A guide to the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter for a great holiday
Southern Spain is wonderful to visit all year round but it takes on a different vibe from November onwards as the weather gets cooler.
We’re sure you’ll appreciate some of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter involve being inside.
Our list includes lots of fabulous ideas such as taking in a museum or a cathedral, but there are many more things to see in Andalucia outdoors such as natural parks and excursions.
Check out our guide to eight interesting locations in the region and what you can expect to enjoy when you visit at this time of year.
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Overview: Our favorite things to do in Andalucia in Winter
- See a flamenco dance in Seville – Get the guided tour here
- Visit the art of Picasso in Málaga – Check the guided tour here
- Enjoy the natural parks of Jaén
- Go desert horseback riding in Almería
1. Seville
If you’re staying in Seville in winter until early January, on the 6th you will get to experience the Día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, which celebrates the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men.
There’s always lots of festivities and merriment on this day in Seville and a huge parade winds its way through the city with multiple floats.
Wandering around the cobbled streets of Seville’s Christmas markets and warming up with a cup of thick hot chocolate and churros for dipping in is one of the things to do in Andalucia in winter that is sure to create happy memories of your time here.
The historical tour of the flamenco museum is great, but if you want to see all of that history in real-life action then you should book a ticket to see the twirling flamenco dancers spinning rhythmically on the stage. – check the guided tour here
There are also performances at locations such as El Arenal and of course Seville is easily one of best places to visit in Andalucia in winter.
2. Granada
Granada is one of best places to visit in Andalucia in winter where you can both enjoy the pleaseant Spanish weather and ski at the same time.
Granada in winter is an amazing time to visit as you can do everything from walking around the magnificent Alhambra Palace to wandering at your own pace through the Albaicín district with every twist and turn filled with history. – Get the guided tour here
It’s a great place to watch the sunset and one of the most beautiful places in Granada to get a sense of the local culture.
Pair this evening walk with a culinary sample of winter delicacies to warm you up such as puchero which features aromatic herbs, tasty chorizo, and soft chickpeas.
Thrill seekers can choose from one of the many hotels in Sierra Nevada for one or two nights as you head up to the Sierra Nevada ski resort and enjoy a day of skiing in the most gorgeous mountain scenery Spain has to offer.
3. Málaga
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Andalucia in winter then Málaga has it all.
Málaga in winter is the perfect time to do historical exploration tours that show you another side of this region’s rich culture and history.
Pay a visit to the Alcazaba and see the remnants of Islamic architectural style as well as Gibralfaro Castle which encompasses a hiking route. – Book a guided tour here
Days can be spent wandering on the beaches of the Costa del Sol without the boom of summer tourism and evenings strolling through places like Calle Larios with its splendid festive light display can be paired with sampling some local fare in a quaint side street eatery.
The Picasso Museum has to be one of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter as it showcases the artistic genius of this Spanish artist in all its glory including ceramics as well as famous paintings of his.
4. Córdoba
La Mezquita is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Andalucia and is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its brilliant architecture with Islamic arches decorating both the inside and outside. – Get the guided tour here
If you’re spending one day in Córdoba as part of a wider tour of places to visit in Andalucia, then head to the Jewish Quarter for a myriad of photo opportunities thanks to the narrow cobbled streets and traditional Spanish housing.
Córdoba boasts world-class restaurants and smaller independent cafes where you can enjoy a range of delicious food from the region such as rabo de toro which is a red wine meaty stew and flamenquín which is crunchy pork wrapped in jamón serrano.
One of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter is the Roman Bridge which is a magical place to end an evening of adventure in the city with its scenic views and twinkling lights.
5. Ronda
Ronda is just a stone’s throw from popular tourist destinations like Marbella and Málaga which makes it one of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter if you’re pairing your visit with other interesting areas.
In Ronda you can’t miss the Puente Nuevo bridge with vistas of the El Tajo Gorge below so don’t forget your camera.
The Old Town is perfect for an afternoon stroll as the weather in Southern Spain at this time of year keeps you cool no matter how far you walk.
If you’ve rented a car you can even pay a visit to villages like Grazalema and Algodonales close by with quaint whitewashed homes.
Two structures of significance in the area are a must-see in Andalusia: the Plaza de Toros in Ronda with a museum attached and the Palacio de Mondragón which sits in a 13th-century home and features beautiful courtyards and water features.
6. Cádiz
Spain has lots of cities right on the beach which gives it the best of both worlds and Cádiz is one of the best places to visit in Spain in winter for beach strolls by the Atlantic Ocean.
Andalucia in winter can get chilly but it also offers ample opportunity to explore the city without the heat or crowds associated with the summer.
Enjoy a walk around the Cádiz Cathedral whose golden dome is a centerpoint of the city and climb the architectural belltower or head over to the Tavira Tower for a picturesque panorama of the city.
Owing to its oceanic location you can expect winter seafood in many of the restaurants to warm you up.
Tortillitas de camarones bring a delicious crunchy experience and arroz con mariscos is akin to paella and it can be bought for multiple people and served to the table in a huge pan.
7. Jaén
A history bursting with rich Spanish culture, the city has lots to explore if you’re looking for things to do in Andalucia with a historical background.
Pay a visit to Jaén Cathedral which boasts intricate designs carved hundreds of years ago or head up to the Castillo de Santa Catalina for the best views of the town thanks to its lofty position.
When the winter temperature in Andalusia drops, you can warm up in one of the Arab bathhouses, which have hot water pools.
Or, if you’d prefer to use the cooler temperatures to explore nature, the Sierra de Andújar National Park offers waterfalls and pine forests as far as the eye can see.
You can also enjoy hundreds of unique and interesting walking trails here, since it’s one of the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter for that.
For other things to do in Andalucia with kids you can discover a key product of the region by visiting an olive oil farm for an educational experience and also tasting sessions.
8. Almería
If you’re wondering what to do in Andalucia, Spain during the winter months, then Almería has lots to offer.
It has the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park which encompasses everything from gorgeous beaches and cliffs to locations where you can stop for a scenic picnic in one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia with views of the Mediterranean Sea. – Check the guided tour here
From wet and windy coastlines to a dry desert location, Tabernas is an awesome place to visit during cooler months and you can do everything from exploring on horseback on the sandy landscape to buzzing around on desert quads.
You can also spend an evening walking through the streets of the city before ending up at the architecturally significant Alcazaba of Almería which delivers a spell-binding panorama of the city.
Our final conclusion on visiting Andalucia in Winter
The best places to visit in Andalucia in winter time are the fabulous cities we’ve chosen with so much to see, do, discover and explore.
Choose from a selection of cathedrals, castles and museums to absorb the culture and tradition of the region.
We are positive that the cooler weather makes these experiences even more fulfilling as you can explore at your own pace.
Andalucia in January and February offers a unique perspective of local life when the tourist crowds are nowhere to be found, and if you come in December you’re guaranteed to be wrapped up in a range of wonderful Spanish Christmas traditions.
Whether you enjoy gentle beach strolls, the best hikes in Southern Spain or prefer the vibrancy of walking through the city streets, as you can see from our rundown there’s always something to do at this time of year to keep you entertained.
Short FAQ about places to visit in Andalucia in winter
Where is warm in Andalucia in winter?
The best city to visit in Andalucia in Winter is Seville.
Seville, the capital of Andalucia has year-round high temperatures and during Winter, the temperatures are between 16 and 18C.
What is Andalusia like in winter?
Andalucia in Winter might be colder but quite sunny.
The temperatures are between 11°c to 18°c with around 5 or 6 hours of sunshine each day during the winter months.
What is the best month to visit Andalucía?
The best month to visit Andalucia depends of course on what are you looking to do.
During June and September you will get the best seaside experience, yet the Winter time is perfect for visiting those cities when Summer is too hot.
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!