I spent many years living in Europe, hopping from one country to the next as a student. Spain, however, is the only other country apart from my native United States where I have spent the most time – three years working as an English teacher. When I would strike up a conversation with American tourists traveling around Europe and share with them the fact of my then-current or former status as an expat living in Spain, their response was almost always something akin to “Oh, we love Spain!” Curious, I would ask them which was their favorite Spanish city or province. To which they would almost always respond with, “Oh, we only went to Madrid” or “We only went to Barcelona”.
Considering the vast size of the United States of America, such responses from one too many Americans would always confuse me. After all, would they accept a foreigner’s expression of love for the US if all they’ve ever been to was Miami? Spain is big, far from as big as the US, but, like the US, nearly every type of ecosystem is represented in the country. From vast, humid forests to tall mountains often covered in snow, and deserts that can become so hot they can easily give the heat of Las Vegas during peak summer a run for its money. And one cannot forget the glorious beaches on the Costa del Sol and the Canary and Balearic Islands chains.
With all of these diverse ecosystems and numerous cities and towns, each with its unique history, you would have to dedicate months of travel to give Spain its due justice. But what if, like most Americans, you don’t have much time off from work, but you’ve always dreamed of visiting Spain? This is where I can be of service because Spain can be broken down into autonomous communities (and smaller provinces), and the one autonomous community that is truly worth your time, as a first trip to Spain, is Andalucía. This massive autonomous community, which essentially occupies the entirety of southern Spain, will allow you to take a deep dive into the nitty-grittiness of Spanish heritage. So, here are my top ten things to do in Southern Spain in ten ambitious days.
Days 1-3: Sevilla
You begin your Spanish holiday in the capital of Andalucía, Sevilla – one of my absolute favorite cities in all of Spain. I am a sucker for a city steeped in rich history and old, pretty architecture, and whereas many cities scattered around Spain may fit this description, none are more worthy than Sevilla. Its cathedral, which is the largest in Europe and houses the world’s largest stained-glass window, is quite simply the most stunning representation of Gothic architecture in the country. You will gawk at its impressive exterior and interior, say hi to the final resting place of the rather divisive historical figure of Christopher Columbus and his wildly ornate tomb. Then, if you feel up to it, I recommend you climb the over 100-meter-tall clock tower called La Giralda, which functioned as the former minaret of the mosque that once stood at the site during Muslim rule.
The very heart of Sevilla’s city center contains more than its cathedral, as located right next to it is the Real Alcázar. This fabulous Moorish palace contains some of the most intricate mosaics, arabesque motifs, and gardens, which are only bested by the Alhambra in Granada. However, unlike the Alhambra, the Real Alcázar de Sevilla has been featured in many films and television shows, most notably Game of Thrones.
The Plaza de España of Sevilla is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular plazas one can see in Spain. Its semi-circular shape is representative of Spain embracing its former colonies, with a canal representing the Atlantic that separates Spain from the Americas. The plaza is adorned with over 7,000 colorful ceramic tiles, depicting historical events, the 52 provinces of Spain, and scenes from Spanish literature and mythology. Although it is only nearly a century old, the architectural style of the plaza was heavily influenced by Renaissance aesthetics. Furthermore, has been captured in cinematic history, most notably, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Up next is the newest and most unique of the things to do or see in Sevilla. The Setas de Sevilla (meaning Mushrooms of Sevilla) or Metropol Parasol, as it is formally called, first opened in 2011 and is the largest wooden construction in the world. It was first commissioned by a German architect who won a design competition to revitalize the square. He was selected because of his plan to incorporate into the structure the remains of a Roman colony that had recently been discovered. The Metropol Parasol is not only a wooden construction that covers the square, but on top of the parasol is a special walkway and a terrace with a beautiful panorama (referred to as the Mirador). I particularly recommend you invest in a ticket for the sunset stroll across the Mirador to capture some of the most exotic photography of your trip. Furthermore, the Setas offers an archaeological museum, shops, several bars, and restaurants.
Day 3: Ronda
From Sevilla, hop onto an early morning 2.5-hour bus ride to the small city of Ronda, known as one of Andalucía’s most striking hilltop towns, set dramatically above El Tajo Gorge. Its most famous landmark is its Puente Nuevo, or New Bridge, which soars nearly 100 meters above the canyon floor, linking the historic Moorish quarter with the newer part of the city. While the view from the top is remarkable, the best way to truly experience the scale of this engineering masterpiece is to venture below.
Just beyond the Puente Nuevo, a trail called “Partida los Molinos” winds down into the gorge. The hike is not particularly long – maybe about 45 minutes each way – but it does involve some rather uneven terrain and a fairly steep descent, so sturdy shoes are a must. Nonetheless, my parents and I were able to handle the hike without any issues. As you make your way down the trail, the perspectives of the bridge change dramatically – from side views framed by rugged cliffs to the full grandeur of the arch towering above. The sound of rushing water grows stronger until you reach the highlight of the trail, the waterfall that cascades beneath the bridge. Capturing this photo is what it’s all about! Just be sure to target the early morning or late afternoon hours when the light softens and the crowds thin out. We hiked it as sunset was approaching, when the light cast a stunning golden glow over the cliffs. Truly mesmerizing!
Day 4-5: El Caminito del Rey
Once considered the most dangerous hike in the world, El Caminito del Rey was constructed between 1901 and 1905 to allow access for workers at El Chorro hydroelectric power plant to transport materials between other power plants. The original pathway was built from concrete and steel, was just three feet wide, and offered very few safety measures for the workers walking on it. Once its purpose was fulfilled, the Caminito del Rey fell into disrepair and was officially closed in 2000. Then, in 2009, it underwent refurbishment, and now it is the host of a thoroughly dramatic, nearly 5-mile hike through spectacularly gorgeous towering gorges with paths pinned against sheer cliff walls.
The most important thing to keep in mind about El Caminito del Rey is that you will have to book tickets well in advance. General tickets to walk the trail independently book fastest or you can book a guided tour, which I recommend because your guide will explain the history, geology, and fauna of the area. Furthermore, be sure to allow yourself three hours to hike the Caminito (at least on a guided tour). A guided tour costs €18, while a self-guided tour is €10. Here’s the website to book tickets. https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/tickets/buy
You can reach El Chorro (a common place for Caminito del Rey hikers to park their car) via car from Sevilla, or you can take a bus or train from Sevilla to Málaga. Unless you have a private car, since you’ll be heading straight from Ronda, I think it would be easiest to take an early morning train (about 2 hours 15 minutes with a transfer at Antequera- Santa Ana included) to Málaga’s Estación Maria Zambrano. Then, from the same train station, you take a final train for about 45 minutes directly to El Chorro. From El Chorro, you will take a 20-minute shuttle bus (which runs every half an hour) right outside the train station to the start of the trail. If this timeline is too tight for you, which I completely understand, then consider staying the night in Málaga. If you can only book an early morning tour through El Caminito del Rey, then you will have to spend the night in one of the nearby towns to it or in Málaga.
El Caminito del Rey is not an overtly challenging hike, but those with a profound fear of heights may struggle a bit as they cross the suspended bridge. Still, as this is only a small part of the trail, it is no reason not to embark on it. Just do what I do and don’t look down!
Day 5/6-7: Córdoba
Just an hour’s train ride north of Málaga is the fabulous, ancient city of Córdoba. This city’s layers of history come alive nowhere more so than at its outstanding Mezquita. Once the great mosque of Al-Andalus, it was later transformed into a cathedral, creating a fascinating blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Photographers will rejoice at the interior’s endless rows of red-and-white arches stretching into the distance as they lead to a Renaissance-era nave that rises dramatically at the center. The Mezquita is a true symbol of Córdoba’s cultural crossroads, and there is no place of worship in all of Andalucía that can quite compete with its splendor, awe, and uniqueness, which is why it firmly deserves a place on this list.
A short walk away from the Mezquita lies the Roman Bridge, which has spanned the Guadalquivir River for nearly 2,000 years. Lined with stone arches and guarded by the Calahorra Tower, the bridge has become one of Córdoba’s most iconic viewpoints. It’s especially magical to visit as sunset approaches. It will leave you breathless to watch as the golden light reflects off the river and the silhouette of the Mezquita glows against the evening sky. As darkness approaches, the moment is made even more special as you observe the city and the Mezquita begin to glow from artificial light, with the bridge equally illuminated in the foreground. Hands down, this is one of the best sunsets you can experience in the country!
Days 8-10: Granada
Less than a two-hour train ride from Córdoba is a true jewel of Spain. Granada is a city that feels like a meeting point between worlds, where Moorish palaces, lively tapas bars, and soulful Flamenco all intertwine. The Alhambra is not only Granada’s star attraction, but also the pride of all of Spain, as it holds no equal. This imposing, sprawling Moorish hilltop palace seems to float above the city, always keeping a close eye on its many happenings. Wandering through its numerous intricate courtyards, arabesque archways, and the serene Generalife gardens is like stepping into a living fairytale. It is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture that must be seen to be believed and deserves an entire day dedicated to exploring it.
Yet Granada’s magic extends beyond the Alhambra. In the hillside neighborhood of Sacramonte, the city’s gypsy heritage thrives in cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. Here, highly expressive Flamenco dancing unfolds before you in low light, where the pure rhythms of guitar, clapping, stomping, and heartfelt dance echo against whitewashed stone. Generally, Flamenco performances in other cities are held on stages before a crowd of spectators, but in Sacramonte, Flamenco is so immersive that you may just feel the whip of the dancers’ dress as they fly by you. This is the moment where you get to experience the nitty-gritties of raw Spanish heritage, and it will put any future Flamenco performances not only to shame, but quite literally trample them into dust.
So there you have it – ten things to do in Southern Spain in ten ambitious days. Does this mean you have experienced all that Andalucía has to offer? No. Would it warrant a return? Perhaps in the future, but first, the rest of Spain beckons you. From Madrid and its nearby stunning cities of Toledo and Segovia, to Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Santiago de Compostela, there is much more to see, eat, and experience in Spain, and all of them are equally worth your time and hard-earned money.