Andalucia Holidays

Eating out

Andalusian cuisine is something to get excited about. From cured meats and fried fish, to typical Spanish dishes like gazpacho and paella, there’s something on the menu to please every palate. Andalucia is the birthplace of tapas, so order a selection of small dishes from olives to mariscos and enjoy an authentic Spanish meal.

Serrano ham is a favourite of the region, and unmissable for meat lovers. Thanks to the Mediterranean diet of the locals, you can expect a tasty variety of seafood throughout your holiday in Spain – fried fish and anchovies are particularly popular, as is a dish of assorted fish called a ‘fritura malagueña’. As well as delicious dishes, Andalucia is also home to some world-famous wines, particularly the wines of Jerez de la Frontera.

Sit back and relax with a glass of Jerez sherry – the clear and dry fino is an Andalusian favourite, but Manzanilla is equally popular with wine-lovers. Plus, no Spanish holiday would be complete without a refreshing glass of sangria.  

Nightlife

Despite its more traditional atmosphere and being home to so many historic sites, Andalucia has a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife. For a lively party scene head from Andalucia to the Costa del Sol. Costa del Sol is the place to be. This popular resort is a hub of fun-seeking holidaymakers, so you can expect clubs, bars and restaurants galore, plus plenty of boat parties throughout the day.

Just a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find stylish Marbella, the perfect place to enjoy a glamorous night out and a glass of champagne – or two! If you’re looking for more low-key ways to spend an evening, then you’ll find plenty of laid-back nightlife in Andalucia.

Enjoy an authentic Spanish night out in Granada with a live flamenco performance, and a glass of Jerez sherry. Seville is another great spot to enjoy some live entertainment, or you could head over to Cordoba for some live Spanish jazz music. 

Family holidays

You can look forward to plenty of fun in the sun on family holidays to Andalucia. Malaga is perhaps the most popular resort for families on the south coast of Spain, thanks to the large, sandy beaches in Costa del Sol, and theme parks in popular Benalmadena, such as the exciting Tivoli World.

You’ll find plenty of other fun attractions in Andalucia, from the Isla Magica in Seville, to the BioPark in Fuengirola. Kids will love whale watching in Tarifa, and the region also has some great watersports on offer.

No holiday to Andalucia would be complete without a visit to the Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana – it’s Spain’s largest nature reserve, and home to all kinds of wildlife and ecosystems, so adults and kids alike can look forward to a great day out. Alternatively, you’ll find public pools all around Andalucía, ideal for laid-back days cooling off with an ice cream and a swim. 

Couples holidays

Andalucia is the perfect destination for couples to enjoy all the best of the Spanish sun and culture without the hustle and bustle of the big resorts. Enjoy a romantic getaway to the southern coast of Spain – Cádiz is a great place to start. With romantic and historic cultural attractions like the Catedral de Cadiz, El Puerto de Santa María, and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, Cadiz is a great place to get lost in for an afternoon.

If you fancy exploring more of Andalucia off the beaten track, why not take a trip to the Baños de la Encina in Jaén, or wander through the traditional Spanish towns around Ronda?

Alternatively, Andalucia is only a 20-minute drive away from Marbella, so why not venture out for the day? Sunbathe in style over at Bounty Beach, or stop for a coffee at the Puerto Banús marina. 

Action & Adventure

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just a nature-lover, there’s plenty of outdoor activities in Andalucia to keep you entertained. Test your bravery at the beach with a new watersport – why not try windsurfing or kiteboarding at Tarifa on the coast of Cádiz? Andalucia’s rugged terrain makes it ideal for driving excursions, from go-karting in Malaga to off-roading in Cadiz.

Cyclists will love riding along the Vias Verdes, disused railways lines that are now exclusive to bike riders and walkers. Explore the natural beauty of Andalucia with a walking tour of some of the top attractions. Garganta del Chorro is one of the most famous spots for tourists and rock climbers alike, thanks to the gorge’s incredible rock formations, and the elevated bridge known as El Camino del Rey. Plus, active types won’t want to miss a trip to Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in Spain.

Culture

Thanks to its rich culture and impressive architecture, you can expect more than just your typical Spanish beach break on Andalucia holidays. Andalucia hosts some incredible feasts and festivals throughout the year. Semana Santa is one of the biggest and most popular, and sees a whole host of parties and parades throughout Easter, or the ‘Holy Week’. Seville hosts the Feria de Abril, one of the largest festivals in Spain, while the lively Feria de Málaga is a big tourist attraction in summer. The three main cities of Andalusia each boast at least one unmissable attraction. There’s the Alcázar of Seville and the Plaza de España, the latter of which was used as a location in Star Wars, while Granada is home to the world-famous Alhambra Palace, and Córdoba to the incredible Mezquita. If you fancy a break from architecture, why not head over to Huelva? Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World from this city, and visitors can see replicas of his ships, plus other local attractions.

Top attractions in Andalucia

With so many things to do in Andalucia, the only problem you’ll have on your Spanish holiday is fitting it all into your stay! Southern Spain has a whole host of scenic coastal spots, especially in Costa de Almeria and Costa de la Luz, so Andalucía is a great base for beach holidays.

You’ll find plenty to keep the kids entertained at family attractions like Tivoli World in Benalmadena, and Isla Magica in Seville. Andalucia is a dream destination for culture lovers – explore the famous Alhambra Palace, take a tour of Alcázar of Seville, and visit the Mezquita of Cordoba.

The Coto de Doñana nature reserve is well worth a visit for couples and families alike, and a walk through the white villages of the Alpujarras on the Sierra Nevada is ideal for a taste of rural and authentic Andalucia.  We definitely recommend the Alpujarras region if you're keen on walking holidays.

Best beaches in Andalucia

Holidays in Spain wouldn’t be complete without some sun, sea and sand. Fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Andalucia. Costa de la Luz is home to the beautiful Bolonia beach, and you’ll have plenty of sandy spots to choose from along the Costa de Almeria.

Sand-and-shingle La Herradura beach on the Costa Tropical is popular with families and watersport-lovers alike, and you’ll find a handful of ‘chiringuitos’ – beach restaurants – along the seafront. With shallow waters and great mountain views, Playa el Playazo is ideal if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach that’s a little off the beaten track.

Despite being used as a location for several film and television productions, most famously ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, picture-perfect Monsul beach is still widely considered a secret spot. It’s set in the Cabo de Gata National Park, and with soft sand, clear blue waters, and incredible rock formations, it’s an unmissable spot for scenery lovers.