Get lost on the roads of this sun-soaked corner of Spain. We have flown in from London to Malaga where we stayed a night before making our way to explore the beautiful nature and cities of Andalusia. Depending on your interest, time and speed, you can create your own itinerary for the road trip. Below you will see the highlights of Andalusia that you should not miss while there.
Andalucia is Spain’s most southerly region, heavy with Moorish influence. The region is known for its flamenco, fascinating history and food scene, cobblestone streets of ancient towns, coastline cities and iconic pueblo blancos (white towns) set amidst stunning landscapes that you won’t want to leave.
1) Malaga
Malaga is a perfect place to start your road trip. You can easily rent a car from the airport and head on the roads or spend a day or night in Malaga to explore the capital town of Andalusia province. Malaga has lots to do and is a lively city, busy with bars, restaurants, cafes, and people! If you are short on time, make sure to visit Alcazaba in Malaga for beautiful historical ruins and views over the city
2) Marbella
Marbella is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.
3) Ronda
Ronda is divided by the huge 120m deep river gorge of El Tajo, which is spanned by the stunning arched bridge of Puente Nuevo. The bridge is best seen from the beautiful La Casa del Rey Moro, where you’ll find lush and fragrant gardens and a spectacular view.
4) Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey is a walkway, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The name derives from the original name of Camino del Rey, abbreviated locally to el caminito. The walkway had fallen into disrepair and was partially closed for over a decade.
5) Pueblo Blancos (White cities)
The White Towns of Andalusia, or Pueblos Blancos, are a series of whitewashed towns and large villages in the northern part of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in southern Spain, mostly within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. If you wonder why the houses were all painted in white, then it is due to protection from the sun during summer. White houses are cooler during the hot summer than houses with other colours. This bit of wisdom comes from the Moors. The white colour reflects the sunlight and does not absorb it, keeping the house cool.
Some of the beautiful pueblo blancos towns and villages that you can explore are for example Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Villaluenga del Rosario or Setenil de las Bodegas. Note that Rondo has also a beautiful view of white houses over the cliffs in the town.
6) Granada
High in the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is all about the Alhambra Palace. This spectacular Moorish palace sits high on a hill overlooking the city and is the jewel in Andalucia’s crown as well as being one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
7) Cordoba
Rich in history and Moorish architecture, Cordoba is an intimate and atmospheric city, most famous for the ancient Mezquita (mosque-cathedral).
The Mezquita is a remarkable building, the result of a mosque built well over a thousand years ago and added to numerous times before being consecrated as a cathedral in 1248 by the conquistadors who freed Spain from the rule of the Moors in the same year.
The result is an eclectic mix of Moorish and Renaissance architecture that blends to create a cathedral unlike any other in the world and is the one place you must visit in Cordoba.
8) Seville
In the old town, you’ll find three of Seville’s best attractions; Seville Cathedral in all its Gothic splendour, the imposing Giralda Tower and the stunning Alcazar. It’s highly recommended to visit all three for a real taste of Seville’s fascinating history.
9) Cadiz
Cádiz is an ancient port city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. The home of the Spanish Navy, the port boomed in the 16th-century as a base for exploration and trade. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships. On the waterfront is the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, featuring baroque and neoclassical elements.
10) Juzcar
Juzcar, one of the small villages located in the beautiful, scenic Valle del Genal in the Serrania de Ronda, known as a ‘smurf town’. Apart from all of the white villages around Andalusia, Juzcar is unique for the blue painted houses.
The transformation of this town is owed to the fact that every single building here was painted blue: houses, the Church, the cemetery and the Town Hall, to embrace the premiere of the Sony pictures world-renowned film – The Smurfs 3D. Once the filming and promotion had passed, the inhabitants of Juzcar decided to keep the buildings painted blue, carrying on as the village of the smurfs and taking advantage of this uniqueness to attract tourists and generate a greater income among its inhabitants.
