Andalusia
Andalusia is Spain's southernmost region. Its history has been shaped by the Tartessos, Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Amazigh (Berbers), Sephardic Jews, Gitanos (Romani), Umayyads, and Moors. Its name derives from the Mideival Muslim kingdom of Al-Andaluz. It is the birthplace of flamenco, bullfighting, and many other quintessential aspects of Spanish culture. From 12,000ft mountains to the Mediterranean Costa del Sol, it is overflowing with beauty, history, and culture.
Sevilla
The capital and largest city of the region, Seville is utterly charming. Maid-of-Honor Jillian adores the city she studied abroad in. Must-see stops include:
The Alcázar de Sevilla. This World Heritage Site is still a residence of the Spanish royal family. Dating to the 12th century, its palaces and gardens are a stunning combination of Mudéjar, Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. It is no wonder Game of Thrones producers chose to film here.
The Cathedral is the largest medieval or gothic church in the world. While the inside alone is impressive enough, visitors can also climb La Giralda tower to gain a breathtaking view across the city.
The Plaza de España sits in the middle of the expansive and tranquil Maria Luisa Park. Built for the 1929 World's Fair, visitors can walk, row, ride bikes, or catch a lift in a horse-drawn carriage to explore the Plaza and the park. Spend a peaceful afternoon wandering the botanical gardens, fountains, and monuments. See if you can spot wild parakeets or locations for many famous movies filmed here as well!
Visit a museum. Seville has dozens of wonderful museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Arts and Traditions, and museums dedicated to flamenco, bullfighting, archaeology, history, and many other topics.
Explore the city. From Triana to la Macarena, each neighborhood has its own unique vibe.
Catch a flamenco show. Seville is the modern epicenter of flamenco culture. It even has a dance named after itself: the Sevillanas. With more flamenco artists than anywhere else in Spain, it is not likely to disappoint.
Córdoba
Córdoba was first conquered by the Romans in 206 BCE, and Roman walls still surround Old Town. Later, it became the medieval capital of the Kingdom of Al-Andaluz and the seat of the Caliphate of Córdoba. During this period, it surpassed Constantinople not only in population, but also in renown as a city for science and philosophy.
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No visit to Córdoba is complete without a stop at the 8th century Great Mosque with its hundreds of arches. Those with a passion for archeology may also consider a stop at the nearby palatine ruins of Medina al-Zahra. Additionally, the old Jewish Quarter contains a beautiful 14th century synagogue, as well as the Sepharad House museum. Other attractions include the Alcázar de Córdoba, a favorite palace of Isabelle and Ferdinand complete with intact Roman mosaics; the Palacio de Viana, which housed Spanish noble families from the 15th century until 1980; or a tour of the many amazing patios across the city with their geranium-covered walls.
La Feria de Jerez
de la Frontera
Also known as the Feria del Caballo, the festival of Jerez de la Frontera is world-renown. Taking place from May 4th through May 11th, Margaret & Shand's celebration lines up perfectly with a side trip to the feria. Centered on the Spanish love for horses, you will not only embrace the fun-loving attitude of Andalusians, but also see beautiful animals and amazing feats of horsemanship. Grab your flamenco clothes, hop on a cart, and join in the merrymaking.
Beaches
From the Atlantic coast in Cádiz to the famous Costa del Sol, the stunning beaches of Andalusia won't disappoint. Whether it's a ritzy stop in glamorous Marbella or a relaxing day in Nerja, the Mediterranean coast allows you to soak up Spain's best rays. For the more adventurous, you can trek or kayak along volcanic cliffs to pristine deserted beaches in Cabo de Gata Nature Preserve. It is so stunning, it is no wonder they filmed many famous movies—including parts of Indiana Jones—here.
Ronda
Those traveling near Málaga or Seville may consider a stop at this beautiful mountaintop town. Straddling a deep canyon, stunning bridges connect the two halves of the town. It is also the home of the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain. If seeing a bullfight is not to your taste, you can still tour the historic ring and accompanying museum filled with dazzling historic matador outfits. The town also houses the most complete historic Arab Baths (though no longer functioning) from the Islamic period.
El Caminito
del Rey
Not for the fainthearted, el caminito is southern Spain's answer to the via ferrata. Following the El Chorro Gorge, visitors will take in the sights while walking a path clinging to the cliffside. In years past, it was known as "the world's most dangerous walkway." Since reopening after extensive repairs in 2015, visitors no longer need to wearing climbing harnesses, though helmets are still required (and provided by tour operators).
