Breathtaking places wait for you in the South of Spain! This region has some of the most beautiful places in Spain with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous natural landscapes, and a blend of ancient architectural styles.
I’ve been to southern Spain multiple times, traveling for over a month road-tripping throughout the Andalusia region (Andalucia in Spanish). I know how overwhelming it can be to choose which places to include on your Spain itinerary. (That’s why I went back a few times!)
The south of Spain is a brilliant mix of colors. From the oranges in the trees to the mosaics in the historic Moorish palaces to whitewashed villages and the turquoise coastline, southern Spain is incredible!
To help you plan your Spain trip, I’ve put together my top picks of the most fairytale places in Andalucia where you can experience the beauty, history, culture, and food of southern Spain.
Ready to see the best places to visit in the south of Spain? Let’s check them out together!
1. Seville
There’s no use resisting Seville! You’ll fall in love with this Andalucian city from the moment you arrive.
Located along the Guadalquivir River, Seville is one of the main gateways to the south of Spain with easy train connections from Madrid. You’ll find a mix of bucket-list sights like the iconic Cathedral of Seville and the Alcazar with its gorgeous gardens.
But Seville is also incredibly walkable so it’s easy to explore the city’s touristy areas on foot. Along the way, I recommend saving some time to wander. Follow the intertwining scents of orange blossom, spices, cured ham, and seafood into the winding alleys of neighborhoods like Santa Cruz to see what you might discover!
Top Things to Do in Seville
- See the gold-tiled dome ceiling and geometric plasterwork of the historic Real Alcazar.
- Visit the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.
- Climb to the top of Torre Giralda for a birds-eye view of the city.
- Don’t miss the gorgeous Plaza de España. Go just before sunset to see the plaza in the daylight and dusk.
- Go to a flamenco show. More than in other cities in Spain, flamenco is rooted in Seville’s culture.
Save my list of must-dos in Seville for inspiration.
2. Cordoba
As you travel through southern Spain, you’ll see how different cultures and religions have come together over thousands of years in everything from architecture and art to food and music.
No place highlights this beautiful mix of cultures better than Cordoba! The effect is incredibly romantic so much that I recommend staying a night if you can instead of visiting on a day trip.
In particular, Cordoba has some of the most stunning architecture ranging from Moorish to Christian times. And, this remarkable history and beauty haven’t gone unnoticed. Cordoba has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any city in the world!
Top Things to Do in Cordoba
- Marvel at the historic Mezquita – Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most bucket list sights in the world.
- Stroll the gardens and climb the tower of the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Wander through the white-washed, flower-pot-lined streets of La Juderia, the old Jewish Quarter in Cordoba.
- Walk through the Almodovar Gate, Cordoba’s best-preserved Moorish city gate dating back to the 14th century.
- Visit the ancient ruins at Medina Azahara. Cordoba’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Check out my top recommendations for the best things to do in Cordoba.
3. Granada & the Alhambra
Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is easily one of Spain’s most beautiful cities with centuries of history and a legendary tapas culture.
The city’s treasure is the Alhambra Palace, arguably the south of Spain’s greatest treasure and one of the most visited places in all of Spain.
Its highlights include the stunning Generalife gardens, the detailed carvings and geometric designs of the Royal Nasrid Palaces, and the preserved military complex.
Top Things to Do in Granada
- Plan a good part of a day to explore the Alhambra complex. (Getting tickets in advance is a must!)
- Visit the incredible Granada Cathedral.
- Head to the Albaicin neighborhood at sunset for amazing views overlooking the Alhambra.
- Do a tapas crawl! Many of Granada’s tapas bars offer free bites.
Use this guide to plan your visit to the Alhambra.
4. Andalucian White Villages
The white villages of Andalucia (pueblos blancos) in southern Spain are beautiful historical and cultural gems, with many once acting as fortresses marking the borders between Christian and Moorish lands.
In the south of Spain, you’ll recognize these villages with their whitewashed houses, narrow, winding streets, and flecks of bright color coming from the bougainvillea and painted accent doors around the town.
Honestly, picking a favorite among them is tough! Each white village has its own flair but for most of them, the main sight is the village itself and the best things to do usually involve enjoying a slower day and catching a glimpse of local life.
I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites below so you can see which ones work for your Spain vacation.
Most Beautiful White Villages in the South of Spain
- Frigiliana – Villages don’t get more postcard-perfect than Frigiliana! Stroll through the streets, shop, linger over a meal, and enjoy the sea views in the distance.
- Arcos de la Frontera – Sits atop a high clifftop with a web of narrow streets that lead you through white-painted arches and to the Basilica at the top of the town.
- Zahara de la Sierra – This white village sits just above a reservoir with overlooking views of the mountains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sierra de Grazalema Nature Park.
- Grazalema – The perfect stop for hikers since its location is right by the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and the Sierra del Pinar.
- Mijas Pueblo – Surrounded by mountain and sea views that stretch as far as the Rif Mountains in Morocco on a clear day, this white village is an excellent choice if you’re near Malaga.
Check out my list of the 20 most beautiful Andalucian white villages.
5. Malaga
Malaga is a coastal city in southern Spain that is also surrounded by a backdrop of the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s the capital of the Costa del Sol, which translates to the coast of the sun. The name fits because Malaga is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe with the sun shining nearly every day!
Malaga is another gateway to the Andalucia region because of its airport and short flight connections from Madrid, Barcelona, and many European cities.
You can expect Mediterranean weather, 16 sunny beaches, and, of course, a bucketload of Andalusian culture. The city is perfect for anyone who loves food, history, culture, and the sea.
Top Things to Do in Malaga
- Stroll Malaga’s city center, especially at night, when tapas bars are busy and people are out walking.
- See the old Roman Theater for a glimpse of Malaga’s ancient history.
- Visit the Picasso Museum. Picasso was born in Malaga and the city has a great museum in honor of their native son with some of his work on display.
- Lounge by the beach to enjoy the sunny days of the city.
- Take a day trip from Malaga. One of the most popular, the Caminito del Rey, is easy to do if you’re in Malaga.
Find out more about why Malaga is worth visiting!
6. Ronda
Ronda sits right on top of the El Tajo gorge, and it’s one of the most beautiful and unforgettable places in the south of Spain! With a mix of Spanish and Moorish architecture that feels straight out of a storybook, it’s a must for your southern Spain itinerary.
Ronda is one of Andalucia’s white villages, but it’s bigger than the others. It’s split into a more modern part of town and the historic center. You want to focus on the latter with its whitewashed houses and ancient Moorish squares lined with orange blossom trees.
The most recognizable feature of Ronda’s old town is its Puente Nuevo bridge. Plan to start your visit here.
Top Things to Do in Ronda
- Peer into the El Tajo gorge from the top of the Puente Nuevo bridge.
- Go to the Banos Arabes, an ancient bathhouse used by Arabs for steam baths.
- Stroll through the Jardines de Cuenca that leads you along the edge of the gorge.
- Admire Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, Ronda’s old Moorish city center.
- Tour the Plaza de Toros to learn about Andalucia’s culture of bullfighting.
Check out my Ronda day trip guide!
7. Tarifa
The town of Tarifa is the southernmost point in Spain, as well as on the European continent. It sits along the Spanish coast and the Straits of Gibraltar, just 9 miles from the northern coast of Africa. (So close, yet so far!)
Tarifa itself is a hidden gem compared to the other places on this list. Many visitors use Tarifa as a spot simply to take a day trip to Morocco.
But for anyone who stays a bit longer, it’s possible to explore the small, painted-white old town on foot.
Tarifa is known for its history and outdoor activities like swimming, kitesurfing, and whale watching. It’s a popular spot for a beach day, too!
Top Things to Do in Tarifa
- Spend a day at the beach which is just steps away from Tarifa’s old town.
- Go on a Tarifa whale-watching excursion.
- Climb the towers of Castillo Guzman el Bueno for an overview of Tarifa’s history given its strategic position.
- Explore Tarifa’s old town lined with shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop for some local seafood!
Discover Tarifa’s hidden gems!
8. Cadiz
Cadiz is a stunning coastal city in the south of Spain! Sitting along the Atlantic coast, Cadiz has white sandy beaches and turquoise-hued ocean water. Together with its historic landmarks and neoclassic architecture, the effect is striking!
I’m not the only one to think so, either! Cadiz (as well as spots in Cordoba and Seville) was used to film scenes of Game of Thrones.
With beaches, history, small-town charm, and amazing food, Cadiz is a fantastic spot in southern Spain. Plus, it’s not as touristy as Andalucia’s other famous cities, so you can enjoy a more laid-back visit to this beautiful coastal spot.
Top Things to Do in Cadiz
- Visit the Cadiz Cathedral to marvel at its golden dome and Baroque and neo-classical architecture.
- Follow the painted walking routes to learn more about Cadiz.
- Spend a beach day at Playa La Caleta right in the old town!
- See the Roman Theatre of Cadiz for a glimpse of the city’s Roman past.
- Go for a scenic walk through the causeway of Paseo Fernando Quinones leading to Castillo de San Sebastian.
(Coming Soon!) Learn more about beautiful Cadiz to plan your visit!
Ready to Visit the Best Places in the South of Spain?
Southern Spain is an incredible destination as you can see! You’re truly spoiled for choice.
I hope my top picks, though, have helped you narrow down some of the choices so that you can plan the best Spain trip for you!
What are your questions about the best places to visit in the South of Spain?
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