The short answer
Andalusia’s four great cities are Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga. Add Ronda and the white villages for the countryside and Cádiz for the sea, and you have the classic first trip.
| Place | Best for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Seville | Monuments, flamenco, atmosphere | 2–3 days |
| Granada | The Alhambra, the Albaicín | 2 days |
| Córdoba | The Mezquita, patios | 1 day |
| Málaga | Museums, food, the beach | 1–2 days |
| Ronda | The gorge and bridge | Half a day to 1 day |
| Cádiz | Old town by the sea | 1 day |
| White villages | Mountain villages | 1–2 days |
The list
The cities
- Seville. The capital of Andalusia: the Real Alcázar, the cathedral and the Giralda, Plaza de España, flamenco and tapas. See our Seville travel guide.
- Granada. The Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain, below the Sierra Nevada, plus the Albaicín and free tapas. Book the Alhambra weeks ahead. See Granada from Seville.
- Córdoba. The Mezquita-Catedral, the Jewish quarter and, in May, the flower-filled patios. See the Córdoba guide.
- Málaga. Picasso’s birthplace: the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba, the Pompidou Centre, the market, and a city beach.
- Cádiz. One of the oldest cities in Europe, surrounded by the Atlantic. See Seville to Cádiz.
- Jerez de la Frontera. Sherry bodegas, horses and flamenco.
- Úbeda and Baeza. Two Renaissance towns in Jaén, World Heritage Sites, among olive groves.
- Almería. A huge Moorish fortress (the Alcazaba) and the gateway to the desert and Cabo de Gata.
Towns and villages
- Ronda. A town split by a deep gorge, crossed by the Puente Nuevo. See the Ronda day trip.
- The white villages. Zahara, Setenil, Grazalema, Arcos and more. See the white villages.
- Nerja and Frigiliana. A seaside town with caves and a white village above it, east of Málaga.
- Antequera. Prehistoric dolmens (a World Heritage Site) and the rock formations of El Torcal nearby.
- Vejer de la Frontera. A hilltop town near the best beaches of the Costa de la Luz.
Nature and coast
- Caminito del Rey. A spectacular walkway along the walls of a gorge north of Málaga. Book tickets in advance.
- The Alpujarras. Mountain villages on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
- Sierra Nevada. Skiing in winter, hiking in summer, 45 minutes from Granada.
- Doñana National Park. Wetlands, birds and the pilgrimage village of El Rocío, near Seville.
- Cabo de Gata. Wild volcanic coast and some of the best beaches in Spain, in Almería. The Costa de la Luz (Tarifa, Bolonia, Zahara de los Atunes) is the best of the Atlantic side.
If you only have one week
Follow our 7-day Andalusia road trip: Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Ronda. Without a car, base yourself in Seville and Granada and use the train.
Where to stay
Seville is the best base for the west (Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Ronda); Granada for the east; Málaga for the coast. See where to stay in Seville.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful place in Andalusia?
Most visitors would say the Alhambra in Granada or the Real Alcázar in Seville. For towns, Ronda and the white villages.
What is the best city to visit in Andalusia?
Seville, for the monuments, atmosphere and the easiest day trips. Granada is a close second, for the Alhambra.
How many days do you need in Andalusia?
A week for the four main cities and Ronda; ten days to two weeks to add the villages, the coast and the mountains.
When is the best time to visit Andalusia?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). See the best time to visit Andalusia.