Each year, Spain receives millions of tourists, ranking it the second most visited country in the world. Besides its capital Madrid and the cosmopolitan Barcelona, many travelers are also leaving their footprints in the southern paradise, Andalucía. But there are so many fantastic places to check out in this region considering its size. Below we´ve listed out 7 places to visit in Andalucía that you don´t want to miss out on your trip to this sunny southland.
Contents
1.Cádiz
Situated in the southwest of Spain, Cádiz is the oldest city in Spain and Europe. Our ancestors built it upon a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.
If you have watched Die Another Day, one of the James Bond movies, then Cádiz might give you a surprise upon arrival because they shot one scene of this movie here.
While strolling around those tortuous streets, you may naturally encounter the Central Market by following the crowd. Hold up your saliva. Because merely a small bite of the Spanish ham croquette can get you in love! And a mouthful bite of the freshly fried dogfish will be your path to a food orgasm!
Due to the limited land, the old town of Cádiz is tense but stunning. The best way to appreciate it´s beauty is by getting on the Tower of Tavira, where you could overlook the city. That´s the highest architecture in the historic center.
Surrounded by the Atlantic, the culture of Cádiz has a strong connection with the ocean. And the Cádiz Bay has a perfect condition for sailing out in the sea and fish your sea bass for dinner or enjoy a pinky Atlantic sunset.
2.Sanlúcar de Barrameda
On the other side of the Cádiz Bay, Sanlúcar is situated 20 minutes by car from El Puerto de Santa María. This seaside town is close to many local vineyards and holds plenty of cultural events throughout the year. The second-longest river of Spain (Río Guadalquivir) meets the Atlantic here.
3.Sevilla
“Sevilla has a special color. (Sevilla tiene un color especial)” as this famous Spanish song goes, your colorful trip to Andalucía wouldn’t be complete without visiting its capital city. Flamenco, gothic Sevilla Cathedral, Plaza of Spain (Plaza de España), together with the River of Guadalquivir, their stories are to be told.
4.Gibraltar
Among all the 7 places to visit in Andalucía, Gibraltar is where most English is spoken. Indeed, it´s the only city in the Iberian Peninsula where English is the official language. Get ready to be stopped by an airplane on your way driving since the runway of the Airport of Gibraltar shares part of a busy main street. And when there’s an airplane taking off or landing, the traffic would be cut off.
Take a cable car to the gigantic Rock of Gibraltar and see how the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The view is speechless!
5.Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the 19 white towns (Pueblos Blancos) in the Pronvince of Cádiz. One hour and a half drive from Cádiz, you will be holding your beer in a local bar under that massive rock! Many of the houses here don´t even need to build a roof – they take the natural rock as its rooftop – making this little town the most peculiar one among all the 7 places to visit in Andalucía.
6.Ronda
Ronda is perched on a cliff of 100 meters deep, and along its´ side sings the River Guadalevín, day and night. Hanging above the canyon, the New Bridge (El Puente Nuevo) bounds the historic center with the new town on the other side.
Your journey in Ronda would be in a 3D version. While the lively crowd livens up the old town, several minutes walking down the canyon, you´ll find yourself in the silent Andalusian countryside.
Hemingway once said Ronda is where you should go if you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon or if you ever bolt with anyone.
And I would say: Ronda is a labyrinth that wakes up the little child we all carry inside.
7.Marbella
This city’s name means “beautiful sea” in Spanish, which naturally makes us relate it to the lovely Andalusian beaches. Don’t rush, Marbella isn’t just about the beach. You could go for a morning fresh up biking along the promenade or walk around the historic center. Or enjoy a cocktail in the luxury Banús Port. Marbella has a lot more to offer!
Comment us below if you want to know more about these fantastic places to go in Andalucía!