Complete Guide to Andalusia: Tourism, History, Provinces and Best Routes from Malaga Airport

Andalusia is the main tourist destination in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. In 2025 it received almost 38 million visitors and generated more than €30 billion in economic impact, setting a new historical record.

This region combines like no other an exceptional climate, more than 800 km of coastline, charming white villages, UNESCO World Heritage cities and rich, varied nature. From the Costa del Sol to Sierra Nevada, and from Doñana to the desert of Almeria, Andalusia offers experiences for all types of travellers.

If you arrive at Malaga Airport (AGP), you have the ideal base to explore Andalusia with complete freedom by car. In this guide you will find all the practical information, the best routes and tips to plan your perfect trip.

History and Culture of Andalusia

The history of Andalusia is one of the richest in Europe. Already inhabited in prehistoric times, it was colonised by the Phoenicians and Greeks, and later became a Roman province. In the year 711, the Muslim era began with Al-Andalus, a period of great cultural and scientific splendour that lasted almost eight centuries. In 1492, with the conquest of Granada, it was definitively incorporated into the Crown of Castile.

This crossing of cultures (Tartessian, Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Christian) has left an exceptional legacy that today attracts millions of visitors.

Climate in Andalusia and Best Time to Visit

Andalusia enjoys more than 300 days of sun per year. It has a Mediterranean climate, but with notable differences: very hot summers in Seville and Cordoba, mild winters on the Malaga coast and the possibility of snow in Sierra Nevada.

Best time: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). Avoid July and August if you do not tolerate heat well.

Natural Parks of Andalusia

Andalusia has one of the greatest natural diversities in Europe. Its national and natural parks are true paradises for nature lovers, hiking, birdwatching and photography.

From Malaga you can easily reach several of the most impressive ones by car:

Doñana National Park

Huelva, Seville and Cadiz — Approx. 2h 30min from Malaga

One of Europe's largest ecological reserves, with wetlands, mobile dunes and a great variety of wildlife, including the Iberian lynx.

Sierra Nevada National Park

Granada and Almeria — Approx. 1h 45min from Malaga

The highest mountain range in the Iberian Peninsula. Ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

Almeria — Approx. 3h from Malaga

Europe's only desert and one of the most unspoilt Mediterranean coasts. Wild beaches, volcanoes and excellent seabeds for diving.

Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park

Jaen — Approx. 3h 30min from Malaga

The largest natural park in Spain. Impressive mountains, rivers and enormous biodiversity.

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Cadiz and Malaga — Approx. 1h 30min from Malaga

White villages, spectacular gorges and one of the most important fir forests in the world.

Andalusian Gastronomy

Andalusian gastronomy is one of the great attractions of the region. Based on the Mediterranean diet, it stands out for its use of extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish, vegetables and local produce.

Must-try dishes: fried fish (pescaíto frito), gazpacho, salmorejo, Iberian ham from Huelva, beach chiringuitos and Arabic-influenced desserts (pestiños, torrijas, alfajores).

Notable wines: Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Manzanilla, Montilla-Moriles and Malaga wines.

The 8 Provinces of Andalusia

From Malaga Airport you can easily reach all of them by car.

Malaga

Costa del Sol, Marbella, Ronda, Nerja, white villages and excellent gastronomy. The ideal base province.

Granada

The Alhambra, Sierra Nevada for skiing or hiking, and the Costa Tropical with beaches such as Almunecar.

Seville

The capital of Andalusia, with the Alcazar, Cathedral, Santa Cruz district and vibrant cultural life.

Cadiz

Tarifa, Vejer de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera, the best white villages and the Costa de la Luz.

Cordoba

The Mezquita-Cathedral, the patios and one of Spain's cities with the greatest historical legacy.

Huelva

Doñana National Park, Costa de la Luz, Jabugo Iberian ham and the beaches of Punta Umbría.

Jaen

The Sierras of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas, Úbeda and Baeza (UNESCO World Heritage) and the best olive groves in the world.

Almeria

Tabernas Desert, Cabo de Gata Natural Park, virgin beaches and the driest climate in Europe.

Map of Main Attractions in Andalusia

Getting to and Around Andalusia

Andalusia is very well connected by road, AVE high-speed train and major international airports. However, hiring a car remains the best option to explore the provinces, white villages and natural parks with complete freedom.

Car Hire: The Most Flexible Option

The best way to travel freely through provinces, white villages and natural parks. The A-7 (coastal) and A-92 (inland) motorways connect the whole of Andalusia perfectly.

Hire a Car at Malaga Airport

Taxi or Private Transfer: Comfort from the Airport

Ideal if you arrive by plane and want to go directly to your accommodation or first destination without any hassle.

Book Taxi or Private Transfer

*No credit card details are required and no advance payment is necessary. We recommend booking well in advance.

Other Transport Options

The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid with Cordoba, Seville and Malaga in under 3 hours. ALSA buses cover practically all towns and cities. Hiring a car remains the most recommended option for exploring with complete freedom.

Practical Tips

• Visit the white villages and inland areas in spring or autumn to avoid the heat and crowds.
• Try local specialities: fried fish, gazpacho, Iberian ham and Jerez wines.
• Book tickets in advance for popular monuments such as the Alhambra and the Mezquita in Cordoba.
• Respect the environment in natural parks.
• Carry sunscreen and water in summer, especially inland.