5 stunning must-see inland destinations off the beaten path in Andalusia

Leave the coast behind and explore the breath-taking towns, villages and landscapes tucked away in the interior of Andalusia

Andalucía is a truly unique region of Spain, boasting a magnificent coastline, incredible mountain ranges and beautifully quaint, traditional Andalusian villages.

It would be criminal to visit the region and fail to stray further inland, leaving behind the beautiful beaches on a mission to discover Andalucía's rural jewels.

Here's a selection of just five must-see destinations, the perfect locations to unwind, relax and explore.

Ronda: the dream town

It's no secret that Ronda in Malaga province is one of the most intriguing Andalucían towns which is best enjoyed on foot. In addition to the lush sierras that grace this incredible municipality, the magic of the romantic legends of bandits and bullfighters and the Tajo de Ronda that literally divides the town in two will captivate visitors.

And then of course there are the valleys, narrow gorges and millenary caves such as La Pineta and El Gato, the old medina and the River Guadelevín. The Sierra de las Nieves is a natural park located in the Serranía de Ronda itself, where you can discover, in addition to deep ravines, other charming villages such as El Burgo, Tolox and Yunquera.

Sierra de Cazorla

This really is a worth visit for anyone who enjoys greenery, fresh air and the tranquility of being in one of the most visited natural sites in Spain. The Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Nature Reserve is a Biosphere Reserve for its scenic beauty and biological richness. It is an enormous area with an incredible cultural heritage.

The forests are home to flowers such as the mythical Cazorla violet, and the fauna of this part of inland Andalucía is rich and surprising, with walkers more than likely to bump into a mountain goat, deer or even wild boar.

Visitors can explore villages such as La Iruela, Cazorla, Arroyo Frío, Hijonares and Quesada, amongst many others, and to round off the trip, a visit to the immense and tranquil Tranco reservoir is a must. 

The Alpujarra of Granada: a magical corner of Andalucía

The villages that make up the Alpujarra of Granada are nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The white houses and the flowers on the balconies form a typical picture of a place that, once again, entices visitors to disconnect and enjoy the moment.

The villages have adapted to the slopes and, amongst almond trees and vineyards, the houses are terraced and face south to benefit from the Mediterranean climate. And if you get hungry, ham from Trévelez, the highest municipality in Spain, can be an exquisite choice.

In parts, it literally appears as though time has stood still, and the mineral-medicinal waters of Lanjarón, known as the Gateway to the Alpujarra, are perfect for a truly relaxing afternoon. Cañar, Soportújar, Carataunas form El Balcón de la Alpujarra, and the Barranco de Poqueira, on the other hand, is made up of Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubión, also a must-see!

Sierra de Grazalema

The Sierra de Grazalema is home to the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (White Villages Route). This Cadiz route delves into the Grazalema Nature Reserve, declared a Biosphere Reserve, where there are several stunning places to visit.

One of them is the town of Grazalema, which shares the sierra's name. Another is Zahara de la Sierra, one of the best known and most unique, and then there are the excavated houses of Alcalá del Valle and Setenil de las Bodegas.

But without doubt, Arcos de la Frontera, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, is one of Andalucía's most famous white villages, followed by Ubrique, El Bosque and Prado del Rey, known not only for their landscapes, but also for their handicrafts. Meanwhile, Benaocaz, Bornos, Espera, Villamartín and Olvera, each boast their own fiestas, flora and fauna, such as colonies of griffon vultures, mountain goats, deer, roe deer, mongoose and eagles.

Úbeda and Baezay

Both Úbeda and Baezay have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. In just 15 minutes visitors can go from one town to the other, making them great option for a weekend getaway.

Úbeda is considered one of the most stately and glorious towns in the whole region, home to monuments, churches, palaces. The Chapel of El Salvador, the Church of Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and the Oratory of San Juan de la Cruz really shouldn't be missed.

The golden stones and silent streets of Baeza are also captivating. Art and history have left their mark on this naturally beautiful place; a profusion of a Renaissance comparable to the Italian one fills Baeza with beautiful buildings in perfect harmony with other architectural styles. 

White houses, doorways, porticoes, towers, squares and fountains abound in Baeza, a town that offers a wonderful opportunity to stroll around enclaves such as the Plaza del Pópulo, the Cathedral, the Palacio de Jabalquinto and the Palacio de Majorada.

Also of interest: Top hidden beaches and coves in Malaga, Andalusia: the best Costa del Sol beaches no one told you about

Images: Turismo - Junta de Andalucía