Holidays in Spain: 7 cities in Andalusia worth visiting

We propose to visit 7 cities, in each of which you can spend 2-3 days: enjoy long walks, take photos all around, steam in Arabian baths, dance to the rhythms of flamenco, taste wines and just enjoy the moment.

MALAGA

It is convenient to start your Andalusia trip from Málaga, the center of the province of the same name, a port city with a rich history. Don't be in a hurry to go any further, but dedicate at least one day to Málaga. It has something to surprise you! On a 3-hour guided tour of the historic city center, you'll see the main sights of Málaga and learn about its history, culture and culinary traditions.

Book a hotel in Magaga with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. The Cathedral of the Incarnation (La Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación), built on the site of a mosque in the 15th century - the city's calling card.
2. Picasso Museum, located in the building of the Buenavista Palace (XVI century). There are 285 works of the outstanding artist, who was born in Málaga.
3. The Arab fortresses of Gibralfaro (XIV century) and Alcazaba (XI century), which offer a beautiful view of Málaga.
4. The Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Here you can escape the heat and admire exotic plants. Entrance is free on Sundays.
5. Roman amphitheater (I century). The stage with a diameter of 31 meters and seats for spectators have been preserved, now concerts are periodically held here. Entrance is free.

What to try?

• grilled anchovies (boquerones fritos);
• grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas);
• coffee. Locals drink it with milk or alcohol (rum, brandy, anise tincture);
• sweet wines.

How do I get to Málaga from the airport? An express bus from Terminal 3 will take you to the city center in 15 minutes. Tickets cost around €8 and can be bought from the driver for cash. Alternatives include taking the Renfe train on the C1 line between the airport and Málaga city center, taking a cab or renting a car.

GRANADA

One of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain but in Europe as a whole, nestled next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Most tourists come to see the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, but Granada has a few more surprises in store for you! We recommend spending at least 2 days here so you don't miss anything.

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. Alhambra - the former residence of Muslim rulers. The complex includes a citadel, several palaces, summer residence of emirs Generalife and parks.
2. The cathedral, built in the XV century on the site of a mosque. The chapel next to it contains the remains of Isabella of Castile, the patroness of Columbus, and Ferdinand of Aragon, who conquered Granada from the Moors.
3. The historic neighborhood of Albaycin is worth spending half a day walking around. It has not changed much since the time of the Moors, except that restaurants and stores have been added to the delight of tourists.
4. The Monastery of St. Jerome. Built by the Spaniards immediately after the return of Granada. The main attraction is the altar decorated with relief images.
5. St. Nicolas observation deck, which offers a view of the city and snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The best time to come here is at sunset to enjoy the view while sipping sangria.

What to try?

• a variety of tapas;
• herbal teas with Moroccan spices;
• oxtail stew (rabo di toro).

How to get to Granada from Málaga? By bus (one and a half to two hours, about €19), train with a change at Antequeret, or car (about an hour and a half).

CORDOVA

This multicultural city on the Guadalquivir River in the heart of Andalusia. Stay here for a few days to see the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous mosque and other noteworthy sites.

Book a Cordoba hotel with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. Mesquita (cathedral mosque) is one of the 12 architectural wonders of Spain. It is surrounded by an orange garden where you can relax on a hot day.
2. Museum in the Palace of Viana (the building was built in the XIV century). It houses a rich collection of tapestries, furniture, utensils, weapons, paintings, Roman mosaics, etc. There is also a gallery of asulejo (traditional Spanish painted tiles).
3. Medina As-Sahara. Palace town 8 kilometers from Cordoba, erected in the X century, which is called "medieval Versailles". Excavations at the site are in full swing and new treasures are discovered every month.
4. Alcazar Palace, built on the site of a Moorish fortress and served as the residence of the rulers of Cordoba for more than two thousand years. In this building Isabella of Castile received Columbus and listened to the plan of his journey to India.
5. The Jewish Quarter, where the main synagogue of the country is located.

What to try?

• a thick, cold salmorejo soup. It comes in tomato, pumpkin, watermelon, almond and seafood flavors;
• pork fillet with jamón, cheese or sausages breaded with egg and breadcrumbs (flamenquín).

How to get to Cordoba from Granada? By train (two and a half hours, from €45), bus (almost 3 hours, from €25) or car (about 2 hours).

Seville

The capital of Andalusia is worth spending at least 2 days in. Flamenco, a series of noisy fiestas and festivals, various tapas (believed to have been invented here), wines... This city falls in love with you from the first second!

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. Maria de la Cede is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe (116 meters). Its interior is decorated with paintings by Velasquez and Goya, and the cross is said to be made of gold brought by Columbus from America. Here, perhaps, the great navigator found his last shelter (there is a version that the remains buried in the temple belong not to Columbus, but to his son).
2. Plaza de España is one of the most beautiful in Western Europe. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition and is now a favorite place for locals to walk.
3. Bullfighting Arena and Museum. Bullfighting has been banned in Spain since 2011, but nothing prevents those who want to see the oldest arena in Spain from visiting the themed museum located here.
4. The Arabian Baths are the legacy of the Moors who once ruled these parts. Travelers praise Air de Sevilla, a complex that offers 14 types of relaxation treatments ranging from €25 to €195. It's a great way to hide from the heat or relax after a long hike.
5. The Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of the few well-preserved Moorish buildings. Inside is a maritime museum where you can see navigational instruments, weapons, models and parts of real ships.

What to try?

• salted cod (remojon);
• cold tomato gazpacho soup;
• buns with almonds and sugar (mostachones).

How to get to Seville from Cordoba? By train (about 50 minutes, from €35), bus (almost 2 hours, from €25) or car (about an hour and a half).

CADIS

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing and beach vacations or dream of swimming in the ocean (the season lasts from May to October). Playa Caleta beach is located in the Old Town, Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria and Playa Cortadura stretch along modern neighborhoods for 10 kilometers.

Book a Cadiz hotel with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. Old Town, divided into 4 neighborhoods: Populo, Santa Maria, Viña and Mentidera. Populo, where the city's nobility once lived, pleases the eye with rich Baroque and Renaissance mansions, Santa Maria, founded by the Romans, is known as the center of flamenco, Viña is a paradise for lovers of fish, and Mentidera concentrates the most famous clubs and discos of Cadiz.
2. The Roman theater, erected in the 1st century. It had a capacity of 20,000 spectators and was the largest building of its kind in Spain at the time. Entrance is free.
3. The Cathedral is one of the largest in Spain. The north tower overlooks Cadiz.
4. San Sebastian Castle, located on an island opposite Caleta Beach. You can get here from Cadiz by an embankment road. Inside, exhibitions of works by local artists are held from time to time.
5. The Tavira is one of the 160 towers that protected the medieval city from invasion. On the second tier is the observation deck, on the third tier is the obscura chamber, where a canvas screen projects images of the city's neighborhoods, and even higher is the terrace with fixed binoculars.

What to try?

Sherry fortified wine, of course! You can go to the birthplace of the drink - to the nearby town of Jerez de la Frontera or buy a bottle in one of the stores in Cadiz.

How to get to Cadiz from Seville? By train (about an hour and a half, from €19), bus (almost 2 hours, from €16) or car (about an hour and a half).

TARIFA

The southernmost point of Europe. The conditions here are ideal for surfing, which is why the town hosts the World Championships every year. It is also famous for its excellent view of the African continent and its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, where excursions are available to everyone (if you are lucky, you can see whales and dolphins up close).

Top 5 interesting sights of Tarifa:

1. Old Town. The ruins of the fortress wall and Jerez Gate have been preserved, and inside you'll find a maze of narrow streets that hide authentic restaurants with the most delicious local food. Bonus - plenty of convenient photo spots overlooking the mountains and Africa.
2. The island of Las Palomas, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. The territory is closed to visitors, there is a military zone, so you will have to admire the meeting place from a large land.
3. Mateo Church (XVI century), built, like many other temples in Andalusia, on the site of a mosque. The building was completed over several centuries and is now a unique blend of Gothic, Neoclassical and Renaissance.
4. The Guzmán el Bueno Castle (10th century) is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in Spain. The walls offer magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains and Morocco.
5. The ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, located in the village of Bolonia, 15 kilometers from Tarifa. In summer, concerts and performances are held here.

What to try?

Fish and seafood dishes caught right here: in the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea.

How to get to Tarifa from Cádiz? By bus (from €15) or car, in both cases the journey will last about an hour.

RONDA

A city "hovering" over the abyss, it's famous for its picturesque scenery and high concentration of historical sites. If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit the village of Haskar, located 25 kilometers from Ronda, where the movie "The Smurfs 3D" was filmed. As part of the advertising campaign, 175 residential houses, a church, a town hall and even tombstones in the local cemetery were painted blue. After the filming was completed, the buildings were planned to return to their usual appearance, but the residents were against it (you bet, because the flow of tourists has increased several times!). The easiest way to get here is by car, taking half a day to get there

Top 5 interesting sights:

1. Tahoe Gap (its depth is 160 meters), dividing the city into two parts. The New Bridge (XVIII century) leading to the Old Town, one of the symbols of Ronda, is crossed over it.
2. Mondragon Palace. Inside is the Ronda City Museum, but it's worth a visit even if you're not interested in it - the building is surrounded by photogenic Arabian-style courtyards.
3. The Arab baths (XIII-XIV centuries) are among the best preserved on the Iberian Peninsula.
4. The House of the Arab Kings, built in the XVIII century on the ruins of a Muslim palace. On the territory is the La Mina mine, cut through the rock to a depth of about 100 meters. After overcoming 365 steps, you will find yourself in a gorge, by the river, from where you can admire the Ronda from the bottom up.
5. The bullfighting arena is the largest and one of the oldest in Spain. There is also a bullfighting history museum and a weapons museum.

What to try?

• Chickpea dish with beef, jamon or sausages (callos con garbanzos);
• goat cheese with wild berry sauce, vegetables and croutons;
• wine.

How to get to Ronda from Tarifa?

By bus with a transfer in Marbella (about four hours, from €19) or by car (about two hours).