Andalucia Travel Guide
Andalucía offers the perfect mix of rich history, culture, and landmarks, sure to captivate any traveller. Andalucía is an autonomous region in the south of mainland Spain, home to over 8 million people, with Seville as its capital. The primary language is Spanish, but the region has a distinct dialect known as Andalusian Spanish.
Successive invasions and cultural influences—from the Romans to the Moors—have left an enduring imprint on Andalucía’s landscape and heritage, creating a fascinating journey through time. Marvel at well-preserved Moorish architecture at the iconic Alhambra in Granada and the breathtaking Mezquita in Córdoba. Visit the birthplace of Pablo Picasso in Málaga, explore the whitewashed villages of Frigiliana, and experience Seville, renowned for its flamenco, tapas, and the magnificent Alcázar palace.
Check out some general information below to inspire your next holiday to Andalucia.
Time Zone & Currency
Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency in Spain is the Euro.
Weather In Andalucia
Temperatures in Andalucía during spring, early summer, and autumn typically range from the low to high 20s°C, though some inland areas can be warmer, especially in early summer.
Reading For Your Trip To Andalucia
The Hand of Fatima by Ildefonso Falcones
South from Granada by Gerald Brenan
Factory of Light by Michael Jacobs
Best time to go to Andalucía
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Andalucía, where it is warm and balmy, without the intense heat of peak summer. Temperatures in these seasons range from 15-25 degrees, ideal weather for sightseeing in Andalucía.
Recommended Andalucia Hotels
See where you'll be staying on our tours of Andalucía.
Top Tourist Attractions In Andalucia
Top sights in Seville: Highlights of Andalucía’s Capital
The vibrant capital of Andalucia, Seville continues to entice visitors with its architectural gems, beautiful gardens and culinary delights.
Virtual Tour of Andalucia
Our expert guide Alex takes us on a tour of the beautiful Andalucía. This virtual tour will take you from the moment you arrive at the airport, to the hotel and and some of the excursions that are included.
Food & Drink In Andalucia
Eating and drinking are at the heart of Andalucian culture, with a rich culinary tradition influenced by the region’s Moorish heritage. Along the coastline, fresh seafood and fish are widely enjoyed, while further inland, the focus shifts to rich stews, cured hams (jamón), and game meats. No matter where you are, there’s no greater pleasure than joining locals at a traditional bar, sipping on a glass of fino (dry sherry from Jerez), and enjoying some of Andalucía’s world-famous tapas. Some must-try dishes include:
- Tortilla Española – A classic Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions, served warm or at room temperature.
- Gambas al Ajillo – Juicy prawns sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chilli, packed with flavour.
- Salmorejo – A thicker, creamier version of gazpacho, made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil, typically garnished with jamón and hard-boiled egg.
- Choco Frito – Fried cuttlefish, a popular seafood delicacy along the Andalucian coast.
- Rabo de Toro – A slow-cooked oxtail stew, traditionally served with potatoes or vegetables.
Andalucía is also famous for its wines and sherries. Sip on a refreshing Manzanilla from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, or enjoy a glass of full-bodied Rioja alongside a delicious plate of local delicacies.
Andalucia Travel Guide FAQs
Can you give a brief history of Andalucia?
Andalucía has a long and colourful history going back over thousands of years. Neanderthal paintings in the Caves of Nerja is evidence of the earliest human settlement, the Phoenicians established trading routes on the coast and the Roman Empire ruled between the 3rd and 5th century BC. However, it was the Moors who ruled for 800 years that left a lasting legacy. The Moors, who were Muslim of Arab and North African descent influenced language, culture, music, food and contributed to grand architectural sites like the Alhambra and the Mezquita. 1492 marked the end of the Moorish Rule, where Granada was the last city to fall to the Christians during the Reconquista campaign. Spain's overseas colonisation brought wealth to Andalucia, but years later it suffered periods of economic and social unrest during the Napoleonic Wars, the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship of Franco.
I have walking difficulties, is a holiday in Andalucía suitable?
Our guided tours in Andalucía will involve periods of walking and standing, at times on uneven or cobbled surfaces. There will be steep inclines or steps to negotiate at some locations. A reasonable degree of health and mobility is required. For all our tours we have an activity level guide to help you decide which holiday suits you best. For specific advice regarding our Andalucía tours and to discuss any special needs, please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist you.
Is Andalucía a good holiday destination?
Andalucía is a fantastic holiday destination which caters to all interests. It combines the interesting historical and cultural highlights of Seville, Granada, and Cordoba with the golden beaches of Nerja & the Costa de la Luz. It is one of the best places to experience an authentic Spanish holiday.
Andalucia Travel Information
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Spain please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Andalucia Tourism Board: www.andalucia.org
