Discover the hidden gems of Andalusia in September.
Andalucia in September is especially beautiful, and if you’re planning to travel Southern Spain, this month is a great time to do it thanks to its milder weather and fantastic events.
Whether you’re eager to explore the top tourist attractions in Southern Spain without navigating through the summer crowds or want to enjoy the best hikes without sweltering in the heat.
Or if are keen to experience authentic Spanish festivals in September, you’ll have it all at your fingertips at this time of year.
Read on to discover the best things to do in Andalucia in September so you can start planning your unforgettable trip.
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Southern Spain posts? Have a look at my other posts:
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Our favorite activities in Andalucia in September
- Go to Granada in September and experience the Alhambra
- Visit the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba
- Explore the Caves of Nerja
- Find out what’s on in Seville in September and explore this fascinating city
1. Explore the Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra is one of the best known attractions in Granada, and the best time to visit is undoubtedly in September.
You can visit this famous palace without dealing with the summertime crowds. The Andalucia weather in September is cooler, so you’ll have a more pleasant and comfortable experience, too.
You can choose between taking a guided tour or doing a self-guided exploration. Both are good options, although if you’re eager to learn as much as possible about the history and heritage of this unique place.
You should try to join an organized tour in English to get as much as possible out of your visit as it is one of the top tourist attractions in Southern Spain.
2. Attend the Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda
The Feria de Pedro Romero in Ronda is a must-do if you’re visiting Andalucia in September.
This popular week-long event has been taking place annually since the 1950s and commemorates three town heroes: the painter Goya and two bullfighters, Pedro Romero and Antonio Ordonez.
The event includes wide-ranging activities, including bullfighting, parades, music and dancing, and the opportunity to sample delicious local cuisine.
If you’re planning to stay in Ronda during the festival, make sure to book your accommodation early, as the town is flooded with visitors who are eager to enjoy this famous event.
3. Relax on the Beaches of Costa del Sol
Whether you’re a keen surfer or swimmer or just love to sunbathe, the beaches of the Costa del Sol should be your first port of call as they have the best places for surfing in Andalucia.
While the temperature in Andalucia in September is cooler than in the summer months, it’s still hot enough to get a tan.
And there’s nothing better than stretching out on the sands,or taking a dip in the glistening sea
In this part of Spain, there are beaches to suit every taste, from the quiet and secluded Artolo Cabopino beach in Marbella to the lively Los Alamos beach in Torremolinos, with its beach clubs and water activities.
Heading to the coast for the amazing sunset views is another wonderful activity to enjoy at this time of year, with El Faro beach or the Puerto Banus marina being two top choices.
There’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of one of the famous Spanish drinks like sangria as you watch the sun go down.
4. Visit the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba
If you’re planning a visit to Cordoba, the Mezquita-Catedral is a must-do. This spectacular structure was once a Mosque but is now a church, combining two cultures in one amazing building.
This World Heritage Site dates back to the year 785 when the first Mosque was constructed on the site.
It was extended over the years, but then in the 13th century, when King Ferdinand III conquered Cordoba, it became a Catholic cathedral.
Some of its unique architectural features include its hypostyle prayer hall, its Villaviciosa dome, its mihrab and maqsura, and its iconic bell tower and former minaret.
While a visit is highly recommended, you may want to avoid coming between 11 AM and 3 PM as these tend to be the peak hours.
Aim instead for an early morning visit, or come in the evening after 4 PM, when the majority of guided trips have ended for the day. Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues.
5. Stroll Through the Alcázar of Seville
Heading to Seville in September enables you to see the best of the city without dealing with the heavy summer crowds. A stroll through the Alcazar should certainly be part of your visit.
This ancient royal palace dates back to the 10th century and has a fascinating history.
It was initially constructed during the city’s Islamic occupation but then taken over by the Christians when they conquered the city.
A visit will allow you to explore the palaces themselves as well as the beautiful gardens, and there are many spots for photography enthusiasts to practice their skills.
The courtyard is exceptionally photogenic. We recommend getting skip-the-line guided tours to make the most of your trip.
6. Experience the Grape Harvest Festival in Jerez
To get a taste of the authentic side of Spain, you should take the time to experience the Jerez grape harvest festival.
This traditional event sees a wide range of activities ranging from grape stomping to live music and from street theater to horse parades.
During this event, you can see exhibitions, enter competitions, and admire the flamenco shows as well as tasting the fine local wine.
There’s also, of course, the opportunity to sample some of the local Andalusian products and find out some interesting Spanish food facts.
7. Hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
If you’re the outdoors type, September is a great time to head to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, offering the best hikes in Andalucia, where you can hike the popular trails and routes.
There are several to discover, with some being best suited to experts and advanced hikers and some being ideal for beginners.
There are some stunning viewpoints and scenic spots, including Mount Mulhacen, which is the highest peak on the Iberian peninsula.
Mount Valeta, the Sierra Nevada’s second-highest mountain, has a summit that is easily reachable within a couple of hours.
There are also some excellent routes for cycling in Andalucia, with many of them being in this part of the region. Feel free to join a Sierra Nevada E-Bike Tour!
8. Discover the White Villages (Pueblos Blancos)
The Pueblos Blancos, or white villages, are an iconic symbol of this region, and you should definitely try to visit at least one during your trip.
The best-known ones are Frigiliana, Arcos de la Frontera, and Mijas.
These villages are a great place to discover local crafts and cuisine, and to buy some authentic Spanish souvenirs from Andalucia for your loved ones.
Head to the Pena Vieja and Abades viewpoints or the Pena Nova Balcony viewpoint to see the most spectacular views.
9. Enjoy Flamenco Shows in Seville
When you’re in Andalucia, you should always try to see at least one flamenco show in Seville.
Flamenco has its origins in this part of Spain, thanks to the unique blend of Spanish, Arabic and gypsy cultures in Andalucia.
The Teatro Flamenco de Triana is the city’s most formal and traditional flamenco venue.
Alternatively, head to one of the bars in the city, such as El Patio Sevillano, where you can enjoy a more informal and authentic experience.
Make sure to arrive early, as these shows are popular and can be very crowded.
10. Explore the Caves of Nerja
The temperature in Andalucia can still get quite hot in September, so you may want to get out of the heat for a while with a guided tour of the Caves of Nerja.
This popular tourist attraction is a complex of caverns stretching for 5km underground dating back to the prehistoric era.
There are both day and night tours which lead visitors through the caverns, explaining the various features to be seen, including the impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
If you’re heading here with small children, make sure you take extra care as there are uneven surfaces and steps to encounter.
11. Visit the Roman Theater in Málaga
If you’re interested in ancient history, Malaga’s Roman theater is especially fascinating to visit. Its origins lie in the 1st century, although it wasn’t discovered until the 1950s.
Today, you can admire stands and passageways and visit the interpretation center to learn more about the history of the structure.
The best times to visit are between Tuesday and Saturday as the opening hours are longer, and you can easily combine a visit here with other nearby attractions and museums such as the Alcazaba.
12. Taste Andalucian Cuisine in Local Markets
Sampling the local cuisine is essential when visiting southern Spain, and there’s no better place to do this than in one of the local markets.
Seville, Malaga and Cordoba all have markets that offer a selection of specialties and must-try dishes like jamon iberico, gazpacho, and pescaito frito.
You may also be interested in taking a cooking class to find out more about how to prepare these delicious dishes yourself, or taking an organized food tour where you can learn some Spanish food facts.
Our final thoughts on Andalucia in September
Visiting Andalucia in September is a great way to experience the authentic side of the region, with the opportunity to have some unique experiences, such as attending the Feria de Pedro Romero.
During your stay, you should certainly try to immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the region to have the most engaging and fascinating vacation.
If you’ve visited Andalucia in September, we’d love you to share your own tips and experiences, and why not subscribe to get more interesting updates and helpful travel guides.
Check out other guides like best hikes in Southern Spain to learn more about Andaucia.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!