Andalusian wonders worth seeing at least once in life

What to visit in Andalucía is a difficult question to answer for it is such a large region that it could take months to explore. Nevertheless, there are some places that stand out from the rest and deserve a visit on a tour of Andalucía. These are the principal wonders of Andalucía worth seeing at least once in life.

Natural spots and views that captivate

Cabo de Gata

Beginning in the province of Almería, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is striking for its paradisiacal beaches and coves, where one can kick back while surrounded by incredible landscapes. Some of the more noteworthy spots are Playa de los Muertos and Playa de los Genoveses and the Salinas (salt flats) of Cabo de Gata.

Gruta de las Maravillas at Aracena

Gruta de las Maravillas in the province of Huelva is one of those special, yet difficult places to find. It is a 570 million-year-old grotto where one can complete a circular route of approximately 1,200 metres in 50 minutes. In total, the route includes a walk through twelve cavernous galleries and six lakes of crystal-clear waters. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most breathtaking places in Andalucía.

Caminito del Rey

Caminito del Rey is a walking tour along a footbridge suspended from the side of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (Gaitanes’ Gorge) in Málaga. An ideal walking tour for observing the views along the entire route, and for those who like an adrenaline rush. In fact, anyone suffering from vertigo may want to think twice before trying this one. As well, to ensure entry, it is worth noting that ticket reservations should be made months in advance.

 

Charming Andalusian towns to visit

Frigiliana

Continuing along in the province of Málaga lies Frigiliana, one of Andalucía’s most beautiful villages, which is discernible for its white dwellings speckled with blue. The best advice is to wander its streets and discover its nooks and crannies. Some must-see sites are the streets of Hernando el Darra and Real, the Torreón, the callejón el Garral, the palace of the Condes and the San Antonio de Padua church.

Setenil de las Bodegas

Another beautiful Andalusian village is Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses embedded under the giant rock face take visitors by surprise. Some of the most charming spots are the streets of Cuevas de la Sombra and Jabonería, the panoramic lookouts of Carmen and Lizón, and the hermitage of San Benito. Setenil de las Bodegas, along with other outstanding villages such as Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, forms part of Cádiz’s Pueblos Blancos.

Monuments that recount Andalucía’s history

Real Alcázar in Sevilla

Next to the cathedral and the Archivo de Indias stands the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site since 1987. This is an array of palaces whose history spans several historical periods. Once inside, the walking tour includes the Puerta del León, the Sala de Justicia, the Patio de la Montería, the Cuarto del Almirante, the Palacio Mudéjar, the Palacio Gótico, the Estanque de Mercurio, the Apeadero, the Patio de Bandera and the gardens.

Córdoba’s Mezquita-Catedral

The Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba is one of the most visited sites in Spain. Art connoisseurs will quickly recognise the two-toned arches of Almanzor and the multi-sectioned archways of the maqsura. Other exceptional beauties include the Mihrab, the Capilla Mayor, and the Parroquia del Sagrario.

The Alhambra

And speaking of Spain’s most visited sites, the Alhambra should not be omitted from anyone’s list of what to see in Andalucía. It is highly recommended to set aside a complete day in order to ponder the majesty of the Palacio de Generalife, the Jardines del Partal, the Palacios Nazaríes and the Palacio de Carlos V. And if time permits, a stroll along the Paseo de los Tristes at sunset never disappoints.

Sevilla’s Catedral

Sevilla’s Catedral is one of the biggest in the world. This Gothic-styled temple reaches a height of exactly 105 metres. Inside, one can find paintings by Murillo, Zubarán and other famous artists in the different chapels. As well, adjacent to the cathedral is Seville’s most famous tower, the Giralda bell tower, though this is a separate visit. The original Patio de los Naranjos can also be visited.

Jaén’s Catedral de la Asunción

Although less well-known than its counterpart in Sevilla, Jaén’s Catedral is equally spectacular. Constructed in the 15th century, it is representative of late-Gothic architecture. Its façade contains so many details and figures, it could be considered almost an altarpiece. The cathedral’s interior offers the remarkable Capilla Mayor, the image of the Virgen de la Asunción (the assumption of the Virgin Mary), the choir as well as 17 other chapels.

Ronda’s Puente Nuevo

To finish, Ronda’s Puente Nuevo is an altogether colossal construction that leaves no visitor unimpressed. The bridge rises 98 metres above the waters of the Guadalevín River and joins the old town with the newer neighbourhoods of Ronda. Today, it joins the list of unforgettable monuments.

In short, these are the main wonders of Andalucía that one ought to experience at least once in life. The only decision to take now is where to begin, which incidentally, is not an easy one.