Andalucia has eight capital cities, each one the main city of each province which has the same name. This can, understandably, lead to some confusion, hence why the city is often referred to as “Seville city“ or “Malaga city”, to differentiate it from the province.
Each of these capital cities is home to the provincial government, called a diputacion as well as the city's town hall. Many important monuments and gastronomic attractions tend to be concentrated in them, from Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels to cathedrals and palaces.
The provincial capitals are always worth visiting, as they will be the most important destination in the area. If it’s your second visit to Andalucia, why not expand your reach to explore secondary towns and cities.
In addition to these cities, there are also other important historic destinations, often located in strategically important spots, such as Ronda and Antequera (Malaga), Algeciras and Jerez (Cadiz).
Other towns are significant for their heritage and architecture, but smaller in size, such as the beautiful Renaissance towns of Ubeda and Baeza in the olive oil-rich province of Jaen.
In some cases, such as Jerez and Ubeda, five-star hotels or award-winning restaurants tend to cluster in a different city from the provincial capital (in these cases, Cadiz and Jaen).
It is easy to understand why Malaga City is capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks… More →
Huelva may lack the region's star attractions of other provincial capitals, but once you get past the industrial sprawl on its outskirts, the centre is a pleasant place with many pretty plazas,… More →
Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known as Ilbyr. When the Romans colonised southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris. The… More →
The city of Cordoba has so much to offer the visitor
Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish… More →
The city of Almería is Andalucia's most eastern capital. Years ago, it was not as well known by tourists as other capitals like Malaga, Sevillle, or Granada. However, that has changed drastically… More →
Cadiz stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, and is almost entirely surrounded by water. Named Gadir by the Phoencians, who founded their trading post in 1100 BC, it was later controlled by… More →
The city of Jaen is rich in history, with impressive monuments such as the Cathedral.
Jaén is a city that every lover of Andalucia should visit, enjoy and - if possible - spend a good deal of time getting to know. Not only does the city have an ancient and fascinating history, but… More →
According to legend, Sevilla was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya by the Moors, the high point in its… More →
More cities
Clockwise: The historic hotel Reina Cristina, Seville-like ceramics of The Plaza Alta, The railway with many Anglo historic links, Paco de Lucia the famous flamenco guitarist and composer, who was born in this town.
Algeciras is primarily and unashamedly a port and industrial centre, sprawling round the bay to Gibraltar. When Franco closed the border with "the Rock" at the nearby La Linea, it was Algeciras… More →
Large towns
There are some many great reasons to visit Marbella.
Marbella is known as a glamorous resort town and is a favourite location with the rich and famous, boosted by foreign residents who are seduced by the lifestyle. But there's plenty for … More →
El Ejido is one of the most popular tourist destinations along the Almerian coast for beaches and sunshine, with an interesting artistic and cultural heritage for visitors to enjoy. The area also… More →
Situated to the south of Seville, on the N-IV old Cadiz road, Dos Hermanas is the second-biggest and most important town by population in Seville province, and the ninth-largest town in Andalucia… More →
Roquetas de Mar is a fishing town just 15 minutes by car from the provincial capital, Almería. It is famed not only for its fishing traditions, which are preserved today through gastronomy and… More →
Explore the historic Plaza de Alfonso X El Sabio in El Puerto de Santa María, a charming square surrounded by beautiful architecture, local cafes, and rich local culture
Like so many towns in Andalucía the approach to El Puerto de Santa María along the main road is lined with garages, industrial plants and run down buildings. Keep going and cross the River… More →
The town of San Fernando, often referred to as La Isla del Sur (the Island of the South), is not actually an island but a small peninsula, set within the stunning setting of the Bay of Cadiz.… More →
Cities & towns in Andalucia clockwise: Almeria, Huelva, Sevilla, Ronda, Cordoba © Michelle Chaplow
