If you have driven through Andalusia, you may have seen brown tourist road signs pointing to the Route of the Nasrids or the Route of the Almoravids and Almohads. These are not single roads, but cultural driving itineraries that connect towns, landscapes, castles and cities linked to the history of al-Andalus.
Both routes form part of El legado andalusí, a network of cultural routes that explores the Islamic, medieval and multicultural heritage of southern Spain. For travellers planning an Andalusia road trip, these itineraries offer a slower and more meaningful way to reach Granada, moving through fortified towns, mountain roads, olive groves, white villages and historic frontier landscapes.
What Are the Andalusian Legacy Routes?
The Routes of El legado andalusí were designed to connect places that played an important role in the history of al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula between the 8th and 15th centuries. Spain.info describes these routes as a way to explore the heritage, history and culture of Islamic Andalusia, including famous sites such as the Alhambra as well as smaller villages away from the usual tourist. Two of the most evocative routes for a road trip are:
The Route of the Nasrids, from Navas de Tolosa to Jaén and Granada.
The Route of the Almoravids and Almohads, from the Strait of Gibraltar area to Granada.
Although both routes end in Granada, they offer very different landscapes and historical perspectives.
The Route of the Nasrids
The Route of the Nasrids begins in Navas de Tolosa, in the north of the province of Jaén, and continues through Jaén and Granada. It follows a territory shaped by medieval frontier history, where Muslim and Christian powers disputed strategic towns, castles and mountain passes between the 13th and 15th centuries. The official English description presents it as a route filled with castles and watchtowers, linked to the defensive systems created by both Muslims and Christians.
This is one of the best Andalusian road trips for travellers interested in castles, medieval history, olive landscapes and lesser-known towns.
The Route of the Nasrids is an inland itinerary. It does not follow the beach or the typical coastal tourist circuit. Instead, it crosses the heart of Jaén, one of Spain’s great olive-growing regions, and moves towards the mountains and plains that lead to Granada.
Along the way, the route reveals a landscape of: Hilltop fortresses, watchtowers, olive groves, mountain passes and mall villages with medieval heritage.
This route is particularly interesting because it connects the final centuries of al-Andalus with the rise of the Nasrid dynasty, the dynasty that ruled the Emirate of Granada and built the most famous parts of the Alhambra.
Suggested Stops on the Route of the Nasrids
A complete road trip can include places such as:
Navas de Tolosa
A symbolic starting point near Despeñaperros, historically connected to one of the most important medieval battles in Iberian history.
Baños de la Encina
One of the most impressive castle towns in Jaén. Its fortress dominates the landscape and makes it one of the most photogenic stops on the route.
Bailén and Andújar
Useful stops for understanding the geography of northern Jaén and the historic routes that connected Andalusia with Castile.
Úbeda and Baeza
Two UNESCO-listed Renaissance towns that add another layer of history to the journey. Although best known for their Renaissance architecture, they also form part of the wider cultural landscape of inland Andalusia.
Jaén
A key city on the route, with its cathedral, Arab baths and the Castle of Santa Catalina overlooking the city.
Píñar, Iznalloz and Deifontes
Smaller towns that mark the approach to Granada through a landscape of caves, hills and historic defensive positions.
Granada
The final destination and the symbolic heart of the Nasrid legacy. No visit is complete without the Alhambra, the Albaicín and the old streets that preserve the memory of the last Muslim kingdom in Spain.
The Route of the Almoravids and Almohads
The Route of the Almoravids and Almohads connects the Strait of Gibraltar area with Granada. The official English page describes it as a route of around 400 kilometres, divided into two branches through the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz, with coastal, countryside and mountain villages. Both branches converge in Ronda before continuing towards Granada.
The 2025 official leaflet explains that the route links the coast and villages of the Strait with Granada through Cádiz, Jerez and Ronda, following historic communication routes between North Africa and southern al-Andalus.
This route has a different personality from the Route of the Nasrids. It begins near the sea, close to the Strait of Gibraltar, the historic bridge between Europe and North Africa. From there, it moves through Cádiz, the white villages, Ronda, parts of Málaga and finally Granada.
The route is associated with two powerful North African dynasties:
The Almoravids, who arrived from the Maghreb and ruled large parts of al-Andalus during the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Almohads, who followed them and also left an important political, military and architectural legacy in southern Spain.
For travellers, this means a road trip full of contrasts: Atlantic light, mountain villages, Moorish fortifications, whitewashed towns, dramatic cliffs and the gradual approach to Granada.
Suggested Stops on the Route of the Almoravids and Almohads
Tarifa
One of the most atmospheric starting points, facing Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Castellar de la Frontera and Jimena de la Frontera
Fortified towns with strong frontier character, surrounded by countryside and natural landscapes.
Cádiz
One of Europe’s oldest cities, with a maritime identity that adds a different rhythm to the route.
Jerez de la Frontera
Known for sherry, horses and flamenco, but also part of the cultural corridor that links Cádiz with inland Andalusia.
Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra
Some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, perfect for scenic driving and photography.
Ronda
A major highlight of the route. Both branches converge here, making Ronda one of the essential stops before heading towards Granada.
Vélez-Málaga, Zafarraya and La Malahá
These places help connect the Málaga section with the final approach to Granada.
Granada
The end point of the route and the ideal place to connect the Almoravid and Almohad legacy with the later Nasrid kingdom.
Practical Tips for Driving These Routes
Although the routes are signposted, it is better to treat them as flexible cultural itineraries rather than fixed roads. Plan your journey by choosing the towns you most want to visit and build the route around them.
For a short trip, choose one section and spend two or three days exploring it. For a deeper cultural journey, allow at least five to seven days, especially if you want to visit Granada properly at the end.