Andalucía is Spain’s most southerly region and its dramatic landscapes have witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms over the centuries. With a beautiful Mediterranean coastline and the Sierra Nevada mountain range setting the scene, Andalucía has some of southern Spain’s most spectacular ancient structures. See colossal cathedrals, hilltop forts, megalithic tombs and historic cobblestone alleys. Explore lively beachfront resorts or find your own secret cove on the broad Andalucian coastline.
With 300 days of annual sunshine, Andalucía has beaches that will allure almost year round. The spectacular sandy strip of Playa Victoria fronts the Atlantic port city of Cádiz, while Marbella has long been the seaside playground of the rich and famous. The region also has a collection of naturist beaches, such as the ever-popular Vera Playa. Find your own beach getaway at one of the numerous pretty bays that are strung along the expansive coastline.
Visit the sprawling city of Malága, which is renowned for its colorful festivals, bustling tapas bars and the unbeatable Costa del Sol. Walk amid ancient history in the city of Granada, where you can find beautifully preserved pockets of medieval Moorish architecture. Wander the streets of Albayzín or explore the 9th-century hilltop citadel of Alhambra.
Visit the city of Seville to see one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals amid its collection of impressive Catholic monuments. More historic relics can be found in Guadix, where houses have been built into its surrounding caves, and Antequera, where you can see 5,000-year-old dolmens.
If you can pull yourself away from the charismatic cities and gorgeous beaches, be sure to check out the hiking trails in the mountain valleys of the Alpujarras or find waterfalls and pinewoods in the enchanting Sierras de Cazorla. The Sierra Nevada range contains Spain’s highest peak and the most southerly ski resort in Europe.
Access this diverse region by flying into the international airports in Malága, Seville or Almería. Local buses and trains make transit within Andalucía easy, however, you may need a car to reach some of the remote mountain regions. With plenty of sunshine, picturesque landscapes, snow-capped mountains and fascinating history, Andalucía will charm in any season.