7 Charming Places to Visit in Andalucia in Autumn

Autumn is one of the best times to explore southern Spain. You can either have a late summer getaway to a beach destination or fully immerse yourself in autumn by going on scenic walks with gorgeous autumn foliage and colours.

In addition, the plane and accommodation rates tend to decrease at this time of the year, especially in November. 

I absolutely love exploring my home county for these reasons and have the goal to go on autumn getaways every year. 

Here is a list of my favourite autumn escapes in Southern Spain, and I’ve also included a couple of amazing destinations that make a perfect late summer trip if you aren’t ready to say bye to the warm temperatures. 

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Places to visit in Andalucia in autumn

1. Alpujarra (Granada)

The Alpujarra in Granada is one of the most beautiful autumn escapes. The region has 33 towns, and each is charming in its own way. 

However, no matter which town you pick, you’ll always be surrounded by stunning mountain views.

While you need to choose a base, it’s easy to visit multiple towns when you have a rental car. 

My top picks in the Alpujarra are Soportujar and Pampaneira. 

Soportujar is a must for any witchery and Halloween fans. The town is well-known for its superstitious stories and sculptures depicting supernatural and witch figures. These are all year-round, but the magic of visiting Soportujar in autumn is its seasonal events. 

Pampaneira is recognised as one of the prettiest towns in Spain. You can expect to walk hilly cobblestone streets with artificial streams running through and see shops with colourful carpets made with local products. 

I still need to explore more of this region, and at the top of my list, recommended by fellow travellers, is Lanjaron.

2. Ronda (Malaga)

Ronda is the perfect autumn getaway from Malaga. It’s a short drive from the city, and you’ll discover a different atmosphere and landscape to the coast. 

Although Ronda is a popular day trip, I encourage you to stay longer because the city has so much to offer. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find it even more special. 

I’ve been to Ronda several times, but I loved my last weekend trip, which made me discover its stunning landscapes and cuisine. 

Of course, don’t miss its main attractions, but it’s also worth checking out nearby towns like Setenil de las Bodegas, Montejaque (a gem for hikers!) and Zahara de la Sierra. 

And, did you know that the Serranía de Ronda has the best walks for autumn lovers? Explore the Cooper Forest and villages like Parauta. 

I recommend visiting these places in early November when the autumn colours really come out. 

If interested in hikes like this, check out my guide to the Enchanting Forest in Parauta.

3. Granada

If you’re looking for an autumn getaway to a larger city, Granada is by far the best place to visit in autumn. 

It’s too hot in Granada in the summer, whereas autumn brings the temperatures down, making sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable. 

I love Granada in November. It’s chilly compared to my lovely Costa del Sol, but the sun still shines most days, and you’ll enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage without leaving the city. 

Having gone on several day trips from Malaga to Granada, I can say that you won’t be able to see everything in a day. 

You definitely need at least two days to see beyond the Alhambra Palace and Granada Cathedral. 

4. Iznajar (Cordoba)

This Cordoban town, located on a hilltop, is full of charm with its picturesque squares and streets decorated with flower pots, a castle and views of its reservoir. My first visit to Iznajar made me fall in love with the place. 

I personally think spring and autumn are the best times to visit Iznajar because the weather is mild and ideal for exploring the town and its surroundings. 

If you plan to travel to Iznajar in late autumn, I also recommend driving to the nearby town of Rute, famous for its delicious Christmas chocolates, nougats and sweets. 

5. Olvera (Cadiz)

Looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations in Andalucia? Consider Olvera, a lovely small town in the province of Cadiz that offers a blend of historical attractions and natural beauty. 

Some of the unmissable attractions include Olvera Castle, the church, and the Barrio de la Villa neighbourhood, which consists of an array of beautiful, typical Andalusian streets. 

For a unique experience, I suggest riding the Via Verde and taking an olive oil tour. This area produces some of the best olive oil in Andalusia.

By staying in Olvera, you can explore other enchanting towns such as Zahara de la Sierra (one of my favourites in Cadiz), Algodonales and Pruna.

6. Axarquia (Malaga)

The Axarquia region in the province of Malaga is completely underrated. It’s ideal for discovering some of our traditions and products.

The star product of the Axarquia is the raisin, which is collected in September and October, and we have a few events like El Día de la Pasa, celebrating the work done by those who collect raisins. This is why early autumn is such a fantastic time to visit the Axarquia. 

If you aren’t into raisins and wine, it’s also a good place to hike. You’re a short distance from the stunning Montes de Malaga, too. 

Similar to the Alpujarra, the Axarquia consists of many small inland towns that are easy to discover by car.

It can be difficult to choose which towns are worth visiting, but if I had to pick three, I’d say El Borge, Comares and Moclinejo. 

While in Comares, don’t miss the opportunity to try its tasty sweet wine. 

7. Estepona (Malaga)

If you aren’t ready to say bye to summer and want to escape the cold and rainy weather, you can never go wrong with choosing the Costa del Sol.

I love exploring the area that I call home, and one of my favourite places near my hometown is Estepona.

While tourism has increased in Estepona, it’s still less visited than other towns on the Costa del Sol.

Estepona has a bit of everything, from an idyllic historic centre to street art, amazing beaches and nature. It can be a lovely couples getaway or family holiday with attractions like Selwo Aventura.

While in Estepona, you can also experience the authentic Andalusian pueblos like Casares or drive your way to Ronda. 

Map of the autumn getaways in southern Spain

In conclusion, Andalucia is packed with stunning places to explore in autumn, and these are a few of the many lovely towns you can explore at this time of the year.

Which place would you like to visit first?

For more places to explore in Malaga and beyond, join my email list where I send guides, events and local tips every two weeks.

Enjoy your time in Southern Spain!

Cristina

Save these fantastic destinations in Andalucia to visit in autumn for later

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