Best places to stay in Andalucia – Top 10 towns, beach areas & the best hotels

I am just recently back from my last trip to the South of Spain and I was so impressed by the great mix of tradition and modernity. It has to be said that this region is huge and understanding the best places to stay in Andalucia is not an easy task, let alone building an itinerary.

This is why I have decided to create this guide with the top 10 destinations, from the majestic Alhambra of Granada to the rhythmic flamenco beats of Sevilla, the architectural wonders of Córdoba, and the serene beaches of Costa de la Luz.

I have organised this post into three sections. I first focus on 7 inland historical destinations, then on 3 beach destinations and finally you will find a 14-day itinerary covering most of Andalucia.

But let’s jump straight away to a short summary table for a quick summary of where to stay in Andalucia.

Best places to stay in Andalucia – Key points

In the table below I have summarized the best 10 places to stay in Andalucia. Keep reading or click on the destination name for more information. Swipe left or right on a mobile to see all the columns.

Area/Town/City	Best for	Bars & Restaurants	Transportation	Area Character	Main Attraction	Nightlife
Granada	Ancient Charm, Modern Buzz	Varied, Local Cuisine	Good public options	Historic, Vibrant	Alhambra Palace	Lively
Sevilla	Flamenco, Historical Grandeur	Tapa Bars, Local Wines	Good public transport	Historical, Lively	Plaza de España	Vibrant
Córdoba	Rich Islamic Past, Architectural Wonder	Local Eateries	Good public transport	Islamic Heritage	Mezquita	Moderate
Ronda	Breathtaking Views, Ancient Stone Walls	Local Cuisine	Car recommended	Cliffside Setting	El Tajo Gorge	Quiet
Jerez de la Frontera	Sherry, Flamenco	Bodegas, Traditional Cellars	Car recommended	Traditional	Sherry Production	Lively
Vejer & Arcos de la Frontera	Moorish Heritage, Whitewashed Villages	Traditional	Car recommended	Picturesque	Traditional towns	None
Cádiz	Beaches, Less Touristy	Seafood, Tapas	Good public transport	Seaside, Historic	Old Town, Beaches	Lively
Costa del Sol	Sunny Weather, Beaches	International	Public transport available	Touristy, Sunny	Beaches, Historical Sites	Vibrant
Costa de la Luz	Surfing Beaches, Unspoiled Beaches	Local Cuisine	Car recommended	Traditional, Less Touristy	Surfing Beaches	Varied

Top 7 Cities and towns to Stay in Andalusia

Stay in Granada for the Alhambra Palace

Granada is a mix of ancient charm and modern buzz. It’s been one of my favourite inland destinations in Andalucia since I saw it reported on TV during the Alpine World Ski Championships in Sierra Nevada, back in 1996. It was love at first sight.

The star of the show is the Alhambra, a palace straight out of a fairytale. Think of a maze of narrow streets, lush gardens, and views that you will remember forever. It’s like stepping back in time to when the Nasrid dynasty ruled the area.

An important tip here. Buy the skip-the-line tickets well in advance. You will avoid wasting possibly hours in the long queues, especially if visiting in peak season, between May and September.

But Granada isn’t just about history. The streets are alive with energy! The Albaicín, with its winding cobblestone paths and tapas bars spilling onto the streets, is the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere.

And if you’re after something a bit quirky, head to the Sacromonte caves. These former homes of gypsies and flamenco legends are now a vibrant cultural hub, where you can catch a show and feel the passion of flamenco firsthand.

Granada isn’t short on modern touches either. The Paseo de los Tristes is a must-do for sunset strolls. With the Alhambra as your backdrop and the Darro River flowing beside you, it’s the perfect place for a romantic walk.

And when it comes to nightlife, Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla are buzzing with energy. Think street performers, cafes, and shops selling everything from local crafts to vintage treasures.

Stay in Sevilla for the Plaza de España

In Seville, the capital of Andalucia, you will find some of the best Flamenco in Southern Spain, besides historical grandeur, and a new modern wave of architecture that integrates so well with the city’s past.

Start your adventure from the Plaza de España, its majestic architecture and colourful tiles reminding you of a bygone era. Then, get lost in the charming Santa Cruz district, where you can admire Seville’s Moorish past on every narrow street and hidden corner.

This is also a great place to stop by a tapas bar, where you can grab an outdoor table, order a cerveza and a few dishes to share. Don’t miss out on chorizo and the famous patatas bravas and don’t forget to sample the local wines, like the crisp Manzanilla or the bold Rioja

But Seville isn’t just about historical charm. It’s a city where the present dances to the rhythm of flamenco. Dive into the pulsating energy of a tablao, a traditional flamenco venue, where you can watch dancers stomp their feet and twirl their skirts. It’s a spectacle that will leave you breathless and speechless too.

Beyond the flamenco, Seville offers so many other experiences. Take a stroll along the Guadalquivir River, enjoy a walk in Maria Luisa Park, or explore the maze of streets in the Triana district, known for its ceramics and vibrant street art.

And when the sun sets, don’t miss the magical show of the Plaza de España illuminated by a thousand lights.

Stay in Córdoba for the Mezquita

One of the main reasons to make it to Cordoba is a visit to the Mezquita, the 1,000-column mosque-cathedral, as I like to describe it. Once you step in you will understand what I mean by that.

Imagine literally a forest of columns connected by beautifully carved arches illuminated by soft warm light. This architectural wonder is a testament to Cordoba’s rich Islamic past, which will stay in your memory forever, and I am not exaggerating.

Also in this case, make a favour to yourself and buy the skip-the-line tickets in advance. You will be happy to avoid the usual long queue at the gate.

But Cordoba’s magic extends far beyond the Mezquita. Wander through the charming Jewish Quarter, where narrow streets and balconies adorned with flowers will take you to another era.

Explore the Alcázar, a royal palace where Moorish and Christian styles blend seamlessly. And don’t miss the Calahorra Tower, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Guadalquivir River.

Now, here is a little secret. When wandering around Cordoba take the opportunity to step into the hidden courtyards when the gates are open. These are amazing private oases, bursting with colour and the fragrance of orange and lemon trees.

During the annual Festival de Patios, these hidden treasures open their doors, transforming the city into a real paradise to discover. Worthless to say that this is also one of the busiest time of the year.

Beyond its historical treasures, you should have a stroll along the lively Calle Sierpes, with plenty of shops and cozy cafes. Or explore the bustling Mercado Victoria, a market overflowing with the flavours of the region.

In the evenings, the city comes alive with people overflowing the tapas bar and the tablaos busy with flamenco shows

Stay in Ronda for the El Tajo gorge

Ronda, perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the dramatic El Tajo Gorge, is a city that will surprise you with its breathtaking views, the ancient stone walls, and the Guadalevín River running at the bottom of the canyon.

Start your exploration from the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge connecting the “modern” centre to La Ciudad, the historic part of the city where narrow cobbled streets wind their way past charming plazas and antique churches.

Step into the Casa del Rey Moro, a 14th-century Moorish palace, and explore its secret gardens and hidden chambers. Or delve into the fascinating world of the Ronda Bullring, one of the oldest and most revered in Spain.

Beyond the historical treasures, Ronda offers a vibrant contemporary scene. Take a stroll along the Carrera Espinel and the Plaza del Socorro, the shopping area of the city.

You will be also two steps away from the best value-for-money restaurant I know in Spain, the Cafeteria La Quinta. I was the only tourist on my last trip there, packed with locals for a family meal at an absurdly cheap price.

One thing has to be said about Ronda. It can get extremely busy during the day with busloads of tourists usually staying in Costa del Sol and Seville and visiting this city and other nearby destinations as part of a day trip.

That is why I usually suggest spending at least a night in Ronda. It will give you the possibility to enjoy it so much more, just sharing the evenings and early mornings with a few locals and a bunch of other travellers.

Jerez de la Frontera

Renowned for its world-famous sherry and fiery flamenco, Jerez offers a unique blend of history and contemporary culture.

Step into one of the countless bodegas, the traditional sherry cellars, and discover the secrets of sherry production, from the careful selection of grapes to the intricate aging process.

You may not know that the sherry is actually exclusively produced in this region, and doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, sherry tasting is a unique experience impossible to replicate in any other part of the world.

But Jerez is more than just sherry. Wander through the charming old town, where whitewashed houses adorned with flower boxes line narrow streets. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza del Arenal, a central square bustling with life and music.

And don’t miss the fortified walls of the Alcázar, one of the most magnificent Moorish fortresses in Andalucia just a stone away from the local Cathedral.

Explore the vibrant Mercado Central, bursting with fresh local produce. Get lost in the many small lanes behind it and stop by my favourite tapas bar in Calle Algarve, the Tabando Plateros where you have the possibility to taste some local sherry of course.

As the night falls, book your Flamenco show. It is said that the best dancers and singers reside in Jerez but don’t mention that in Sevilla.

Vejer de la Frontera & Arcos de la Frontera

Nestled amongst rolling hills under the warm Andalusian sun, Vejer de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera stand as twin jewels of history and charm. While geographically separate, these whitewashed villages are one of the best examples of Moorish heritage in Andalucia.

I actually found Vejer de la Frontera just by lack on my last trip to Barbate, the fishing village on the Atlantic Coast with a terrific long and wide beach.

The best way to visit both is just by wandering through the labyrinthine streets and getting lost in the maze of lanes, alleys and hidden squares. Both villages boast ancient churches and synagogues, remnants of a time when people of different cultures used to live shoulder to shoulder.

While the historical threads bind them together, each village possesses its own distinct personality.

Vejer is perched atop a hill overlooking Barbate and the Atlantic Coast. You will find a more laid-back and bohemian environment with a few art shops as well.

Start your exploration from the busy Plaza de España, lined with cafes, restaurants and local stores. Don’t miss the majestic Vejer Castle, offering panoramic views of the rolling hills

Arcos, on the other hand, dramatically rises from the Guadalete River valley, with the castle right on top of the cliff, in a similar way as the Old Town of Ronda.

Start your exploration by climbing the steep Calle Cuesta de Belén, lined with traditional tapas bars and charming shops, and ascending to the Plaza Mayor. Then take a walk along the Paseo de Arcos, a picturesque pathway offering panoramic vistas of the valley below.

Both villages offer a deeper immersion into the beauty and heritage of Andalusia, without the crowds that keep the other major destinations so busy, especially in the peak summer season.

In case you are renting a car in Spain and exploring Andalucia, I suggest planning Marcos for a morning/afternoon trip and Vejer for a couple of nights stay. Being so close to the beach it offers more of a total experience, especially in summer.

Best 3 Beach places to stay in andalucía

Cádiz – My favourite beach destination in Andalusia

Let me start straight away with the drawback, Cadiz is far from all the major airports and a long drive from there too.

The positive consequence of this drawback is that the city is not as touristy as any of the other places I have talked about in this guide. I am not going to say that Cádiz is a hidden gem, but it has certainly maintained a good balance between commercialization and local living.

Cadiz is situated on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea, connected to the mainland by a small and sandy isthmus and two long bridges. On the northern side of this peninsula you will find the lovely old town meanwhile the southern part has been built up in the last 50-60 years in a more modern style.

The train station is right at the start of the Historical Centre, so handy if you are getting around Spain by public transportation. On my last trip, I decided to rent a car in Malaga and drive all the way to Cadiz.

The Old Town is not accessible by car, however, there are many parking spots where you can leave your car. The Santa Bárbara Parking is a real bargain at 10 Euro/day, although the hour resets every time you take the car out.

Getting lost in the old town is the best way to explore it. Start your wandering from the popular Cathedral where you have also access to the top of the bell tower, a great viewpoint that will help you orienteering during your stay.

The Teatro Romano is another must-visit once there and it is free to enter. Once in the area, have a check at the nearby local market where you can have also something to eat and drink.

The Castillo de Santa Catalina is another great free attraction of the city with a beautiful view over the coast as well as the Parque Genovés, just a stone away from it.

I have seen better and bigger Catacombs than the ones in Cadiz, and in this respect, I would not give much of a priority to it, unless you are in Cadiz for a week or longer.

There are two lovely beaches in Cadiz:

• Playa de La Caleta: a good size beach located in the old town well repaired by the Ocean waves with clean shallow water ideal for any age.
• Playa de la Victoria: a never-ending wide beach facing the Ocean with beautiful blue water. Unfortunately, it gets sort of deep after a few metres, not the best if you are travelling with small kids

The modern side of Cadiz has a much wider choice of parking, mostly free of charge, with also a bigger selection of supermarkets and shops. Overall, a better place to stay long-term.

There are so many restaurants and tapas places that is really hard to suggest one or the other. In saying that, my favourites are the Taberna El tío de La Tiza (lovely food in a picturesque small square) and Casa Lazo (amazing tuna). In both cases book a table in advance otherwise get ready to wait a long time.

Overall, Cadiz is my favourite place to stay for a few days in Andalucia because of its great mix of historic attractions, yummy restaurants and beach opportunities.

Costa del Sol – Nerja, Malaga, Marbella & more

Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations in Europe thanks to its great mix of pleasant sunny weather (all year round) and lovely beaches. It’s a long stretch of coast, going roughly from Nerja in the northeast to La Línea de la Concepción in the southwest.

The entry point to Costa del Sol is the busy International Malaga Airport and from there you can either use public transportation to most of the destinations or just hire your own vehicle.

I personally suggest a short stay in Malaga, a city with a lovely Historical Centre, the famous Picasso Museum, the Soho arty district, a fabulous central market and so many yummy tapas places. This is also my go-to destination in winter with plenty of things to do, still in a very mild climate.

In the table below I summarized the top 10 destinations in Costa del Sol with Estepona my favourite place in summer. You can read more on my guide to where to stay in Costa del Sol, including the best towns and beach resorts.

Area/Town/City	Best for	Avg. Cost	Best Costa del Sol Hotels	Bars and Restaurants	Transportation	Area Character	Beach Quality	Visitors Age	Nightlife
Malaga	Sightseeing, History, Culture	Moderate	El Museo	Excellent, diverse	Good public transport, airport nearby	Historic, vibrant	Good	All ages	Lively
Marbella	Luxury, High-end tourism	Expensive	Hotel Claude	High-end, diverse	Accessible by car, public transport	Luxurious, stylish	Excellent	Young to middle-aged	Vibrant
Benalmadena	Family holidays	Moderate	SF Carihuela 2BR	Family-friendly, varied	Good public transport, close to Malaga Airport	Family-oriented, lively	Good	Families	Moderate
Estepona	Beach lovers, Quieter stays	Moderate to High	Apartamento en Playa del Cristo	Good selection, seafood focus	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, relaxed	Excellent	Mature, families	Varied, quieter
Nerja	Scuba divers, Snorkelers, Hikers	Moderate	Villa Carmen	Local and authentic	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, scenic	Rocky, scenic	Mature, outdoor enthusiasts	Quiet
Torremolinos	All-round family fun	Moderate	Ideal apartamento	Varied, international	Excellent, close to Malaga Airport	Touristy, lively, 70s/80s	Excellent sandy	All ages	Lively
Fuengirola	Cosmopolitan, family-friendly, golf	Moderate	De La Playa 1BR	International	Good public transport, near airport	Cosmopolitan, vibrant	Good sandy	All ages	Moderate to lively
Mijas	Mature couples, older families	Moderate	Sea to Sky Suites	Local, traditional	Car recommended for exploration	Traditional, picturesque	Go to Mijas Costa or La Cala de Mijas	Mature, families	None
Casares	Romantic, Secluded Views	Moderate	La casita de Lú	Limited but charming local options	Car recommended for exploration	Hilltop, picturesque	Inland N/A	Mature, couples	None
Puerto Banús	Luxury, High-End Shopping	Expensive	Marina Banus	High-end, trendy	Accessible by car, public transport	Luxurious, stylish	Excellent	Young to middle-aged	Vibrant

Besides the accommodations I have already mentioned in the above table, there is a gem that deserves more space, and this is La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel.

This hotel is set in a breathtaking quintessential Andalusian landscape, 70 km inland from Malaga, with stunning architecture, and first-rate service. They offer a variety of dining options, a luxurious spa, and a choice of pools. You will be surprised by the attention to detail, a unique indulgent experience.

Costa de la Luz

Costa de la Luz extends from Tarifa in the south, near the Strait of Gibraltar, all the way to the border with Portugal in the west.

It is known for its long stretches of unspoiled beaches, natural light (hence the name, “Coast of Light”), and a more traditional local culture, less touristy than other Andalusian destinations.

Costa de la Luz faces the Atlantic Ocean and this is where you find the best surfing beaches in Southern Spain. On this coast, I already mentioned Cadiz and Vejer de la Frontera.

Tarifa is Spain’s best destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and foil surfing. It’s great if you are into wind sports, you will be almost 100% sure to have no rest for the entire stay. Otherwise, don’t bother going there. The beach can be a sandblaster.

I have summarized in this table the top 7 destinations in Costa de la Luz besides Cadiz which I already mentioned above.

Area/Town/City	Best for	Avg. Cost	Bars & Restaurants	Transportation	Area Character	Beach Quality	Visitors Age	Nightlife
Tarifa	Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Historical Attractions	Moderate	Excellent tapas bars and restaurants	Good	Historic with lively atmosphere	Beautiful for water sports	All ages but no small kids	Lively
Bolonia	Beaches, Roman Ruins	Low	Beach bars with local cuisine	Car recommended	Quiet, historical	Amazing with massive dunes	All ages	Quiet
Zahara de los Atunes	Bohemian Beach Experience, Seafood	Moderate	Known for seafood beach bars (‘chiringuitos’)	Car recommended	Laid-back, bohemian	Golden sand with cliffs	All ages	Lively
Barbate	Seafood, Local Spanish Experience	Moderate	Fresh seafood at local eateries	Car recommended	Traditional fishing town	Long and wide	All ages	Moderate
Los Caños de Meca	Surfing, Nature, Bohemian Lifestyle	Moderate	Great ‘chiringuitos‘	Car recommended	Bohemian, natural	Golden, sandy	Diverse, including families	Moderate
Vejer de la Frontera	Historic Andalusian Village, Panoramic Views	Moderate	Bars in Plaza de España	Car recommended	Historic, picturesque	Nearby in Barbate	All ages	Quiet
Conil de la Frontera	Unspoiled Beaches, Traditional Village	Moderate	Variety of local bars and restaurants	Car recommended	Traditional, unspoiled	White village with natural beaches	All ages	Moderate

A 2-weeks Itinerary of Andalucia

This could be a possible itinerary to explore the best of Andalucia. Rent your car in Malaga where usually you have more flight availabilities and plenty of low-cost carriers.

I have dedicated the first part of the itinerary to a cultural experience and the last 4/5 days to some beach time in Cadiz, besides a day trip to Jerez.

You can find much more information about this itinerary on my Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip guide, including maps and full descriptions of the destinations.

Day	Location	Activities/Highlights	Accommodation	Notes
1-2	Malaga	Explore historical sites and the vibrant restaurant scene and nightlife	El Museo	Malaga offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and beach relaxation
3-4	Granada	Visit the Alhambra, explore the Albayzin district, enjoy local cuisine	Palacio Gran Vía	Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Granada
5-6	Cordoba	Visit the Mezquita, explore the old town and Jewish Quarter		Discover Cordoba’s unique blend of cultures and its historical wonders
7-9	Sevilla	Visit the Plaza de España, Alcázar, and enjoy flamenco shows	H10 Casa de la Plata	Immerse in the cultural vibrancy and historical beauty of Sevilla
10	Cadiz	Explore Cadiz’s old town and local markets	Los Claveles	Enjoy the coastal charm and historical sites of Cadiz
11	Cadiz	Relax on the beach, try water sports, and explore more of the city	Los Claveles	A day for leisure and further exploration of Cadiz’s beauty
12	Jerez Day Trip	Visit sherry bodegas, explore the town’s historical sites. Back to Cadiz for the night	Los Claveles	Experience the unique charm and sherry culture of Jerez
13	Cadiz	More exploration in Cadiz, visit La Caleta beach	Los Claveles	Continue enjoying the laid-back lifestyle and beauty of Cadiz
14	Cadiz	Last day in Cadiz, relax and enjoy local cuisine	Los Claveles	Soak up the final moments in Cadiz before departure