Tourists to Spain often prefer the fast-paced lifestyle and buzz of bigger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Although, without a doubt, these cities belong to the some of the most spectacular metropolises to visit (in the world!), southern Spain offers a multitude of tourist treasures in its own right.
We present to you our list of must-visit Andalusian cities. It wasn't easy to choose just five, but considering there is so much to do in each city, we wanted to keep it fairly condensed. Without further ado, experience the glory, history, and culture of Andalusia through its five most lively cities!
1. Sevilla
The incredible city of Sevilla (synonymous with such terms as bright, eccentric, traditional, and typically Spanish) needs to be at the top of every traveler's list of places to visit in Andalusia. Seville, with just under 700,000 inhabitants, is actually the capital of the region of Andalusia.
It is a charming city. Picture small, narrow streets and detailed, decorated tapas bars and cafes bustling with happy people; the sound of flamenco show girls' footsteps and the background music of the Spanish guitar. Seville has an ambiance, a real culture and gastronomic experience of its own. It's is a tapas mecca, where restaurants and bars compete with one another to invent the most innovative and tasty dishes to accompany the great selection of wines that come from the area.
There are a large number of attractions to experience during your visit to the Andalusian capital; we recommend visiting the stunning Plaza de España, as well as the atmospheric Puente de Triana. Seville also features an impressive selection of museums, which European Union citizens sometimes have free access to tour.
2. Málaga
The coastal city of Málaga is a favorite destination of many who visit or live along the Costa del Sol (and a personal favourite of mine, too). Malaga of course also offers a vast variety of cultural attractions, but the city's beach culture should also be noted.
Málaga's most impressive sites include the magnificent old town and city centre, a grandiose cathedral that was never fully finished, the well-known shopping street named Marques Larios, and certainly both the Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro castle. Málaga also happens to be the birthplace of the legendary Pablo Picasso; in 2004, the Picasso Museum first opened its doors and it has quickly become one of the city's most-visited attractions. Don't forget to find time between visiting the various monuments and sights to drop by Málaga's famous tapas bars, and especially the famous Atarazanas Market, which sells the freshest, cheapest produce and serves up some tasty fish and seafood.
Málaga is also one of the best destinations for a traditional experience of Spain's take on Easter – Semana Santa, or Holy Week. During this week, the town comes to life in a series of collective gatherings and processions, with happy people and exciting events creating a charismatic vibe in the city streets.
3. Cádiz
Cádiz is a destination that ensures your senses will be fulfilled and your travel expectations met. The city dates back more than 3,000 years; it is considered the oldest city in Europe, where Columbus once set sail for the Americas. Cádiz' long history is clearly visible in its very streets! Their narrow features reveal fabulous squares and plazas, monuments, and cafes where locals and tourists alike wander in and out of. Although the sun is pretty much always shining here (meaning warm weather year round), refreshing breezes of the Atlantic make exploring the city a bit easier, particularly in summer.
The city's luminous attractions include the magnificent baroque cathedral, the Catedral Nueva. You should also reserve time to visit the Santa Catalina fortress, which offers a brilliant view of the city. Next to the fort, Parque Genoves park can be found where you may wish to enjoy a café con leche in the shade of palm trees. In addition to these more prominent attractions, other nice moments can be found in small, quaint churches, squares and streets, all of which you may want to set aside time to explore as well.
If you would like to combine your urban stay with a bit of a beach retreat, head just outside the city to the 3 km long Playa Victoria. The beach is home to a cozy Chiringuito where you can eat a delicious seafood meal (or tapas!) and admire the sun as it sets over the sea, leaving a sky with shades of pink, purple, and orange.
4. Córdoba
Although many people claim Seville is the most beautiful Andalusian city, another hot contender for the title would have to be the city of Córdoba. Córdoba is a historically important centre of Andalusia, as it was once the capital of Hispania during Julius Caesar's time, and it also served as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Today, the city's well preserved old city district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its most popular attraction is its mosque built in the 700 and 900 centuries, La Mezquita. La Mezquita brilliantly combines Islamic and Christian church architecture, and it remains one of the world's largest mosques. There is also a magnificent Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos Fortress next to the Quadalquivir River which is also among the city's top tourist attractions. You should also visit the Jewish quarter of the Old Town and stunning Puente Romano bridge. Art lovers rejoice! You can take a stroll through the life of Córdoba's most famous artist when you visit the Julio Romero de Torres Museum.
In May, the Cordobans open their doors (or rather, patios) to the fabulous Festival of Los Patios to compete for the title of most beautiful outdoor setting. The entire city's streets are brimming and a variety of fun-filled activities are organized.
5. Granada
The Sierra Nevada mountain range lies at the foot of fabulous Granada. This extraordinary city has captured the hearts of many a traveler's, due to its unique atmosphere and top sites. At one time during the 1200s, Granada was known as the capital of the Islamic Kingdom. Islamic culture, from food to architecture, is still very apparent in Granada.
Granada's most famous attraction is the palace at the top of a hill: the magnificent Alhambra Palace! As the most visited site in all of Spain, and previously considered in the running as a World Wonder, this historic relic is a must-see.
In addition to the Alhambra, tourists can visit the magnificent Moorish Quarter of Granada, enjoy the excellent (and often free) tapas bars, and wander through the city's narrow alleys of Andalusia's most famous poet, Federico Garcia Lorca. You should also check out the cave flamenco shows unique to the city and do some shopping while in town!