Beyond the tourist trail: Andalucía’s lesser-known towns

When most people think of Andalucía, images of the Alhambra in Granada, the bustling streets of Sevilla, or the beaches of the Costa del Sol often come to mind. However, tucked away from the tourist crowds are the lesser-known towns, offering authentic cultural experiences and awe-inspiring landscapes. If you're looking to step off the beaten track, here are seven towns in Spain’s southernmost province that deserve a visit, or two.

Within the Cádiz province, Setenil de las Bodegas is a unique town where houses are carved directly into massive rock formations. As you stroll along Calle Cuevas de la Sombra and Calle Cuevas del Sol, you'll marvel at the way residents have turned natural monuments into businesses and homes. Cafés and tapas bars line the shaded streets beneath the overhanging rocks, creating a cool refuge from the heat of the sun, which is particularly pleasant during the peak of summer.

Why visit?

• Stunning geology combined with human ingenuity.
• Excellent local wines and olive oil.
• Unique photo opportunities with homes built into cliff faces.
• A quieter, less crowded alternative to other tourist destinations in Andalucía.

What to do?

• Savour authentic Andalusian tapas under the cool overhang of rock-hewn streets.
• Visit the 13th-century Nazari Castle for panoramic views and a glimpse into the town’s Moorish past.
• Shop for local delicacies like chorizo de lomo embuchado, a regional specialty.
• Explore the Río Trejo trail nearby, a scenic path that offers tranquil views of the countryside and leads to hidden picnic spots.

How to get there?

Perched on a mountain ridge seven kilometres north of Nerja in the Málaga province, Frigiliana is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Whitewashed homes line the steep mosaic-cobbled streets, their façades adorned with hand-painted tiles, cascading bougainvillea, and colourful flowerpots. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, every corner of Frigiliana feels dreamy, a masterpiece of Moorish design and Andalusian style, this town truly offers a picture-perfect experience.

Why visit?

• Incredible views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.
• A rich Moorish history preserved in its architecture.
• A thriving artisan community offering handmade ceramics and local crafts.
• Delicious local food, including honey-based desserts like arropía (a type of caramelised syrup treat).

What to do?

• Walk the "Ruta de las Tres Culturas" to learn about the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences in the area.
• Visit the honey museum, highlighting the region’s long history of producing cane honey (miel de caña).
• Attend the Festival of Three Cultures in late August, a celebration of diversity with music, food, and performances.
• Take a guided tour of the old sugarcane factory (El Ingenio), the last remaining factory of its kind in Europe, and learn about its historical significance.

How to get there?

Another gem in Cádiz province, Vejer de la Frontera is a hilltop town steeped in history and charm. Its old town is a maze of Andalusian architecture, tucked away courtyards, and flower-filled patios. Its ancient walls enclose a world of cobblestone streets, Gothic-Mudéjar churches, and classic homes crowned with terracotta roofs. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Vejer provides a peaceful retreat with the kind of charm that invites you to linger. The town also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.

Why visit?

• Its historic castle and ancient city walls.
• A vibrant arts scene and traditional Andalusian cuisine.
• Unparalleled sunset views over the rolling hills and nearby coast.
• Easy access to nearby beaches and natural reserves, perfect for day trips.

What to do?

• Wander through Plaza de España, where a decorative tiled fountain forms the centrepiece of a palm-lined square.
• Discover the Jewish Quarter and hidden courtyards filled with vibrant ceramic tiles.
• Take a short trip to El Palmar Beach for golden sands and unspoiled coastal beauty.

Book a horseback riding tour to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy unique perspectives of Vejer.

How to get there?

Halfway between Málaga City and Granada Centro, Alhama de Granada is a tranquil town known for its thermal baths and dramatic gorge views. This small town has been a haven for travellers since Roman times. It's medieval quarter boasts narrow alleys, charming plazas, and stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Why visit?

• Relaxing thermal baths surrounded by nature.
• Stunning hiking trails through the gorge.
• Authentic tapas bars serving hearty Andalusian dishes like migas.
• A peaceful getaway ideal for reconnecting with nature and history.

What to do?

• Soak in the town’s famous hot springs, surrounded by tranquil landscape.
• Explore the Iglesia del Carmen, a striking example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture.
• Hike the Tajos Gorge trail or a shorter walk, the Ángeles medieval path, an ideal route for families with small children. 
• Visit the Alhama Museum to learn about the area's fascinating history, from prehistoric settlements to the modern era.

How to get there?

Situated in the province of Sevilla, Osuna is a city that transports you back in time and immerses you in its history. A surrounding landscape of olive groves and cereal fields meet wind turbines that sit atop mountains far in the distance, providing an ethereal backdrop for this fascinating location. Renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture, it’s unsurprising that Osuna served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Why visit?

• The striking Colegiata Church of Osuna and its Museum of Religious Art.
• The Osuna Museum, an 18th century building which housed the Local Agricultural Chamber for most of the last century.
• Beautiful plazas where you can enjoy the slower pace of Andalusian life.
• See the filming location for Game of Thrones: Fans of the popular series will recognise the bullring (Plaza de Toros), which was used as a backdrop for the fictional city of Dorne. One of Daenerys' dragons, rescues her from an ambush in the Osuna bullring in one of the final scenes of Season 5.

What to do?

• Visit the College-University of the Immaculate Conception of Osuna, founded in 1548, located right next to the Colegiate Church.
• Wander through Calle San Pedro, often dubbed “the most beautiful street in Europe.”
• Stop by the Torre del Agua Archaeological Museum, which is in the Water Tower that was built by the Almohads in the 12th century
• Explore the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater, a testament to the town's ancient roots.

How to get there?

In the heart of the Córdoba province, Priego de Córdoba is known as the "City of Water" due to its natural springs and numerous fountains. This town boasts stunning ornate churches, a historic castle, and the picturesque Barrio de la Villa, a maze of flower-filled streets. The surrounding Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park offers scenic adventure for nature lovers.

Why visit?

• Some of the finest olive oil in the region.
• The serene Fountain of the King, a perfect spot to relax.
• Baroque churches and historic neighbourhoods that are ideal for exploring on foot.
• Proximity to Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, a haven for hiking and birdwatching enthusiasts.

What to do?

• Admire the intricate carvings at Iglesia de la Asunción, particularly the breathtaking Chapel of the Sagrario.
• Take a leisurely walk in Fuente del Rey park, a tranquil spot with cascading fountains.
• Sample local olive oil, regarded as some of the finest in the world, at a traditional almazara (olive mill).
• Explore the nearby Zuheros Cave, a fascinating prehistoric site just a short drive from town.

How to get there?

Located in the Huelva province, Aracena is surrounded by the Sierra de Aracena, a natural paradise of rolling hills whose mountainous slopes are dense with forest, made up of Chestnut, Holm Oak and Cork Oak trees. The town is famous for its Gruta de las Maravillas, a network of stunning underground caves featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering lakes. Above ground, Aracena offers a breathtaking scene of a charming storybook town at the base of a hilltop medieval castle.

Why visit?

• Explore unbelievable caves with spectacular stalactites and underground lakes.
• Try the region’s renowned Iberian ham (jamón ibérico).
• Stroll through the town’s charming squares and enjoy a coffee, or glass of local wine.
• The nearby Sierra de Aracena is perfect for nature trails, mushroom foraging, and wildflower spotting.

What to do?

• Tour the Gruta de las Maravillas, a spellbinding cave system that feels like a subterranean wonderland from a science-fiction novel.
• Visit the medieval castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra de Aracena.
• Indulge in local dishes featuring jamón ibérico de bellota, an acorn-fed Iberian ham prized across Spain.
• Attend the annual Ham Fair (Feria del Jamón), a celebration of the town’s renowned Iberian ham, held each October.

How to get there?

While Andalucía’s famous cities offer iconic sights and lively atmospheres, these lesser-known places provide an authentic, unfiltered experience of the region’s fascinating history and stunning natural beauty. From extraordinary geological wonders to timeless Moorish architecture and traditional artisanal delights, these towns promise a journey that immerses you in the very soul of the province, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Andalucía and Spain’s rich cultural heritage.

Venture off the beaten path to discover a side to this great province that most travellers miss.