Spain is such a beautiful country to visit for a trip away. With gorgeous islands like Ibiza, the best spots in Barcelona and the epic places in Northern Spain; it’s the kind of country that’s so diverse and has a little something for every type of visitor. Plus, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the best places in the South of Spain to visit.
Spain is just so amazing to visit and explore on a trip.
Over the years, we’ve visited Spain many times; easily over thirty trips, with each region and place being so different. So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting the south of Spain, I wanted to share some gems we discovered whilst there. This way, you can focus on that all-important; Sangria, beach time and history to explore.
Take a look, below, at the best places in the south of Spain to visit. Have an amazing trip to Spain.
1.) Seville
Okay, I have a real soft spot for Seville! It’s such a beautiful and historic city that’s big enough to spend a weekend, but small enough to wander around on foot. Now, to find the very best things to do in Seville, you’ll want to make sure you’re exploring the city centre. Well, that’s my favourite part.
Once here, be sure to visit the absolutely gorgeous Alcazar Of Seville that dates back centuries when Moorish settlers once ruled the areas of southern Spain. Just be sure to book these Alcazar tickets in advance. It can fill up fast at peak times.
Afterwards, grab these skip-the-line Seville Cathedral tickets that’ll get you in without queueing at all. This is totally important if you’re visiting around midday as that Spanish sun can be intense when queueing. It’s absolutely beautiful inside and you’ll even get to the tomb of the explorer Christopher Columbus who rests here.
If you fancy a more chilled experience, book this boat tour around Seville. It’s a lovely and relaxing way to see the city, without any of the faff or navigating the streets.
Fancy a yummy dinner? Book into San Marco Santa Cruz Restaruant. Their salmon was so good.
Afterwards, if you’ve got more time, head over to Palacio de las Dueñas, Metropol Parasol, and the iconic Plaza de Espana. We love heading there for a stroll in the later afternoon.
Read more: Best things to do in Seville
2.) Malaga
Lots of international visitors to Malaga see the city as a gateway to the wider regions of southern Spain; especially when arriving by plane. Though, don’t be fooled, the city of Malaga is an absolute gem to explore and one of the very best places in the south of Spain to visit on your trip.
Of course, once you’re here, you’re going to check out the Alcazaba with its Moorish heritage and stunning viewpoints across the city. Plus, you should definitely make a pit stop at the grand 11th Century Gibralfaro castle. It’s incredible. Though, if you are visiting at midday as we did, make sure to slap on lots of SPF and take water. The heat was intense.
Afterwards, book these Picasso Museum tickets and learn more about Picasso’s life in the city. It’s such an amazing place and you’ll even get to see some original pieces, too.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab these tickets to go to the roof of Malaga’s Cathedral. We loved our tour walking around the roof and it was such a unique way to see the city.
Read more: Best things to do in Malaga
3.) Ronda
One of Spain’s oldest cities, Ronda, features the totally iconic Puente Nuevo, a colossal bridge that towers over the valley in Ronda.
We’ve visited Ronda a few times and totally loved it, and it’s really easy to get to from the likes of Malaga in a car (about 95 minutes or so).
To make things easier, book this Ronda tour from Malaga, with transfers included. It’s a great way to see the city for a day, without the faff or renting a car.
As you wander around the city, make sure to explore Plaza de Toros, Puente Viejo and Puente Arabe and take a stroll down the valley to see Ronda towering above you. It’s easily one of the best places in the south of Spain to visit on your trip.
Not only that, there are heaps of viewing spots to see the city in its full glory, too. Make sure to stop at Mirador de Aldehuela, the Mirador de Ronda, and the Alameda del Tajo Park. We love them.
Read more: Best things to do in Ronda
4.) Granada
Granada is another gem of a city in southern Spain you can’t miss when visiting. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great city to explore for a day trip or a long weekend.
Now, one of the most famous places to visit is undoubtedly the Alhambra, which is totally beautiful.
Just be sure to book these Alhambra tickets way in advance. There is an allotted number they allocated each day and you don’t want to miss out.
Once inside, you’ll get to wander the gardens and visit the Palacios Nazaries and the Generalife. It’s breathtaking.
Afterwards, be sure to check out Mirador San Nicolas, Granada Cathedral, and Calle Caldereria Nueva. It’s a beautiful and totally historic city.
Read more: Best places in Northern Spain to visit
5.) Cadiz
Cadiz sometimes gets overlooked instead of other places in the south of Spain to visit; though, it really shouldn’t be.
You see, Cadiz has thousands of years of history to explore and has heaps of family-run and gorogeus little restaurants that make this city a gem to visit for a long weekend (or even longer).
Once you’ve arrived, check out the Cathedral of Cadiz and pop inside the Cadiz Museum, too. You can spend hours inside. Best of all, one of the 129 towers is still open in the old part of Cadiz. You’ll get to climb the top floor and take in the views all over Cadiz. It’s lovely.
For a really relaxing trip, book this sunset catamaran tour which is so lovely for an hour in the bay. We had the best time.
6.) Cordoba
Cordoba has a very colourful and long history to explore. This makes it the perfect city to visit if you’re interested in the melting pot of cultures that is in the south of Spain.
Influenced by several cultures, Cordoba was Roman Spain’s capital before the Arabs took over, and the Christians after. It’s steeped in history and it’s all told through its gorgeous buildings that line the streets.
Before arriving, book this fast-track, Mosque of Cordoba ticket. It’s one beautiful building to see and totally iconic in the city.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to Cordoba, make sure to visit during the spring months. Lots of fiestas are held then and they’re so much fun.
Getting peckish? Grab an informal Andalusian bite to eat at Sociedad Plateros María Auxiliadora. It’s only small but they make the best tortillas de bacalao in all of Cordoba.
7.) Jerez de la Frontera
Considered the beating heart of Spanish equine tradition, Jerez is one of the best places in the south of Spain to visit whilst heading between the cities of Cadiz and Seville.
Not only that, Jerez is the actual spot where fortified sherry wine was invented and you can grab lots of tipples in the many watering holes and tapas bars that line the centre of Jerez. Honestly, there are loads and you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Afterwards, book these tickets to the traditional Jerez de la Frontera where you’ll learn more about the showmanship of Spanish riders and horses.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
8.) Nerja
Accessible from Malaga and Granada, Nerja is a small but one of lovely places in the south of Spain to visit as you meander the coastline.
Here, you can find beautiful beaches, like; Playa de Maro, Calas Torre del Pino and some epic views at Mirador de Cerro Gordo. You’ll get to see all across the Mediterranean Sea.
Also, one epic spot to visit is the Balcón de Europa where you can see Sierras de Tejeda and the Mediterranean Sea.
If you still can’t get enough of this place, visit more nearby spots like Frigiliana and Cueva de Nerja. You can even hike up El Cielo to see all of Costa del Sol. A perfect region for a road trip.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
9.) Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is one of the best places in the south of Spain to visit if you love the great outdoors.
Aside from having Mulhacén, continental Spain’s highest mountain, this mountain range is also a famous ski destination in Europe that’s great to visit in Winter. Not only that, in the summer, you can hike and mountain bike and raise the trails that are so epic.
Also, if you’re looking for some hiking trails, pop into this area in the Siera Nevada Hills. There are so many trails that lead from here.
Oh, and don’t forget to take a little visit to Alpujarra, too. It’s a lovely little place for a few hour’s stop.
10.) Donana National Park
Doñana National Park is a total love area t visit in the south of Spain. It feels totally unspoilt and the whole area feels so lovely to visit.
For us, we totally love Playa de Castilla, the long stretch of sand on this beach is just beautiful.
Also, just up the coast, you have the stunning Playa de Malandar. Another gem of a beach and perfect if you want a quieter beach experience in the south of Spain. Just be sure to pack plenty of fluids and snacks, there’s very little in terms of amenities around the beach itself.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
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