- Capital: Madrid
- Currency: Euro
- Languages: Spanish and Catalan
- Budget: +++
What to do in Andalusia?
I’ve been around spain when I was younger but the main place I’ve been to as a backpacker is Andalusia. It’s probably the most beautiful region of Spain! At the extreme south of the country, Andalusia is a mixture of arabic and spanish culture giving life to beautiful architectural palaces and cities. A lot of things and places to see in Andalusia, great food and a great atmosphere! Here are some tips!
Malaga: *
I suggest starting your tour in Malaga. There is not much to do in this coastal city as tourists but the atmosphere is pretty nice at the waterfront! A lot of places to eat tapas, a lot of places to go out and overall a great vibe!
- The Alcazaba fortress: on the top of a hill from which you have a great view on the city, this old fortress is pretty nice to see, especially at sunset!
- The old town: a lot of bars, tapas restaurants, etc.
- The waterfront and the beach: nice atmosphere at night! A lot of animation!
- …
Food and drinks:
- Two words: TAPAS and SANGRIA (enough said…)
Ronda : **
This small touristic town is famous for two things: it’s impressive bridge and it’s arena (where there still are some coridas). The old town is pretty as well but the visit of the arena and the simple view of the bridge make it really worth it to go there! I’ll let the pictures talk for themselves!
Sevilla : ***
The biggest city in Andalusia, Sevilla is a living and great! A lot of things to see there:
- La cathedral de Sevilla: a must-see in Sevilla!
- Alcazar: the thing you HAVE to visit in Sevilla! Beautiful palace with gardens and typical architecture. As beautiful as the Alhambra of Grenada, really! A lot of tourists though…
- Casa de pilatos: another palace to visit
- Triana: a beautiful part of the city close to the river
- Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza: the most famous plaza of Andalusia!
My hostel was not that great in Sevilla but I can recommend you a local place to see flamenco at night: la carboneria ! Really nice and it’s a place where locals go.
Cordoba: ***
Beautiful little white city…Cordoba is small but filled with contrasts! The idea in Cordoba is to walk around in the small streets of the city and just enjoy. You can also visit:
- La mezquita: the iconic and unique mosque-cathedral of Cordoba! Half a mosque and half a cathedral!
- Alcazar: beautiful castle and gardens
A very nice place to stay is the Osio Hostel!
Granada: ***
Home of the mythical Alhambra, Granada is a must in Andalusia! Two things to do mainly there:
- Visit the Alhambra: the most beautiful place in Spain…the palaces, the gardens, the views,…A lot of people so it’s better to buy your tickets in advance!
- Walk around in the Albaicin area: beautiful part of the city facing the Alhambra. You can have a pretty view on the palace from Albaicin! Great place to eat as well
A great place to see some flamenco: chien andalou
A great place to sleep: Vita hostel
Aracena: *
Small city famous for its jamon (ham). You can visit the museo del jamon there! The fortress and arena are quite beautiful as well!
Tips to save money:
- The train and bus network in Andalusia is pretty great and you can travel around quickly and for a good price
- Eat like locals: tapas
- Use couchsurfing or stay in hostels
- Don’t pay for overpriced tours or flamenco shows!
- Fly to Andalusia with Ryanair!!
Other places in Spain that might interest you:
Apart from Andalusia, I’ve only visited Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
- Barcelona: a city full of life, incredible to visit! Admire the unique buildings of Gaudi, get in the biggest football stadium in Europe, and party all night on the rambla!
- Costa Brava: this is the name of the coast close to Barcelona. Not exceptionnal but you might want to visit the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres or the small village of Cadaques.
Cadaques
BSC Wanderer Travel Guide 