Discover Authentic Andalucia in These Traditional Spanish Towns

Andalucia is a beautiful region, and a popular tourist destination. With its abundance of beaches, cultural attractions, and year-round sunshine, it’s easy to see why.  Andalucia’s larger cities, including Seville, Granada and Cordoba are all visited by thousands of tourists every year and offer a host of well-known attractions.

But what if you want to visit something a little smaller and more authentic?

Go off the beaten track? Well don’t worry, Andalucia can offer that too!  Here are some of our favourite lesser known Andalucian villages and towns that are full of beauty and charm, and well worth visiting:

Tabernas

Tabernas is a town that is truly unique, and that you certainly won’t find anywhere else. The Spanish answer to the Wild West, a huge number of western films have been made here and there are still three complete film sets located in the Tabernas desert, which is on the outskirts of the town. This is a unique and fascinating place to visit, but still boasts traditional Andalucian flavour, thanks to the Moorish influence that comes from its castle ruins.

Níjar

If you’re planning to make a trip to Cabo de Gata National Park then the delightful town of Nijar is well worth a visit, as its right next door. Here you can enjoy incredible views from the Atalaya Watch Tower, and it is also the ideal place the pick up a souvenir. Nijar is famed for its locally produced handmade rugs (known as jarapas) which are a wonderful gift (for someone else, or for yourself) to bring home. You’ll find an abundance of options in the showrooms that are situated along the town's main street.

 Grazalema

If you’re looking for a picturesque town with an old-fashioned, other-worldly feel then Grazalema is the idea choice for you. Packed full of whitewashed houses, and in a dream location in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema National Park, meaning that you’ll be afforded incredible views of the lush green mountains. You’ll find plenty to do here: there is a host of hiking trails through the town, as well as excellent dining options and hotels. Grazalema may be a small town, but it has a big personality.

Olvera

Olvera may not be one of the most popular towns in Andalucia, but it is one of the most beautiful: surrounded by olive trees, offering extraordinary views, and with its own castle too, Olvera is everything a typical Spanish town should be. Leave time in your itinerary to visit this pueblos blancos and you won’t be disappointed.

Priego de Córdoba

Priego de Cordoba offers some of the best Baroque architecture in Spain: here you’ll find an abundance of water fountains, ornate buildings, all designed to complement the natural beauty that surrounds the town. This might not be a typically Andalusian town, but it is a wonderful example of the best Andalucia has to offer.

Montefrio

On the surface, Montefrio looks like a typical pueblo, but its skyline is so show stopping that it’s worthy of exploration. The whole town sits on top of a hill, meaning that it both dominates the skyline and offers incredible views if you’re prepared to hike to the top. Most interesting though is that the village is home to the Iglesia de la Encarnación, which is the only round church constructed in Spain after 1492. Come for the views and stay for the famous blood pudding: the dish for which the town is most famous.

Almonaster la Real

What makes Almonaster la Real so unique is the incredible architecture that this town offers. Here you’ll find an abandoned Mosque loaded with original features, a traditional bullring, and a relaxed atmosphere: and all without any crowds! Fill up on the local Sierra de Arecena jamon for your lunch and enjoy exploring everything this tiny town has to offer.

Morón de la Frontera

If you’re visiting Andalucia in July then a visit to Moron de la Frontera is a must: the town hosts an annual flamenco and gazpacho festival, making this the perfect location if you want to experience the traditional Andalucian art of flamenco. It’s a lot of fun, and the locals are warm and welcoming.

Alcaudete

Many years ago, Alcaudete was an important border town that marked the division between Moorish and Catholic Spain: that’s why it is home to a huge and dominating castle that sits over the town and affords excellent views. With olive trees surrounding the town and beautiful white houses as far as the eye can see, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Carmona

Carmona may be more of a small city than a town, but it still makes this list thanks to its laid-back feel, and plenty of fun activities, but without the crowd levels of nearby Seville. There’s a quaint market situated in a converted convent, and plenty of excellent restaurants: why not use a trip to Carmona as a great opportunity to experience and enjoy platefuls of typical Andalusian food. You’ll enjoy your time here so much, that a full day might not be enough!

There are so many reasons to visit Andalucia. Thinking of investing in your own Spanish home? Our property experts are perfectly placed to offer all of the help and support you need. Why not get in touch today?