A mountain village on the inland road between the coast and Granada, December 2023
Andalusia (spelled Andalucía in Spanish) is the southernmost region of Spain. It has high snow-topped mountains and a beautiful coastline. Divided into eight provinces (Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville) with each gems of places to visit. From the "Havana of Spain" the city of Cádiz, via the beachy Mediterranean coast to the fairytale hilltop fortress Alhambra in Granada - all of Andalusia cannot be experienced in one visit only.
Since 2018 I travelled through parts of Andalusia a couple of times. This growing story is the overview with some short highlights and links to in depth illustrated stories on some of the most stunning places I have seen in this beautiful region.
The inner landscape of Andalusia, somewhere between the coast and Granada.
The inner landscape of Andalusia, somewhere between the coast and Granada.
The inner landscape of Andalusia, somewhere between the coast and Granada.
The swimming pool of the maitresse of the king of past times in the Alcázar of Sevilla, February 2018.
Sevilla
Sevilla (spelled in English as Seville) is with more than 700,000 inhabitants the capital of Andalusia. The whole metropole has about 1.5 million people, making it the fourth-largest in Spain. The old town is UNESCO World Heritage and includes the grand Alcázar palace complex. More on Sevilla coming later.
A small boat off the beach of Nerja, Andalusia, February 2018
Nerja
A sandy beach, a seafront promenade with "the Balcony of Europe" looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, cliffs and a lively centre. Nerja is a nice stop on the way while travelling alongside the coastline of Andalusia.
Residental area in Nerja.
The lifeguard house on Nerja beach.
Sunset at Nerja beach.
The Pasarela colgante de Jolúcar (hanging footbridge), January 2024
Pasarela colgante de Jolúcar
Located a little east of Torrenueva there is a passage over the Mediterranean not to miss: the Jolúcar hanging footbridge. Opened in May 2022, designed by architect Jorge Suso Fernández-Fígares it offers a stunning view over the sea, 35 metres above the surface of it. The 60 metres long footbridge was build with wooden planks, but has glass plates in the middle of it. It may not be a long passage, but it gives a bit of a thrill. The Pasarela colgante de Jolúcar is a cool stop if you are passing by nearby.
A watch tower at Torrenueva Beach, January 2024
Torrenueva
Maybe not the most spectacular of places, but if you're up for a break on your way, the Torrenueva beach is as good as any. It has some cool swim guard watch towers.
The beach of Torrenueva.
Atalaya de Cerro Gordo and its defence tower, January 2024
Historic coastal defence towers
To improve the protection of the lands against attacks from the sea, a series of coastal defence towers was built in Andalusia in the 16th and 17th century. One of them is the tower of Atalaya de Cerro Gordo pictured above. I recommend the spot to visit for the sunset. You can park your car relatively close by and enjoy the sunshine and the views.
View from Atalaya de Cerro Gordo, January 2024. Notice the other defence towers on a lower level on the cliffs.
The defence tower of Atalaya de Cerro Gordo, January 2024
Málaga
Málaga (560,000 inh). is this relaxed coastal city in Southern Spain that is easy to reach by air from almost anywhere in Europe. It has its fair share of historic buildings, a beach near the city centre, places to hang out in the evenings and provides a perfect jump spot to roam further into the beautiful landscapes of the region of Andalusia.
The Sierra Nevada mountains lighting up in the last sun over Granada, Andalusia, December 2023
Granada
Wonderfully located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, quite a bit away from the popular costs of Southern Andalusia, lies the city of Granada. It has a triumph card in medieval architecture of the Moore people: the Alhambra. This hilltop fortress is impressive with a capital I and can be seen from many of the small streets of the old town with its cute white houses and cobblestones.