6 Incredible Places to Visit in Andalusia, Spain: Southern Spain Travel Guide
If you are looking for some of the best things to do in Andalusia, Spain, this post is for you!
Andalusia, Spain's Southern region, is known for its charming villages, historical cities, blissful year-round weather, and spectacular coastline. I spent two weeks road-tripping in Southern Spain in April 2023 and enjoyed every moment. I only wish I had more time to see more! In this Southern Spain travel guide, I'm sharing my list of some of the top places to visit in Andalusia.
Frigiliana
We flew into Málaga and spent the night before making the 45-minute drive to the incredibly picturesque hillside village of Frigiliana.
With its white-washed houses with colorful blue accents, winding cobblestone streets, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean, it is no surprise that Frigilana has been voted The Prettiest Village in Andalusia by the Spanish Tourism Authority.
As far as things to do in Frigiliana, we enjoyed strolling the pedestrian streets (and taking tons of pictures along the way), popping into the shops, and trying out the local restaurants. Aside from the pretty streets, there are a few scenic overlooks with spectacular views of the village atop the mountains and the sea in the distance.
Nerja
During our stay in Frigiliana, we drove the short drive (about 20 minutes) to Nerja for a beach day. Nerja is a resort town located along Spain’s Costa del Sol. It is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
After arriving, we headed straight to one of the most popular spots in Nerja- the Balcon de Europa, a large balcony on a cliff with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. After taking in the turquoise views from the balcony, you can walk down to the beach and stroll along the promenade that takes you past a few coves and small beaches.
Nerja also has a very pretty old town center with Andalusian whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and plenty of local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It's a great area to grab a drink and some tapas after exploring the beaches.
Marbella
The next stop on our road trip through Southern Spain was Marbella. Marbella is a luxurious beach town on the Costa del Sol known for its yacht scene, stylish hotels, high-end shopping, and nightlife.
Many of the beaches in Marbella have lounge chairs equipped with straw umbrellas that you can rent by the hour. We particularly loved exploring the old town section with its corridor-like streets and white-washed buildings draped in colorful flowers. In the center of old town Marbella is Plaza de Los Naranjos, a bustling square with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
We also checked out Parque de la Alameda, a lovely park with lush tropical foliage, fountains, and marble-paved walkways.
