5 of the best cities in Andalusia – and when to see them

Although Spain's major cities of Madrid and Barcelona may attract most of the attention, the region of Andalusia in the south is one of Spain’s most captivating areas. Steeped in history, culture, as well as an abundance of bars, restaurants and culinary delights, the region is best explored by car or rail, stopping off in the enchanting towns, big and small, that you come across as you travel.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Andalusia, here are five of the best cities to stop off in: all you need to do is book the flights and pack the sun cream!

Seville

Image courtesy of Sandra Vallaure.

You can’t talk about Andalusia without mentioning its capital city, Seville. Not only is it filled to the brim with bustling bars and tasty tapas, it also oozes sophistication and grandeur.

If you were to stop off during Semana Santa around Easter time, you would bear witness to the dramatic religious processions that attract thousands of visitors every year. Ornate (and heavy!) religious floats carried by men known as costaleros are marched through the city, followed patiently by haunting, eye-catching nazarenos, penitents walking lengthy distances to atone for their sins.

If religious festivals aren't for you, drop by a couple of weeks after Easter for the Feria de Abril, a colourful celebration of Andalusian song, dance, food and family, complete with a carnival for those seeking a few extra thrills.

Once you’ve worn yourself out singing and dancing, marvel at the view of the city from the top of La Giralda, the bell tower attached to the city’s gorgeous cathedral. From here, you can take a short stroll through an open square into the Alcázar of Seville, where you’ll find endless gardens to explore, as well as stunning Moorish architecture.

Ardales

One of the lesser-known highlights of Andalusia is the rural village of Ardales, in the province of Málaga. You have two choices. The first is to stay in the centre of this typically-Andalusian town and take in its sights, most notably the Doña Trinidad Cave, resplendent with wonderful wall paintings that are thousands of years old.

Or, if nature is more your thing, take option number two and bask in the region’s bountiful blues and greens by paying a visit to Parque Ardales. This vast area of towering trees and sloping hills looms over an inviting jetty, perfect for swimming, canoeing and taking a little pedal boat out for a spin.

Best visited when the Spanish summer gets a little bit too hot, this part of town is also perfect for those looking for some outdoor slumber, as camping on the rocky hills overlooking the turquoise lakes is a popular summertime attraction for friends and families of all ages.

Ronda

Get ready to roll your “r’s” because you’re going to Ronda, a place of which Ernest Hemingway once said:

"If you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon or if you ever bolt with anyone. The entire town and as far as you can see in any direction is romantic background”.

Unsurprisingly, Mr. Hemingway was right. Drenched in unflinching sunshine throughout the year, Ronda’s dramatic cliffs and endless scenery are the perfect backdrop for romance. Watch the sunset from Puente Nuevo, or eat and drink the night away in one of the town square’s many delightful restaurants.

Of course, Ronda isn’t just for couples, with a visit to La Mina (The Mine) highly recommended for all visitors. Its dark stairway comprised of 231 slippery steps leads you to a quiet twinkling river, where you can look up at the impressive white rocks on which Ronda is built.

Ronda is one of the most humid places in Andalusia, so, if you can’t handle the heat, take a trip in winter or spring time. If you need to cool down, do as the Moors did and venture to the Arab Baths, before finishing with a stroll through the small gardens around the area that will show you as much Andalusian countryside as your eyes allow you to see.

Granada

Image courtesy of Sharon Mollerus.

As much as you try, you may never understand the enigmatic city of Granada. There’s something enchanting about it, like a mystical force puts you under its spell the moment you set foot on its lands.

Winding and seemingly never-ending, its sometimes gritty, sometimes gorgeous, streets seem to appear before you solely out of your own imagination. Its main attraction is undoubtedly the Alhambra, an enormous complex comprised of Islamic palaces and fortresses – and a necessary pilgrimage for all who make the journey to Andalusia.

The heat inland in Granada can be pretty unbearable in high season so it's best to visit in autumn, when the leaves crunch beneath your feet. Make sure to book your tickets for the Alhambra in advance however, the queues here are beyond belief.

Cádiz

Get your costume on: it’s time to party. No, it’s not Halloween, but the annual Carnaval de Cádiz. Not that you need an excuse to dress up, but Cádiz gives you one, when this fantastic February festival takes over the seemingly quiet beach town.

Music is the order of the day – and it comes in all shapes and styles. There are chirigotas, the most satirical types of singers; choirs, who blend humour and seriousness, depending on their mood; comparsas, the most serious and intense singers at the festival; quartets, whose eclectic mix of instruments will surprise and enlighten you – and, of course, romanceros, who wander the busy streets entertaining all those they come across.

At this time of year, the town is awash with tourists and travellers from all walks of life, the majority of whom have come to soak up the atmosphere.

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