I’ve spent the last twelve days visiting the most beautiful places in Andalucia (pronounced ahn-dah-loo-thee-ah in Spain.) My heart is wrenching that I must leave tomorrow morning. But before I get on the train to Seville and onto Alicante, I want to share with you some images while I am in the moment. I’ll add more of the most beautiful places in Andalucia when I get home. But here’s what I want you to see now:
Table of Contents
1.) Hammam Al Ándalus Baños Árabes Málaga
I escaped the exciting hustle-bustle of Malaga city streets to spend the morning in this luxurious Hammam Al Ándalus. The Arab people that ruled here during the middle ages brought waterworks, fountains and tiled baths to southern Spain. Hence the hammam of Andalucia is similar to Turkish baths or hammams I’ve experienced in Instanbul and elsewhere. But different.
The Director of Professorship of Human Well-being at Hammam Al Andalus, Manuel Arroyo, is a university professor at the University of Granada and helped design programs at the spa. And so traditional methods are adapted to today’s treatments.
Special attention is given to mind-body interactions resulting from water, massage and the holistic experience of the Arab baths.
After soaking, I was rubbed and scrubbed on a giant hot stone bed in the classic midra or kessa massage model. Then the masseuse poured warm water over me from a large ceramic pitcher. Heavenly.
2.) Malaga beach restaurants
You’ll find rustic beach restaurants along the Costa del Sol. They are called Chiringuitos or beach bars. I discovered this Chiringuito on the beach, one hour walk east of old town Malaga. The amoragador (grillmaster) in this beautiful image is roasting skewered Mediterranean sardines over a wood fire. The traditional dish is called espetos (for the skewers) and they are yummy! The beach, during twilight with the aroma of fish charring in campfire smoke, has to be one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia.
3.) Marbella means 'beautiful sea' | It's also a beautiful town
The sea along the Costa del Sol is clean and beautiful. Probably one of the many reasons that Marbella was named ‘beautiful sea.’ But it’s not just the sea that captures the eye. Marbella’s old town is simply gorgeous. The colors of the flowers, boutique shop windows and outdoor table settings make this a feast for the eyes. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia (pronounced ahn-dah-loo-thee-ah in Spain.)
4.) Ronda is one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia
For the past six years, friends have been telling me that I MUST go to Ronda, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. But I was always walking a Camino outside of the region. This month I finally made it to this incredible town in Andalucia. So happy to be a tourist and not a walking pilgrim as it was quite hot when I visited this famous pueblo blanco, white village.
5.) La Mezquita, Córdoba's UNESCO site, one of the most beautiful places in the world
La Mezquita, an ancient Visigothic church rebuilt as a mosque by the Arabs in the middle ages is now again a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The melding of cultures and the preservation of ancient architecture is one reason UNESCO designated this holy site as one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia and the world. Located in the historic town of Córdoba, La Mezquita is a place like no other.
6.) Jerez de Frontera, home of the majestic Andalusian horses
In Jerez de Frontera, I experienced Andalusian horses, one of the iconic symbols of Spain. The stunning horses make Jerez one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia. I was surprised to learn that the breed is not derived from Arabian horses, and in fact, their temperament and build are quite different from their equestrian neighbors to the south.
Yeguada del Hierro del Bocado in Jerez, a stud farm owned by the Spanish government to preserve the breed and traditions, is open to the public every Saturday morning. Rub the foreheads of the well-mannered stallions, and watch the mares feed their foals. The show in the shaded arena moves your heart. The beauty and intelligence of these horses will blow your mind.
Experience more Andalucian horses at the museum, tack room and professional dressage show at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation. The show, called “How the Andalusian Horses Dance,” is set to traditional Spanish music. You’ll see the horses in their glory as they perform equestrian aerobatics and ballet.
7.) Real Alcázar of Seville is one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia
Awe-inspiring interiors with gold domes and intricate tiles make this historic site not only visually stimulating but also worthy of UNESCO designation. The sound of water soothes the soul and the fresh aromas of oranges calm the spirit. I spend half a day here before my Via de la Plata pilgrimage. A beautiful way to cleanse after a long flight!
Before COVID, I was unable to procure tickets to this world-class monument. But on my recent visit, I walked right up to the ticket window, purchased my ticket to one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia and walked right in.
After my visit, I enjoyed a tapas tour of Seville and experienced authentic flamenco. You can book the same Seville food tour through the link below:
Did you like this list of the most beautiful places in Andalucia? Did we leave something out? Please add your comments below:
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, she believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
Further, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.
Enjoy this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please share this article with the red- and blue-colored social media buttons.
To get more FREE travel tips and inspiration, simply subscribe below and updates will be delivered directly to your email inbox.
13 thoughts on “Most Beautiful Places in Andalucia, Spain”
I love your article and photography of beautiful places. I also suggest taking time to go to Almeria region and city. I loved my Desert Buggy ride and Rolling Almeria attractions. Also MiniHollywood where movies have been filmed. There’s a great buffet lunch there. Don’t forget the beaches and a city tour as well.
Thanks so much for your suggestion of Almeria as one of the most beautiful places in Andalucia! Maybe I can link to YOUR story about it, once it’s posted!
Nice article Stacy!👍🏻
A country we want to visit for sure🙏🏼
Have fun exploring!😍
Thanks so much for your comment, Yara! Let me know before you go and we can get together and talk! There are the most beautiful places in Andalucia!
Wow! I need to confess the sin of jealousy. What wonderful places.
Oh Stacey… I have read your story and ooooeed and awed your photos of this amazing country. I want to explore it too.
Thanks for the inspiration!
You are welcome! I was ooohing and ahhing myself!
Lovely article. Thank you! I love this area of Spain and have visited a number of times. So many beautiful places. I have not been to Marbella so that is on the list now!
Thanks so much for your comment, Donna! Glad you are now on your way to old town Marbella, one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia! Let us know what you think!
So mad I missed Hammam al Andalus! I’ll have to go back for that and like everything else you included lol. Great blog!
Thanks so much, Alisha! You can experience Hamman al Andalus in Madrid and Granada, too! Thanks for the compliment on this Most Beautiful Places in Andalucia story!
Andalucia has been on our radar for some time. Stacey, we loved reading about your experience.
Thanks Tom and Kristi, I hope my article inspired you to put it on the calendar!