Hidden Southern Spain: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Andalucía off the beaten path

Originally published April 27, 2020. Updated September 6th 2023

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

Olvera, Spain. One of the most beautiful white washed villages in Cádiz Province.

Most people don’t realize that Andalucía, Southern Spain covers a vast area.  Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga might be the most well-known places in Andalucía (and for a reason, they’re fantastic cities), but there’s so much more to discover all over this vast area of Spain.  

Most trips to Spain include several days in Andalucia. But many travelers just hit the well known highlights, completely missing out on the secrets of this incredible region of Spain.

In this travel guide, we share some of our favorite Andaluz gems to help you get off the beaten path and see Spain Less Traveled!

Looking for personalized recommendations? Need help deciding which of these places make logistical sense to weave into your unique Southern Spain travel itinerary?

These are just a few reasons why you should use a travel advisor to plan your trip to Spain.

We would love to help you plan your perfect trip.

Be sure to check our Spain traveling planning services, we can help with your dream trip to Spain including Andalucía’s hidden gems!

Where is Andalucia?

Located in Southern Spain, Andalucía is a large area, made up of eight provinces, with coastline on the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and only a few miles to Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Southern Spain has an abundance of hidden jewels. Wander outside of Seville, Granada, and the Costa del Sol!

Here are some of handpicked recommendations for each province in Andalucía. Get to really know Southern Spain off the beaten path!

From the beautiful nature to hidden pueblos to some the underrated cities of Southern Spain, here are some ways you can enhance your Spain travel itinerary and make the most out of your time in Andalucía.

Almería: Protected Coastline and the Wild West

In the far northeast corner of Southern Spain, bordering the Murcia region, Almería province does not see nearly as many visitors as other parts of Andalucía. It is much more remote.

The Alcazaba of Almería city

Those who go will be rewarded. Almería has it all, deserts, undeveloped coastlines, castles, a fun and thriving regional capital, and authentic small towns in the Alpujarra region that haven’t been touched by tourism.

To visit any of these places, you will want a car. Almería is a too far for a day trip from Seville, but it makes for a great stop on the road from Murcia, Alicante, or Valencia to Andalucía.

Spend a few days there to really get to know it. Here are more in-depth tips and ideas for Almería Spain.

Almería city: choose your own adventure (and free tapa)

Almería city doesn’t have the charm that many of Andalucía’s other regional capitals have, but don’t discount it right away. But take some time to get to know it and you will find friendly locals, history, and the best free tapas scene in Spain.

What makes Almería’s tapas so great? You get to choose what you want. Each tapas bar has its own menu and with every drink ordered, you can pick one of the free tapas off the menu. Don’t tell Granada, but locals agree that Almería city is the star of Southern Spain’s tapas tradition.

Aside from the food, be sure to visit the Alcazaba, the fort constructed by the Moors in the 1000s. At one time, it was the most powerful Moorish fortress in Spain, today much of it has been reconstructed, but you can still see the swath of the old walls.

Typical of Andalucía, Almería’s cathedral is built on the site of a former mosque. It’s worth a visit.

Stroll around Almería and you will begin to grow fond of one of the most underrated cities in Spain too!

Untouched Villages of the Alpujarra

Almería shares the Alpujarra (Sierra Nevada foothills on the southern slopes) with Granada. While the villages in Granada are lusher and better known, Almería’s Alpujarra pueblos are mostly off the map.

The area perfect for hiking and cycling. Some of the standout pueblos are Ohanes, Canjáyar, Fondón, and Laujar de Andarax.

Los Vélez, remote northern Almería

Views from the castle in Vélez Blanco

North in Almería, very close to the border with Murcia, the towns of Los Vélez in the Sierra de Maria mountains, are well worth the detour.

The largest is Vélez Rubio, but many agree that Vélez Blanco is the true standout.

High above the valley, this whitewashed village has a castle watching over it. The views from there are fantastic of both the town and the dramatic surroundings.

And if you are looking for crisp mountain air, a hike in the Sierra de Maria, just outside of the town Maria, is a secluded nature park. Outside of high season, you will most likely have the trails to yourself. Keep an eye out for foxes, mountain goats, and birdlife.

Star in a Spaghetti Western in Tabernas

Forget about going to the Wild West in North America.  Spain has its own version too, and it’s in Tabernas.  The town is located on the edge of the Tabernas Desert and is home to three film sets for… you guessed it, Western-style movies.  For those who like their desert with Moroccan-style, you can also hike up to the Moorish castle ruins.  

Miles of protected coastline in Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata (Photo by Karen Rosenblum)

Unfortunately a lot of Spain’s Mediterranean coast is built up, especially in Southern Spain. But Almería province is home to Cabo de Gata Nature Park, Andalucía’s largest protected coastal area. It’s remote and wild. The area has some of Spain’s least built up beaches. Playa El Playazo is in the shadow of castle ruins. The area also offers a lot of opportunities for hiking.

It’s a vast area and nature lovers can easily spend a few days exploring the park.

Just on the edge of the park, the cute town of Níjar, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages is a good base for exploring the area.

Cádiz province: My Southern Spain Favorite (If I had to choose)

The pueblo blanco of Grazalema

In Southern Spain’s far southwestern corner, Cádiz province has it all. Coastal villages on Costa de la Luz, where it’s the rough Atlantic Ocean. So many charming pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages) it is impossible to list them all. Cádiz province is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, surfers, and windsurfers.

Perhaps my all around favorite province in Andalucía, Cádiz province is still very much of a secret and one that should not be missed on any Southern Spain trip.

(For even more about Cádiz, check out our Cádiz Spain travel guide!)

Pueblos blancos truly off the beaten path

There are many options for a day trip from Seville to see some of the pueblos blancos. I do not recommend the packaged tours as they tend to linger in Ronda, which is beautiful, but very touristy, And they barely scratch the surface of the smaller, less visited, pueblos blancos of Southern Spain.

So I recommend renting a car and exploring the pueblos blancos on your own. Spend a few nights in the area too, if possible. But even with just a day, renting a car in Seville gives you so much more flexibility and freedom to see the pueblos blancos on your terms!

The view of Setenil de las Bodegas from above the cliffs.

Far off the beaten path, and where the organized tours don’t go is the town of Olvera (pictured above), one of the most visually stunning towns in the region. Surrounded by three billion olive trees (yes, really!), the views from the top of the castle are impressive.  Be sure to also walk around the impressive Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.  

Also worth is a visit is Setenil de las Bodegas, with its whitewashed houses built right into the cliffs. Be sure to also check out the views from above the town, and not only on the streets under the caves.

The town of Zahara de la Sierra is another whitewashed hilltop town with a castle. What makes Zahara different is that right below it, is a manmade lake in the middle of some of Southern Spain’s prettiest landscapes.

This whitewashed village of Grazalema is stunning. This pueblo is located right in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and has beautiful views surrounded by green mountains.  With some great dining and lodging options, Grazalema makes for a great overnight or muti-day base to explore the pueblos blancos or Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

Stunning Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

The Sierra de Grazalema is a beautiful natural park.  With miles and miles of hiking trails, backroads perfect for cyclists, and gorgeous scenery, anyone craving nature shouldn’t miss the Sierra de Grazalema area.

Cheese lovers rejoice: Cádiz Province’s famous Payoyo cheese comes from these parts.  There are places to taste it and even a cheese museum in the town of El Bosqe.

I recommend spending a few days in the Sierra de Grazalema. But this part of Southern Spain can also be visited on a day trip from Seville or Cádiz city. Access to a car is necessary.

The Coast of Light includes one of Europe’s oldest cites

Don’t miss coastal Cádiz, called La Costa de La Luz (the coast of the light). Here it’s not the clam Mediterranean, but the moody Atlantic. No wonder windsurfers and surfers flock here.

Views from Cádiz Cathedral’s bell tower.

Cádiz’s provincial capital, Cádiz city is located on the Costa de la Luz. In the far southwestern corner of Spain, some consider Cádiz out of the way and don’t include it on their itinerary. But it’s one of Southern Spain’s most lively cities, with a historic center that will charm you.

Set on a peninsula, surrounded by the Bay of Cádiz, the 360 views of the water make for gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

Cádiz’s urban beach, La Caleta, is one of Spain’s best with an almost Caribbean feel. Many claim that Cádiz is Europe’s oldest city. It is from here where Columbus set off to discover the New World. It makes for a great base to explore Cádiz province. I like to give my clients at least a few days here.

Further down the coast from Cádiz, you will find small villages and sandy beaches. Famous for its wind and sand dunes, these Atlantic beaches are a mecca for kite surfers.

Make sure to stop in the village of Vejer de la Frontera. This whitewashed village (pueblo blanco) that’s also on the list of most beautiful villages in Spain, has so much history!

And at the end of the peninsula lies the hippie-vibe surf village of Tarfia. With so many vegan and vegetarian food options for a small town, Tarifa has a Spanish element too with a beautiful old walled historic center and castle. The southernmost point of mainland Europe, Tarifa is where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. And that land across the water? That’s the Moroccan coast, so you are truly looking at another continent. Just 13 km (8.1 miles) of sea separates Europe from Africa.

Sherry, Flamenco, and Horses

Tío Pepe sherry bodega in Jerez de la Frontera

It does not get much more Andaluz than Jerez de la Frontera.

Jerez de la Frontera is most famous for two (really three) Andaluz staples: horses, sherry, and flamenco. It is textbook Andaluz but remains one of Southern Spain’s best-kept secrets. It is not a stop on most “Andaluz whistle-stop tours.”

To pack even more of an Andaluz punch, Jerez also has a Moorish fortress and a grand Gothic cathedral. The cathedral, which looks almost like a miniature of Sevilla’s immense cathedral, is worth a visit. If you are willing to climb up to the top of the bell tower, the views of Jerez are great. And don’t miss the Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera, a well-restored Moorish fortress with an ancient mosque, arab baths, and aljibe water system.

(Important note: due to time schedules, it is nearly impossible to visit many of Jerez’s attractions in a single day. Therefore it is recommended to spend at least one night there. There are packaged day trips offered from Seville, but those are not recommended)

Authentic Andalucía without the crowds.

Córdoba: More than a day trip from Seville

The grand old mosque of Córdoba. The arches are spectacular.

While not off the beaten path, Córdoba city often shows up on Spain itineraries as just a day trip from Seville, or a quick stop between Seville and Madrid. But I urge you to take some time to discover Córdoba, both in the city itself and in rural Córdoba province itself.

You might discover some of Southern Spain’s best kept secrets.

Linger in one Southern Spain’s favorite cities: Córdoba

A lot of travelers make Córdoba itself a day trip from Seville. I think that is a mistake. There is so much to see there! The Mezquita Mayor which was a mosque, but is now the cathedral is known for its mesmerizing bright orange and white arches. Walking around the Judería, you will also quickly learn about Córdoba’s rich Jewish past. Make sure to visit the synagogue and try Sephardic food (traditional Spanish Jewish) at Casa Mazal.

(For more places for travelers to learn about Jewish history of Spain, check out our travel guide to Sephardic Spain.)

In fact, Córdoba’s entire historic center is a  UNESCO World Heritage site because there is so much history. 

Palacio de Viana is worth a visit to see an example of Córdoba’s famous gardens and patios.

But if it is Andaluz patios you are wanting to see, be sure to visit in May when the city hosts la Fiesta de los Patios (the festival of patios), where locals open the patios in their homes for the public to see.  There is even a contest for the best patio.  It’s our favorite festival in all of Spain. Not only can you see 50 Andaluz style patios, but you really get a glimpse into local life since these patios are small and are in private homes.

So spend a few days in Córdoba city. And then take some time to explore one some of the surrounding area too.

(Here are my top things to do in Cordoba Spain!)

Beautiful La Fiesta de los Patios in Córdoba Spain.

Taste local cheese in the shadow of a castle in Zuheros

The center of Córdoba province’s cheese and olive growing region, Zuheros makes an interesting day trip from Córdoba city.  There is a path up the hill that leads to the old castle.  Be sure to try the region’s specialty cheeses on a terrace with castle and olive tree views.  The town itself is also worth a stroll with whitewashed buildings, charming and typical of Andalucía.

Madinat al-Zahra: Some of Spain’s best-preserved Moorish ruins

Moorish ruins of the Medina Azahara.

Córdoba was the capital of the Muslim world in the early middle ages. And the Medina Azahara (or Medinat al-Zahara) is what was the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The ruins of the city were excavated in the early 1900s, and are some of the best-preserved Moorish ruins in the world.

There is an informative museum explaining the history of the Medina Azahara. But the real treat is getting to wander around what remains of the palace complex and the mosque. The site is impressive and was surly fit for royalty!

There are daily buses from Córdoba city. And advanced reservations are necessary. Some prefer to hire a guide or take an organized day trip from Córdoba.

Visit a Game of Thrones castle

Almodóvar del Río Castle

Just a few kilometers west of Córdoba city is the town of Almodóvar del Río, made famous because its castle was used in Game of Thrones.

The castle, one of the best castles in Spain, played an important role in defending the Caliphate of Córdoba when the Moors ruled this area.

On a cliff watching over the town the castle, which has Muslim origins, is nothing short of impressive.

Open in the mornings and can be reached by foot (about a 20-minute uphill walk) from the center of town. If you are arriving by car, there are two car parks for those driving, one below the castle (which requires an uphill walk) and one right next to the castle. Count the towers, there are eight of them.

The town itself is pleasant and traditional and can be reached by bus from Córdoba’s bus station, making it an easy day trip and one of the most special things to do in Córdoba Spain.

Granada province beyond the gem of Southern Spain

The Alhambra, Granada Spain

Just about every Spain itinerary includes a stop in the city of Granada, which is where you can visit the Alhambra, one of the most visited sites in Spain. And if your highlights of Spain itinerary does not take you to Granada, you are missing out! The Alhambra is always on lists of the best Moorish/Islamic architecture in the world along with places like the Taj Mahal.

But knowing the ins and outs of this complex is very important, and that is why we have a comprehensive guide on how to visit the Alhambra in Granada Spain

There are plenty of other ways to keep busy in Granada’s capital city. From the Albaicín (the old Moorish quarter) to Calle Navas, the tapa street in the city that perfected the free tapa, take some time to truly discover Granada.

For more ideas of things to do in Granada Spain, have a look at our top 10 picks!)

But then go outside of the city limits to explore mainland Spain’s tallest mountains and even more charming pueblos!

(And speaking of, we’ve got more tips about the architecture in Spain and where to see it all!)

(Sometimes) snowy Sierra Nevada

Those iconic snowy mountains behind the Alhambra in those photos that you see have year round outdoor activities. Skiers and snowboarders flock to Sierra Nevada Ski Station resort in the winter. There you can ride or ski on mainland Spain’s tallest mountain. During the spring, summer, and fall, the area is a heaven for hikers and mountain bikers. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Granada, with regular bus service as well.

Charming and beautiful Alpujarra

Granada’s Alpujarra region, sits on the slopes of the other side of the Sierra Nevada range (headed toward Málaga and the coast). Once a Moorish stronghold, the Alpujarra area offers some great hiking, and some of the most charming towns in Southern Spain.

A few towns worth noting are Órgiva, the main town as well as a convenient base for the area. Head to Lanjarón, where Spain’s famous bottled water comes from. Pampaneira is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the villages in this region. Trevélez is famous for its local jamón serrano. Cáñar is has a strong Arabic influence. And Válor is a great town to try some of the Alpujarra’s best food.

These are only a few of the places to stop, there are so many more. If you have the time, a few days in the Alpujarra will be rewarding.

Montefrío, Spain, one of Andalucía’s most charming villages.

Montefrío: A pueblo with a skyline!

Montefrío really is a pueblo with a skyline!  Dominated by the Iglesia de la Encarnación, and the Iglesia de la Villa, these monuments frame the pueblo to form a skyline. Iglesia de la Encarnación the only round church constructed in Spain after 1492. The Iglesia de la Villa is perched on a hill above town (which is worth the hike to the top for the views).

The locals will serve you their famous morcilla (blood pudding) at any local bar. Make sure to take in all of the miradores that Montefrío has to offer! On the road between Granada and Córdoba, be sure to detour to Montefrío. There are also infrequent buses from Granada.

Huelva Province: The best kept secret in Southern Spain

While many pass through Huelva province on the road from Seville to Portugal, few stop to take in what it has to offer. In fact, many travelers to Spain have never even heard of Huelva, making it very much off the beaten path and one of Spain’s best kept secrets.

While the provincial capital isn’t a huge draw, there are some areas in Huelva province worth checking out.

Sierra de Aracena: a group of pueblos blancos less traveled

Huelva Province’s Sierra de Aracena is so close to the border with Portugal that Portuguese radio comes in clearly. This area, with beautiful towns and stunning nature, is worth spending some time.

The largest town is Aracena, and it makes for a good base. Here you can explore a complex of caves. Above ground, there are many pottery shops selling Aracena’s signature red ceramic pieces. Climb to the castle on top of the hill for great views.

The abandoned mosque of Almonaster la Real, in the Sierra de Aracena.

In Almonaster la Real you can visit an abandoned old Mosque, with some of the most prominent features of Moorish architecture (think arches).  And unlike in Córdoba you won’t find a slew of visitors here (if any at all).

Jabugo produces some of the best ham (jamón) in Spain. You can learn more about it and buy it at the Museo del Jamón.

Getting to the Sierra de Aracena can be day trip from Seville. But I recommend spending a few nights in the area. Aracena is a great base. You will need a car.

Doñana National Park: try to find a lynx

Doñana National Park is a crossroads for birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Along with over 300 types of birds, it is also one of the few places left to see the highly endangered Iberian lynx (though you will be very lucky if you do see one).

The park itself is made up of forests, beaches, and marshes.

And on the way there you can stop in El Rocío, a dusty one horse town (literally). Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rocío, the church, attracts many pilgrims every year to pay homage to the virgin, with an almost cult-like status.

Various tour operators run an organized day trip from Seville, including a safari drive, and stop in El Rocío, making it possible to access this corner of natural Southern Spain without a car.

Jaén: Small towns, nature, and olive trees

Epic views from Jaén’s parador, in the Santa Catalina Castle!

Said to produce some of the best olive oil in the world, rural Jaén province is the first province in Andalucía on the freeway from Madrid to Southern Spain. Olive trees woven across the landscape for miles and miles, Jaén province is often overlooked by travelers. But it has so much to offer.

Jaén Capital: One of Andalucía’s off the beaten path cities

Jaén’s impressive Santa Catalina Castle

The provincial capital (Jaén) is worth spending a bit of time. It is one of Spain’s more off-the-beaten-path smaller cities that most travelers pass up.

The small centro histórico is pleasant and at the center of it all is Jaén’s cathedral, built in Renaissance style. The Parador in Santa Catalina castle is a great splurge - the views are impressive! But Jaén’s real heart can be found in its small towns and wide-open natural spaces.

Úbeda and Baeza: abundant with Renaissance masterpieces

Sunsets and Renaissance architecture, Úbeda.

Jaén’s produces some of the world’s best olive oil. And travelers to the town of Úbeda can visit an olive oil “visitors center” right in the center of town. Here you can sample local olive oil, said to be Spain’s best, and yes, buy some to bring home too.

On the edges of town, there are sweeping vistas of olive trees.  But Úbeda is also known for its Renaissance architecture and a lot of it! The quintessential photo of the town’s Palacio de las Cadenas and Capilla del Salvador can be taken from Plaza de Vazquez de Molina.

Nearby Baeza is noted for having some of the best Italian Renaissance architecture in all of Spain. Take some time to wander around the narrow streets that surround the cathedral.

Both Úbeda and Baeza are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. They can be paired on a long day trip from Granada, but as always, I suggest spending at least a night. There is infrequent bus service, so for a day trip having a car is a much better option.

Alcaudete: the true Spain Less Traveled

I discovered Alcaudete on accident during a road trip from Córdoba to Granada, taking the backroads, through the pueblos.  Once an important border town, dividing Moorish and Catholic Spain, the old castle still towers over the town.  The town dates back to medieval times, and of course being Jaén province, is surrounded by olive trees.

If you are on an Andaluz road trip, and you happen to pass through, a stop in Alcaudete is a chance to experience a real working town in Southern Spain far from the beaten path.

Three Sierras: Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas

Backroads heading to the Sierra de Cazorla

Jaén province’s Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas make up Spain’s largest protected area as well as one of the largest in all of Europe. The lush woodlands and jagged mountains are stunning. Hikers and climbers will find endless trails leading to beautiful viewpoints. Make sure to pick up a route map at the tourist office in the town of Cazorla. They can give you a current list of organized excursions in the region, but this is really one area where having your own car is best.

The entire area has a DO for olive oil production, and it is some of the best in the entire world!

This is also where the Guadalquivir river, which flows through Seville and Córdoba starts.

Olives, olives, and more olives

With landscapes like these it’s no surprise what Jáen province is known for.

Throughout all of Andalucía, you will see olive trees. But you won’t see the sheer abundance of them anywhere but in Jaén.

In fact, residents of Jaén have petitioned UNESCO to add the billions and billions of olive trees as a world heritage site. There is no doubt that these trees make up a huge part of Spain’s cultural heritage. The olives are exported all over the world to make some of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oil.

If you’re looking to learn more about how olive oil is made and sample a few types, tastings (often only offered in Spanish) can be arranged in many of Jaén province’s cities and towns.

And if you are just passing through, stop and just about any truck stop or gas station in the province. You will find so much of this liquid gold, sold at great prices, and in often batches only distributed locally.

Málaga province away from popular beach resorts

If you are lucky enough to be in Málaga during the holiday season, be sure not to miss the city’s famous holiday lights!

Málaga province gets kind of a bad reputation with travelers wanting to experience authentic Spain. The resorts of the Costa del Sol are only one part of this province. (We love Málaga so much that we have a whole guide to Málaga off the beaten path. Check it out!)

Malaga City

Málaga city is more than an airport and a cruise ship port. Most travelers use it only as that, completely bypassing the city itself and that is a shame.

Málaga city’s beautiful historic center.

Málaga is everything the Costa del Sol is not: authentically Spanish and with so much soul and character.

There’s a beautiful Renaissance cathedral surrounded by a historic center. In fact, the whole city is a Moorish architecture lover’s paradise. The Alcazaba, old Moorish fort, keeps a steady watch over the city from the hill above. And the further up, the Castillo de Gibralfaro is the ruins of a Moorish castle offering impressive views of the city.

Art lovers should know that the city is home to a small Picasso museum (Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga) as well a miniature Pompidou center in a building worth seeing just from the outside. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Málaga city is full of fabulous museums. For one of the best collections of Andaluz art in the world, be sure to make a stop at the Carmen Thyssen.

And the city has some wonderful beaches, including El Polo and the very Spanish Playa de la Misericordia. Find a table at a chiringuito (beachside restaurant) and enjoy some of Málaga’s seafood specialities.

And nature lovers rejoice: there is so much outdoor space in Montes de Málaga Natural Park, within the city limits. Though the Andaluz backroads up there will make you believe you are in the remote Andalucían countryside.

Finally, if you are lucky enough to be in Málaga over the December holidays, be sure to catch the lights on Calle Larios. They are considered to be the best display of holiday lights in Spain by many.

Antequera: Authentic Southern Spain without the crowds

Views from Antequera, Spain’s Alcazaba

Antequera is the textbook definition of Andalucía, but without the crowds of Granada, Córdoba, or Seville.

Located (almost) smack in the middle of Andalucía, Antequera is often overlooked by travelers. But there are many reasons to visit this hidden gem of Southern Spain. Antequera is one of our favorite day trips from Málaga city.

For starters, Antequera is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dólmenes, ancient monolithic burial sites. These are some of the best-preserved sites from the Bronze age in the world and are truly one-of-a-kind.

Moorish Architecture lovers can’t miss the Alcazaba of Antequera. The 360 views from the top of whitewashed Antequera and the beautiful countryside surrounding it are well worth the price of admission (and the climb!).

Just below are Antequera’s old Moorish quarters which are charming and much less crowded than Granada’s Albaizyn. Don’t miss Iglesia del Carmen, with its elaborate interior decoration. Make sure to look up at the ceiling.

Antequera’s municipal museum is worth a stop if just to see the stunning Andaluz-style patio. But admission is free and there are some interesting exhibitions about the city’s history.

Antequera is the perfect place to simply go for a stroll and get lost in its maze of small streets. Be sure to try the polvorones, sweets that are a favorite of Spaniards all over the country around the holiday season.

Antequera is a great stop to break up the journey from Málaga to some of the other Andaluz cities such as Granada, Córdoba, and Sevilla. Even if it is a slight detour, it si worth it. Antequera is even served by AVE (high-speed train), but be warned that if you arrive by AVE, the station is far out with only taxi service connecting it (25€) to the city center.

Nerja & Frigiliana: Mediterranean beaches with Spanish charm

Frigiliana’s incredible miradores.

East of Málaga city, going to in the direction of Granada and the Costa Tropical, you can find Nerja, a quiet(er) beach town that has managed to maintain its Spanish charm. With whitewashed buildings, sandy beaches, and the opportunity to explore caves, Nerja is one of my favorite towns on the Costa del Sol.

Just above Nerja, in the hills is Frigiliana, a quaint whitewashed village with stunning seascapes of the Mediterranean. Wander around its cobble stone streets slowly, stopping to take in the views.

Getting to Nerja and Frigiliana is easy and can be done on a day trip from Granada or Málaga, but also makes a good place to spend a few nights. Both have regular bus service to Nerja. A car is recommended for more flexibility.

Cómpeta: a sweet little pueblo blanco specializing in sweet wine

The road up to Cómpeta is perfect for thrill-seekers. But the town itself is well worth any car-sickness one may come down with while getting there.

Perched in the Sierra de Tejeda mountains high above the Mediterranean, Cómpeta is the quintessential Andaluz white village, and with Mediterranean views of course.

The town is known for its sultry sweet wine, made from the Moscatel grapes which are grown in abundance around it. There is even an annual wine festival, celebrated in mid-August.

Take some time to stroll around charming Cómpeta, taking in the small plazas and beautiful vistas. You will need your own wheels to get there.

Sevilla: the signature of Southern Spain

Streets of Seville

If there is one city in Andalucía that everyone knows, it is Seville, or Sevilla (somehow it sounds more poetic in Spanish). With so much to see and do, you could spend a few weeks in Sevilla, taking time to pause to enjoy the chill Andaluz urban life.

(Read more about Sevilla’s famous monuments and lesser known highlights here.)

Sevilla is well known for so many reasons. Its main draw is that it is Andalucía in abundance: signature Southern Spain. Outside of the city limits you will find all of Andalucía’s signature items, on a much more off the beaten path scale.

(And for more ideas for unique day trips from Seville, see the Cádiz and Huelva sections as well)

Carmona: the patio of the parador is worth it alone

The parador in Carmona has an impressive patio typical of Andalucía.

Not a small town, but more like a smaller city, Carmona, with so many impressive monuments is an easy day trip from Seville. The Puerta de Sevilla, the impressive main gate of the old city wall, leads to the old town.  Have a coffee at the market, which is in a converted convent.  And do not miss the magnificent parador, the town’s old Alcazar, with its Andaluz-style patio. It is open to non-parador guests too.

(Here are more of our top picks of Paradores of Spain!)

The well preserved church, Iglesia Prioral De Santa María, is worth taking a peek at the interior too. A stop on Seville Province’s “Ruta de la Tapa,” Carmona makes for a great destination to try some typical Andaluz foods (a rich culinary tradition that some say has the best food in Spain!) like salmorejo and caracoles.

There are organized tours from Seville to Carmona as well as regular bus service between the two cities (though not express), making it an easy day trip from Seville.

Flamenco and Gazpacho: Morón de la Frontera 

To really experience two Southern Spain icons, a visit to Móron de la Frontera in July is in order.  Yes, it will be hot but that gazpacho will cool you down.  Why in July? For the flamenco and gazpacho festival (yes, one festival). Watch flamenco. Eat gazpacho.  Nothing is more Andaluz than that! The town is about 45 minutes from Seville in a car.

There you have it: our ultimate travel guide to Southern Spain off the beaten path!

But there’s so much more…

Inspired to explore Andalucía more in depth? Want to know about even more hidden places in Southern Spain? Got several ideas from this article, but unsure of how to weave them into your itinerary?

With 20 years experience in the professional travel industry, we specialize in handcrafting unique Spain itineraries, personalized for our clients. We’d love to help you too!

You also might like our other in depth guides by region.

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