Given its large size, Spain is a very diverse country in its nature, landscapes, cuisine and local culture. Therefore, different parts of Spain will offer completely different experiences, which is also why thousands of holiday-makers tend to keep coming back for their yearly vacations, exploring a new place each time. If you have previously visited some of the other parts of Spain and are now looking to visit the South, also known as Andalucia, here are some tips on choosing the perfect destination for you!
Find the most convenient airport
There are quite a few airports scattered in and around the area of Andalucia, in the Southern part of Spain. The Malaga airport is one of the largest and most visited, however, you can also fly to Seville, Almeria, Granada, Jerez or Gibraltar. Knowing which airport is available and the most convenient for you during your holiday will help you narrow down your selection of places to visit.
Of course, you do not have to stay in the town you fly to, as travelling to a different destination will be simple. For example, the Malaga Airport car hire makes it easy to rent out a vehicle in Malaga and visit any of the neighbouring countries. This is simply a consideration to make if you do not like to travel far away from the airport.
Think about the activities you want to do
The way each of us decide to spend our vacations will differ greatly. While some want to explore historic attractions, museums and galleries, the others would rather spend their days lounging around and soaking up the sun. In Southern Spain, certain areas are more suited to certain activities than others.
For instance, the coastal towns like Cadiz, Marbella, Malaga, Gibraltar or Almeria all have beautiful beaches, with plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from and a buzzing nightlife. If you are into hiking, however, you may want to look into some of the towns closer to the top of Andalucia, such as Seville, Granada, Cordoba or Jaen. There are also a lot of national parks around them, which are a great option for an active day out hiking.
Most tourists, on the other hand, will be looking for a good balance between the relaxing and the more adventurous activities. If you are one of them, then finding a place to go will be super simple. The most popular towns in Southern Spain will all offer a good mix between chilled holiday resorts, historic tourist attractions and a huge selection of restaurants with fun nightlife opportunities. These will be suitable for the various kinds of travellers too, including families with children, friend groups or solo travellers.
Consider your mode of transport
There are various different options that tourists can use to get around Andalucia: you may choose between public transport (trains, buses and metros), taxis or online vehicle sharing services, luxury car hire Malaga or biking and walking. This will, of course, depend on how much you are planning to explore during your visit.
If you are simply looking to get around a single town, then walking and public transport should be enough for you. Biking is a great option for more rural areas, especially if you are someone who likes to be more active during your holidays. Renting a car, on the other hand, will give you the freedom of exploring larger areas in a shorter space of time (take a look at https://www.cargest.com/ for a fast and simple car hire process, if you are considering this option).
Choose a budget
One of the most important factors in planning any holiday is, of course, your budget. Spain, in general, is an arguably affordable vacation destination – with so many tourist-friendly towns, hotels, resorts and holiday apartments available, you can always find some great bargains. Travelling off-season is another brilliant way to save some money and avoid the peak season prices.
However, the specific places you choose to go to will also vary based on your budget. In Southern Spain, some cities are more known for offering luxury experiences and so it is also more likely that there will be a larger selection of high-end hotels and exclusive restaurants. Marbella and Sotogrande are great places to check out if you are looking for a more luxury holiday destination.
On the contrary, the most affordable option would be choosing a smaller and less popular town, avoiding the prices aimed specifically at tourists. Keep in mind, though, that rural areas may also have less English-speaking people or no activities typically associated with tourism. This is also why a lot of travellers stick to the more well-known towns.
Final word
In conclusion, the South of Spain is home to some of the most beautiful traditional cities, breathtaking nature and wildlife, lush beaches and delicious local foods. While you do have to consider quite a few factors, choosing a destination to visit from such a huge selection should bring nothing but pure joy and excitement!
