My first time in Andalusia, I arrived in the enchanting city of Granada in the evening. I walked on narrow streets snaking through ancient neighborhoods and cramped bazaars on my way to my lodging for the night. Up on the hill, overlooking the city, was the citadel of La Alhambra. It was glowing reddish-orange, outlined by the thick black of the night sky. It was powerful and majestic, a historic stronghold whose presence was an artful backdrop to a vibrant city. Granada was fully on display. So began my love of Southern Spain.
Andalusia is hands-down my favorite region in Spain because it showcases aspects of the country that are quintessentially Spain but adds its own flare. This region is characterized by its unique gastronomy; a rich Roman, Moorish and Christian history; lively cultural traditions; stunning white village architecture and remarkable natural landscapes.
Read on for a brief overview of my favorite cities to visit in Andalusia: Seville, Ronda and Granada.
Seville
Seville—or as the Spanish call it, Sevilla—is the largest and capital city of Andalusia. This city brings in over two million tourists a year, and for good reason! It’s home to some of the most beautiful must-see architecture in all of Spain, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Alcazar Palace and the Seville Cathedral with its iconic Moorish bell tower, as well as the Metropol Parasol and the Plaza de Espana. If you're interested in experiencing a performance of a lifetime, consider attending one of the many flamenco shows hosted throughout the city.
Ronda
Ronda is perhaps most famous for its Puente Nuevo, a 390-foot-tall bridge, built on the foundations of a Roman bridge, that connects the city over the Guadalevín River. This historic city is also home to Plaza de Toros, a neoclassical bullfighting ring that was built in 1784 and still hosts these controversial events today. But now more than bullfights, the bullring houses a museum and offers guided tours.
For dinner, consider trying gazpacho (a cold soup) to cool down from the hot day or check out a tapas bar and try the classic Spanish meal of small plates. Some of my personal favorite tapas that I recommend you start with are patatas bravas (spicy potatoes, a classic), pulpitos fritos (fried octopus) and almejas al marinara (mussels marinara). Don’t forget to finish dinner with the local digestif —sherry!
Granada
Many people who think of Granada think immediately of the historic Moorish fortress and modern-day citadel, La Alhambra. “Alhambra,” which comes from the Arabic word for “red castle,” is true to its name. This World Heritage Site is built out of red-tinted stone and is 26 acres in its footprint. The fortress houses buildings, towers, gardens, courtyards, shops and even a hotel. The walls of the buildings are among the most important Muslim sites in the modern world and are etched with Arab calligraphy.
Granada is home to another World Heritage Site, the Moorish Quarter, known locally as Albaicin. Be sure to walk through the Great Bazaar in the old town to find some souvenirs such as scarves, paintings and jewelry.
Explore Spain with Us!
If you’re looking for a memorable trip to Spain that includes my favorite Andalusian cities, consider going on our Southern Spain's Andalucia Biking Tour. You’ll bike past white villages, tour a bodega, pause for tapas and create your own memories of views of the Alhambra.
