The Andalusia Day holiday is a great excuse for a short break. What better way to spend your time off than discovering beautiful places, enjoying good food and unwinding? From whitewashed villages to mountain scenery and coastal towns, here are some ideas to help you choose where to go.
The Andalusia Day holiday falls on 28 February. If you can get away for two or three days, here are a few pairings we love: Ronda and Setenil, Úbeda and Baeza or Nerja and Frigiliana. That way, you can explore two nearby towns without changing accommodation. We’ve added a rough budget guide beside each destination: $ for the more affordable trips and $$ for those that tend to cost a little more.
Ronda (Málaga)
We start with Ronda, a reliable choice for a short break. Its famous Puente Nuevo is one of its highlights. Beyond the views of the El Tajo gorge, you can explore the old town, visit the Plaza de Toros (bullring) and wander through its historic lanes.
If you enjoy walking, there are several routes near Ronda where you can explore the surrounding countryside. When you get hungry, the local restaurants offer plenty of choice, from tapas to more substantial dishes.
- Things to See in Ronda
- Recommended Hotels in Ronda
- ➤ Budget for Ronda: $$
Úbeda and Baeza (Jaén)
For a cultural break, Úbeda and Baeza make a great pairing. These two Renaissance towns are close to each other: you can take a quick look around both in one day, or spend a day in each to visit their monuments at a more relaxed pace. In Úbeda, do not miss the Sacra Capilla del Salvador and the views from the old town viewpoint. In Baeza, the cathedral and the Plaza del Pópulo are highlights.
Walking along their cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time. For a taste of the area, try the local olive oils and traditional dishes such as migas or pipirrana.
- Recommended hotels in Úbeda
- Recommended hotels in Baeza
- ➤ Budget for Úbeda and Baeza: $
Cazorla (Jaén)
Cazorla is a great destination for nature lovers. Set within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, the town is a good base for hikes such as the Río Borosa trail, which takes you through scenery with waterfalls and clear pools.
The town itself also has plenty of charm, with the Castillo de la Yedra and the ruins of Santa María, which you can visit while exploring its steep streets. If hiking works up an appetite, try local dishes such as ajo atao or venison in sauce.
- Recommended hotels in Cazorla
- ➤ Budget for Cazorla: $
Setenil de las Bodegas (Cádiz)
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of those villages that stops you in your tracks. Its houses are built directly beneath huge rocks, making a walk through its streets an unusual experience, especially along Calle Cuevas del Sol , its best-known street, with bars and shops where you can stop for a drink.
From the Mirador del Carmen viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views of the village and surrounding countryside. For a quieter outing, take a walk on the outskirts and enjoy the rural setting.
Round off your visit by trying local specialities such as cured meats from the surrounding mountains or traditional sweets.
- What to see in Setenil de las Bodegas
- Where to eat in Setenil de las Bodegas
- Recommended hotels in Setenil
- ➤ Budget for Setenil de las Bodegas: $
Frigiliana (Málaga)
Frigiliana, one of Spain’s prettiest whitewashed villages, is a lovely choice for the Andalusia Day holiday. Its cobbled streets, white façades and flower-filled pots are full of charm. Wandering through the Moorish-Mudéjar quarter feels like stepping into another era.
Walk up to the Mirador de Santo Cristo for views over the village with the sea in the distance. Food lovers can try chivo malagueño, a local goat dish, or the area’s sweet wine.
If you have more time, combine your visit with a trip to Nerja, which is close by, to explore its beaches or famous caves.
- What to see in Malaga
- Recommended hotels in Frigiliana
- ➤ Budget for Frigiliana: $$
Nerja (Málaga)
Nerja has plenty to offer on a short break: beaches, caves and a lively town centre. Start with a walk to the Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean. Then you can explore the Nerja Caves, an impressive option if you want something different from a stroll around town.
Nerja’s best-known beaches include Burriana , which has plenty of facilities, while Playa de Maro is a beautiful alternative. If you are interested in kayaking along Maro-Cerro Gordo, check February availability and sea conditions with the operator before booking.
For a meal, try espeto de sardinas (sardines grilled on a skewer) or arroz caldoso, a rice dish served with plenty of broth, perhaps with a glass of sangria.
- What to see in Nerja in two days
- Recommended hotels in Nerja
- ➤ Budget for Nerja: $$
Mojácar (Almería)
Mojácar combines whitewashed houses with sea views. Its old town, with cobbled lanes and flower-filled corners, is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The viewpoint at the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
At this time of year, Mojácar has a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for unwinding. You can relax on beaches such as Playa del Cantal, or explore the coves of nearby Cabo de Gata Natural Park, which are lovely for a seaside stroll in February too.
Before you leave, try gurullos, a traditional Almería dish, or pan de higo, a sweet made with figs.
- Recommended hotels in Mojácar
- ➤ Budget for Mojácar: $$
The Alpujarra Region of Granada
The Alpujarra region of Granada is a wonderful choice for a few days away. Set in Sierra Nevada, the area is dotted with small whitewashed villages. Highlights include Lanjarón, known for its thermal waters; Pampaneira, with its cobbled streets and local crafts; and Soportújar, the village of witches.
Do not miss Capileira and Bubión, with gorgeous views over the Poqueira ravine and peaceful streets to wander through. In February, we’d go for a stroll followed by a warming meal: a lovely way to enjoy the Alpujarra in winter.
The food of the Alpujarra is another reason to visit. Try plato alpujarreño, with ham, chorizo and fried eggs, or one of the traditional soups. If you have a sweet tooth, finish with the region’s Moorish-style sweets.
- What to see in the province of Granada
- Recommended hotels in Granada
- ➤ Budget for the Alpujarra Region of Granada: $
Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz)
Zahara de la Sierra, in the heart of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, is well worth a visit. Crowned by its castle, this small whitewashed village offers sweeping views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside. Climb to the tower of the Castillo de Zahara to enjoy the panorama.
Its steep, flower-lined streets are lovely to wander through. If you enjoy hiking, Zahara is a useful base for exploring the area, including routes such as Garganta Verde or the Pinsapar, two well-known routes where access is regulated. Check availability and arrange the required permit before planning your hike.
Try payoyo cheese and a traditional mountain stew while you are here. Zahara’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a good place to unwind during the holiday.
- Recommended hotels in Zahara de la Sierra
- ➤ Budget for Zahara de la Sierra: $
El Rocío (Huelva)
El Rocío is a distinctive choice for a short break. This small village has sandy streets and an atmosphere that seems to transport you to another time. Its most iconic landmark is the Ermita de El Rocío, an important pilgrimage destination in Andalusia.
A holiday visit to El Rocío is a chance to enjoy the village and the landscapes of Doñana National Park, one of Spain’s most important ecosystems. To explore Doñana, you can walk along its public trails or join a guided visit. You’ll find the options in the Doñana visitor guide before booking.
For a meal, try rice with partridge or potatoes with cuttlefish at one of the village restaurants. Sunset beside the marshes is another memorable part of a visit.
- Recommended Hotels in El Rocío
- ➤ Budget for El Rocío: $
Priego de Córdoba
Priego de Córdoba, in the heart of the Subbética region of Córdoba, is full of character. Known for its fountains, springs and Baroque architecture, it has an old town that rewards a leisurely visit. The Barrio de la Villa, with its narrow whitewashed streets and flower-filled balconies, is ideal for a stroll.
Be sure to visit the Fuente del Rey, an impressive fountain complex, and the Iglesia de la Asunción, a highlight of Andalusian Baroque architecture. For nature lovers, Priego is also a useful base for exploring the natural park of the Sierras Subbéticas.
For lunch, nothing beats a hearty salmorejo from Córdoba or Montillana-style artichokes, typical of the area. Priego's extra virgin olive oils are among the best in the world, so don't hesitate to take a bottle home as a souvenir.
- Recommended hotels in Priego de Córdoba
- ➤ Budget for Priego de Córdoba: $
Júzcar (Málaga)
Júzcar, known as the “Smurf village”, is an unusual choice for the Andalusia Day holiday. This small village exchanged its traditional white paint for blue as part of the promotion for The Smurfs film, and has retained its striking appearance.
Strolling through its streets is quite an experience, with murals and themed details that will make you smile around every corner. If you'd like to extend your getaway, you can combine Júzcar with other peoples of the Genal Valley, among chestnut trees and mountain scenery.
The playful atmosphere makes this a fun destination for families. For a meal after exploring, look out for dishes such as goat in sauce or sopas perotas.
- Recommended hotels in Júzcar
- ➤ Budget for Júzcar: $
If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement 12 Getaway Ideas for the Andalusia Day Holiday you can visit our posts about National Routes.
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