Planning a trip to Southern Spain? Cities like Sevilla, Málaga, or Córdoba often grab the spotlight, but Andalusia offers much more. If you want to avoid crowded cities and enjoy Andalusian countryside with its olive-covered hills, medieval castles, and unique villages, we have top 10 ideas of attractions to inspire you when putting together your itinerary. Next stop, Andalusia!
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1. Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey is a popular hiking place located around 60 kilometers from Málaga. It offers an 8-kilometer adventure in which you’ll cross some of the most impressive cliffs, canyons, and valleys of Southern Spain.
And it’s not just a regular hiking path. Caminito del Rey is made of wooden bridges hanging 100 meters up against the walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. With a little bit of luck, you can spot birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles.
To visit, you need to buy tickets at the official site, where you can choose between self-guided or guided tours.
2. El Torcal de Antequera
Torcal de Antequera is a natural reserve found in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range in the province of Málaga. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the place offers breathtaking views of rock formations. Prepare your hiking boots, a backpack, and lots of water!
The good news is you don’t have to spend a dime to visit it, unless you want to pay for the shuttle bus or a guided tour.
3. Nerja Cave
All the way to the coast on the very South and only ten minutes from the town of Nerja by bus, is located the Nerja cave. Offering 5 galleries and a museum, the attraction is suitable for those interested in prehistory as well as casual tourists with a curiosity to see the biggest stalactite in the world (32 meters high).
The tickets are available online and on-site, and cost no more than 20 €. You can also opt for the Nerja tourist train with a free mobile audioguide. EU citizens can enter for free on working days at 9:30 am.
4. Tabernas Desert
The next on the list is a landscape you may recognize from classic movies, where spaghetti westerns were filmed in the 1960s and 1970s. We’re talking about a European only desert, Tabernas, located in the Almería region.
Apart from a natural richness of indigenous species and a unique ecosystem, you can visit the Moorish Tabernas Castle from the 6th century, a Gothic-style chapel, Ermita de San Sebastián, or a nearby Oasys MiniHollywood theme park to step into the shoes of a Western outlaw, and walk the streets of a typical Western village.
5. Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar
Once in Almería, you shouldn’t skip the natural park of Cabo de Gata-Níjar, ideal for biking, walking, or horse riding lovers. The park spans approximately 500 square kilometers, with 120 km2 designated as a marine reserve. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel to explore the colorful reefs and lively sea life.
There’s plenty to explore – viewpoints, a watchtower, a lighthouse, an aqueduct, a church, towers, stunning beaches, the choice is yours.
6. Castle of Almodóvar del Río
No more than an hour’s drive from Córdoba is the village of Almodóvar del Río. A little uphill from there lies the Castle of Almodóvar del Río, a spot where the 7th season of Game of Thrones gave life to Highgarden, the Tyrell’s house.
The castle can be visited all year long except for 1.1 and 25.12, but the opening hour vary depending on the season, so always check the official site.
7. Medina Azahara
Halfway between the Almodóvar del Río and Córdoba capital is an old monument that goes back to the Medieval times, when Muslim rule extended over much of the Iberian Peninsula. Built in the 10th century, Medina Azahara is a city palace that reflects the glory and luxury of Al-Andalus during its peak. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.
As an EU citizen, you can explore “the Shining City” for free. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the site is closed on Mondays.
8. Setenil de las Bodegas
White villages are an Andalusian classic, but there is one especially popular among tourists. What makes Setenil de las Bodegas special is that it’s built right beneath towering rock overhangs. Just around 30 minutes by car from Ronda, you can enjoy a “café con leche” on a cute terrace underneath the rocks.
Although the town is small, its uniqueness makes it very touristy, and it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or the evening if you have a car. Otherwise, expect larger crowds between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when tour buses typically arrive.
9. El Tajo de Ronda
Just a short drive from Setenil lies Ronda, home to one of Spain’s most dramatic natural wonders, the famous 500-meters-long “Tajo” gorge. The gorge originated around 5,000 years ago as a result of a seismic movement. A bridge was built to connect the two plateaus. You can walk past the Tajo for only 5 €, and enjoy the views of this geological marvel.
Ronda is bigger and has lots of things to offer. If you have time, we recommend you take advantage of Ronda’s lively evening scene that will surprise you for a town of its size. Before heading home, enjoy its cozy tapas bars, taste wine at the best local wine cellars, or even stop for some free slots rounds at a local casino.
10. Zahara de la Sierra
In the Cádiz province, in the northern part of the Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema, is the village Zahara de la Sierra, in which you’ll find a little bit of everything. In the village, make sure to explore the old town, walk past the clock tower, admire the colorful façade of the Chapel of San Juan de Letrán, and have a drink on the main street (Calle Ronda).
Apart from the village, you can visit a 12th-century Nasrid castle for free, walk by the lake, or explore the surrounding valleys. If you’re a more adventurous type, you can take a 2,5 kilometer hiking trail via the Garganta Verde through a narrow canyon. These were the top 10 countryside attractions to add to your itinerary when visiting Andalusia. From Cádiz to Almería, each province hides a rural gem. Sure, the Southern cities have a lot to offer, but to escape the hustle and bustle, these rural escapes offer the perfect breath of fresh air.
