In the south of Spain, you will find a large region of hills, rivers, and farmlands, called Andalucia (Andalusia in English). The coastline of Andalusia offers some gorgeous beaches, mountaintop cities, and vibey neighborhoods, making it the perfect tourist location.
The capital of Andalucia is Seville, other cities such as Malaga and smaller towns such as Marbella and Jerez, are also found in the Andalusian region. The Andalucia scenery is absolutely breathtaking and has some must-see attractions!
Andalucia Travel Guide: Free Things to Do in Southern Spain
Being a tourist is all fun and games until you realize that maybe you are overspending and that you might not be able to catch the bus to your next destination. Luckily, not everything worth seeing comes at a price!
If you are racking your brain, wondering what to do in Andalucia, don’t worry! We have put together an Andalucia Travel Guide — Budget style, just for you.
Spain, Andalucia Points of Interest
There are plenty of things to do in Andalucia, including the Andalusian mountains, stunning beaches, busy plazas, and historic towns. Here are 12 of the best places to visit in Andalucia.
1. Marbella Old Town
Old Town Marbella is a stunning little neighborhood known for its Renaissance-style white-washed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and balconies draped in colorful flowers. It is a perfect example of the romantic European towns we see on TV.
There are many restaurants you can indulge in, but if you are not looking to spend any money, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, while experiencing the culture.
2. Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square)
In Old Town Marbella, the Plaza de Los Naranjos is said to be the urban hub of the city. The plaza dates all the way back to the year 1485 and boasts traditional Andalusian-style buildings.
A stunning Renaissance fountain surrounded by orange trees is in the center of the plaza, hence the appropriate naming: Plaza de Los Naranjos – Orange Square.
Enjoy a bite at one of the local cafes and bars, or just take in the sweet smell of orange blossoms as you enjoy a leisurely walk through the plaza. At night, you’ll be entertained by some Spanish street singers.
3. Puerto Marina Benalmadena
The marina which is located on the Costa del Sol is considered to be one of the best marinas worldwide. The majority of the buildings are traditional Andalusian-style architecture, which enhances the romantic feeling.
Filled with shopping, restaurants, and pumping nightlife, it has won the award for being the ‘Best Marina in the World’ on several occasions.
4. Puente Nuevo in Ronda (New Bridge in Ronda)
Ronda is a city that sits on the mountain tops, above a deep gorge called El Tajo, in Malaga, Spain. The Puente Nuevo Bridge (New Bridge) reaches across the El Tajo and takes you from the city’s old town to its new town, and vice versa.
The city is also famous for its dramatic history of bullfighting and bandits, specifically the Plaza de Toros — one of Spain’s oldest bullrings.
For more information on the Ronda bullrings and some adventurous day trips that you can enjoy, take a look here.
5. La Carihuela
On the beautiful coast of Torremolinos, lies an old fishing town named La Carihuela. Known for its vibey beach scene in the summertime, the waterside promenade attracts both locals and tourists from all around the world.
The beach town is lined with hut-shaped bars and deluxe sea-view restaurants. The perfect photo-opportunity and ideal spot for a day of tanning on the beach, finished off with a walk along the beach while you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Balcón de Europa (The Balcony of Europe)
The Balcony of Europe is located near the Plaza de Espana in Nerja, Malaga, and overlooks the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea.
Here you will also find the statue of the late King Alfonso XII, one of many historic monuments in Andalucia. King Alfonso XII gave name to the bridge in 1884, after an earthquake that hit Nerja.
Take a stroll across the balcony and enjoy entertainment from jugglers, musicians, and painters.
7. Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata
In Almeria, Spain you can explore the cliff-bound coastal Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. The park stretches all the way from Retama to Agua Amarga and is home to some of Europe’s oldest geological features.
The park is littered with old abandoned mines and many interesting rock formations. Tourists are welcomed to take part in many different outdoor activities including bird-watching and photography.
8. Parque de la Paloma
The Parque de la Paloma is one of Andalucia’s urban parks, located in Malaga, Andalucia. Here you will find a man-made pond with ducks, a small petting zoo with donkeys and goats, and a cactus garden.
If you are wanting to have a relaxing picnic in a stunning Spanish location, this is the place to go! Bring the kids along and let them have some good old-fashioned fun in some of the play areas.
9. Rio Chillar (The Chillar River)
The Rio Chillar is a river that runs through Malaga into the Mediterranean Sea. Flanked by trees, local flora, and the sweet sound of birds chirping, the Rio Chillar is a beautiful body of water to explore.
Tourists and locals can explore the river as they hike along the Nerja River Walk trail, also known as the Cahorros Trail.
10. Feria del Caballo (Jerez Horse Fair)
The Feria del Caballo is a fun-fair hosted in Jerez De La Frontera, specifically in Gonzalez Hontoria park. The festival is world-renowned for its celebration of horses and equestrian and is traditionally held in the first or second week of May.
Find yourself in between the liveliness of the festival, with horses strolling elegantly around the park, with dashing aristocratic men, and women in beautiful Spanish dresses sitting atop the horses.
As night falls, enjoy drinking beautifully-aged wines, guitar music blasting through the streets, and passionate flamenco dancers.
Entry into the fair is free, but there are various different activities that you can participate in which do require payment.
11. Playa Serena (Serena Beach)
Serena Beach in Almeria is a long-stretched, pebble beach lined with a promenade of palm trees and various luxurious resorts.
Stroll along the promenade or down to the harbor, as you take in the stunning views of the ocean.
12. Plaza de Espana
Plaza de Espana is one of the most well-known plazas and tourist attractions in southern Spain. Located in Seville, Andalucia, the plaza is a landmark of Regionalism Architecture.
Although originally built to display exhibits of Spain’s industry and technology, the Plaza de Espana has become a stunning attraction for tourists.
The plaza is surrounded by a canal, which has four different bridges crossing over it. Each bridge is said to represent the ancient kingdoms of Spain. Walk along its perimeter and take in the palace-like architecture.
The capital city of Andalucia, Seville, is also known for its delicious tapas and wine tours.
Visiting Andalucia | Where Will You Go?
Andalucia is a large, tourist-attraction-filled region in southern Spain and a must-see on any travel junkie’s bucket-list.
With hundreds of different beaches, mountains, parks, plazas, and so much more, Andalucia is sure to keep you busy on a budget.
Well, there you have it: twelve free attractions considered to be the best of Andalucia. The question is: What is going on your bucket list?
