Take a Trip to Andalusia, Spain, for Flamenco Dancing, Tapas, and Stunning, Moorish Palaces

Andalusia, the second-largest autonomous region in southern Spain, has the magic of flamenco, the allure of tapas, and the elegance of stunning, Moorish palaces. As a Spain travel specialist, I always recommend travelers visit this part of the world, and you can do so in as little as a six-day journey. Below are my recommendations for how best to discover all Andalusia has to offer. 

Start in Granada 

Just an hour-and-a-half drive from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, you’ll find Granada, a sunny city located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here, the Alhambra, a majestic palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits at the center. A great place to stay is at Hotel Alhambra Palace, an 108-room hotel that took inspiration from the Nasrid Palaces historical landmark.

Move West to Seville 

The city of Seville is alluring due to its unique Moorish style, warm weather, and vibrant culture. It is home to flamenco — a quintessential expression of Andalusian culture — where visitors spend their evenings surrounded by the passionate dance, soulful guitar melodies, and haunting vocals. The tapas bar scene is equally as charming; locals and travelers alike indulge in dishes from succulent chorizo to tender patatas bravas. I suggest guests stay at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville due to its distinguished architecture and location in the city’s center. 

Make a Stop in Jerez de la Frontera

From Seville, venture south to the city of Jerez de la Frontera, where the tradition of Andalusian horse dance shows take place. Here, you can witness the beauty of these magnificent creatures as they perform choreographed movements with effortless precision. In this region, the symbiotic relationship between horse and rider is a testament to centuries-old tradition and mastery. I also recommend stopping at a sherry wine tasting too, before returning back to Seville to spend the evening. 

A Few Other Places to Visit 

All throughout Andalusia, there are quaint villages and picturesque landscapes to discover, like Ronda or Córdoba, both just under a two-hour drive from Seville, perfect for a day trip. These cities embody the true spirit of Andalusia, with locals whose warmth and hospitality are ready to welcome you with open arms.

The Best Time to Travel to Andalusia

The best time to visit Andalusia is during the spring, in April and May, or the fall, in October and November, for mild temperatures and smaller crowds. Departure from Seville Airport is the best way to connect to the major international airports of Madrid or Barcelona, before heading to your final destination. 

Marco Palermo is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Portugal and Spain trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Palermo by contacting him at marco@authentic-explorations.com.