30 Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Southern Spain

If you are wondering which towns and cities in Southern Spain are worth visiting, you’re in the right place.

Southern Spain has some of the most beautiful and unique cities and towns in Spain. Although Seville is the main place you’ve probably heard of, other less-explored cities have so much to discover.

Andalusia has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sandy and crystal blue sea beaches, amazing culinary experiences as well as events and festivals.

I’m from Malaga, but I’ve been travelling around Andalucia for a while, so I’ll share the most beautiful towns and cities in Southern Spain in this blog!

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Almeria

One of the least explored cities in Andalusia, Almeria is the perfect place for you if you like discovering hidden gems and avoiding tourist crowds.

You may wonder why it isn’t as visited as other cities such as Seville or Granada, and the reason isn’t that the city has fewer things to do. 

However, there are some fantastic things to do in Almeria, especially nature-related activities. 

One of Almeria’s main highlights is the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, the most extensive protected nature reserve on the Mediterranean coast. 

It’s the perfect place to visit beautiful beaches, mountains, dunes, and a wide variety of flora. Although you can explore the natural park on foot, bike and horseback are other options if you want a different experience. 

In the city’s centre, you’ll find the beautiful Alcazaba, the second-largest Muslim fortress-palace in Andalusia. It’s very interesting walking through this fortress and learning about its history. However, I think the most impressive part is the city’s amazing views and port from the top of the castle walls.

Another unique place you won’t find anywhere else in Andalusia is the desert Desierto Tabernas, which is about 30 kilometres from the city and worth visiting.

There you’ll find dunes, unique flora and fauna and Mini Hollywood, a Spanish Western-styled theme park. You’ll feel like you’re in a cowboy film! You can access the desert by car or by booking a day tour.

Beautiful towns and villages in Almeria

• Mojácar. Best for exploring historical and cultural buildings such as the beautiful whitewashed Moorish old town. 
• Roquetas De Mar. Best for spending the day at the two incredible beaches: Serena and La Bajadilla. 

How to get to Almeria

The closest airport is Almeria Airport which is 8 kilometres from the city. If you can’t find a flight to this airport, you can check other nearby airports like Granada (GRX) or Malaga (AGP).

Cadiz

Located on the southwest coast of Andalusia, Cadiz is a must-see destination that is unique on its own – historical buildings, beautiful beaches and a charming port. If you’re asking yourself, “Is Cadiz worth visiting? It’s a hundred per cent worth it.

One of the things you must know is that it’s one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, so if you’re passionate about history, Cadiz is your place.

Cadiz’s main highlight is the cathedral which has been reformed many times, and this is reflected in the architecture – a mix of Baroque and Neoclassic. If you’d like to visit the cathedral, there is an entrance fee of 6 euros, but this one includes access to other parts such as the cathedral museum and tower.

You can’t leave Cadiz without visiting the cathedral! From the tower, you get the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.

If you’re after a beach day, Playa La Caleta is the best beach in the city. It isn’t only about how picturesque the beach is, but the atmosphere. Many residents choose this beach to relax, meet friends and family and, of course, enjoy the sun and sea.

Lastly, I can’t forget to mention Cadiz’s food! If you’re crazy about seafood and fish, this city is a paradise for you – fresh crabs, oysters, prawns, tuna, cuttlefish; you name it. Most tapas bars in Cadiz will serve you the best and freshest ingredients. 

Any foodie must visit Mercado Central de Cadiz, Cadiz’s market, where you can enjoy “Rincón Gastronómico”, a spot where you can taste the best ingredients in the city.

Beautiful towns and villages in Cadiz

• El Puerto de Santa María. Best for visiting natural spaces such as The Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park, which has impressive natural features to observe and photograph and water activities such as canoeing and scuba diving.
• Setenil de las Bodegas. Best for discovering a unique town on the border with Malaga. Some of the buildings in this town were built under caves that were created from the water of the river.
• Tarifa. Best for its beaches which are a meeting point for surfers. 
• Vejer de la Frontera. Best for exploring whitewashed and narrow winding streets as well as enjoying delicious wine and food in their bars and restaurants.

How to get to Cadiz

The nearest two airports are Jerez Airport (XRY) and Seville Airport (SVQ). The train from Jerez airport to Cadiz takes about 45 minutes and is probably one of the easiest ways to get there.

If you can’t find direct flights to Jerez airport and opt for Seville’s airport, there is no direct way to Cadiz apart from hiring an extremely expensive taxi. 

Your best option is to get from Seville’s airport to Seville and then take a coach to Cadiz. Seville to Cadiz coach trips takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travelling within Spain? Cadiz isn’t the most accessible city by public transport from all the different parts of Spain, so the best and easiest way to get there is by car.

Getting around the city is simple. Most places are walkable; however, a different and fun way to visit the city is by doing a bike tour.

Cordoba

Despite being less popular than Seville and Granada, Cordoba is a romantic city to visit. It has beautiful Moorish architecture, narrow alleys filled with independent and souvenir shops, and incredible patios.

When visiting Cordoba, you can’t miss the Mosque-cathedral, a unique building that reflects the Moorish period under Christian rules. Although it’s a picturesque monument, the double arches are the most photographed. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site complex also includes The Court of Oranges Trees (Patio de Los Naranjos) as well as a bell tower with incredible panoramic city views.

Apart from the mosque, you’ll find other historical and cultural monuments that are worth visiting and exploring. Some of these include Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, an impressive royal palace and the Roman Bridge of Cordoba.

If you happen to be in Cordoba during the month of May, you’ll be lucky to have free access to the courtyards and patios of houses in the old quarter as it’s the courtyards festival of Cordoba.

During this time of the year, every patio is carefully decorated with a different variety of plants and flowers, such as red geraniums. This is something you can’t definitely experience anywhere else in Andalusia.

Beautiful towns and villages in Cordoba

• Baena. Best for exploring historical heritage features, including the Cerro de Minguillar, a fascinating archaeological site.
• Iznájar. Best for its picturesque whitewashed streets and lake views. It’s one of my favourite towns in Cordoba.
• Montilla. Best for wine-tasting tours as it has some of the best grapes in the area.
• Rute. Best for delicious cuisine and mouth-watering desserts. If you’re visiting Cordoba during the Christmas period, you can’t miss the impressive Chocolate Nativity Scene in the factory of Galleros Artesanos in Rute.

How to get to Cordoba

Cordoba has its own airport, Cordoba Airport, but you need to be aware that you may not find a direct flight or a flight from your destination. Most people fly to Seville Airport and then get a coach or train from Seville city centre.

The train from Seville to Cordoba is a rapid way to get to Cordoba as it only takes 45 minutes.

Granada

Granada is unique in its own way. If you’ve heard of Granada before, you probably know about Alhambra, Spain’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Millions of international tourists visit this impressive palace and fortress every year, and there’s no doubt why it attracts so many people. It’s an architectural gem!

No matter what area of Alhambra you’re visiting, you’ll be surprised by its delicate and detailed Nasrid architecture. As you walk through the complex, you’ll also find beautiful patios and gardens where you can relax and explore.

One of the most popular areas in Alhambra is the Court of the Lions (el Patio de Los Leones), a courtyard surrounded by outstanding marble columns. In the centre, you’ll find the Fountain of Lions, which has twelve lions on white marble.

Although it’s worth visiting Granada just for the Alhambra, the city has other great things to offer too – from authentic culinary experiences to skiing and exploring Sierra Nevada where you’ll find Spain’s highest mountain in the Iberian Peninsula.

Beautiful towns and villages in Granada

The most popular day trip from Granada is Sierra Nevada, especially during the winter season, but there are other great towns and villages that are less explored. Some of these include:

• Almuñecar. Best for a day trip to the coast side.
• Alpurraja. Best for exploring the whitewashed towns near Sierra Nevada and visiting Spain’s highest village, Trevélez. If you decide to visit La Alpujarra, don’t miss Pampaneira, the prettiest town in the area, and Soportujar.
• Lanjarón. Best for a spa day and disconnecting from the buzzing of the city.

How to get to Granada

If you’re coming from abroad, Granada Airport is the closest as it’s only 15 kilometres away from the city.

However, finding international flights to Granada isn’t always easy, so your second best option is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, the second closest airport to Granada. It takes about 90 minutes to drive from Malaga to Granada.

If travelling from another Andalusian city, you may want to check coaches as they’re the most affordable choice. 

Although you can also travel to Granada by train, it isn’t the best option as the journeys often take longer and are more expensive than other means of transport.

Jaen

Jaen is the most overlooked city in Andalusia, but its unique historical centre and UNESCO towns are worth visiting.

Jaen Cathedral is the first building you must add to your list. It’s considered one of the finest cathedrals in Spain and an inspiration for many Latin American religious buildings. 

Another place you can’t miss is the ancient Arab baths. These 10th-century Arab Baths are located beneath the Palace of Villardompardo. You’ll be impressed by how well-preserved they are and how their use has changed over the years.

Last but not least, the Old Jewish Quarter of Jaen (La Judería de Jaén), also known as Barrio de Santa Cruz, has been considered a historical landmark. Walking in its alleys is an experience.

If you have any spare time, you may want to visit Parque de la Concordia. This park is a great place to relax. The park includes a lovely pond with ducks, gardens, fountains and several monuments. 

Jaen is also a great destination for hikers. You can find hiking trails for all levels and visit the beautiful Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park.

Beautiful towns and villages in Jaen

• Baeza. This beautiful town in Southern Spain is best for a day trip packed with history, culture and monumental attractions.
• Ubeda. Best for visiting Renaissance palaces and churches.

How to get to Jaen

Jaen doesn’t have an airport; therefore, if you’re coming from abroad, you must fly to Granada (GRX), which is the closest, just 65 kilometres away. Other nearby airports include Malaga (AGP) and Almeria (LEI).

The easiest cities in Southern Spain to travel to Jaen are Malaga and Granada. You can get an ALSA coach from Granada, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or a train from Malaga to Jaen, which takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Malaga

If you’re up for a mixture of beaches, mountains and culture, Malaga and Costa del Sol need to be on your travel list. Although Costa del Sol is mainly well-known for its incredible beaches, there are many cultural activities you don’t want to miss. 

If you’re visiting only the capital, Malaga, La Alcazaba is a must-see attraction—a fortress-palace built during the Moorish period in the south of Spain.

Walking through La Alcazaba is a unique experience. You’ll contemplate beautiful patios decorated with jasmines and roses, small fountains, and impressive Nasrid architecture, which you can also find in La Alhambra in Granada.

Last but not least, the panoramic views from this palace and Gibralfaro are out of this world, and they are even better at sunrise or sunset.

The city also has plenty of museums, such as the Picasso Museum Malaga, Carmen Thyssen Museum and Centre Pompidou Malaga.

Many travellers make the mistake of spending a few days in Malaga or visiting it briefly as they head to other popular Andalusian destinations such as Seville. Nevertheless, I recommend staying in Malaga longer if you have time.

Although you can visit the main attractions in two days, exploring the towns and villages around Malaga is definitely worth it. You’ll discover charming white villages, beautiful beaches, authentic local dishes and other hidden gems.

Beautiful towns and villages in Malaga

When visiting Malaga, you may want to explore the beautiful towns and villages you can find across Costa del Sol. The best thing about visiting these towns is that they’re closer to each other, which makes it easier to see and make a road trip across Costa del Sol.

Although each town has its unique touch, here is a short list of those you can’t really miss:

• Benalmadena. Best for tourist attractions for families and beach holidays.
• Nerja. Best for crystal blue beaches, water activities and visiting its famous caves. It’s one of the best towns in Southern Spain.
• Marbella. Best for a luxury stay and restaurants. If Marbella doesn’t suit your budget, you can always have a look at San Pedro de Alcántara, which is slightly cheaper but still close to Marbella.
• Mijas Pueblo. Best for exploring a whitewashed village and spectacular views of the coast.

How to get to Malaga

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is among the five biggest airports in Spain. It has many international flights all year round and gets jam-packed during the summer months.

Travelling from the airport to Malaga city centre is very easy as it’s only 8 kilometres away and you have numerous transport options to get you there (taxi, train, coach, etc.)

If you’re in another Andalusian city, you may want to check coaches as they are often affordable and comfortable. 

Alternatively, if you’re in another region in Spain, it’s likely to find train tickets. These aren’t as affordable as coaches, but they often save you time.

Seville

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a must-see destination on your road trip to Southern Spain. It’s one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain!

It’s also the largest city in the county, which means you won’t have enough time to see and do all the activities you can do in Seville in one day.

The main attraction in Seville is the cathedral, the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Inside the cathedral, you can explore all the unique parts, including the Giralda Tower and the orange tree courtyard.

Seville’s second historical landmark is Plaza de España which is situated in Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park); it’s one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. The square was built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929 by the architect Aníbal González.

The plaza is about 50,000 square metres, and you’ll find a wide range of beautiful features – towers, bridges, a small canal, tiles, etc. Walking through Plaza de España is a unique experience. All along the wall by the channel, you’ll find 48 small spots with benches, one for each province of Spain.

Spanish tourists love taking photos of themselves with friends and or family on the bench that belongs to their province. In addition to these regional references, the four bridges represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain: Castille, Aragon, Navarre and Leon.

Other popular activities in the plaza are riding horses and renting a small boat to row in the canal.

Another way to explore the city is by booking a cruise through the Guadalquivir River. I love the views you get from the boat, and it’s a super relaxing experience.

Beautiful towns and villages in Seville

• Carmona. Best for a day trip full of cultural activities, including impressive city walls, viewpoints and monuments.
• Écija. Best for exploring churches as it’s one of the towns with more churches in Seville. You’ll find Iglesia de San Juan, Iglesia de Santa María and Iglesia de Santiago among the most famous churches. 
• Estepa. Best for trying some of the best Christmas sweets in Spain – polvorones, mantecados and alfajores.
• Osuna. Best for exploring historical and cultural buildings. This town is well-known for its appearance in the Game of Thrones series.

How to get to Seville

The nearest airport to Seville is Sevilla Airport (SVQ), but you can also fly to other nearby airports such as Jerez (XRY) and Malaga (AGP).

The journey from Sevilla Airport to the centre of Seville is about 15 minutes by car or taxi and 35 by bus.

If you plan to travel to Seville by train from any other Spanish city, you’ll be happy to know that it has a good railway connection, especially from Cordoba, Madrid, Barcelona and Zaragoza.

If travelling by car, Seville has a good network of highways, and it isn’t only easy to travel from other Spanish destinations but to Portugal too.

5 General tips about visiting Andalucia

1. Visit Andalucia in late spring or autumn

The best time to visit and explore Andalusia is late spring and early autumn, as most cities in Southern Spain can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 °F) or more in the summer. During those times, you’ll also find fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

If you’re visiting Andalusia during the summer, my biggest advice is to explore coastal cities such as Malaga, Cadiz, and Almeria. Not only can you relax at the beach but do water sports and visit monuments in the late afternoon.

On top of this, travelling during the summer to these cities is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture as there are more events and a lively atmosphere.

2. Rent a car 

The best way to visit all these cities is by renting a car and going on a road trip. Although public transport isn’t bad at all, you won’t get the opportunity to visit all the hidden gems and be in control of how much time you want to spend in a place since you’ll rely on timetables. 

🚗 Check out the best rental car deals with Discover Cars

3. Experience flamenco 

Immersing yourself in the culture is the most rewarding part of travelling. Flamenco music is part of Andalusia’s culture, and you can see it across the cities in Southern Spain, but Seville is indeed the best place to attend a flamenco concert or class if you love dancing.

If you believe that flamenco isn’t your thing, then check out fairs and festivals in the destinations you’re visiting. Although most of these festivals are held in late spring and summer, you may find one.

4. Explore the small towns and villages

Every city in Southern Spain has something to offer, and although some cities are more popular than others, if you’re looking for the most authentic experiences, you’ll find those in the small towns and villages around these main cities.

They are charming in their own way – whitewashed buildings, historical landmarks, hidden beaches, etc.

5. Avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions

If you’re after delicious and authentic tapas or Andalusian dishes, avoid eating at restaurants near tourist attractions, as these don’t always serve food locals would eat. These restaurants often have their menu in multiple languages and are more expensive than usual.

The best way to find good tapa bars and restaurants is by asking the locals. They’ll tell you the best spots to enjoy local dishes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling in Andalucia

Conclusion on the most beautiful cities in Southern Spain

There are many reasons to visit Andalusia – its UNESCO World Heritage Site buildings, culture, delicious food, unique white towns and some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes.

On top of this, each of these cities in Southern Spain has something different to offer.

Have I convinced you to visit some of these destinations in Southern Spain? Let me know in the comments below!

If you have any questions, the best place to get them answered is in the comments section or my Facebook group.

Safe adventures!

Cristina xx

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Top things to check before visiting Andalusia

• If you’re flying to Andalusia, have a look at Skyscanner for the best flight prices.
• Are you looking for the best accommodation in Andalusia? Check out Booking.com
• Book authentic experiences and excursions with Get Your Guide.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Andalusia.
• Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip.

Read more on Southern Spain cities and towns

• 15+ Incredible Reasons To Visit Andalucia
• Authentic Andalusian Foods You Must Try
• Incredible Things to Do In Almeria
• How to Spend One Day in Granada
•  Best Free Things to Do In Malaga
• Incredible Day Trips From Malaga You Shouldn’t Miss
• The Perfect 2 Days in Seville Itinerary
• Granada or Seville: Which City Is Best To Visit?
• Granada vs Malaga: Which City Is Better?

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