The most romantic things to do in Southern Spain

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Spain’s southern region, Andalucia is one of the most romantic places in Spain and not without a reason. With a magnitude of charming white villages and romantic cities, wine yards, long coastlines, and coastal views, there are so many romantic things to do in southern Spain. 

Andalucia is the perfect travel destination for couples all year round no matter if you are foodies, like the slow life, or are an adrenaline junkie couple.

Read on to get ideas for the most romantic things to do in Andalucia for couples!

Romantic things to do in Andalucia

Sunset on the mountains in Southern Spain.
Sunsets in Andalucia, a spectacle like no other.

Watch the sunset from the mountain

Southern Spain is jam-packed with mountains with a coastal view and even if you are new to hiking, there are a lot of great trails for beginners with beautiful views of the sun setting over the Mediterranean. One of the top hiking tips for beginners when going on a sunset hike is to always bring a headlamp so that you don’t get caught in the dark. Depending on the time of year, you might also need to bring long pants and a windbreaker even though it is warm in the daytime, it can get chilly when the sun starts going down. And you do not want to ruin a romantic moment by getting cold!

Some of the best hikes in southern Spain for sunset are the mountains above Nerja, Mijas, and Marbella. But also in the Sierra Nevada, one of the most famous mountains in southern Spain, there are a lot of amazing hiking routes, especially if you are a seasoned hiker.

Where to stay near these mountains in southern Spain? 

Here are a few options of accommodation in this region of Andalucia that are close to the mountains and beautiful beaches:

(click on the city’s name to see the hotel list)


A white village in Andalucia. White houses scattered on the top of a hill in Southern Spain.
That’s what we call a romantic place.

Go on a road trip to see the white villages of Andalucia

This is without a doubt one of the most romantic things to do in Andalucia. There are so many charming villages, and a southern Spain road trip means you can cover quite a few of them. Spend a night in the ones you like the most and enjoy wine and local tapas together.

Some of the most romantic villages in Souther Spain include Frigiliana above Nerja in Malaga, Mijas Pueblo above Fuengirola, also in Malaga, and Salobreña on the coast of Granada. Head to the Cadiz coastline where you can enjoy picturesque villages like Arcos de la Frontera and Vejer de la Frontera.

If you want to get off the coast, head to Zahara de la Sierra and Setenil de Las Bodegas. There are many charming villages nearby Ronda that are worth a visit. In Seville, you can visit San Nicolas del Puerto where you can walk through Sierra del Norte de Sevilla Natural Park and enjoy glittering waterfalls through lush forest or chill at the village’s artificial beach.

As we are talking about going on a road trip in Spain, don’t forget to read this guide about how much does it cost to travel to Spain

Best places to stay at Andalucia white villages? 

Here are a few options of accommodation:

 (click on the city’s name to see the hotel list)


One of the main attractions in Granada, Southern Spain.
The romantic beauty of Granada!

Treat yourself at a spa hotel in Granada

Granada is hands on one of the most romantic cities in southern Spain (together with Andalucia’s capital, but we will get back to that later.) Overlooking the Alhambra Palace, it is hard to beat a few days with your better half in Granada.

The charming old town boasts of history so typical for Andalucia, a melting pot for different cultures setting their imprint throughout history. Check out below the unique experiences we select for you:

Granada is perfect for sightseeing interrupted by tapas and sangria stops along the way. Make sure you stay at one of the top-notch spa hotels in the city (list below) and you and your partner will feel so relaxed and happy! Another option is to go to a traditional Hamman and indulge yourselves in the hot and cold steam rooms and even go for a relaxing massage. Book this Hamman Experience in Granada here. 

Where to stay in Granada?

For the ultimate romantic holiday in southern Spain, have a look at these incredible hotels in Granada:

(click on the hotel name to see the details)


Photo of the iconic bridge in Ronda, Southern Spain.
Ronda is like a fairytale town in Southern Spain.

Go on a wine tour in Serrania de Ronda

Most of Malaga’s finest wines derive from Serrania de Ronda and there is no questioning you will have an unforgettable romantic getaway in Spain heading to these wine yards with your partner. 

You can contact the wineries directly to organize a visit, or you choose one of the many organized tours to explore Ronda and the region, and of course, go wine tasting. Here are three tours we’ve selected for you:

That said, it is an area where you will need a car to get to, so an organized tour will be the most practical as it is not allowed to drink when you drive in Spain.

Where to stay in Serrania de Ronda? 

Here are a few options of hotels in Ronda that are perfect for couples:

(click on the hotel name to see the details)


Photo from a secluded beach in Cabo de Gata in Andalucia, Spain.
Cabo de Gata Natural Park has stunning beaches for you to discover.

Picnic at the beach

It is hard to argue that a picnic at the beach is super romantic. Spain’s southern coast is lined with mesmerizing beaches. If you want to enjoy a romantic picnic (with cava) outside the city beaches, head to Cadiz and Huelva coasts as they have some of the best beaches in southern Spain.

But if you choose any of these destinations, make sure you check out the wind forecast because on a windy day you will not be able to enjoy the beach or a picnic.

Then head to the beaches of Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Almeria instead. They are popular, but the fact that they are so large and many of them require a bit of walking to get to, means you still get a good chunk of beach to yourself.

Best places to stay near the beach? 

Well, the beaches in southern Spain are gorgeous and so are the hotels and resorts you can find there. You will find below a link to the best places to stay in Cadiz,  Huelva, and Cabo de Gata, so you can have a look and choose the best beach & hotel combo.

(click on the city’s name to see the hotel list)


Photo of Plaza de España – also known as Seville’s Venice,
Plaza de España – also known as Seville’s Venice.

Fall in love all over again in Seville

I think we can all agree that Seville is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Wandering the streets with your one love admiring ancient architecture is hard to beat. Take a boat trip at Plaza de España – also known as Seville’s Venice.

Walk the romantic gardens in the Alcazar Palace or share a bottle of Cava in the Maria Louisa Park. There are so many tapas and cocktail bars in Seville that you can spend a week and not return to the same one twice. 

If you like to be active you can go paddleboarding or kayaking in the Guadalquivir river and if you do not, just cuddle up by the river bank and watch as the boats go by.

It is hard to imagine doing anything in Seville that will not turn out romantic!

Where to stay in Seville, Spain? 

Here are three choices for all types of couples and budgets:

(click on the hotel name to see the details)


Caminito del Rey walking trail and via Ferrata through the canyon in Southern Spain.
Caminito del Rey walking trail and via Ferrata.

Do a Via Ferrata in Malaga or Granada

Adventurous couples will love to do a Via Ferrata together to add some spice to their travel memories. There are so many incredible Via Ferrata’s in Southern Spain, particularly in the Malaga and Granada provinces. 

One of the most famous places is Desfiladero de Los Gaitanes, where the famous Caminito del Rey goes. But you can also find other cool routes for different levels.

Many companies are offering Via Ferratas as guided tours with a professional guide and all the necessary equipment included.

All you need to bring is a good mood and a Go Pro. Oh! And leave your vertigo at home, because these routes are exhilarating, steep, and you will climb up high!

Where to stay in Malaga after a day of adventure? 

Here are the best hotels in Malaga, a good city to use as a base to explore Desfiladero de Los Gaitane:

(click on the hotel name to see the details)


Hot Air Balloon ride in Seville or Granada

A hot air balloon ride is probably one of the most romantic activities to do in Andalucia and you can do that both near Seville and Granada. The hot air balloon tour takes you over the beautiful countryside at sunset and it is pure magic floating above the earth looking down. Cuddle up in your partner’s arms and you will have a memory for a lifetime! 

In case either of you needs a little hint: It is super romantic to propose in a hot air balloon!

Where to stay in in Southern Spain for a hot air balloon ride? 

We’ve already mentioned the best places to stay in Seville and the best hotels in Granada, on the topics above. Go back a little bit and choose your favorite accommodation. 


Young woman dancing flamenco in traditional flamenco dress and a man playing the guitar
It can’t get more romantic than this. 🥰

Take Flamenco classes in Seville

Why not get moving and learn something new with your partner? There are multiple high-quality Flamenco schools throughout Andalucia, but if you want to go authentic, make sure you head to the Triana neighborhood in Seville for classes.

This is something that can be a lot of fun together as well as you grow and learn something together. Something that will be your thing for the rest of your lives. So check out the Flamenco classes and shows in Seville we’ve selected for you:


Traveling in southern Spain – Practical Tips

There is no doubt southern Spain is perfect for a romantic getaway no matter what preferences you and your partner have. There are cities and nature, adrenaline activities and relaxing activities, and all this with a solid number of tasty tapas and amazing local drinks.

Now that you know what to do in Southern Spain, let’s start planning your trip to Andalucia. 

Modern train to Seville waiting in a train station in Southern Spain. Traveling to Spain advice.
Traveling to Southern Spain is easy, just follow our tips.

Getting to and around Southern Spain

There 2 international airports in southern Spain (Malaga and Seville), and 4 domestic airports (Amería, Cordoba, Granada and in Jerez de la Frontera). Another option to get to Andalucia is to travel by train, bus, cruise or car. 

Spain’s train and bus systems work very well, you will find services from major cities to small villages. There is also the highspeed train (AVE) to Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga. All the information about trains and busses in Southern Spain you can find here.  

Traveling by car is a good way to explore many hidden cities in southern Spain. Once you arrive in Andalucia you can rent a car (compare the rates here) and explore the region at your own pace. But before starting your road trip, have a good look at the map of Southern Spain to have an idea of your route and the places to visit in Andalucia, otherwise, you can get lost among so many incredible destinations you will find on your way. 

Romantic hotels in southern Spain

When planning your romantic getaway in Andalucia, you must take into consideration which type of experience you want to have. Then you can choose where to stay in southern Spain. 

We’ve mentioned a couple of good hotels and resorts in each activity, so you can have an idea of what to expect from the city, the experience and the accommodation there. But in case you still want to have a look at the best hotels in Andalucia, our recommendation is to search and book via Booking.com or Agoda, they have the best selection of places to stay and good prices. 

Weather in southern Spain

Andalucia has a warm Mediterranean climate, so expect hot summer and mild winters. The good news is that they have an average of 300 sunny days per year. So doesn’t matter which season you decided to travel to southern Spain, the chances are that you will have sunshine. 

Although it’s a sunny destination, the weather can change if you are staying by the beach or going up to the mountains. Research about the places to visit in Andalucia and pick the destinations and season that suits you best. 

Choosing southern Spain as your next romantic destination will not be a disappointment!

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Your next romantic getaway must be to Southern Spain. The Andalucia region is packed with stunning cities, white villages, secluded beaches, and delicious food. Here is a list of things to do in Southern Spain that will keep you and your loved one busy for days. An itinerary that mixes nature, food, adventure, history & romance. Andalucia attractions paired with the best hotels in cities like Granada, Seville, Ronda, Cabo de Gatas and more.

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