Andalusia

Gaucín

Carmona

Seville

Pop. 688,711

Capital of Andalusia, famous for flamenco, Moorish architecture, and the Alcázar palace.

Málaga

Pop. 574,654

A coastal city in Andalusia known for its beautiful beaches, historic center, and being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

Cordoba

Pop. 325,701

Historic city in Andalusia known for the Mezquita and its well-preserved old town.

Granada

Pop. 232,462

Historic city in Andalusia, home of the Alhambra palace and Arab influence.

Jerez de la Frontera

Pop. 212,876

Jerez de la Frontera is a soulful Andalusian city celebrated as the birthplace of sherry wine, flamenco, and the majestic Andalusian horse. This UNESCO-recognized cultural hub is less touristy than nearby Seville or Cádiz, offering an authentic Spanish experience with world-renowned sherry bodegas, historic Moorish alcázar, and bustling tabancos (traditional sherry taverns) pulsing with impromptu flamenco. The city is considered a cradle of flamenco and home to the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Visitors can experience the perfect trifecta of sherry, flamenco, and horses in a laid-back city where cobblestone streets are lined with orange trees and locals linger over tapas in sunny plazas.

Marbella

Pop. 147,633

Glamorous resort city on the Costa del Sol, known for its luxury lifestyle, 26 km of coastline with sandy beaches, and year-round pleasant climate. Offers a unique mix of beachside glamour and Andalusian charm, featuring a whitewashed Old Town, luxury marinas, world-class golf courses, and a sophisticated culinary scene. Popular with celebrities while maintaining authentic Spanish character.

Cádiz

Pop. 114,244

Coastal city on a narrow peninsula, often claimed as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe (founded c.1100 BC by Phoenicians as Gadir). Known for its rich history (Phoenician, Roman, Moorish heritage), vibrant Carnival celebrations, flamenco culture, and Atlantic beaches. Nicknamed "La Tacita de Plata" (The Silver Cup). Compact old town with well-preserved historical landmarks, surrounded by modern areas and extensive urban beaches. Notable districts include El Pópulo (medieval quarter), La Viña (fishing & carnival quarter), Centro (shopping & administrative), and Extramuros (new city outside old walls, including Playa Victoria area). Known for 18th-century Cadiz Cathedral with golden dome, Torre Tavira (watchtower with camera obscura), lively Central Market, Carnaval de Cádiz (massive pre-Lent festival), flamenco (especially Alegrías style), and being a naval port with historical fortifications. Climate: Mediterranean Oceanic with mild winters (13-17°C), warm summers (27-30°C) tempered by sea breezes. Average 300+ sunny days/year. Best visited in spring or fall for pleasant weather, summer for beach activities, February for Carnival. Sustainability initiatives include Blue Flag beaches, accessible tourism programs, expanding bike lanes and pedestrian zones.

El Ejido

Pop. 84,000

El Ejido is a municipality in the province of Almería, in Andalusia, southern Spain. Known for its intensive agriculture, particularly greenhouse farming, it is often called "Europe's orchard" due to its vast expanse of greenhouses visible from space. The city blends modern agricultural innovation with coastal charm, featuring pristine beaches along its Mediterranean shore.