21+ best cities and towns in Andalucia (with photos)

Most beautiful cities and towns in Andalucia

Best cities and towns in Andalucia - Map

Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate my 13 cities and towns listed above:

#1 - Cordoba

My top 10 below is in no particular order, except for the number 1 spot.
I really enjoyed Cordoba!!!

Why visit?

Cordoba has stolen my heart.
The old center of the city has the perfect size and offers an incredible mix of architectures including roman and islamic.
The small streets with whitewashed houses offer a meander of exploration with lots of character.
Plus, all that is surrounded by a river and the mountains in the distance.

Best things to do -

• Admire the hundreds of arches in the famous cathedral
• Explore the Alcazabar (fortress) and its gardens
• Walk along the river and appreciate the bridge and its history
• Explore the old city and make discoveries at every turn such as a temple or a colorful square
• Visit the Palacio de Viana and its 12 patios which are all different!
• Drive 15min to visit the ruins of Medina Azahara

#2 - Sevilla / Seville

Why visit?

Sevilla is the main city in Andalucia.
It is a wonderful place to enjoy architecture, gastronomy and culture. It is home to many museums and architectural masterpieces.
Plus it has a vibe that you won't find anywhere else. Make sure to walk around at night and listen to the musical groups sharing their passion.

Best things to do -

• Visit the cathedral, one of the largest in the World
• Explore the Real Alcazar (fortress) with Mudejar decor and stunning gardens
• Play under the Las Setas - the incredible wooden structure designed by Jürgen Mayer and built in 2011
• Visit the palaces such as Casa de Pilatos (for its tiles) or Lebrija Palace (for its roman mosaics)
• Enjoy the sunset at Plaza de Espana and admire the transformation of the building as the lights turn on
• And so much more...

#3 - Granada

Why visit?

A town at the foot of the mountains of Sierra Nevada with masterpieces of Islamic architecture... 
It is home to the world-famous Nazaries palace that you can't describe with words. And thanks to its hill, you can enjoy gorgeous views all around.

Best things to do -

• Explore the Alhambra fortress complex with the Alcazabar, the Nazaries Palace, the Generalife - but make sure to book your ticket early!
• Walk the hilly streets of the Albaicin neighborhood for views of the Alhambra and a feel for the old town
• Visit the cathedral and don't miss the Royal chapel next to it!
• Explore the market streets around the cathedral
• And feel the peace in the courtyard of Monasterio San Jeronimo

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Andalucia:

#4 - Cadiz

Why visit?

A city built on a tiny peninsula only attached to the mainland by a narrow band... that means sea views all around!
Cadiz is a completely different experiences than the 3 main cities above.
You can feel the history all around as you walk down the cobbled streets with the waves in the background.

Best things to do -

• Visit the cathedral, the most famous buildings in the old town and climb to the top!
• Don't miss the hidden roman ruins of an amphitheater!!!
• Walk all around the town with sea views and forts
• Enjoy the sandy beaches
• Stroll the old town and feel inspired
• Find out more in my article about Cadiz

#5 - Jerez de la Frontera

Why visit?

Jerez de la Frontera is a large city with all the features from the other cities listed above... yet, it is a lot less famous and touristy!
It has a lot of charm with beautiful squares, a cathedral and a fortress.
Contrary to the other, the streets are quite large!

Best things to do -

• Don't miss the cathedral with a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassic styles - with stunning columns and sculpted roofs
• Climb the tower (Torre Campanario) of the cathedral (not attached) for fantastic views
• Explore the Alcazar with the oldest part of the fortress, the Arab baths, and the Baroque palace with an impressive pharmacy room
• Have a quick stop at the nearby Carthusian Monastery to admire the sculpted façade
• See more in my Jerez Article

#6 - Antequera

Why visit?

Antequera is not as famous as other towns, yet it has it all:

• Hills for incredible views
• Mountains and rock formations at Torcal de Antequera
• White houses
• A fort
• Dolmens
• ....

Don't overlook this incredible central town where you will be traveling through time!

Best things to do -

• Explore the Moorish fort and enjoy the views over the city
• Visit the 3 dolmens from the Bronze age - very different from one another
• The Roman baths
• The Renaissance and Baroque palaces
• Get to the top of other hills for great views
• Drive to Torcal de Antequera and marvel at the layers of rocks stacked like pancakes
• See more in my Antequera article

#7 - Ronda

Why visit?

Ronda is one of the most famous towns in Andalucia (apart from the big cities) and for good reason.
The town is perched on the El Tajo Gorge where an impressive bridge allows you to drive from one side to the other.
Plus it is the main town to explore a series of charming white villages.

Best things to do -

• Find the various viewpoints of the bridge - be impressed by the 120m (390ft) height of the canyon
• Explore the old town
• Visit the Bullring and its museum - Plaza del Toros
• Drive down the gorge to learn more about the Arab baths
• Plan some time to visit all the beautiful villages around: Setenil de las Bodegas, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Montejaque...
• See more in my article about Ronda

#8 - Baeza

Why visit?

During the 16th century, it was the golden era for both Ubeda and Baeza. The noble families had many buildings built: palaces, cathedral, churches. And they are well preserved to this day. Today, they form a Unesco Heritage site.
Ubeda is listed further down as Baeza was my favorite of the two towns.

Best things to do -

• Walk around and absorb history
• Admire the cathedral
• Don't miss the façade of the Palacio de Jabalquinto
• And walk around the fortification walls for great views of the olive trees and mountains

#9 - Guadix

Why visit?

Guadix is rarely listed among the best towns in Andalucia, and I can't understand why.
This is a very different experience that should be included to any road trips in the region: troglodyte houses in a desert area... need I say more?

Best things to do -

• Visit the old part of town with the Troglodyte houses. I recommend a night here to really experience it and appreciate the colors at sunrise and sunset
• The new part of town with the fort
• The cathedral

#10 - Nerja

Why visit?

Nerja is a popular coastal town at the Eastern limit of the Costa del Sol. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has not been damaged by tourism construction. Its most famous feature is the Balcony of Europe, a promenade on the edge of the cliff.

Best things to do -

• Explore the old quarter of the town is typical with narrow streets and white houses and soak in the charm
• Admire the view for the Balcony of Europe
• Don't miss the Eagle aqueduct just outside of town
• And visit the Nerja cave for an underground experience

#11 to #16 - Other Andalusian Towns worth visiting

#11 - Chipiona

• Why visit & highlights -
  Chipiona is a charming coastal town with golden
• Northwest of Cadiz, along the coast - 50min drive from Cadiz
• How long to plan -
  Half-a-day
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Chipiona

#12 - Tarifa

• Why visit & highlights -
  Tarifa is a charming coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. It also offers access to stunning sandy beaches with strong wind ideal for windsurfing.
  It is a great place to stay overnight in order to enjoy both sunrise and sunset in the strait of Gibraltar.
• Location -
• West of Gibraltar - 1h20 drive from Cadiz
• How long to plan -
  Half-a-day to explore
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Tarifa

#13 - Almunecar

• Why visit & highlights -
  Nice seaside town with beach, castle and roman ruins for fish salting.
• Location -
  1h20 east of Malaga
• How long to plan -
  Half-a-day
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Almunecar

#14 - Ubeda

• Why visit & highlights -
  I listed Baeza above. This is the town town Ubeda, part of the Unesco site.
  Capital of the Andalousian Renaissance, Ubeda is famous for its Renaissance style palaces and churches which have been beautifully preserved.
  During the 16th century, important families from Ubeda, who reached top postions in the Spanish Monarchy administration, were competing. Art flourished and Renaissance architecture spread out.
• Location -
  1h30 East of Cordoba
• How long to plan -
  Half a day to a day
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Ubeda

#15 - Carmona

• Why visit & highlights -
  The region of Carmona has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
  As one of the oldest towns in Europe, you can see traces of various civilizations: Moorish buildings, Roman ruins, 16th century palaces.
  It offers a pleasant experience as you stroll through the narrow streets and admire all the details of the buildings: fortifications, churches, convents, palaces...
• Location -
  East of Seville, 30min drive
• How long to plan -
  Half a day to a day
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Carmona

#16 - Arcos de la Frontera

• Why visit & highlights -
  One of the most dramatic white towns in Andalucia due to its position on top of a ridge, with the Guadalete River below.
  It offers fantastic views from the distance as well as viewpoints atop the cliffside.
  Inhabited since prehistoric times, it became a defensive strongpoint during the Middle Ages.
• Location -
  Between Cadiz and Seville, 45min drive from Cadiz
• How long to plan -
  A short stop for the views of half a day to a day to explore
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Arcos de la Frontera

#17 to #22 - Other large Andalusian cities

Those are not in my favorites but should be mentioned because they are some of the largest cities.

#17 - Malaga

• Why visit & highlights -
  A busy coastal city with vibrant nightlife.
  Fort, Roman relics and modern art to be combined with beaches.
• Location -
  Coasta del Sol - Seville to Malaga = 2h15 drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Malaga

#18 - Marbella

• Why visit & highlights -
  One of the main towns on Costa del Sol, famous for its sandy beaches.
• Location -
  West of Malaga - 50min drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Marbella

#19 - Huelva

• Why visit & highlights -
  Capital of the Huelva province. Home to the Columbus Museum.
  Access to the Donana National Park
• Location -
  Seville to Huelva = 1h10 drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Huelva

#20 - Almeria

• Why visit & highlights -
  Smaller town on the East side of Andalucia, with a beautiful fort offering sea views.
  It is the gateway to Cabo de Gata Nature Park and its stunning beaches.
• Location -
  Seville to Almeria = 4h drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Almeria

#21 - Jaen

• Why visit & highlights -
  A far less touristic town but niched in the mountains.
  One of the best features is the cathedral and the views from the top of the old town.
• Location -
  East of Cordoba - 1h30 drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Jaen

#22 - Algeciras

• Why visit & highlights -
  It has always been an important maritime center because of its strategic location, opposite Gibraltar on the Bay of Algeciras.
  Close to Los Alcornocales Natural Park.
• Location -
  West of Malaga - 1h40 drive
• Check out the best rated accommodations in Algeciras

Want to see more of the best Andalucia has to offer?

• Best landscapes in Andalucia in 40 pictures - read article
• 24 best things to do in Andalucia - read article (to be published)
• 17 most beautiful white villages in Andalucia - read article
• 20 best beaches in Andalucia - read article
• Cordoba vs Sevilla vs Granada - where to go? - read article
• Tips to plan a road trip around Andalucia - read article
• 16 best castles and palaces in Andalucia - read article

Planning a trip to Andalucia?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan: