Andalusia or Andalucía? Which Spelling Is Correct?

Andalusia or Andalucía? Which Spelling Is Correct?

If you’ve ever searched for travel information about southern Spain, you’ve probably seen Andalusia or Andalucía, or even Andalucia used interchangeably. It’s confusing—but the explanation is actually simple.

The Short, Clear Answer

• Andalusia is the English spelling

• Andalucía is the Spanish spelling

Both are correct. Which one you use depends on the language you’re writing in.

Why Does One Have a C and the Other an S?

In Spanish, the region is officially called Andalucía. The “c” before the “i” creates a soft sound in European Spanish, and the accent mark shows where the emphasis falls.

When English adopted the name, it was adapted to English spelling conventions:

• the sound became an “s”

• the accent mark was dropped

That’s how Andalucía became Andalusia in English.

Which One Should You Use?

Use Andalusia if:

• You’re writing in English

• You have an English-language blog or website

• You’re naming navigation items, categories, or URLs

Examples:

• Slow Travel in Andalusia

• Best Winter Bases in Andalusia

Use Andalucía if:

• You’re writing in Spanish

• You’re referring to Spanish institutions or signage

Examples:

• Junta de Andalucía

• Turismo de Andalucía

What About SEO and URLs?

For an English blog, consistency matters more than anything else.

• Use Andalusia throughout your site

• Avoid accent marks in URLs

Example:

• /slow-travel-andalusia

Final Takeaway

• Andalusia = English

• Andalucía = Spanish

• Both are correct—just don’t mix them in the same context

If your audience is English-speaking travelers, Andalusia is the right choice.

Related Reading: If you’re planning a winter trip to southern Spain, you may also enjoy this guide to Andalucía in winter.