Skip to Content

5 Top tourist attractions in Southern Spain

Guest Post

Spain has long been the destination of choice for holidaymakers all over Europe.

A combination of incredible weather, beautiful countryside, an intriguing history, and amazing sights all make Spain a great choice for anyone that likes to travel.

Many don’t venture beyond the best-known cities in northern and central Spain, with many opting not to go much beyond Barcelona and Madrid.

Free Spain Flag in Pole Stock Photo

And, while there are plenty of places to stay all over Spain, the south is one of the more popular areas for the sheer variety of things there are to do. 

Many visitors prefer the south coast, which overlooks the crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea known as the Costa del Sol due to the beautiful weather that the area enjoys.

There are a number of great tourist attractions in Southern Spain to visit, including:

You, dear reader, support this blog. If you purchase through a link, we earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Must-See tourist attractions in Southern Spain

Seville

Tower at Plaza de Espana in park of Maria Luisa in Seville Spain, tourist attractions in Southern Spain

This area is famous for two things – one is the comic opera written by Rossini and featuring a friendly barber who helped a friend win the love of his life away from her cruel guardian.

The other is the local oranges that bear the city’s name and have been used in marmalade for centuries. 

Visitors to the area will learn some of the more intriguing facts about Seville, and many will start with a visit to the Real Alcazar which is easily recognizable as the setting for some of the scenes in Game of Thrones.

It started its life as a fort, back in 913, and has seen centuries of renovation and redevelopment to become the royal palace it is today.

As well as plenty of historic sites, Saville also has plenty of beautiful architecture which is the perfect way to see the town.

The Hotel Alfonso XIII was built in 1929 by the king, who wanted to showcase the intricate Moorish designs that make it such an eye-catching treat to this day. 

Malaga

Free Guitar Concert photo and picture

As the birthplace of Picasso, there are plenty of art-related sites to spot around Malaga, including a Museum that bears his name.

The Museo Picasso Malaga features exhibitions about the life and work of Picasso himself, and because his career spanned more than eight decades, there is plenty to learn about what inspired and motivated this incredible creator to make his art.

Travelers that want to sample more local culture can head to the Teatro Cervantes, a beautiful venue built in the 19th century that is home to an elaborate ceiling mural.

Visitors can enjoy traditional Spanish entertainment in the form of flamenco dancing, but there are plenty of other performances to choose from.

No wonder Malaga is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Southern Spain.

Marbella

where-to-stay-in-marbella-4

A popular choice with tourists that appreciate the area’s nightlife, Marbella is known for being the playground of the jet set in the 1950s.

From the fanciest hotels on the waterfront to the luxury yachts that can always be seen bobbing in the marina, those who appreciate the finer things in life flock to the area.

The attractions include Casino Marbella, a traditional casino that welcomes visitors from all over the world to the gaming tables that could make them rich.

Far from dampening enthusiasm for land-based casinos, the rise of online gaming has introduced a whole new generation to the excitement of casino favorites, including:

  • Poker
  • Baccarat
  • Craps
  • Blackjack
  • Roulette
  • Slots

Players in locations such as the UK and Ireland can practice their skills online at one of the many new online casinos available before taking to the tables in the opulent surroundings of one of the most exclusive gaming experiences in the area. 

Cadiz

aerial view of Cadiz

Nestled along the sun-kissed southern coast of Spain, the city of Cadiz truly captures the essence of a fantastic holiday destination.

With over 3,000 years of history under its belt, Cadiz boasts an impressive blend of ancient architecture, modern marvels, and a rich, vibrant culture.

Imagine strolling along cobblestone streets and gazing at astounding churches, Roman theater ruins, and iconic watchtowers that whisper tales from the past.

As you explore further, you’ll come across golden beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, calling you to sink your toes into the sand and bask in the warm embrace of the sun.

Indulge in the savory flavors of local gastronomy, let the rhythmic beats of flamenco sweep you off your feet, and just for a moment, forget the hustle and bustle of modern life.

So if you’re seeking an unforgettable trip filled with both historical intrigue and coastal relaxation, Cadiz is the gem of a city you simply can’t miss out on.

Granada

Generalife Granada

As one of the most popular destinations in southern Spain, the Alhambra is a World Heritage site that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Moorish fort that has been turned into a royal residence overlooks Granada, so visitors can not only learn about the intricate history of the buildings but also drink in the beautiful views.

Wherever you choose to visit in southern Spain, you will find plenty to entertain, educate, and impress you, whether that’s historical sites, beautiful artworks, or just the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.