5 Reasons Andalucia is the perfect holiday destination

We explore why Andalucia is the perfect holiday destination and share five different areas to explore, guaranteed to make you fall in love with this fantastic region.

The capital of the Andalusian region, Seville is a city packed with charm and delights. Wander around the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral and admire the mix of Christian and Muslim-inspired architecture that this historical melting pot of a city offers. If you need a place to relax after a busy day exploring, the Parque de María Luisa is 34 hectares of green space, with water features and shading trees. And be sure to check out a traditional flamenco club for the most authentic experience of Spain that you can get. Just remember – as good as the famous oranges look on the tree-lined streets, don’t be tempted to eat them raw, as they’re extremely bitter and usually reserved for making marmalade!

With 16 beaches to choose from Málaga is the perfect destination for some sea and sun relaxation. The closest beach is the Playa de la Malagueta, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre, while a slightly quieter option would be the Pedragalejo esplanade, perfect for walks as the waves lap on the shore. Be sure to try some of the boquerones, anchovies grilled fresh on the beach from local vendors. If you want to get out on the water, why not try a paddle surf session, an eco-friendly way to explore Málaga’s rugged coastline while soaking up the sun. There’s also some great history and culture in the city, being the birthplace of the artist Picasso, the massive Alcazaba and Gibralfaro citadels and a Renaissance cathedral.

Andalucía isn’t all about cities however. There’s also a rural treasure trove waiting to be discovered in the countryside. One of these delights are the White Villages, authentic whitewashed houses nestled in the rugged Spanish scenery. There are 19 of these villages dotted around the province of Cádiz, and the best way to explore them is by car, so you can personalise your route to see exactly what you want. Each village has unique features, like Setenil de las Bodegas with its houses built into caves and Olvera, with its old Arab castle and Encarnación Church which dominates its skyline, perfectly symbolising the historical mix of cultures found in the region. Whichever villages you visit you’ll find amazing authentic food and fascinating history.

Located at the feet of the impressive Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Granada is a city steeped in history. Reminders of the city’s past as the last Muslim-ruled state in the Iberian Peninsula are seen through the architecture and nowhere is as obvious as the imposing Alhambra, a massive palace and fortress complex. A tour of this amazing building can offer a fascinating insight into its history. When in town be sure to visit the Sacromonte neighbourhood for an authentic gazpacho! There are also some wonderful hotels to stay in, such as the Casa del Capitel Nazari Hotel. Offering classic Spanish styling in the heart of the city, it’s also only a stone’s throw away from Alhambra and other main attractions like the walk along Carrera del Darro – perfect for exploring from.

Spanning across the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, the Sierra de Grazalema natural park is a natural masterpiece and the perfect place for a breather from the hustle and bustle of the cities. With a wide variety of hikes, this is a great location to experience the wonderful landscapes of this area, and you might even spot one of the local vultures the park is famous for. For the more daring, Caminito del Rey via ferrata offers an adrenaline-filled experience. Take in stunning views of gorges, lakes, and cliffs as you climb rocky outcrops, and zipline through the air. You’ll definitely need to bring your head for heights though, and to stay extra-safe, take a tour with a guide!