The Best Things To Do And See In Andalusia Spain

The landscape of Andalusia is full of prehistoric drama and sprawling Spanish charm. Relax on the Costa del Sol with a view and a plate of food and marvel at the awe-inspiring views, before experiencing true Andalusian Spanish culture with a night of flamenco. The terrain stretches from deserts to beaches to mountains, all perilous and rewarding. Head to the cities to experience the culture, the towns for the heart, and travel out to the desert and the coast to see wonders in the Andalusian terrain that do not spring up anywhere else.

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Flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz in Seville

Defiance and seduction guide traditional flamenco in Seville. Duplicitous flirtation beckons and then rejects, the rhythm beaten out with a strong heel and a musical hand. Sit in a tavern and allow yourself to be overcome by gitana passion. See the best of flamenco at El Palacio Andaluz or, for something more intimate, try the Museo del Baile Flamenco.

Skewers of sardines charred by a wood burning barbecue on the beach is a delicious lunch anywhere on the Costa del Sol but a delicacy in Málaga. Ten espetos, or sardines, are skewered by a sword and pitted against the flames. Served with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt and lots of local white wine, the flavours can never quite be recreated anywhere else.

Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a must if you go to Granada. The neighbourhood was hewn out of rock faces on precipitous slopes in front of the Alhambra at some point in the 16th century. Traditionally, it is the neighbourhood of the Granadian Romani. No two caves are alike, each boasting their own personality. To get to the Sacromonte, head upwards with your back to the Alhambra.

The Great Mosque of Córdoba

The Great Mosque of Córdoba is the quintessential piece of Moorish architecture. Similar buildings are scattered through Andalusia, but this one is special. The site exemplifies Islamic architecture with its hypnotic rows of arches and detailed mosaics. The approach to La Mezquita is via the Patio de los Naranjos, one street over from the Tourist Board office.

Alcázar de Sevilla

Speaking of traditional Islamic architecture, Seville’s royal palace of Alcázar is both luxurious and dramatic in infinitesimal detail. There are magnificent salons with tiled walls and intricate plasterwork, next to courtyards with beautiful pools. Buy the tickets online in advance to avoid queuing in the sun. The palace is close to the metro stop Real Alcázar de Sevilla.

Los Pueblos Blancos – Arcos de la Frontera

Olvera is one of the picturesque ‘white towns’ to visit in Andalusia

It would take a feature longer than this to describe them in detail, but the Pueblos Blancos (white towns) are always worth a visit. Settled in the hills and mountains of the Sierra Nevada Desert, these remote hilltop villages are full of whitewashed houses built in the Berber, Moorish style that is so common in Andalusia. The villages herald winding, gleaming, cobbled streets with beautiful views of snowy mountains. Visit Arcos de la Frontera for an experience of the beauty that these villages have to offer.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.