Winter Andalucía: what to see in Spain's warmest region at this time of year

Albina Panchenko News09.02.2025 13:57

When most of Europe is experiencing cold weather, one of the Spanish communes remains an oasis of sunshine. Winter in the southern part of the country is a time for leisurely walks through ancient cities and exploration of local culture. So, to know where to start your trip and what not to miss on your trip, read on.

Alhambra

An architectural and park complex in the city of Granada. It consists of a palace, a mosque, and a fortress and covers about 13 hectares. The attraction was built in the XIII-XIV centuries. In 1984, the monument was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Take a stroll through the Court of the Lions. The center is surrounded by a white marble arcade. Also, be sure to visit the Halls of the Ambassadors, Two Sisters and the Kings.

The walls of the Alhambra are decorated with colorful ceramic tiles, and the columns, ceilings and domes are decorated with arabesques, inscriptions and stalactite decorations.

Winter Andalucía: what to see in Spain's warmest region at this time of year

Royal Chapel

Located in the city of Granada. The tomb of Kings Isabella I and Ferdinand II.

The construction of the building lasted 13 years, from 1504 to 1517. It became one of the last monuments of the Isabelline style in Spain and the largest funeral chapel in the country.

Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

The shrine was built in 785 by order of the Emir of Andalusia Abd al-Rahman I.

In the XVI century, by order of the diocese of Córdoba, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out here: a nave and a transept appeared in the center of the former prayer hall. A Renaissance cross-shaped chapel in the Moorish style was also built.

Today, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located here, where Mass is celebrated daily.

By the way, in 1984, the monument was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Real Alcázar de Sevilla

It is located in Seville. The royal palace was built in the Mudéjar style. Construction began around 1364. A significant part of it stands on the ruins of an Arab fortress.

The building once served as a Moorish fort, and today it is the official residence of the city.

The area is characterized by rose gardens and orange trees along the alleys.

Plaza de España

Located in the south of Seville. It is an urban ensemble of the Neo-Mudéjar style. The attraction appeared on the eve of the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929.

First, the southern part of the city was rebuilt under the direction of French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. Next, the Maria Luisa Park with fountains, pavilions, and verandas in the Mudéjar style was arranged. Then a semicircular square with small bridges was laid out.

Today it is home to government buildings and cultural institutions.

By the way, the location became a movie set for the scenes of the movie Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 2002.

Seville Cathedral

It is located in Seville. It is considered one of the largest in Western Europe. Construction of the shrine began in 1401 on the site of a former mosque.

The chapel also serves as a tomb of kings, including Ferdinando III the Saint and Alfonso X the Wise.

Inside the religious building is a garden with orange trees.

Alcazaba de Almería

In 995, the settlement was granted city status by the Caliph of Córdoba, Abd al-Rahman III. At the same time, construction of a defense complex on the hill began.

The building served not only as a fortress but also as a center of local government. Behind its walls were squares, houses, and a mosque.

Metropol Parasol

The largest structure made of wood according to the Guinness Book of Records. It is located in the center of Seville and was opened in 2011. The project was designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer.

It houses restaurants, an archaeological museum, a farmers' market, and observation terraces.