Andalusia off the beaten path: go and enjoy in peace!

When the summer heat softens and the crowds return home, Spain reveals a quieter, more intimate side – and for us, there’s no better place to experience it than Andalusia. This is the perfect time to explore some of its most iconic cities at your own pace, with gentle sunshine during the day, balmy evenings, and streets that invite you to slow down and wander. Seville and Granada are our top picks for this season, two destinations that promise history, culture, and romance in equal measure, without the rush and noise of high season.

Let’s begin with Seville, a city that is both vibrant and elegant, bathed in a golden light that seems to slow time itself. Stroll through the charming Santa Cruz quarter, lose yourself in its labyrinth of narrow streets, and slip into a quiet tapas bar to try a slice of “tortilla” or a traditional “pringá” – a small sandwich filled with tender shreds of Andalusian stew. Pair it with a glass of local sherry and you’ll truly feel the soul of the city.

Don’t miss the majestic Plaza de España, where you can admire its colorful tiles up close and maybe even take a little boat ride along its canal. If you’re lucky, you might catch a flamenco performance there too. Then visit the Gothic cathedral – one of the largest in the world – and climb the Giralda tower for breathtaking views over Seville’s rooftops. And of course, the Royal Alcázar is a must: its intricate Mudejar courtyards and serene gardens feel even more magical at this time of year, when everything is quieter and easier to enjoy without the crowds.

If Seville sparks your wanderlust, Granada will have you reaching for your calendar to set the date — that’s exactly what happened to us. This city is nothing short of enchanting, shaped by centuries of history where different civilizations left their mark, creating a place that feels like it belongs to many worlds at once.

Your first stop simply must be the Alhambra. Wandering through its palaces, with their intricate arabesque carvings, horseshoe arches, and lace-like stucco work, is like stepping into the pages of the Arabian Nights. Take your time to soak in every detail before heading up to the Generalife gardens, perched above the city. Here, cypress-lined paths lead to tranquil courtyards and frame sweeping views of the fertile plain below and the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada peaks in the distance.

Granada’s charm doesn’t end with the Alhambra. The city still has more treasures to reveal, and some of the most impressive lie right in its heart: the Royal Chapel, final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, and the grand Renaissance Cathedral — both filled with art and history that tell the story of a turning point in Spain’s past. After admiring these masterpieces, head up into the hills and lose yourself in the Albayzín, the most enchanting neighborhood in Granada and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its maze of narrow, whitewashed streets hides pretty squares and secret gardens — getting a little lost here is all part of the city’s magic. Our tip? Find a small “tetería” and enjoy a fragrant glass of mint tea as you soak up the atmosphere.

But for something truly special, we highly recommend a perfume workshop in a beautifully preserved 17th-century aristocratic house – an experience we absolutely loved. Here, you’ll explore the history and artistry of fragrance, from ancient traditions to modern creations. Guided by a professional perfumer, you’ll discover a variety of natural essences and experiment with them to create your very own signature scent, which you can take home in a custom-made bottle. What do you think, sounds amazing, right? After all, who wouldn’t want to have their own perfume?

So, if you are dreaming of a getaway that combines beauty, culture, and a slower rhythm, Andalusia in the low season is waiting. Seville will charm you, Granada will mesmerize you, and together they’ll give you the kind of trip you’ll want to relive again and again.