Andalusia bucket list: 27 best destinations in Andalusia, Spain

Which are the ultimate destinations that should be on your Andalusia bucket list? Discover all the must-see destinations in the South of Spain that you should visit once in your lifetime!

Andalusia is one of the most interesting and popular regions in Europe with so much to offer as it is a year-round destination full of sunshine, tasty food, rich culture, art, and history! We spent almost 3 months driving around Andalusia discovering all its secrets!

In this blog post, you will find all the must-see destinations on the Andalusia bucket list with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Happy exploring!

Read more » 31 most iconic Instagram photo spots in Andalusia, Spain

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1. Nasrid palaces in Alhambra, Granada

What is Alhambra?

Alhambra is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in Granada, Andalusia, and possibly in Spain. It is a massive fortress on a hill in Granada at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia.

Inside the citadel, there are multiple palaces and residences built for kings, expansive gardens, and other infrastructure made for Alhambra to be a self-contained city. It is one of those Andalusia bucket list places you simply can’t skip!

Which is the most beautiful place in Alhambra?

The Nasrid palaces – multiple royal palaces built by different Arab kings from the Nasrid dynasty – are the crown jewel of Alhambra.

If you don’t visit the Nasrid palaces, then you haven’t seen Alhambra, that is why it is important to buy the right tickets well in advance that include a visit to the palaces!

But in case you don’t have time to explore all parts of Alhambra, then going to the Nasrid palaces is a must! All other parts are a bit less impressive and not so strikingly beautiful. Visits to the Nasrid palaces take place at certain hours so you need to book tickets prior to the specific time you wish to visit.

Which ticket do I need to choose for Alhambra?

There are different parts to visit in Alhambra and there are different tickets available for visitors. To see all of Alhambra in all its glory you would need that General ticket that includes all three parts of Alhambra – the Nasrid palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba.

Book now >>> Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces (small group)

There are tickets that don’t include the Nasrid palaces and it is a big NO! Although seeing something in Alhambra is better than nothing, the Nasrid palaces are the central part and the most important part of all places in Alhambra!

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Comares Palace

One of the most beautiful places in the Nasrid palaces is inside the Comares Palace – one of the first palaces you will see during your visit. There is the famous Patio de los Arrayanes – an inner courtyard with a long rectangular reflective pool typical of Moorish architecture.

Back then the courtyard typically was a central space around which other rooms were organized. Somehow we got a beautiful peaceful moment inside the courtyard as we arrived 30 minutes before the opening and were the first in line to enter.

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Palace of the Lions

As you walk to the next palace in the Nasrid palace complex you will find yourself inside the Palace of the Lions – one of the most famous palaces in Islamic architecture in the world and, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.

Again the central element here is the courtyard – Patio de los Leones or the Courtyard of the Lions. There is a wide rectangular courtyard surrounded by a stunning forest of columns that have these ornately carved decorations and Arabic inscriptions.

In the middle of the courtyard, there is a magnificent marble fountain that is being held by twelve sculpted lions – thus the name of the palace. This whole setting is just breathtaking!

No wonder Alhambra was amongst the finalists at the New 7 Wonders of the World voting contest! If there is one place that must be on your Andalusia bucket list then those are the Nasrid palaces in Alhambra, Granada!

Inside Nasrid palaces in Alhambra: Partal Palace

The beautiful Partal Palace built in the 14th century is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Alhambra complex. It is another palace built for one of the Nasrid dynasty kings and is the last palace you will see during your visit to the Nasrid palaces in Alhambra.

It is a beautiful palace with a tower and an arcade and a reflective pool in front of it. The palace offers amazing views through the arched windows where you can see the hills and houses of Granada.

I found it to be the simplest of all the Nasrid palaces in Alhambra, but it was beautiful nevertheless. After visiting this palace (the last one of the Nasrid palaces) you will have to navigate through the gardens and pathways in the direction of Generalife – another part of Alhambra.

Inside Generalife in Alhambra

Generalife is the name of a complex that was a summer residence for the Nasrid dynasty kings. It has expansive gardens with fountains and lots of greenery.

The most beautiful part of the Generalife complex is Patio de la Acequia courtyard that you will find next to the palace.

The Patio de la Acequia courtyard is a rectangular area with a long pool and multiple fountains and plants. There is a beautiful pathway along one side of the courtyard that has arch-shaped windows looking out to Granada city.

The complex is very well maintained and has many beautiful hidden corners including another courtyard, viewpoints, and halls all decorated with Moorish-style elements.

Generalife is the oasis of the fortress. I do hope you get to visit this place when everything is lush and blooming! Such a scenic place!

Inside Alcazaba of the Alhambra

Alcazaba is the oldest part of Alhambra. It is important to understand, that Alhambra wasn’t a singular project but rather grew over time. Every king built something and eventually, Alhambra came to be a whole fortified city as we see it today.

Alcazaba means ‘citadel’ in Arabic which signifies a fortress typically on high ground. It is a fortress inside a fortress. There isn’t much left of Alcazaba today and it was the least impressive part of Alhambra.

However, there were great views from one of the defensive towers in Alcazaba where we could see the whole Granada at our feet. It was a nice way to finish the tour around Alhambra!

Location: Entrance to the Nastrid Palaces – Alhambra Skip-the-Line Tour with Nasrid Palaces

2. World’s most beautiful sacristy in Granada

While in Granada, I highly recommend visiting the most beautiful sacristy in the world inside Monasterio de la Cartuja in Granada. Located on the outskirts of the center of the city, this monastery is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada is a place with indescribable beauty. The plain grayish outside walls hide some of the most beautiful things you will ever see! The sacristy left a big impact on me and I will never forget this place!

The monastery was built in the 16th century and combines many architectural styles. The complex consists of a huge courtyard and many different rooms and halls around the perimeter – like the church, the sanctum, the sacristy, and common rooms.

However, this place hides one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Andalusia and a must-see attraction in Granada – the sacristy. It is considered to be the most beautiful sacristy in the world and I can attest to that.

The paintings inside the dome, the marble, the exquisite carvings, and the bedazzling art is something I will never forget. The famous Nasrid palaces in Alhambra have a really serious competition here!

You will find a ton of hidden corners and truly beautiful gems in the monastery! Definitely, my favorites among them all were the church and the sacristy. The patio was great too for some fresh air and relaxation. I really hope you get to visit this place!

Location: Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada

3. Cathedral and the Royal Chapel of Granada

Located in the heart of Granada city is the lavish cathedral – Cathedral of Granada. Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance cathedral is an impressive sight to see in Granada.

With its gold-and-white interior, massive dome, and many chapels it tells a story about the city’s history throughout centuries and is a great symbol in Andalusia’s reconquest.

Like many other Christian cathedrals and churches all around Andalusia, this cathedral was also built upon a mosque.

Mosques that were built during the Islamic period in Spain were usually destroyed or redesigned soon after Spain’s territory was reconquered from Muslims by the Catholic Monarchs.

The Granada Cathedral has a secret – integrated into the building complex of Granada Cathedral is the Royal Chapel of Granada. It is the burial place of the aforementioned Catholic Monarchs – Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II.

It was under their rule when the last Moorish dynasty in Andalusia – the Nasrid dynasty – fell and all the lands in Andalusia were reconquered from the Muslims. They were both titled the Catholic Monarchs in recognition of their defense of the Catholic faith.

Today you can buy tickets and enter the Royal Chapel (you can’t take photos inside the chapel). There is a crypt under the floor where you can walk down and see the tombs of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. There are separate tickets and entrances for the cathedral and the Royal Chapel.

Location: Catedral de Granada – Royal Chapel of Granada

4. Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda

Puente Nuevo bridge is the essence of Ronda and it sits on the top of my Andalusia bucket list. It is one of the most iconic places in the South of Spain! And likely the main reason people travel here from all over the world!

The bridge stretches over a 100-meter-deep gorge – El Tajo – connecting two parts of Ronda town. Ronda was my favorite town in Andalusia, and definitely amongst the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

There are multiple viewpoints you can go to get great photos of the Puente Nuevo bridge and the gorge, the river, and the waterfall. However, the Arco del Cristo viewpoint was my favorite of all the best Puente Nuevo bridge photo spots!

From this viewpoint, you can get the best photo of the famous bridge because the bridge and the waterfall are both very well visible. You can easily take a photo of yourself standing in the shot without covering the beautiful view!

Want to walk there? There is a paved pathway with steps leading downhill from the town center (it starts here!) to the viewpoints of Ronda bridge and it is quite easy to get there. Just be careful around the edges of the cliff!

Want to drive there? If you drive a car, I don’t recommend driving to the very bottom of the gorge as you will have to climb a considerable distance uphill to get the best view! It is best to park your car midway (somewhere here) and then walk to the viewpoint.

Location: Arco del Cristo viewpoint

5. Baños Árabes of Ronda

Another place that should be on your Andalusia bucket list is Arab Baths. They were built during the Islamic period in Spain and now are part of a unique historic heritage. Today they serve as a reminder of the complicated history Andalusia has had.

Although you will see such baths in many places around Andalusia, I found these in Ronda to be the best ones in terms of explaining how everything worked, how it looked, and what happened in each part of the site.

Baños Árabes or Arab baths in Ronda is a unique archeological site showcasing a 13th-century bathhouse. Those horseshoe-shaped brick arches and star-shaped holes in the rounded ceiling make this one of the most beautiful Instagram spots in Ronda.

Once you enter the site, you will be instructed to go inside one of the rooms in the Arab Baths to watch a 5 to 10-minute video. The video explains everything about the Arab Baths with illustrations and photos. Definitely recommend!

Location: Baños Árabes of Ronda

6. Setenil de las Bodegas cave village

Not a single Andalusia bucket list would be complete without the iconic Setenil de las Bodegas cave village! The most iconic thing about the village is that people here still live in cave houses and work at shops and cafés built under rocks.

The most famous place in Setenil de las Bodegas village is Calle Cuevas de la Sombra (Street of Shadow caves). It is the only street in the village completely covered by rocks and this is where you will get one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Andalusia!

There is only a small part of the street that goes under the rock (like 100 meters or so). So I really recommend walking there and back to see this place from both sides of the street.

If you have more time, there are other bucket list things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas including shopping in the deepest cave in the village!

Setenil de las Bodegas was definitely amongst the most beautiful whitewashed villages in Andalusia that we visited in the South of Spain!

Location: Calle Cuevas de la Sombra

7. The Royal Alcázar of Seville

Royal Alcázar of Seville is one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia and the crown jewel of Seville. It was built as a house for kings and still is the house of kings – the upper floors of Alcázar still host the royal family when they visit the city of Seville.

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a complex that consists of palaces, patios, courtyards, staterooms, unique bathing rooms, and massive gardens with pathways, ponds, fountains, trees and flowers, benches, pavilions, and even a maze.

Royal Alcázar of Seville is a must-visit place for any visitor to Seville and is definitely a destination that must be on your Andalusia bucket list! It is a prime example of the Mudéjar architectural style in Spain!

Especially such places as Patio de Doncellas – the main courtyard in the Alcázar – and Salón de Embajadores feature outstanding ornaments and decors in Mudéjar style. Stunning! Your Andalusia bucket list won’t be complete without this place!

Location: Royal Alcázar of Seville

8. Plaza de España square in Seville

Although the Royal Alcazar and other palaces in Seville are incredibly majestic and stunning, actually my favorite place in Seville is the well-known Plaza de España Square with its pointed towers, arches, colorful tiles, and bridges!

Plaza de España is a landmark square and one of the most beautiful places in Seville and in Andalusia! The best thing about this places is that you can visit Plaza de España Square for free, so definitely add this to your Andalusia bucket list!

Plaza de España Square was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition that took place in Seville. The square is shaped in a huge half-circle with two massive towers, a water feature and bridges over it, and a long walkway lined with arches.

The square has beautiful architecture and simply stunning ornaments and decorative elements. It features scenic bridges with lanterns, archways, and beautiful ornaments decorated with colorful tiles.

If you are looking for a photo without the crowds I suggest coming here in the morning. We arrived a bit after 8 AM and it was empty, but it does get very crowded during the day and it gets even more lively in the evening with people playing music, dancing, and chatting.

Location: Plaza de España

9. Cathedral of Seville with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the striking La Giralda tower

The Cathedral of Seville is a landmark attraction in the city of Seville and in Andalusia. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is one of the largest churches in the world and the largest Gothic church in the world making it a must-see destination in Andalusia bucket list.

As you get to Seville, this is one of the landmark monuments you will notice right away. It is truly spectacular and jaw-dropping! I really recommend walking around the cathedral and admiring the spectacular architecture up close.

Visiting the Cathedral of Seville is one of the best things to do in Seville. It is truly a massive piece of art! There are different types of tickets you can buy online on their website.

Beware that this is a tourist hotspot so definitely buy tickets in advance for your desired time! We bought tickets for visiting the inside of the cathedral and for climbing up to La Giralda tower. There are different ticket combinations to choose from.

If I could go again I would buy a visit to the roof of the cathedral too. Although La Giralda tower is very high you can’t see much as all the windows have bars in front of them. But you would see everything from the roof!

The Cathedral of Seville also is the burial site of the well-known Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. He is famous for discovering a route across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and the Americas.

His tomb is located in the main hall of the cathedral. As you get inside the cathedral, just walk around the whole main hall and you will eventually stumble upon it as it is located on one side of the hall. Plus there are direction signs so you will easily find it.

La Giralda is the name of one of the main symbols of Seville – the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville. It was built in the 12th century as a minaret for a mosque during the Islamic period in Andalusia.

When the territory was again ruled by the Catholics, many buildings around the city were redesigned for Christians. So the top part with bells and the statue was added to the tower. You can now climb up to the top part of the tower to see Seville from above!

La Giralda tower is one of the most popular places to visit in Seville so it was quite busy. You can buy tickets to the tower at the same time you buy tickets online for visiting the cathedral.

Visits to the tower happen first – before you are allowed to explore the cathedral, everyone is directed to climb up to the tower first. There is a spiral ramp without steps leading up to the very top of the tower. From there you can observe Seville to all sides.

Walking up to the top of La Giralda is one of the bucket list things to do in Seville. There is no better place to see the city from above, although the view is a bit covered as there are bars in front of the windows on top.

If you buy tickets well in advance, you can try to walk up on round hours when the bells ring! You are standing right below them so the sound is pretty loud and impressive. An extra show for you if you time it right!

Location: Cathedral of Seville – La Giralda

10. Casa de Pilatos in Seville

Amongst the best things to do in Seville is visiting the dazzling Casa de Pilatos! It is a 16th-century palace located in the historic part of Seville’s city center. Casa de Pilatos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Seville!

The jewel of this place is the main courtyard. It blends together Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, and Romantic elements through statues, archways, marble, and colorful tiles making it s must-see place on your Andalusia bucket list. You will be speechless by the ornate details!

Casa de Pilatos palace is definitely amongst the most beautiful palaces in Andalusia. As you walk around the patio you will be amazed by the details, the statues, the windows with columns and arches, the colorful tiles creating delicate mosaics, and so on.

There are two gardens in the palace complex. The gardens in private residences centuries ago were a major sign of wealth. And these ones in Casa de Pilatos are truly the oasis of peace – this was one of my favorite places to visit in Seville!

Gardens are decorated with lush plants and blooming flowers, colorful benches and fountains, flower pots, and trees. By the way, several movies have been shot here including Lawrence of Arabia,  Kingdom of Heaven, and Knight and Day.

Location: Casa de Pilatos

11. Setas de Sevilla – Mushrooms of Seville

Setas de Sevilla is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Seville city. It is a massive wooden structure in the shape of mushrooms. If you are looking for some of the most unique Instagram spots in Andalusia, this is a pretty cool spot!

Initially, the project was called the Metropol Parasol, but local citizens started to call them ‘setas’ or ‘mushrooms’ so the name was officially changed. And I agree with the citizens – these do look like mushrooms!

Setas de Sevilla was built in 2011 as the largest wooden structure in the world. You can either admire it from the side or pay 15 EUR to climb up on top to a viewing platform. From the viewing platform, you will get unmatched views over Seville city!

Although we did not get to climb on the roof platform of Setas de Sevilla, we definitely were amazed by them while standing at the bottom. They did an incredible job when building this structure! You can’t leave Seville without visiting this masterpiece!

Location: Setas de Sevilla

12. The most flowerful village in Andalusia – Iznájar

Iznájar is a small hilltop town in Córdoba province – a typical Andalusian mountaintop town with whitewashed houses and a castle on top. However, it has a secret right in the heart of it – Patio de las Comedias.

Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia for sure! It is a small square between buildings that is meticulously decorated with blue flower pots, plants, plates, colorful doors, tables, and chairs as well as a fountain.

Apart from the famous courtyard, there are a couple more things to do and places to see in Iznájar like the Santiago Apóstol church and Iznájar castle. My favorite places were the impressive viewpoints with stunning views you get from this hilltop town!

Location: Patio de las Comedias in Iznájar

13. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a landmark tourist attraction in Andalusia and is one of the main reasons people visit this city making it a must-visit destination in Andalusia bucket list.

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a spectacular cathedral that was once a mosque when Córdoba was under Islamic rule. When the Christian kings conquered the city it was redesigned into a cathedral.

The building itself was expanded over the centuries and under different rulers so it is an important historic monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

Although it is now a cathedral, for the most part, it still looks like a mosque. If you want to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba you have to buy tickets in advance. You can do it online for a certain hour when you wish to come.

I recommend coming in the morning. The lines outside are massive, however, the building is massive too so there is a place for a lot of people. Although we came in the morning there were already about 200 people in line in front of us (but it moved fast).

This is one of the bucket list places to visit in Córdoba and one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Andalusia in terms of architecture – the endless red-and-white striped archways is something you don’t get to see very often.

Location: Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

14. Patios de Córdoba – the famous flower courtyards in Córdoba

Another Andalusia bucket list destination in Córdoba is the famous flower courtyards called ‘patios’. There is a whole festival in May where numerous courtyards compete for the award as the best and most beautiful courtyard in the city.

Exploring these flowerful patios is a must-do thing in Córdoba! A lot of people visit Córdoba during the festival in May, however, we went there right before that and managed to see the flowers in full bloom while skipping large crowds of visitors.

You can also visit the patios all year round on your own. Many patios are maintained and remain beautiful throughout the year with spring, summer, and autumn months being the best ones when a lot of different flowers will be in full bloom.

There is a whole list of patios that you can visit either on your own or on a guided tour. Check out this website for more info! There you can download a pdf file with actual tourism information – look for patios in the list and see which ones are available at the time when you are visiting!

Location: Patios de Córdoba

15. Puente Romano de Córdoba

The iconic Roman Bridge is one of the symbols of Córdoba city so definitely add this to your Andalusia bucket list! It is a long, arched bridge crossing the Guadalquivir River and connecting both sides of the city.

The bridge dates back to the 1st century BC when it was built by the Romans. Since then it has been reconstructed multiple times and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Córdoba and in Andalusia.

Crossing the bridge is a must-do thing when visiting Córdoba. There is a big stone tower at the end of the bridge – Torre de Calahorra. Today it hosts a small museum about Córdoba and offers amazing views over the city (you can climb up to the roof!).

If you cross the bridge coming from the Historic Center there is an iconic photo spot on the other side of the bridge with a scenic view of the bridge and the skyline of Córdoba (first photo). It is beautiful during the day, but might be even more magical in the evening!

Location: Puente Romano de Córdoba – Torre De Calahorra – Photo location

16. Montefrío – the village with the most beautiful view in the world!

Another destination you should add to your Andalusia bucket list is Montefrío village – one of the most beautiful whitewashed villages in Andalusia and one of the villages with the best view in the world!

Did you know that National Geographic made a list of villages with the best view in the world and Montefrío village in Granada province in Andalusia was one of them? Check that photo above again and see for yourself!

There is a viewpoint named after National Geographic where you can see the exact view that has captured the world. The village is one of the hidden gems in Andalusia with its Iglesia de la Encarnacion being the only completely round church in Spain!

Even if you don’t have time to explore the whole village and drive up to the castle and church on top of the iconic cliff, I highly recommend stopping at the viewpoint (location below) to see the view to tick that off your bucket list!

Location: Montefrío village seen from National Geographic viewpoint

17. Castillo de Gibralfaro on Gibralfaro mountain in Malaga

One of the most iconic places in Malaga city is Gibralfaro Mountain. It sits right next to the center of the city making it one of the best places to see Malaga from above. Especially this iconic shot of the Spanish bullring that you can get only in Malaga.

Gibralfaro Mountain has a paved path leading uphill the mountain with some benches along the way. It starts down at the city center and finishes at the Castillo de Gibralfaro castle with a couple of popular viewpoints along the way.

On top of the mountain, you will see a castle – Castillo de Gibralfaro. The castle dates back to the 10th century when it was built by the emir Abd al-Raḥmān III who founded the Caliphate of Córdoba – the medieval Islamic kingdom in the territory of Andalusia.

You can access the defensive walls that surround the castle area and almost walk around the whole territory along the walls! There are a couple of viewpoints and sentry boxes for guards along the way. Visiting the castle is one of the bucket list things to do in Malaga.

You can see prices and visiting hours for the castle here. There is an entrance fee to the castle, but you can visit it on Sunday afternoons for free. You can reach the castle by car, by bus or by taxi.

However, I really recommend hiking either up or down the hill on foot. This way you can visit the beautiful viewpoints that overlook the city along the way. Check out Mirador de Gibralfaro which was my favorite viewpoint (location below)!

Location: Castillo de Gibralfaro – Mirador de Gibralfaro

18. Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga

One of the symbols of Malaga is the cathedral! It is a landmark building in the city and by being built in the Renaissance architectural style it is one of the most beautiful places in Malaga and also in Andalusia!

Apart from the beautiful architecture, this cathedral also holds a special secret – you can actually climb on the roof of it for some of the most iconic photos and incredible views in Malaga city! Visits to the roof happen in groups at certain times.

You can buy tickets at the cathedral or online where you can see the timetable for the visits. The roof is not easily accessible as you can only get there by ascending ~200 steps through a narrow staircase.

The group is accompanied by two guides who will let you walk around the perimeter of the roof. The views of the city and the port of Malaga are quite magnificent! If you can, go there before sunset when everything is in golden shades and colors!

Location: Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga – Entrance

19. Caminito del Rey hiking trail

Caminito del Rey is one of the best adventures that must be on your Andalusia bucket list. It was once considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world but since reconstruction a couple of years ago it is now a relatively safe and easy hike!

Caminito del Rey translates as the King’s Little Path – the King of Spain really was here and even crossed one of the bridges! It is a unique walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. It is one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia!

The hike is about 8 kilometers long from start to finish (there is a 1 to 1.5-kilometer walk from the parking lot to the start of the trail). It goes along a wooden and concrete walkway. The hike offers some of the most scenic views in Andalusia!

To walk in complete safety and find out more about the gorge and the iconic hiking route I recommend joining a guided tour. We did this and the guide was really fun and energetic. One of my favorite memories from Andalusia!

Location: Caminito del Rey – Entry tickets and shuttle bus

20. Castillo de Colomares castle-monument

Although it sounds like it is a castle, Castillo de Colomares is actually a monument in the form of a castle dedicated to the life of the explorer Christopher Columbus. It is one of the most unique, but, at the same time, beautiful places in Malaga province.

What makes it very unusual is that it does look like a centuries-old castle, but it was actually finished in 1994 after a 7-year-long construction. You can visit this beautiful hidden gem in Andalusia for an entrance fee of 3 EUR.

This monument was a work of a private artist so you won’t find it in most travel itineraries about the best things to do in Malaga so many tourists, unfortunately, never find out about it.

Besides the beautiful architecture, this monument also houses the smallest church in the world measuring less than 2 square meters! Can you imagine a church that small? I hope you get to visit this place – one of my favorite hidden gems in Andalusia!

Location: Castillo de Colomares

21. The most beautiful Old Town in Andalusia – Marbella

Marbella Old Town is considered to be the most beautiful Old Town in Andalusia. Although Marbella has grown to be quite a big city, the Old Town is still the same authentic Andalusian whitewashed town!

If you are looking for those Southern vibes in a typical Southern town with white houses, winding cobblestone streets, flower bushes, colorful doors, and plants everywhere, then paying a visit to Marbella Old Town is a must.

We spent a couple of days exploring Marbella Old Town. Some of the best places to visit in Marbella include the Plaza de los Naranjos Square, Calle Carmen Street – one of the most beautiful streets in Marbella, and the Santo Cristo de Marbella chapel.

Enjoying tapas at El Boqueron or MIA CAFE – Tapas & Bar is definitely amongst the best things to do in Marbella! There are many beautiful spots around Marbella Old Town and countless photo-perfect corners everywhere you look!

Location: Marbella Old Town

22. The Balcony of Europe in Nerja

Nerja is a coastal town in the famous Costa del Sol area in Spain. It is located just a 50-minute drive away from Malaga city and offers more authentic experiences in a more relaxed atmosphere than the big Andalusian cities.

The most famous bucket list place in Nerja is the Balcony of Europe. It is a viewpoint built above a cliff – a large platform stretching into the sea with some fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains, and the coastline.

Standing on the Balcony of Europe is a bucket list thing to do in Andalusia. I recommend coming here for the sunrise as it appears in the Mediterranean Sea and looks absolutely magical.

During the day this has to be the busiest place in Nerja as there are benches to sit on, restaurants, ice-cream shops, and a beautiful palm-lined promenade. People just come here to relax and socialize.

The Balcony of Europe is the ultimate bucket list place to visit in Nerja and one of the most popular photo spots in Nerja, so definitely take a photo here! You can get a great shot on the balcony, from the side, or from the beach next to it.

The square on top of the balcony is lined with beautiful white double arches decorated with Andalusian-style blue flower pots with flowers. We came here to watch the sunrise and it was one of my favorite memories from our Andalusian road trip!

Right next to the big square, you will find a small and really short street – Calle Tajillo. It is probably the most flowerful street in Nerja. There are flower pots on the walls, around windows, and on the ground.

Calle Tajillo is very short and it ends with a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the coastline – Mirador de Calle Tajillo! Don’t skip this place! It will only take a couple of minutes for you to visit this spot!

Location: Balcón de Europa – Flower street Calle Tajillo

23. Cueva de Nerja

Nerja Cave is probably among the most impressive and beautiful caves I have visited (and I have visited many!). It is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit place in Nerja so it also must be on your Andalusia bucket list!

The entrance to the cave costs 13 EUR and can be bought online for the exact time you wish to visit. It goes like a conveyor belt – you arrive at your designated time, show tickets to the staff, and enter the cave.

The cave is pretty huge and full of stalagmites and stalactites. You can get there by taxi, a car, or a special tourist train that goes from Nerja center to the cave and back. This is definitely one of those iconic bucket list places to visit in Andalusia!

Location: Cueva de Nerja

24. Historic Center of the most charming village in Andalusia – Frigiliana

Frigiliana is considered one of the most beautiful whitewashed villages in Andalusia, Spain. With narrow cobblestone streets, houses, and stairs decorated with flowerpots and plants, this is a charming destination in the South of Spain.

We spent 3 fantastic days exploring the historic center of Frigiliana. The village has unbeatable views and it is one of my favorite places in Andalusia! Check out the best places to visit in Frigiliana and the most beautiful photo spots in this charming village!

Visiting the Historic Center of Frigiliana will only take a few hours so it is a great destination to include in your Andalusia bucket list. It is located just 15 minutes away from Nerja so it will be an easy detour to this wonderful village.

Location: Frigiliana

25. Catedral de Cádiz

Catedral de Cádiz is amongst the most beautiful buildings in Cádiz and in Andalusia. The construction of the cathedral started in the first half of the 18th century and lasted for more than 100 years. It was built in neoclassical and baroque styles.

At the time of building this cathedral, Cádiz was a booming city and the massive cathedral was built, in part, as a consequence of that – to impress the trading partners (like America) and to present the city as an important, well-off partner.

Visiting the inside of the cathedral is an extraordinary experience on its own, however, there is more to the cathedral. You can actually climb up to the Bell Tower (or Clock Tower) of the cathedral.

The Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Cádiz was one of my favorite places to visit in Cádiz! Climbing to the tower is included in the entrance fee to the cathedral. First, you visit the cathedral, and then at the exit of the cathedral, there is a door to get to the tower.

The climb is long. There is a continuous incline spiraling upwards until the very top of the tower. There are no stairs, but a flat surface leading up. Once you get to the top there are 360-degree views over the city.

I really recommend walking up there at full hours when the bells ring. It was loud and it was fun! You can buy entrance tickets at the entrance or online. The same ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, to the crypt underground, and also to the Clock Tower.

Check out seaside views of the Cathedral of Cádiz!

If you are looking for some iconic views of Cádiz then this is definitely one of those – one of the most iconic Instagram photo spots in Andalusia! There are two nice viewpoints at the seaside (locations below).

The best view and photo spot of the cathedral is from the Baluarte de Capuchinos fortress located right next to the seaside promenade. You get a fantastic overlook of the city coastline and the majestic Cathedral of Cádiz.

There is also another viewpoint along the promenade – Mirador El Vendaval – where you can get another great shot of the coastline and the cathedral. However, I could say that this from the Baluarte de Capuchinos fortress was slightly more iconic.

Location: Catedral de Cádiz – Baluarte de Capuchinos – Mirador El Vendaval

26. World-famous sherry and wine bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez de la Frontera is world-famous as the world capital of the fortified wine – sherry. It is the birthplace of this popular drink. And the area around Jerez de la Frontera is the only place where it is allowed to produce this specific drink – sherry.

Visiting one of the world-famous sherry and wine bodegas is a bucket list thing to do in Andalusia. There are multiple bodegas in Jerez de la Frontera, but we opted for the iconic González Byass sherry bodega Tio Pepe thanks to their long history of sherry making.

Even though we are not sherry fans we joined a guided tour through their bodegas to find out more about the art of wine and sherry making. You can find and book different tours on their website.

The best part of the tour was visiting the storage cellars of sherry and wine barrels. They are dark, and gloomy and have a rich and sweet smell inside them. Truly a fantastic experience!

Hearing how much effort is put into each bottle made me appreciate the art of creating such drinks. My favorite part was admiring the different sizes, shapes, colors, and ages of the oak barrels.

There was one hall with barrels signed by all the famous visitors to this bodega. We noticed signatures by people from royalty to Hollywood and back! These bodegas are the essence of Jerez de la Frontera so I hope you get to visit one!

If you happen to visit the famous González Byass sherry and wine bodega then you will stumble upon one of the hidden gems in Andalusia – a street named Calle Ciegos or the Alley of the Blind which is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Spain!

The combination of the narrow and winding cobblestone street, the vine leaf cover above the head, and the view of the cathedral at the end of the street make this an iconic place in Andalusia!

We visited this place in spring when the leaves were not in full bloom yet. However, we got a great view of the cathedral! In a couple of weeks – sometime around May or later – the street will look like a leave-covered tunnel!

This street was once a public street. It was named Calle Ciegos or the Alley of the Blind because this was once a usual gathering place for poor and blind people who would beg for money from churchgoers. The street was a regular route to go to the church.

Location: Calle Ciegos – Bodega Tio Pepe

27. Border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea in Tarifa

The final place on the Andalusia bucket list goes to Tarifa. It is amongst the most unique towns in Spain and there is a special reason – it is the Southernmost point in not only Spain but in the whole of Europe.

Definitely one of the bucket list things to do in Tarifa is walking the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There is a narrow road into the water that draws a line between the two bodies of water.

Approximately in the middle of the road, there are two metal signs indicating which side of the road belongs to which territory – the ocean or the sea. Definitely snap a photo here while standing between the sea and the ocean!

This is a must-visit place for any visitor in Tarifa! Luckily the road is open all the time so you can go there any time of the day you want. Beware that the wind may get crazy here! It almost swept us off our feet!

As you walk further down the road you will reach the Isla de Tarifa islet. It is the Southernmost point in Spain and in Europe.

However, you should know that the whole islet is closed down. You can only get there in guided groups by booking an appointment prior to your visit.

Although you probably won’t be able to access the islet, you won’t miss out on much! There is not much left of the fortress and the old port that was on the islet years ago. But you can walk down to the beaches on the islet and enjoy the scenery from there.

Location: Frontera Mar Mediterráneo – Océano Atlántico