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Where to stay in Andalucia (Spain): 15 best places + hotels

Last updated on by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Where to stay in Andalucia to best enjoy the region? 
There are options for everyone with resort towns, cities, charming villages…
Below is my guide where I compare the best places to stay in Andalucia, including:

  • best parts, areas and towns to stay in Andalucia,
  • map to get your oriented,
  • best hotels in Andalucia, and best resorts, rentals,
  • alternative accommodations…

Find a gem for your dream vacation!

Where to stay Andalucia Travel Pin2
Content
Where to stay in Andalucia – summary + map
Best places to stay in Andalucia in 2023: hotels, resorts…
Area 1 – where to stay in Sevilla
Area 2 – where to stay in Cordoba
Area 3 – where to stay in Granada
Area 4 – where to stay in Cadiz
Area 5 – where to stay in Ronda
Area 6 – where to stay in Malaga
Area 7 – where to stay in Baeza / Ubeda
Area 8 – where to stay in Nerja
Area 9 – where to stay in Antequera
Area 10 – where to stay in Cabo de Gata
Area 11 to 15 – other best towns to stay in Andalucia
Best parts and areas of Andalucia – where to go to
FAQs

❝

Best travel guide I have ever read!

Silvian about ZIgZag

Where to stay in Andalucia – summary + map

If you don’t want to read the entire article describing all the best areas to stay in Andalucia, here are my simple answers.

Where to stay in Andalucia – Map

To get you oriented, below is a map to help you locate all my selected towns listed below.
Note that the numbers are not indicating a preference, they are just numbered to better navigate this article.

Where to stay in Andalucia - best places map
Where to stay in Andalucia – best places map

Andalucia hotels and accommodations tips

Before you start looking at accommodations, below are a few tips to keep in mind while selecting your place to stay: 

  • Early – book early for Summer – It is a very busy destination especially on the seafront
  • You can find a lot of rentals everywhere, if you want access to a kitchen and avoid eating out all the time
  • If visiting in Summer, don’t forget to check about air conditioning, if heat is a problem for you
  • Always check the parking situation with the accommodation – parking can be a nightmare, so having a dedicated space is great
  • Some accommodations are in historical buildings. Rooms may be smaller but the ambiance can be worth it!

I think the entire region is worth a visit and a big road trip is a fantastic adventure.
However, not everyone wants to drive around during their vacations… So here are some tips to help you choose where to go.

Hotel in Carmona
Hotel in Carmona

Best area to stay in Andalucia for beach vacation

Playa de Bolonia
Playa de Bolonia

Best area to stay in Andalucia without a car

Sevilla by night
Sevilla by night

Best area to stay in Andalucia for couples (romantic)

Cordoba
Cordoba

Best area to stay in Andalucia for families

  • Marbella – lots of family friendly resort hotels + access to beaches
    see hotel and rental deals
    or learn more in my section about this place
  • Seville – lots of fun things to do for the entire family
    see hotel and rental deals
    or learn more in my section about this place
  • Malaga – lots of family friendly resort hotels + access to beaches
    see hotel and rental deals
    or learn more in my section about this place
everyone can have fun at Las Setas in Seville
everyone can have fun at Las Setas in Seville

Where to go in Andalucia for a weekend

Where to go in Andalucia on a road trip

I seriously recommend everywhere… LOL… except maybe the far West
It is really difficult to reduce.
Learn more in my article about planning an Andalucia road trip.

Need to rent a car in Andalucia?

My tips:

  • Compare prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
  • Don’t take a car too large, since village streets can be narrow
  • Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

See available cars

Best places to stay in Andalucia in 2023: hotels, resorts…

You could also choose where to stay in Andalucia, based on your hotel preferences.
Therefore, I am listing some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire country. 

About the selection:
I have created this guide totally independently. None of the hotels has paid to be included.
The suggestions are my own selection, based on my experience traveling there and my research. 

My top 4 – best luxury hotels in Andalucia

Hotel in Tarifa

My top 5 – best beach hotels and resorts in Andalucia

Agua Amargua

My top 5 – best boutique hotels and resorts in Andalucia

  • Hotel Casa Morisca
    In Granada, an old noble house in the historic district of Albayzin
    see photos and availability
  • Soho Boutique Hotel
    In Sevilla, beautiful decor just outside the Jewish Quarters
    see photos and availability
  • Boutique hotel La Llave de la Juderia
    In Cordoba, traditional vibe, within walking distance to all attractions
    see photos and availability
  • Hotel Don Juan Boutique
    Located in the Unesco town of Baeza, it is quite a gem with some traditional features and modern light decor
    see photos and availability
  • MB Boutique Hotel
    In Nerja, ideally located between the town center and beach – if you are looking for something with really modern design
    see photos and availability
  • …
Residencia Puerto in Tarifa
Residencia Puerto in Tarifa

My top 6 – unique accommodations in Andalucia

Sleeping in a cave house
Sleeping in a cave house

New Andalucia hotels – opened in 2022 / 2023

Area 1 – where to stay in Sevilla

Why stay in Sevilla

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.
You can plan a holiday here, or just stay for a couple of nights.

Seville

Attractions nearby

  • 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 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
  • Take day trips to Italica, Cadiz, white villages, Ronda…
  • And so much more…
Blue Catedral
Blue Catedral

Best places to stay in Sevilla – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Sevilla

Area 2 – where to stay in Cordoba

Why stay in Cordoba

Cordoba has stolen my heart. It can be a base for a one-week holiday or be a stop on your road trip with one or two nights.
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.

Cordoba

Attractions nearby

  • 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
  • Day trips to Corzola mountains, Ubeda and Baeza, Zuheros and so much more
Cordoba hotel

Best places to stay in Cordoba – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Cordoba

Area 3 – where to stay in Granada

Why stay in Granada

Granada is 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.
It is not as easy to navigate around town as Sevilla and Cordoba, but it is a must-visit for the palace!

Granada

Attractions nearby

  • 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
Casa Ayala
Casa Ayala

Best places to stay in Granada – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Granada

Area 4 – where to stay in Cadiz

Why stay in Cadiz

Cadiz is also a great place to spend a holiday or a few nights
It offers a mix of city life and beaches.
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 experience 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.

Cadiz

Attractions nearby

  • 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
  • Lean more
Parado de Cadiz
Parado de Cadiz

Best places to stay in Cadiz – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Cadiz

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Claire, I pay you a coffee!

Area 5 – where to stay in Ronda

Why stay in Ronda

Ronda is one of the most famous towns in Andalucia (after from the large cities) and for good reasons.
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 called “Pueblos Blancos”

Ronda

Attractions nearby

  • 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
Apartamentos Rondacentro
Apartamentos Rondacentro

Best places to stay in Ronda – accommodation suggestions

  • where I stayed
    I stayed at Apartamentos Rondacentro. Located right next to the bridge, they include a carpark and views of both city and countryside.
    I really enjoyed my stay.
    see photos and availability
  • 4-star Hotel
    Catalonia Ronda is right in the center of town, with an infinity pool overlooking the Plaza del Toros.
    see photos and availability
  • Private apartment
    Apartamento Calle Nueva is well located and modern.
    see photos and availability
  • Boutique hotel in countryside
    Hotel Boutique Molino del Arco will charm you with olive trees, garden, pool and lots of light.
    see photos and availability

See hotel deals in Ronda

Area 6 – where to stay in Malaga

Why stay in Malaga

Malaga is a town in a bay surrounded by mountains.
It is the gateway to Costa del Sol and its beaches.
The city offers a diverse cultural scene. However, note that it has been heavily developed

photoholder

Attractions nearby

  • Visit the Alcazaba fort and the Gibralfaro castle
  • Admire the cathedral
  • Be surprised by the Roman theater
  • Relax at the Malaga beaches
  • Wander in the botanical gardens
  • Visit the museums, especially the Picasso museum and the Pompidou Center Malaga
  • Enjoy excursions to the Nerja Cave, to Ronda or to Granada
Malaga Andalucia Spain

Best places to stay in Malaga – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Malaga

Area 7 – where to stay in Baeza / Ubeda

Why stay in Baeza or Ubeda

If you want to travel back in time, I recommend spending some time in either Baeza or Ubeda.
During the 16th century, it was the golden era for both towns. The noble families had many buildings built: palaces, cathedral, churches. And they are well preserved to this day. Today, they form an Unesco Heritage site.
Baeza was my favorite of the two towns, but you can stay in both.
You can stay for a night on a road trip, or use as a base to see many Andalusian highlights.

Baeza

Attractions nearby

  • 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
  • Easy drive to Granada, Cordoba, Jaen, Carzola mountains, several castles…
El Cobijo
El Cobijo

Best places to stay in Baeza and Ubuda – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Baeza

Area 8 – where to stay in Nerja

Why stay in Nerja

Nerja is a popular coastal town at the Eastern limit of the Costa del Sol. It is one of my favorite places to stay on Costa del Sol because it has not been damaged by tourism construction.
It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and it is home to the Balcony of Europe, a promenade on the edge of the cliff.
Great place to stay for an entire vacation or a few nights on a road trip.

Nerja

Attractions nearby

  • 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
  • Do excursions to Malaga, Granada, Motril, Antequera…
Nerja center

Best places to stay in Nerja – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Nerja

Area 9 – where to stay in Antequera

Why stay in Antequera

Antequera is not as famous as other towns. But I think it is a great place to stay because it has almost everything:

  • history (white houses, forts, dolmens…)
  • incredible nature with mountains and rock formations at Torcal de Antequera
  • and the beach in under 1h drive

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

Antequera

Attractions nearby

  • Explore the Moorish fort and enjoy the views over the city
  • The Roman baths
  • The Renaissance and Baroque palaces
  • Visit the 3 dolmens from the Bronze age – very different from one another
  • Drive to Torcal de Antequera and marvel at the layers of rocks stacked like pancakes
  • And excursions to Malaga, Ronda, the white villages, Nerja…
  • See my article
Najera Suites
Najera Suites

Best places to stay in Antequera – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Antequera

Area 10 – where to stay in Cabo de Gata

Why stay in Cabo de Gata

If you are looking for smaller places to stay, close to beaches and surrounded by nature, consider heading to Cabo de Gata.
It is a natural park with volcanic features and wild beaches.
The best small towns to stay in are:

  • San José
  • Agua Amarga
  • La Isleta del Moro
  • Las Negras
  • and the largest town not far is Almeria
Playa de Los Muertos
Playa de Los Muertos

Attractions nearby

  • The volcanic features
  • The beaches including some famous ones: Playa de los Muertos, Playa de Monsul… the best ones in Andalucia in my opinions
  • The fort
  • The peaceful environment
  • The cape
  • However, note that it is further away from all the other attractions in Andalucia
Sanderos Hotel
Sanderos Hotel

Best places to stay in Cabo de Gata – accommodation suggestions

See hotel deals in Cabo de Gato

Area 11 to 15 – other best towns to stay in Andalucia

Area 11 – where to stay in Marbella

Marbella
  • Location
    West of Malaga
    50min drive from Malaga
  • Why stay there
    Marbella is the most famous town on the Costa del Sol.
    It is lined with a beach. It is best for those looking for pure beach vacations: beach, restaurant, sleep, repeat.
  • Accommodations
    Lots of hotels and resorts
    For example the 5-star Boho Club – see photos and availability
    or the 4-startThe Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel (further from the beach but quiet, with great views) – see photos and availability

See hotel deals in Marbella

Area 12 – where to stay in Guadix

Guadix
  • Location
    East of Granada
    50min drive from Granada
    1h10 drive from Almeria
  • Why stay there
    Guadix is rarely listed among the best towns in Andalucia, and I can’t understand why.
    It is a unique town to stay on your Andalucia road trip: troglodyte houses in a desert area… need I say more?
  • Accommodations
    You can find modern accommodation in the newer part of town
    And troglodyte accommodation in the older part.
    I stayed in Cueva el Jaraiz and it was fun – see photos and availability

See hotel deals in Guadix

Area 13 – where to stay in Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez de la Frontera
  • Location
    North of Cadiz
    Cadiz to Jerez = 30 minute drive
    Seville to Jerez = 1h15 minute drive
  • Why stay there
    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!
    See more in my Jerez article
  • Accommodations
    I stayed at the Eurostars Asta Regia Jerez hotel – located in an old style building; it has a perfect location for explore all on foot. And it comes with a buffet-style breakfast – check out photos and availability
    For luxury, check out Hotel Casa Palacio Maria Luisa with stunning architecture and design – check out photos and availability
    For a rental apartment, have a look at Amplio Apto Centro Vistas Torneria – check out photos and availability

See hotel deals in Jerez

Area 14 – where to stay in Tarifa

Tarifa
  • Location
    West of Gibraltar – 1h20 drive from Cadiz
  • Why stay there
    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.
  • Accommodations
    I stayed in Hotel & Spa la Residencia Puerto – I enjoyed the decor and the location – see photos and availability

See hotel deals in Tarifa

Area 15 – where to stay in Frigiliana or another white village

Frigiliana
  • Location
    Just North of Nerja, East of Malaga
    Nerja to Frigiliana = 15min drive
    Malaga to Frigiliana = 50min drive
    Granada to Frigiliana = 1h15 drive
  • Why stay there
    Spending the night in one of the Pueblos Blancos can be a wonderful experience. Frigiliana is one of the best ones, between mountains and sea.
    Learn more in my article about Frigiliana
  • Accommodations
    For example, you can rent an apartment in Apartamentos Rosamarina in a beautiful setting – see photos and availability

See hotel deals in Frigiliana

And keep track of your own trip!

Andalucia road trip journal

Best parts and areas of Andalucia – where to go to

If you are more looking into regions instead of cities of hotels, you should consider, the following:

Where to stay in Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun)

Around Malaga and Marbella, with great reliable weather.
The most touristic beaches in Andalucia with sand, fun activities and glamorous locations.
The main towns are:

Where to stay in Costa Tropical

Coast of the Granada province, around Motril.
Mostly pebbly beaches with great weather all year around (subtropical climate)

The main coastal towns are:

Almunecar Costa Tropical
Almunecar Costa Tropical

Where to stay in Costa de la Luz (Coast of light)

The coast of the Cadiz province, east of Cadiz to Tarifa.
Stunning fine sand beaches with dunes, wind and plenty of history.
West of Cadiz, the sand and dunes continue in the Huelva province, also named Costa de la Luz.

The main coastal towns are:

Where to stay in Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata is a protected park for those who enjoy nature and more preserved volcanic landscapes. Many beaches with no facilities.
See my section above in this article.

Where to stay to explore the Andalusian Mountains

FAQs

Seville or Cordoba or Granada?

Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada are all cities with a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong.
If you really need to choose, my preferences are:

  • My absolute favorite of the 3 is Cordoba, as it feels less like a large city
  • If flying in just for a weekend, then choose Sevilla because you will have more flight options
  • And if you want variety in what you can visit around the city, if staying for a week, I would pick Granada 

Find out more in my article Seville vs Cordoba vs Granada.

Is West and East Andalucia better?

That is a difficult question.
If you prefer quieter, wilder landscapes, head to the East with de Tabernas desert and Cabo de Gata.
If you want lots to do, head to the West with cities, villages, beaches, history…

Costa de la Luz vs Costa del Sol – where to stay?

  • Costa del Sol – if you are looking for longer beaches with lots of accommodation nearby, many restaurants and vibrant nightlife
  • Costa de la Luz – if you are looking for wilder beaches, smaller towns, windsurfing
  • My favorite is Costa de La Luz

Which part of Andalucia has the best beaches?

It depends on what kind of beaches you are looking for:

  • for long beaches, with lively resort towns choose Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella)
  • for the most scenic beaches, choose Cabo de Gata (East of Almeria)
  • for the most charming beaches with small towns, choose Costa de la Luz (Cadiz to Tarifa)
  • See my article with the most beautiful beaches in Andalucia.

How many days to you need in Andalucia

It depends what you want to do:

  • if you want to cover all the regions pretty extensively, you need 3 to 4 weeks on a road trip
  • if you want to enjoy the beaches and visit a few things, 1 to 2 weeks are great
  • but the main cities, such as Sevilla and Cordoba, are also great weekend destinations 

Is Andalucia expensive to visit?

Once again, it depends on where you are going.
The main cities and the famous resort towns on the coast, can get more expensive (but not as other European destinations).
Whereas staying in the countryside can be cheap.

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
  • 21+ best cities and towns in Andalucia – read article
  • Best castles and forts in Andalucia – read article (to be published)
  • Cordoba vs Sevilla vs Granada – where to go? – read article
  • Tips to plan a road trip around Andalucia – read article

Planning a trip to Andalucia?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your dream trip in Andalucia thanks to my guide
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  • 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 150+ pre-selected locations
  • GPS + tips to make the most of your time
  • 300+ original photos to help you choose
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