Spain is a country that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. One of its most enchanting regions is the south, where the sun-kissed beaches of the Costa del Sol meet the rich historical tapestry of Andalusia. During our recent trip to Southern Spain, I had the privilege of exploring some of the most captivating destinations in the region, including Malaga, Nerja, Ronda, and Granada. In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through these remarkable places, sharing my experiences and recommendations along the way for seeing the best of southern Spain.
Here’s everything I packed, and how I managed to get it all in one carry-on.
Where we stayed:
Instead of staying at different hotels across Andalusia, we settled on finding a central location in Malaga and just going on little road trips each day to the various locations that we wanted to visit. The hotel we decided on was the ICON Malabar in Malaga Centro. I loved how bright the room was in the pictures, and the beautiful design of the hotel, and it did not disappoint in real life. The hotel is in a quieter area, which we loved, but only a few blocks from all the restaurants and stores Malaga Centro has to offer.
The room was always clean which was great to come back to each day, and the bed was so comfortable. As you may know Malaga is HOT in the summer, and although the room had air conditioning, I was glad I had packed my silk pajama set. Slipping into them at the end of the evening after a nice cool shower was just the perfect way to end each night.
If you plan to drive, and will be renting a car during your stay, it’s important to note that this hotel does not have any parking however there is a parking garage 2 minutes away called Parking Parkigrund, SA that accommodates longer stays. You’ll just have to talk to the front desk and they will validate a parking pass for the length of your stay.
Other 4 star hotels we considered:
What we did:
Malaga: Where Modernity Meets Tradition
Our journey began in the vibrant coastal city of Malaga, known for its modernity and vibrant cultural scene. But Malaga is more than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol. It’s a city rich in history, boasting an impressive historical center with narrow streets, centuries-old architecture, and lively plazas. Don’t miss a visit to the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Nerja: Burriana Beach and the Nerja Caves
Heading east from Malaga, we arrived in the picturesque town of Nerja. Nerja is famous for its stunning beaches, and Burriana Beach is a must-visit. With its crystal-clear waters, water sports, and a promenade lined with restaurants, it’s the perfect place to unwind. We showed up around 9 AM and parked at a free outdoor public parking about 5 minutes from the beach. The beach has many palapas where you can rent your spot under one for the day, but instead we brought an umbrella from one of the vendor lined by the promenade. You will always be able to find a spot but the beach does start to get quiet busy around 11 AM.
If you are in Nerja you have to visit the Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja). These caves are a geological wonder, featuring awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites formations. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the caves make it an unforgettable experience, and the story about how they were found is absolutely amazing. We brought tickets online, for 9 AM (right when the caves open) and I highly suggest this. We were the first people in and got to take as many pictures as we wanted without the rush of other people around. There is validated parking right at the cave that had plenty of room even as we left around 11 AM.
Ronda: The Dramatic City on the Cliff
We took a day trip, headed inland to the ancient city of Ronda, perched dramatically on a high plateau overlooking a deep gorge. The Puente Nuevo, a bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge, is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the city. I did not expect to fall in love with city, but it was our favorite city. It just felt so out of this world. Strolling through Ronda’s old town, you encounter charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Granada: A Glimpse of Andalusian Royalty
Our journey continued to Granada, the crown jewel of Andalusia. The city is most famous for the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the Alhambra is an immersive experience in history, architecture, and art. The Nasrid Palaces, with their intricate tilework and lush gardens, are a testament to the opulence of the Moorish rulers who once inhabited this palace. As you wander through its intricately designed halls, courtyards, and gardens, it’s easy to lose yourself in its beauty and historical significance.
To make the most of your visit, book your tickets in advance, as the Alhambra is a popular attraction. The Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress are must-see areas within the complex. We booked our tickets with a tour guide, and thoroughly enjoyed this experience, as there were so many historical details about Alhambra that we would have never learned about without the tour guide.
Beyond the Alhambra, Granada offers a rich blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. The Albaicín neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed buildings, reminiscent of the city’s Moorish past. Stroll through this enchanting quarter and you’ll discover hidden plazas, tea houses, and charming shops.
Where we ate:
Since we were staying in Malaga a lot of our meals where enjoyed in Malaga Centro. Here are a few of the delicious restaurants we tried.
El Pimpi:
Our first dining experience in Malaga led us to El Pimpi, thanks to a local’s recommendation. We started with a couple of drinks and the Iberico Jambon and cheese plate, which marked the beginning of our newly found addiction to the spanish Iberico Jamon. It’s worth noting that the Jambon here was probably the best and most fresh tasting.
Picasso Bar Tapas:
Our next stop was a busy tapas bar offering an extensive array of tempting options. We finally settled of a the Fritura Malageuna, with fried sardines, calamari, octupus, and squid. Each bite was a symphony of freshness and flavor.
La Cabrera:
At La Cabrera we ordered the tenderloin, with a side of crispy fries, and the entire meal was nothing short of perfection. The steak stood out as possibly the best we’ve enjoyed in Malaga. Without a doubt, we’ll be returning to this establishment in the future.
Kosei Ramen:
Kosei Ramen is another great restaurant in Malaga if you’re looking for something different. We got the Chicken Namban, Tantanmen, and the Shoyu Ramen, and although all the dishes were delicious the Chicken Namban was an absolute standout, with its incredible moistness and rich flavor. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Andino Gastrobar – Centro:
Lastly on our culinary adventure in Malaga is Andino. This resteraunt treated us to a delightful array of Latin cuisine, and their beverages were nothing short of excellent. The Sangria and Mojito, in particular, stood out as some of the best we’ve tried. The passion fruit Mojito, in particular, was amazing – it might just be the best Mojito I’ve ever enjoyed. It was refreshingly cold, minty, bursting with fruity flavors, and perfectly balanced in sweetness.
Exploring Southern Spain, from the coastal beauty of Malaga to the historic allure of Ronda and the cultural richness of Granada, was an unforgettable journey. Each destination had its own unique charm and left me with lasting memories of Andalusia’s rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re interested in beachfront relaxation, historical exploration, or architectural wonders, Southern Spain has something to offer every traveler. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of this enchanting region.
Next up we’ll spend a couple days in Barcelona, can’t wait to explore this beautiful city, and all it has to offer.
~LB
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