A guide in honor of the most beautiful Provinces in Andalucia
Our team believes in extraordinary and worthwhile destinations, so we focus on the unique offerings of the provinces in Andalucia.
Surrounded by the Atlantic and a long stretch of the Mediterranean Coast in the south and inland regions and some parts of Portugal in the north, Andalucia is filled with diversities that every kind of traveler has perfect places to go year-round.
But steeped in history, cultural legacy, and truly varied landscapes, deciding where to start can be tricky.
So whether you’re planning your first major trip or looking for your next stop, here’s a peek at Andalucia’s highlights and best-kept secrets.
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OVERVIEW: Top Provinces in Andalucia
- Seville
- Granada
- Almeria
1. Granada: Moorish Splendor and Snowy Peaks
Aside from its quirky contrast of landscapes and climates, Granada attracts tourists for its impressive blend of old and modern architecture. – Check guided tours here
Dominating the capital, the palace of Alhambra is one of the best places to visit in Andalucia.
Constructed in the 13th century under the Nasrid Dynasty, the palace forms beautiful courtyards, fountains, and buildings with intricate Arab architecture.
We recommend extending the usual two-day itinerary that most tourists spend visiting Alhambra.
Granada has plenty of interesting places to leave unexplored such as the Albaicín—the Jewish quarter with a dreamy neighborhood of whitewashed buildings and blooming flowers.
A few kilometers from the city, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Natural Park has the highest peak in Spain.
Known for its widest ski areas in Southern Europe, it’s also one of the ideal hikes in Andalucia, especially from May to October when greenery and flowers bloom.
2. Seville: Flamenco, Architecture, and Exquisite Cuisine
Beside the Guadalquivir River, lies the glorious Seville. Bursting with things to do in Andalucia, enjoy a slow travel to soak up Spain’s rich heritage.
At the heart of a cobblestoned old town lined with orange trees, are the largest Gothic Cathedral and its 12th-century adjoining tower, La Giralda. – Get the guided tour here.
Visitors can climb the tower to see the 24 bells and the city’s awe-inspiring vista.
Near the Cathedral is the Real Alcazar, a Royal Palace with opulent Mudéjar architecture that’s very familiar to the Game of Thrones fans.
Opposite the above places to see in Andalucia, watch a passionate art that sprung from the neighborhood of Triana, the famous Flamenco dance.
After a show, you can eat at the nearby El Rinconcillo, the oldest among thousands of tapas bars in Seville.
While hidden inside a 17th-century convent, you’ll find the artworks of Spain’s renowned painters at the Museo de Bellas Artes.
3. Málaga: Sun, Sea, and Picasso’s Hometown
Recently known for its strategic airport and upgraded port, Malaga has a unique mix of coastal and cultural charm.
No wonder it’s one of the most visited provinces in Andalucia.
With 160 km of Mediterranean coastline known as Costa del Sol, it boasts numerous pristine beaches.
One of its popular beaches is La Malagueta. Its expansive shore offers heaps of activities including places for surfing in Andalucia.
Not too far is El Palo Beach where you can enjoy a traditional atmosphere and try local tapas and fresh fish from interesting chiringuitos.
Notably, Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the museums in Malaga with more than 200 pieces of his art collections.
Diverse with Andalucia attractions, you can also find some of the best white villages in Andalucia in Malaga.
4. Cádiz: Ancient Port City and Coastal Charms
What is Andalucia famous for?
Some are found in Cadiz, which includes the prettiest villages in Andalucia and the most celebrated Spanish wine, Sherry.
But the province’s unique character comes from its strong maritime tradition that echoes amid modernity.
It is where some of the historic voyages to the New World (Americas) launched around the 15th-16th century.
You can learn more about its maritime history from the camera obscura demonstration in Torre Tavira, the city’s tallest watchtower.
For a laid-back atmosphere outside the bustling regions of Andalucia, we recommend heading to Cadiz. Most visitors admired the old town, where they walked along maze-like streets with colorful architecture and hidden squares.
However, if you want to experience a massive street party, see the carnival in February. The celebration includes the humorous Falla Theatre Competition.
5. Córdoba: The Mesmerizing Mezquita and Beyond
Distinct in historical charm, Cordoba is full of architectural marvels strongly connected to different civilizations and religions.
One of the most precious Andalucia tourist attractions is Cordoba’s Mezquita Cathedral.
Turned into a Cathedral with the Baroque altarpiece by the Christians, its interior resembles a labyrinth of beautiful columns and countless arches, making it one of the most fascinating examples of Moorish architecture.
With great significance, the Mezquita-Cathedral with attractions near it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
From the historic center to the streets of the Jewish Quarter, where visitors can find a medieval synagogue and the Roman Bridge.
6. Huelva: Natural Beauty and Columbus’s Legacy
At the corner of western Andalucia, Huelva is off the beaten path, making it a compelling destination.
Its natural attractions are unparalleled among the provinces in Andalucia. The province is home to most of the Doñana National Park, with Cadiz and Seville.
Tucked at the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, the park is one of Europe’s most important wetlands.
Its diverse ecosystems protect numerous flora and fauna, particularly bird species.
Over an hour from Seville or two from Huelva City, you can find typical Mediterranean vegetation at Sierra de Aracena.
Not left behind with deep Andalusia history, Huelva is where Columbus first set out to the New World in 1492.
A tour of the Monastery of La Rábida in Palos, one of the things to see in Andalucia, is an opportunity to learn about Columbus’s story.
7. Jaén: Olive Groves and Castle-studded Landscapes
We often recommend visiting Jaen for its incredible Renaissance architecture in Úbeda and Baeza.
But the province is best known for its endless olive groves, hence named the World’s capital of olive oil production.
In addition to the olive oil tasting tours, don’t miss the castles in Andalucia when visiting Jaen.
One of its hidden gems is the Castillo Burgalimar—a 10th-century Moorish castle with 15 towers and still intact walls.
Like other provinces in Spain, particularly Cordoba, Jaen was shaped by three prominent cultures—Jewish, Moorish, and Christian—over the centuries.
History lovers can notice it through architecture and traditions, during their best day trips in Andalucia Spain.
8. Almería: Desert Landscapes and Film Set Backdrops
Almeria may be one of the less traveled provinces in Andalucia, but if you love sunshine, history, and free tapas, you’ll enjoy this sun-baked province in southern Spain.
Mostly comprised of desert-like landscapes with scrubland and moon-like rock formations, numerous Western films were set in this Andalucia region.
One of the favorite film locations is the Alcazaba, a 10th-century Moorish citadel perched on a hill that looms over the city.
Given the climate, the province is never short of natural beauty.
In fact, it is home to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Reserve, where there are plenty of things to do in Andalusia such as exploring undisturbed beaches, birdwatching, and trekking along volcanic cliffs.
Insider Tips for Exploring Andalucía’s Provinces
Andalucia is known for its magnificent heritage and rich culture, so there’s no reason to miss Seville, Granada, and Cordoba—the prime cities in Andalucia brimming with palaces, castles, and cathedrals.
Near the best places in Andalusia, these cities have frequent public transportation, which typically includes buses, trains, and ride-sharing apps.
If you can extend your 1 week itinerary in Andalucia, venture to the Andalusian mountains or slow down in quiet smaller villages beyond the cities to other provinces.
Although renting a car or joining a tour seems better to reach these places, they are some of the most memorable places to visit in Andalucia.
September to November are the best months to visit. You can swim on the warm Mediterranean waters, yet there’s a perfect outdoor condition for sightseeing and hiking.
Spring has pleasant weather too and there are many festivals to participate in.
Certainly not the least, locals love to clean up and don’t wear too casual clothes. So we’ll also encourage you to dress up well, especially when visiting the cities in Andalusia.
Conclusion on Provinces in Southern Spain
Stunning ancient architecture, traditional Andalucia villages, and delicious Spanish foods may not be a rarity in Spain.
But when blended with diverse landscapes such as miles of olive groves, the beautiful Malaga coastline, or the snow-covered Andalusia mountains, the provinces in Andalucia could be someone’s bucket list most exciting tick.
Make it yours too as you check out more of the best things to do in Andalucia!
FAQ about Provinces in Southern Spain
How many provinces are there in Andalusia?
There are eight provinces in Andalucia, which include Huelva, Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Jaén, and Almería.
How is Andalucia different from the rest of Spain?
Andalucia has varied landscapes compared to most of Spain—from Huelva’s wetlands and Spain’s highest peak, Sierra Nevada to impressive beaches and Almeria’s desert-like landscapes.
What cities are in Andalucia?
The eight provinces in Andalucia have capitals or cities of the same name.
So if someone asks what towns are in Andalucia, you can also say Huelva, Sevilla, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Jaén, and Almería.
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!