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9 Best Cities in Southern Spain to Visit
The south of Spain, known as Andalusia, is my favourite part of the country and there are so many beautiful cities waiting to be explored. The region as a whole is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes.
From the beach vibes in Málaga to the Moorish charm of Granada, every city in this region has its own unique charm and inviting atmosphere. In this post, I’ll list the best cities in Southern Spain to add to your Spain bucket list.
Best Cities in Southern Spain
1. Seville
Seville is the capital city of Andalusia and one of the most visited cities in Spain. It’s also one of my favourite cities in the south of Spain.
The main attractions in Seville include the stunning Alcázar Palace, the Seville Cathedral, the iconic Plaza de España, and the modern wooden structure Setas de Sevilla. Be sure to also try the local tapas and take a stroll in the beautiful Maria Luisa Park.
Even though I recommend to spend at least 3 days in Seville, you can watch me explore the main sights of the city in this YouTube video:
2. Granada
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is known for its rich history and breathtaking architecture. The highlight of this city is definitely the Alhambra Palace, a Moorish fortress that dates back to the 9th century.
Other great things to do in Granada include wandering the narrow streets of Albayzín and visiting cave houses in Sacromonte. You can even visit a unique cave church in Granada, one of the most unusual churches in Granada.
I also highly recommend to visit one of the Arab baths in Granada, soaking in the warm waters is the perfect way to relax after a day exploring.
3. Córdoba
Córdoba is a charming and picturesque city with a rich history influenced by Roman, Muslim, and Christian cultures. The main attraction in Córdoba is the impressive Mezquita, an old mosque turned into a Catholic church.
Other must-see sights include the stunning Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the historic Roman bridge, and the charming Jewish Quarter.
While I usually recommend at least 2 days for most cities, Córdoba works well as a day trip. I took a day trip to Córdoba from Seville by train and had enough time to see all the top spots. But I’m sure you can find great things to do for a few days as well.
4. Málaga
Málaga is the best connected city in Andalusia internationally. It’s a lively city on the Mediterranean coast and known as a party town for tourists. It took me two visits to truly appreciate it. On my second visit though, I couldn’t stop thinking how amazing this city is.
Málaga, the hometown of Pablo Picasso, features his birthplace museum and an art museum dedicated to him. Other top things to do in Málaga include visiting the impressive Alcazaba fortress, strolling through the picturesque old town, and walking up to Gibralfaro Castle for stunning city views.
With its central location and good connections to other Andalusian cities, Málaga is the perfect base for day trips.
5. Ronda
Ronda is a small but incredibly charming city, located on top of a cliff in the mountains. It’s famous for its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge that spans over a deep gorge connecting the newer part of the town with the historical Old Town.
Other must-see sights in Ronda include the historic Arab Baths, which are some of the best preserved in Spain, and the old city walls.
The best way to see Ronda is on a day tour from Seville. This also lets you visit some white villages along the way, which are hard to reach by public transport.
6. Almería
Almería may not be my favorite city in Andalusia, but it has its advantages, so it can’t be missing from this list.
The main attractions in Almería are the Alcazaba fortress, one of the largest Arab fortresses in Spain, and the Almería Cathedral.
You can also visit the unique Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, just outside the city, which has dramatic volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches with clear turquoise waters.
7. Cádiz
Cádiz is a small port city located on the coast, known for its beautiful beaches. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in western Europe and has a unique charm with its narrow winding streets and historic buildings.
Top things to do in Cádiz include visiting the Cathedral of Cádiz, taking a stroll along La Caleta beach, and exploring the picturesque old town.
You can easily visit Cádiz as a day trip from Seville or Málaga, or spend a few night there to enjoy some more beach time.
8. Marbella
Marbella is a coastal city near Málaga. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Spain and a popular tourist destination due to its accessibility and beautiful beaches.
While Marbella may not be the top cultural destination on this list, it’s definitely worth a visit to relax on the beach and indulge in some shopping.
9. Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is a small city known for its production of sherry wine, Andalusian horses, and flamenco. It’s home to several important landmarks such as the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Alcázar of Jerez.
Be sure to also visit one of the many wineries in the area for an authentic wine-tasting experience.
Map of the Top Southern Spain Cities
Final Thoughts: Best Cities in Andalusia
Whether you’re planning a Southern Spain weekend getaway, a road trip through Southern Spain, or a trip to Spain and Portugal, add some of these cities to your itinerary—they’re just that beautiful.
From stunning architecture and rich history to beautiful beaches, Southern Spain offers a variety of experiences. And when you have time to explore beyond popular cities as well you’ll find some amazing hidden gems in Andalusia.
Read more about Andalusia:
- Epic Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia
- 9 Best Cities in Southern Spain to Visit
- Is Granada Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Visiting Alhambra Tips
- Guide to Vegan Granada
- Visiting Arab Baths In Granada
- Sacromonte Cave Houses in Granada: All You Need to Know
- Best Tours from Seville to Granada
- Epic Day Trip From Seville To Ronda With White Villages
- Ultimate Day Trip From Seville To Córdoba
- Amazing 3 Days in Seville Itinerary: What to See & Do
- How Many Days in Seville Is Enough?
- 7 Absolute Best Day Trips from Seville, Spain
- Granada vs Malaga: Why I Prefer Granada Over Málaga
- Ultimate Guide to Málaga Old Town (with Map)
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
- Destinations in Spain
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