Spain south
The most beautiful stops in Andalusia
Granada with the city castle Alhambra is worth a trip.
© 2018 David Ionut/Shutterstock.com
Andalusia attracts with a dreamlike landscape and cities with exciting architecture. These are the best stops on a round trip.
A trip through Andalusia promises varied days and diverse impressions. From the 8th to the 15th century, the Spanish autonomous region in the south of the country was under Moorish rule. The impressive architecture still bears witness to this time and makes some cities worthwhile travel destinations. In addition, a few stops on the coast can offer the necessary relaxation on a round trip.
Seville
Seville is the ideal starting point for the trip. The capital of the autonomous region of Andalusia attracts with the largest old town in Spain and numerous alleys that can be explored. One of the most popular sights is the Alcázar, a Moorish royal palace that is still used as a residence by the Spanish royal family when they are in the city. With its gardens, ponds, magnificent galleries and halls, the palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a popular photo motif.
Another eye-catcher is the Plaza de España with its semi-circular building, canals and bridges. The plaza has served as a film set several times, including for “Stars Wars: Episode II”. Especially in the twilight hours of the day, a walk over the Metropol Parasol is worthwhile. On the footbridges of the wooden construction on the Plaza de la Encarnación, the view of the city widens. A visit to a tapas restaurant or a flamenco performance rounds off a day in Seville perfectly.
Grenada
Granada can also come up with an imposing building: the Alhambra city castle has been a World Heritage Site since 1984 and is one of the most important complexes of the Moorish style. It is enthroned on the Sabikah hill and initially served as a watch and lookout point before being converted into a palace complex by the Nasrid kings. Immerse yourself in history in the palaces, towers and gardens of the Alhambra. The old Moorish residential area Albaicín on the opposite hill invites you to stroll. In the city center you can also stroll through the Alcaicería bazaar district or visit Granada Cathedral.
Malaga
Málaga is the second largest city in Andalusia and is located on the Costa del Sol. With its mild autumn and winter months, it is still a worthwhile destination towards the end of the year. A walk along the walls of the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, offers an overview of the city. The complex is connected to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a second castle. This can also be visited and offers a particularly beautiful view of the port and the bullring of Malaga.
The city is also dedicated to a famous painter: in the Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), which can be visited. The Picasso Museum with over 200 works by the artist is also not far away. In the old town around Calle Larios, the numerous streets with their bars and tapas restaurants can be explored. Away from the historic center, the city beach Playa La Malagueta offers relaxing hours by the water.
Tarifa
The Andalusia trip should end with more relaxing days on the beach? Tarifa, the southernmost city of mainland Europe, is a popular meeting place for wind and kite surfers, who romp about in Playa Los Lances in particular. But the beach is also suitable for walks on the beach, picnics and sunbathing. In autumn it gets a little quieter overall and the coastal town on the Costa de la Luz can be explored with pleasant temperatures and less hustle and bustle. Other popular places that can be visited on a trip to Andalusia on the coast include the sophisticated Marbella, which is located south-west of Málaga on the Mediterranean Sea, or the port city of Cadiz on the Atlantic Ocean in south-west Andalusia.