Backpacking Andalucia On A Budget (2024)
Are you dreaming of backpacking Andalucia? That’s a fantastic idea!
I traveled to Spain many times and the region of Andalucia is one of my favorite Spanish regions. It is filled with picturesque towns, unique historical monuments, and vibrant culture.
I’m backpacking Europe on a budget, and Spain is one of the more affordable European countries, making it a perfect destination for backpackers!
Depending on how much time you have for backpacking in Spain, you’ll need at least a week in Andalucia.
So, let’s find out how to discover Andalucia on a budget!
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Top Reasons To Backpack Andalucia
Andalucia is a great backpacking destination and you can easily discover Andalucia without a car.
- There are many vibrant towns and cultural attractions to see in Andalucia,
- You can explore Andalucia on a budget and without a car!
- Andalucia is a backpacker-friendly destination, with many backpacker hostels!
Best Time For Backpacking Andalucia
Andalucia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, which become more extreme as you move inland from the coast.
Some of the Andalucian towns break national temperature records every summer!
Backpacking Andalucia in the Summer
As it is a Mediterranean destination, Andalucia is the busiest in the summer.
With children and students out of school and most workers having their annual leave, the region is full of life.
Events and parties are organized almost every day, it is easy to meet other people because hostels are also full.
Generally, you get this backpacking, vacation, and summer vibe in the region.
I know most of you will want to visit in the summer and I can’t blame you, there is a reason why it is a high season.
However, if you want to backpack Europe in summer, you need to remember it is also the hottest time of the year.
It is not uncommon for temperatures to go over 35 in July and August! That leads to you being unable to do much during the day because it is simply too hot.
Most of the Andalucian biggest attractions are located inland, so not at the coast. Therefore, you will not even be able to get some relief swimming in the sea to fight the heat.
Finally, we have to talk about the prices. Yes, it is more expensive to travel in the summer and you will have to budget more if you are traveling in the summer months.
Backpacking Andalucia In Low Season
I backpacked Andalucia in June and I would recommend everyone plan their trip to avoid July and August if possible.
It was already scorching in June to the point where I would go back to my hostel from 2 pm to 5 pm because it would be too hot to do anything.
The best time to visit would be May and June, as well as, September and October.
Winter temperatures in Andalucia are comfortable, so it is a great destination for backpacking in winter as well!
The accommodation will be cheaper and there will be no crowds. Especially compared to Barcelona or Madrid!
If you are visiting to discover the culture and history of the region, visiting in the shoulder and off-season is the best time to do it.
If you are brave enough, you can even go to the beach starting in April!
How To Get To Andalucia, Spain?
Most bigger cities in the region have international airports, making it relatively easy to reach Andalucia from all over Europe.
Malaga has the biggest airport in the region, so it makes it a perfect flying-in or flying-out destination.
There are also international airports in Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba but they cover fewer destinations.
Another option would be flying into Madrid and taking a regional flight, a train, or a bus to Andalucia – for example, to Sevilla.
I use this website to find the best routes to fly! You can add multiple destinations to figure out which one works best for you.
Once you’re in Spain, the country is very well connected by public transportation.
For most routes, you can choose between taking a train or a bus.
I like to book my bus and train tickets with Omio, as I can compare the prices between different operators.
Best Places To Visit In Andalucia
You will not be bored in Andalucia, there is so much to see! However, once you are there you will probably want to relax and enjoy the Southern laid-back way of life.
Do not feel like you need to get everything done, the beauty of backpacking Andalucia is that you also get to relax.
I would always suggest focusing on a couple of destinations that you can properly discover instead of just jumping around from destination to destination forgetting where you’ve been!
The top three places to visit in Andalucia are Sevilla, Granada, and Cordoba.
If you’re wondering if Seville or Granada is better for backpackers, they are both great and should be on your itinerary!
Backpacking Sevilla
Sevilla is a quintessential Andalucian city. When you think of the south of Spain, tapas, flamenco, and sangria, you are thinking of Sevilla.
It is a city where you can get the feel of the laid-back Andalucian culture.
Wander cobblestone streets, get lost in the old narrow pathways, and admire the gorgeous Plaza de Espagna.
Enjoy the sun on one of the many terraces in the city, sip on sangria, and snack on some tapas.
Backpacking Granada
Probably the most famous Andalucian landmark is the Alhambra of Granada. Majestically overlooking the city of Granada, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a truly must-see sight.
Even if you do not want to pay to get in, which I recommend you do, looking at it from the Mirador de San Nicolas shows all the glory of the Islamic culture that once ruled over Andalucia.
Granada is also a great starting point for a lot of hikes in the region! If you want to explore the great outdoors, I suggest spending a couple of more days in Granada.
Backpacking Cordoba
You might wonder if it is worth visiting both Cordoba and Granada or if they are too similar.
I say you should visit both!
Cordoba is smaller than Sevilla and Granada but, in the 10th century, it was the capital of the Moorish al-Andalus caliphate.
Today, it is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Mezquita, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba. The history of that place is truly amazing.
Since it is a smaller town I found that spending one night there was enough, but it is not to be missed.
Backpacking Malaga
Malaga will probably be on your list since it is a convenient place to start or end your adventure. It is a good base for day trips as well.
Malaga is a big city, and I did not find that it had the same charm as the ones above-mentioned.
Still, there is a lot of history to discover and lots of parties to have there as well.
You get to visit the old town of Malaga, the old Alcazaba, and the Castillo de Gibralfaro.
I was not impressed by Malaga beaches, so for that, you will probably need a little day trip out of the city.
Other Towns To Visit In Andalucia
Now that you have your base, you can add more places to your itinerary.
Some of the places that can be a day trip from your base would be:
- Ronda
- Nerja
- Caminito del Rey
- Tarifa
- Cadiz
- Gibraltar
You can even spend some time learning to surf in Tarifa the possibilities are endless.
I only had 7 days in Andalucia, so I did not have time for these. I will try to visit next time I am in the region!
Depending on whether you start in Malaga or Seville you can also continue your trip to Madrid or Portugal!
How Many Days Do You Need In Andalucia?
There is so much to see in Andalucia, but how much time should you spend at each destination?
While you probably want to visit everything now, once you are there you will probably want to relax and enjoy the southern laid-back way of life.
Generally, I would recommend spending at least two nights in each of the big cities.
Ideally, you would want to spend three days in both Sevilla and Malaga. They are a great base for day trips around the region and even just by themselves!
Remember that traveling is not a race and that you have to factor in the time it takes you from one destination to another.
If you only have one week in Andalucia I would stick to the three big cities and enjoy them.
If I had two weeks in Andalucia, I would add some smaller towns to the itinerary or even a couple of days surfing in Tarifa, if that is something you would be interested in!
Getting Around Andalucia Without A Car
The region is well connected by an extensive line of buses and trains.
It is possible to reach virtually every notable tourist destination by reliable public transport which is perfect if you’re backpacking Andalucia on a budget.
Andalucia By Train
Trains are usually the most comfortable and convenient option for traveling in the region. The RENFE rail network connects most of the towns in the region and the rest of the country.
The train will usually leave you in the city centre and all you have to do is board the train and enjoy the ride. However, it also tends to be a more expensive form of transportation.
Make sure that you book your train tickets in advance because they are cheaper the earlier you book them, so they do not make for a spontaneous budget option.
I took a train from Madrid to Sevilla and it was a very pleasant journey!
Andalucia By Bus
Busses will almost always be cheaper than trains and sometimes even quicker! Also, they go to places where trains do not, so it is easier as they are a direct form of transportation.
You can book the tickets online or at the bus station.
If you travel in summer, I highly suggest you book your bus tickets well in advance – firstly, because they tend to be cheaper and secondly, you don’t want them to sell out!
The main bus operator in Spain is ALSA, but there is also Flixbus and some regional operators as well!
I always use an app like Omio to make sure I’m getting the best deal as they analyze all the prices – and let me tell you, bus and train ticket prices are sometimes dramatically different!
Renting A Car in Andalucia
A lot of people choose to rent a car for a road trip in Andalucia. It is a great way to visit the smaller attractions in the region.
Renting a car can be cheaper if you are in a group and everybody chips in to pay the rental price.
I always use this website for renting a car! They browse different rental companies so I can choose the ones that offer the best rental conditions.
Another thing to consider is car-sharing. The concept is popular in Spain, so you might even consider using the Blabla car app that lets you share a car journey around Spain.
Where To Stay When Backpacking Andalucia?
There is no shortage of budget-friendly accommodation in the region. As it is a very touristic area, there is an option suited for every traveler.
For backpacking Andalucia, hostels are a common choice, but private accommodation is pretty affordable as well!
I will always recommend staying in the city center – that is usually where most of the attractions are.
You will be close to everything and my personal favorite, you will not have to wonder how to get home at night. Most of the hostels are usually located in the city center anyway.
Best Hostels In Andalucia
Hostels will be your first choice for backpacking in Andalucia. There are a lot of options in major cities like Sevilla, Granada, and Malaga so you will be spoilt for choice.
- Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Sevilla – in Sevilla
- Backpackers Al-Katre – in Cordoba
- ECO Hostel – in Granada
- The Lights Hostel – in Malaga
These hostels do not offer just a place to sleep but also organize events, walking tours, and nights out, which is a great way to make friends in hostels!
Some offer free breakfast and coffee/tea which is always good to start your day.
To save money when backpacking in Europe, I always look out for hostels that have a communal kitchen with a fridge.
Preparing your food will save you a ton of money in Spain because the supermarkets are pretty affordable.
If the idea of sharing a room with a dozen people does not appeal to you, most of the hostels have private rooms available as well. While they will be slightly pricier, you get the advantage of staying in a social place.
Check out my in-depth hostel guide for first-time and solo female travelers.
Staying in private accommodation
Here I am talking about hostals or pensions which are very popular in Spain.
They are not hostels but not quite hotels either. Usually, they are smaller, with up to 10 rooms, and managed by families.
If you are traveling in a pair, they might even be cheaper per person than a hostel.
In Cordoba, It was cheaper to stay in a pension than if my friend and I got each a bed in a hostel. So, do not rule them out, especially if you meet people on your backpacking trip!
Vegan Andalucia Guide
Southern Spanish cuisine is largely meat-based, but that does not mean that there are not some amazing, accidentally vegan, traditional meals.
The vegan scene in Andalucia is growing, slowly but surely. However, it cannot yet be measured with Madrid and Barcelona, which were both vegan heaven.
I recommend using the Happy Cow app to see the vegan options in the city you are visiting. That is always the first thing I do when I come to a new city.
I had the best vegan cake of my life in Granada, Wild food. It is a fully vegan restaurant, I only tried the cake but I will be coming for more!
There are a lot of vegan options in the supermarkets as well. You do not need to look for specialized stores to get your vegan staples. Different types of plant-based milk are readily available.
There are even some Spanish brands of vegan meat substitutes, for example, the brand Huera is very popular.
Vegan food won’t always be marked as vegan, so look through the ingredients for accidentally vegan cookies and snacks.
Traditional Vegan Spanish food
You will not find fully vegan restaurants in smaller towns, so it is good to know that there are traditional Spanish foods that are vegan.
Famous Spanish cold soups are usually accidentally vegan. The soups might be topped with ham or egg, but you can ask them to leave it off.
Some of the tasty soups I had were gazpacho and salmorejo, but crema de verduras and ajo blanco also tend to be vegan!
You can always go for salads and patatas bravas (as long as they serve it without mayo).
You might have to make a meal out of multiple side dishes, but it is not weird here! It is common, even for locals, to have a lot of small meals intended for sharing.
That is the beauty of tapas culture and good for your backpacking Andalucia budget.
Did you know that churros are accidentally vegan? Now you know!
They are a popular snack in the region, so you will be able to find them easily. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pass on the chocolate sauce they usually serve it with.
Due to its Mediterranean climate, fruits and vegetables are plentiful in Spain. You can enjoy very affordable and tasty produce at local markets.
Can You Drink Tap Water In Andalucia?
Yes! Tap water is safe to drink in Andalucia, so pack your reusable water bottle.
Even better, there are water fountains with fresh, cool water everywhere, so you can easily refill your bottle and stay hydrated.
Backpacking Andalucia Budget
So, how much does it cost to backpack Andalucia?
Andalucia is a pretty affordable region in Spain, but it is not Eastern Europe.
Also, your budget will largely depend on when you decide to visit since the prices tend to fluctuate seasonally.
Assuming you want to stay in decent accommodation and not spend a lot of money on food and activities, I would budget something like this:
- Accommodation: 20€-35€
- Food: 15-30€
- Transportation and activities: 15-25€
For accommodation prices, you are looking at between 20-30€ per night in a decent hostel. Cheaper hostels exist, I stayed in an 8€ hostel in Madrid, but generally, prices are around 20€.
If you decide to stay in a private room, they start at around 35€ per night.
Assuming you are going to eat out only once a day you could be spending around 15€ a day on food. I suggest that the meal is lunch because their menu de dia is a great value for money.
If you plan to have both of your big meals out, then it will cost you closer to 25-30€.
The drinks are 2,5-5€. I suggest trying Tinto de verano which is usually around 2,5€ and Sangria is usually around 3€.
Other “local” traditional drinks Vino de Naranja and Vermouth are usually around 2-3€ as well.
The best part? Free tapas that you will get with your drink can count as dinner!
For the activities, I would budget tips for free walking tours I love those. When I was backpacking Andalucia there was a lot of different tours to choose from.
Mesquita, Alhambra, and other attractions were around 13€, so it depends on how many you want to visit.
Buses and trains between cities are 10-20€, so you have to count that in for the traveling days.
All in all, I would budget on average 40€ to 70€ per day, depending on the type of backpacker you are!
Final Thoughts: Backpacking Andalucia
That wraps up this backpacking Andalucia on a budget travel guide. Andalucia is truly one of the most vibrant European regions that should be on your radar!
Now that you know everything about travel in Andalucia, where else are you going?
Here’s the ultimate Spain backpacking guide to help you plan the rest of your trip!
