Trending Andalucia attractions to visit, according to Instagram
Posted on 20 May 2022
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Andalucia is home to a massive wealth of amazing attractions and with a car rental from Malaga airport you can explore them for yourself. But how do you choose from among so many fantastic options for your next Spanish holiday? To help you narrow down your list, we have looked at the top 10 favourite attractions in Andalucia according to Trip Advisor and ranked them by their level of popularity on Instagram by looking at hashtags. We have highlighted the top five below so if you want to visit the attractions in Andalucia that are getting people excited, read on and add a few of these locations to your to-do list.
1. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
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Instagram hashtags: 95,557 posts
Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba is the most popular attraction in Andalucia according to Instagram, with nearly 100,000 posts with a hashtag for the cathedral’s name published on the platform. This fascinating Roman Catholic cathedral is located in the beautiful city of Cordoba and was, in fact, once a mosque, being constructed A.D 785. It was transformed into a cathedral in 1236 and is today regarded as a very important monument of Islamic architecture. The Mezquita Cathedral is a fascinating blend of culture, a wonderful dive into history, and a beautiful place of worship. There are many features to marvel at, including the Bell Tower with its epic views, so if you are in the area make sure you stop by for a tour to experience its majesty in person.
Paul, from the travel blog Anywhere We Roam, has visited Mezquita Cathedral and spoke with us about its transition from a “monument to Moorish design” to a “cathedral which today towers through the roof of the original Islamic prayer hall,” before picking out a few highlights of note:
“Its intriguing backstory makes the Mezquita-Catedral one of the most important historical buildings in the world. The exquisite design of the prayer niches, the simplicity of the rows of arches in the main prayer hall and the elaborate Christian cathedral make it a thoroughly engrossing experience. For a history lesson in an architecturally stunning building, the Mezquita-Catedral is not to be missed.”
2. Real Alcazar de Sevilla
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Instagram hashtags: 48,675
Next up is the exquisite Real Alcazar de Sevilla, a stunning royal palace located in the vibrant old city of Seville. The palace is a top-tier example of Mudéjar style architecture, combining elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. Built on the former site of an Abbadid Muslim Alcazar, an opulent royal residence was built for the Christian monarchs in the 14th century. The upper floors of this UNESCO World Heritage site are still occupied by the present royal family of Spain when they are staying in Seville. The palace also boasts beautiful gardens to explore, and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around, marvelling at this special location. Visitors will also find the Real Alcazar de Sevilla to be a familiar sight, thanks to its use as a filming location for the likes of Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.
Georgina, from the travel blog Timeless Travel Steps, enjoyed her time visiting this amazing attraction and we asked her what her highlights were: “It is hard to pinpoint what I enjoyed most about the Alcazar of Seville because I enjoyed every room and every piece of architecture that the palace showcased. The immaculate design, the painstakingly handcrafted Mudejar design, and combining the old and Renaissance, are all presented in a simplistic and serene atmosphere. Each room has a story to tell, and I would not advise any to be missed. If I have to absolutely choose one, then it must be, Courtyard of the Maidens. I have not seen any palaces like it before, and I have seen quite a few.”
Georgina also spoke to us about how history lovers and non-history lovers alike can enjoy the palace: “With a history going back to the Almohads, this is an unmissable destination for historophile. The Alcazar is a walk-through of Seville’s history, the best and the not-so-good times. Even if you are not into history, the Real Alcazar is top of every visitor’s list as it goes to the core of Seville’s heritage and culture.”
READ ALSO: Interesting facts to know about Seville before you visit
3. Alhambra in Granada
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Instagram hashtags: 47,205
The Alhambra in Granada is another very popular Andalucian attraction on Instagram and it’s easy to see why. This palace and fortress complex is one of the most famous examples of Islamic architecture in the world and one of the best-preserved palaces from the ancient Muslim world. Construction of the fortress began back in 1238 by the first ruler of the Emirate of Granada and has seen many conflicts over the years, including the Napoleonic wars of the 19th century. The subject of restoration efforts after its rediscovery after the defeat of Napoleon, today the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. You can easily spend all day exploring this amazing location, but a couple of hours will be a major treat for all who visit.
4. Marbella Old Town
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Instagram hashtags: 31,266
Coming in at number four is Marbella Old Town, an old, romantic neighbourhood in the popular seaside city of Marbella in the Costa del Sol. The city itself, with its mountainous backdrop, provides plenty of interest but the Old Town is the real star of the show. This quaint quarter is home to picturesque, whitewashed buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and relaxing terraced restaurants where locals take a load off for a bit of traditional Marbella grub. The Renaissance-era buildings are a joy to behold after stepping out from the modernity of the city beyond the Old Town, and the 15th-century church, as well as the orange-tree lined plaza, provide plenty of further interest. With palm trees and bronze statues of Salvador Dali, Marbella Old Town is a lovely place to relax.
READ ALSO: How to plan a road trip in Andalucia
5. La Carihuela
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Instagram hashtags: 20,934
Once a fisherman’s district in the coastal town of Torremolinos, La Carihuela is a popular Mediterranean neighbourhood that is beloved for its summer beach scene. If you are looking for some fun in the sun and to enjoy the best of the Andalucia coast, heading to La Carihuela will bring you Spanish-style sea view restaurants, chiringuito bars serving up cold beverages, and a great beach to soak in that warm Costa del Sol sun. The area also includes a fantastic waterside promenade, drawing in locals and visitors alike for evening strolls and sunset views. With amazing scenery, great food, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s understandable why so many choose to visit and then share their love for La Carihuela on social media with picturesque photos from their trip.
Cristina, from the travel blog, My Little World of Travelling, has been to La Carihuela herself, and shared with us her favourite thing to do there: “La Carihuela is one of the liveliest places in Torremolinos. The beach and the atmosphere are great. My favourite thing to do in La Carihuela is to walk along the promenade towards Punta Gatuna at sunset. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the colours of the sky and the coast in the background as well as have some traditional fried fish.
“I recommend visiting La Carihuela to any type of traveller – whether they like sunbathing at the beach, doing water activities or eating local food. Another must-do activity in the north of the Carihuela is visiting La Batería Park, a beautiful park with fountains, lush green spaces and a tower which you can climb and enjoy excellent views of the coast.”
10 most popular Andalucia attractions on InstagramMezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
1. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
2. Real Alcazar de Sevilla
3. Alhambra Granada
4. Marbella Old Town
5. La Carihuela
6. Alcazaba de Malaga
7. Bioparc Fuengirola
8. Cueva de Nerja
9. Torre Tavira
10. Puerto Marina Benalmadena
Above you will see TripAdvisor’s top 10 ranked Andalucia attractions ordered by the number of posts on Instagram. There are so many incredible locations to visit during your trip to the area that you can hardly go wrong. With a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and relaxing coastal areas, a holiday to the region has so much to offer.
For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.