![]() Cities & towns in Andalucia clockwise: Almeria, Huelva, Sevilla, Ronda, Cordoba © Michelle Chaplow |
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Cities and Towns in Andalucia
Andalucia has eight provinces, and the capital of each province is a major city with the same name. For example, Seville city is the capital of Seville province.
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 has its own provincial government, called a diputacion. 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, you can expand your reach to take in 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).
Seville
Sevilla lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, famous for La Giralda, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar Palace. More >
Malaga
This port city which boasts excellent transport, top-class cuisine and fascinating monuments dating back to Moorish times. More >
Cadiz
Cadiz stands on a peninsula jutting out into a bay, and is almost entirely surrounded by water.
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Cordoba
Cordoba was founded by the Romans became a city of great importance located on the Guadalquivir river.
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Granada
One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty.
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Huelva
Huelva may lack the star attractions of other provincial capitals, but still has a beautiful centre with many breathtaking plazas.
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Jaen
Stand at a prime lookout point at the top of the Santa Catalina castle and you will look down on a charming provincial capital that drapes over hills. More >
Jerez
Jerez holds worldwide acclaim for its sherry and brandy production, as well as for its fine horses and Flamenco music and dance. More >
Almeria
In the far Southeastern corner of the Iberian peninsula is this sun-baked province, with the lowest rainfall in Europe. More >
Ronda
Ronda retains a historic charm and is famous for its dramatic escarpments and views of the deep El Tajo gorge that runs through its centre.
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Algeciras
Algeciras is primarily and unashamedly a port and industrial centre, sprawling round the far side of the bay to Gibraltar.
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