Andalusia is the southern region of Spain which represents the Spain that every traveler must have once dreamt of.
Andalusia is home to some of the most beautiful Spanish cities including the incredible city of Seville, Granda, Cordoba, and Malaga.
There is an endless list of attractions and places to visit in Andalusia that will keep you remain engaged till the end of your trip.
Surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, spectacular coastline, and valleys, the southern region is a must be included in the travel itinerary.
Apart from nature, there are several historical sites in Andalusia which represent the vast history of Spain from the Roman period, middle age, and the period of the Umayyad caliphate that lasted till the late 15th century.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 best places to visit in Andalusia to make the most of your trip.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Andalusia
Jaen
The ideal natural setting of Jaen is what differentiates it from other tourist destinations in southern Spain.
It houses two of the most popular mountain ranges “Sierra de la Pandera” and “Sierra de Jabalcuz”. The region was once used as a silver mining area during the Roman period.
It also served as the capital of the Jayyan Kingdom during the Moorish era. It remained as a home to Islamic kingdoms for several centuries, thus you will find plenty of Arabic architecture in Jaen.
The most popular Islamic architecture is the Arabic Baths which are located in 6 locations throughout Andalusia.
Tourist Sites:
- Jaen Cathedral
- Arab Baths
- Palacio de Villardompardo
- Veil of Veronica
- Parador de Jaen
Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Cities In Spain To Visit During Winter
Almeria & Tabernas Desert
Almeria is one of the most underrated places to visit in Andalusia. Almeria is the driest place in Europe and it is the only city that has a desert climate just like you must have seen in gulf countries.
You will hardly witness monsoon in Almeria due to high temperature and humidity.
While in Almeria, you will experience the same vibe which is usually seen in gulf nations like UAE and Qatar.
The tourist sites in Almeria mostly include Arabian landmarks and monuments including the fortress, mosques, and others. Don’t forget to visit the Tabernas Desert which is just 30 km north away from Almeria.
Tourist Sites:
- La Alcazaba
- Mini Holloywood
- Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil
- Almeria Cathedral
- Cabo de Gata
Things To Do:
- Visit the central market
- Snacks, beer, or soft drinks at Puga on Calle Jovellanos bar
- Discover the Historical Museum of Almeria
- Get Back in time to the prehistoric town of Los Millares
Location: Southern Iberia
Ubeda: The Town Of Renaissance Architecture
Spain has a total of 37 UNESCO World Heritage sites and Ubeda and Baeza are two of them. The lovely town of Ubeda is encompassed by several Renaissance architectures, carved stone interiors, churches, and more.
The top attractions of Ubeda can be found in the old center including the church of Santa Maria de Los Reales Alcazares, Capilla del Salvador and Palacio del Dean Ortega.
Talking about the city of Baeza, it is just a few distances away from Ubeda and is known for being the artistic town of Spain.
Just like its neighboring twin “Ubeda“, Baeza also features a wide range of Renaissance architectures. Both the cities were less discovered but now the rate of tourism is rapidly growing in both the cities.
Tourist Sites:
- Plaza de Vazquez de Molina
- Casco Antiguo
- Sacra Capilla del Salvador del Mundo
- Murallas de la Ciudad
Location: Jaen Province
Also Read: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Seville, Spain On Your First Visit
Las Alpujarra Mountain Range
Situated in the Sierra Nevada, the Last Alpujarra is the highest mountain range in Spain and is one of the best places to visit in Andalusia for adventure lovers.
The destination is ideal for various adventure activities such as hiking, walking, cycling, and much more. The height of these mountain ranges is as high as 3,000 meters and it stretches up to 90 km.
The highest mountain range becomes an even more fun place to visit between November to June. During this period, the mountains are covered with snow, and thousands of tourists come here to get involved in a range of snow sports.
Tourist Sites:
- Capileira Village
- Berchules Moutain
- Pampaneira Village
- Spa town “Lanjaron
- Pico de Veleta
Things To Do:
- Visit the highest village in Spain
- Hiking
- Shop from the rug market
- Skiing
- Horse Riding
Location: Sierra Nevada
5. E Torcal National Park
El Torcal national park is one of the hidden gems of Costa Del Sol and it is situated just a few hours away from Malaga.
According to legends, the place where the national park resided was underwater around 150 million years ago. Due to tectonic plates, the mountain started to grow during the Tertiary period and what we see today is the result of that.
Many people may not believe the story of this region being underwater for several years, but some fossils prove its past. The current area expands up to 29 km2 and is a favorite place for hikers.
Things To Do:
- Paragliding
- Road trip
- Hiking beyond the mountains
Tourist Sites:
- Dolmenes de Antequera
- Alcazaba de Antequera
- Dolmen de Menga
- Municipal Museum
- Dolmen del Romeral
Location: Antequera, Málaga