must-see place on a visit to Malaga.

In the exhibition, you will see the evolution of his paintings until reaching Cubism, the style of which he is the creator.

13. Step into the Tabernas Desert, one of the most unusual places to see in Andalusia

Besides being able to boast of having been the “European Hollywood” during the ‘60s and ‘70s, the Tabernas Desert can also do it for being the only one of its kind in Europe.

Almeria offers landscapes that seem otherworldly, arid, and silent. There is a mysterious magnetism to these places for travelers who are looking to experience something different from the typical sun and beach of Andalusia.

Two curiosities: technically it is the place with more hours of sunshine in Europe and about 8 million years ago it was also the sea.

14. Fall in love with the coast of Cadiz

Without detracting from those of the neighboring provinces of Huelva and Malaga, the wild beaches of the Cadiz coast are among the most beautiful not only in Andalusia but throughout the Peninsula.

Perhaps it is because here, meet and mix the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Or because the European continent begins at the apex of its coast (or ends, depending on how you look at it).

Or perhaps because of the large number of sites of crucial ecological value in the area?

Whatever the reason, what is undeniable is that beaches like Bolonia, Zahara de los Atunes, or the Alemanes cove are an example of this. They are one of the best things to see in Andalusia.

15. Surprise yourself in Medina Azahara

Very close to Cordoba is Medina Azahara, another of those Andalusian treasures that UNESCO has recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Although legend has it that the caliph Abd-al Rahman III built this city as a token of love for his beloved Azahara, the reality is that its construction was more a demonstration of the power of this caliphate before the rest of Europe.

Too much effort for a city that disappeared 100 years after its creation!

The good thing? Thanks to Abd-al Rahman III, today we can enjoy this magnificent archaeological site that has become one of Andalusia’s most visited cultural spaces.