5 Reasons Andalucía is the perfect holiday destination

Located in the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalucía has so much to offer.

With amazing beaches, breath-taking countryside, and cities bursting with culture, there’s an Andalucía for everyone. Here’s 5 different areas to explore, guaranteed to make you fall in love with this fantastic region.

1. Seville Surprises  

The capital of the Andalusian region, Seville is a city packed with charm and delights. Wander round the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral and admire the mix of Christian and Muslim inspired architecture that this historical melting pot of a city has to offer. If you need a place to relax after a busy day exploring, the Parque de María Luisa is 34-hectares of green space, with water features and shading trees. And be sure to check out a traditional flamenco club for the most authentic experience of Spain that you can get. As good as the famous oranges look on the tree lined streets, don’t be tempted to eat them raw, as they’re extremely bitter and usually reserved for making marmalade!

2. Magical Málaga 

With 16 beaches to choose from Málaga is the perfect destination for some sea and sun relaxation. The closest beach is the Playa de la Malagueta, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre, while a slightly quieter option would be the Pedragalejo esplanade, perfect for walks as the waves lap on the shore. Be sure to try some of the boquerones, anchovies grilled fresh on the beach from local vendors. If you want to get out on the water, we’d recommend a Paddle Surf session, an eco-friendly way to explore Málaga’s rugged coastline while soaking up the sun. There’s also some great history and culture in the city, being the birthplace of the artist Picasso, the massive Alcazaba and Gibralfaro citadels and a Renaissance cathedral.

3. Cádiz by Car 

Andalucía isn’t all about cities however, with a rural treasure trove waiting to be discovered in the countryside. One of these delights are the White Villages, authentic whitewashed houses nestled in the rugged Spanish scenery. There are 19 of these villages dotted around the province of Cádiz, and the best way to explore them is by car, so you can personalise your route to see exactly what you want. Each village has unique features, like Setenil de las Bodegas with its houses built into caves and Olvera, with its old Arab castle and Encarnación Church which dominates its skyline, perfectly symbolising the historical mix of cultures found in the region. Whichever villages you visit you’ll find amazing authentic food and fascinating history.

4. Get to know Granada 

Located at the feet of the impressive Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Granada is a city steeped in history. Reminders of the city’s past as the last Muslim-ruled state in the Iberian Peninsula are seen through the architecture and nowhere is as obvious as the imposing Alhambra, a massive palace and fortress complex. Book onto an Alhambra Skip the Line Premium Guided Tour to learn about the history of this building. When in town be sure to visit the Sacromonte neighbourhood for an authentic gazpacho! Stay at the Casa del Capitel Nazari Hotel for classic Spanish styling in the heart of the city, only a stone’s throw away from Alhambra and other main attractions like the walk along Carrera del Darro.

5. Sights of the Sierras 

Spanning across the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, the Sierra de Grazalema natural park is a natural masterpiece and the perfect place for a breather from the hustle and bustle of the cities. With a wide variety of hikes, this is a great location to experience the wonderful landscapes of this area, and you might even spot one of the local vultures the park is famous for. For the more daring, you have to try a Via Ferrata Caminito Del Rey adventure. Take in stunning views of gorges, lakes, and cliffs as you climb rocky outcrops, and zipline through the air. You’ll definitely need to bring your head for heights though!

Andalucía really has something for everyone.