travel to andalucia spain

Travelling to and Touring in Andalucia

Andalucia has been a favourite destination for sun-seeking travellers for decades and there is no wonder why. Most days are sunny, your luck will need to be out to have planned a stay here and not have seen the sun.

However, there is much more to do in Andalucia than just sit on the beach, even though that is not a bad way to pass a holiday if you want. Below are links to pages on Andalucia.com that you will find very useful when planning to travel in Andalucia.

To see info about general motoring maps of Spain or the Costa del Sol click on the links.

There are 9 international airports which serve as regional gateways. Five are located within Andalucia; Malaga, Seville, Almeria, Granada and Jerez, and four located just outside Andalucia;… More →

Accommodation

If you and your friends or family want to get right back to nature, you'll find a variety of simple, rustic accommodation around rural Andalucia. Usually the cabins are traditionally built from… More →

The number of people who wish to participate in an educational courses while enjoying a holiday break is increasing. Andalucia is an ideal venue for such courses.

Travel transfers offer 24 hour transportation in a rental car with driver. You can book your travel transfers in Andalucia by Internet, even for public holidays. Your driver can meet you as soon… More →

Practicalities

Telephoning from Spain is not difficult. The international direct dial access code is 00. Dial 00 plus the country code plus the area code and phone number. (Don't forget you may need to drop an '… More →

Professional car hire services at Malaga airport. All-inclusive prices, book your car online and pay on arrival - without cancellation fees!

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The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

• Isabelle Hoyne
• February 15, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

Pulling together the perfect southern Spain itinerary can be testing – I remember feeling overwhelmed when first sitting down to plan my trip to Andalucia – and you might be feeling this way too. This is a long one, but stick with me and by the end, you’ll know how to craft the perfect Andalucia itinerary!

I close my eyes and I am back there – flashes of orange blossoms, dusty, white towns that teeter on the precipice of yawning gorges, the solitary echo of footsteps on ochre-hued streets at siesta time. 

I taste the salty tang of Manchego cheese as it hits my tongue and squint my eyes in the bleached light of the midday sun, as I am once again immersed in the kaleidoscope of experiences that make up a road trip in Andalucia . 

Andalucia is famous for its shoreline – along its fringes are the beaches of the Costa del Sol, firm-favourite of many a package holiday fan. 

Its gateway is the port city of Malaga, but to step inside the interior of this region is to discover its beating, cultural heart and the very best of Southern Spain.

Our route first took us from the coast to the sweeping arches of the Puente Nuevo at Ronda, and on then to cosmopolitan Seville , capital city of Andalusia.

From here we journeyed our way further through southern Spain to gawp at La Mezquita in Cordoba before finishing at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, racking up our step count at Granada’s Alhambra .

Since initially writing this Andalucia itinerary guide, I’ve spent a number of months living in the marvellous metropolis that is Seville. I’ve fallen even further under Andalusia’s charms and hope to help you do the same through this comprehensive guide.

I understand that time constraints may be different for all readers of this post, and so below, I have outlined a variety of proposed itineraries depending on number of days you have available.

Further on in the post, I lay out my recommendations for each destination mentioned. Happy planning!

Essential links for booking your Andalucia trip

Search for and book flights via  Skyscanner Book your car rental via Rentalcars Make sure to book in advance: ☆ Make sure to book tickets to the Alhambra well in advance, that include entry to the Nasrid Palaces as visitor numbers are limited daily. To get the most from your visit, book a small group guided tour or alternatively, a private tour . ☆ The Seville Super Combi Pass offers a discounted bundle price for access to the Alcazar, Cathedral & Giralda Some memorable experiences in Andalucia ☆ Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus ☆ VIP early-access Alcazar of Seville tour (editor’s choice) ☆ Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour (great for foodies – I took this tour & loved it!) ☆ Small group catamaran trip in Marbella with dolphin watching ☆ Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Acantilados de Cerro Gordo-Maro Natural Park Recommended hotels : Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria (Ronda hotel with spectacular views) // Soho Boutique Hotel (luxe for less, Seville) // Villa Oniria (boutique beauty I stayed in, Granada) // H10 Palacio Colomera (reasonably priced Cordoba luxury hotel with pool) Best Andalucia vacation rentals : take a look at these dreamy apartments

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Why history, culture and gastronomy lovers should visit andalucia, when should i go to andalucia, what is the best way to get around andalucia, how many days do i need in andalucia, andalucia itinerary 7 days, andalucia itinerary 10 days, andalucia itinerary 2 weeks, andalucia by train itinerary, ronda & the white villages, related reading for granada & andalucia, like this post pin for later.

Andalusia’s history is a long one.

For millennia these lands have attracted a diverse range of people. From early, pre-Christian metalworkers to the Phoenicians, the Romans to the Moors, Andalusia finally found itself in the hands of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, when it then became the nucleus of Spanish trade with the New World in the 16th century.

Responsible also for the Reconquista , they made it their business to either convert to Christianity or expel from Spain its Muslim and Jewish occupants.  

Each ruling dynasty left its mark on the region. Possibly the most unique and lasting legacy is that of the Moors – in fact, flamenco, one of Andalusia’s most distinct cultural outputs, finds its origins in Arabic roots.

Arabic influence on Andalusian architecture is also extremely distinct in this region, presenting a magical hybrid of Moorish and Spanish qualities (called ‘ Mudejar ’) that won’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

The perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, be wowed by architectural diversity and uniqueness and spend a good deal of time in tapas bars swilling local wine, an Andalucia road trip needs to make its way onto every traveller’s southern Spain itinerary .  

Planning your Andalucia road trip

Before embarking on our Andalusia road trip , it took a little bit of head scratching and quite a bit of research in order to answer all questions and decide on a route and itinerary for the trip. 

Where should I base myself in Andalucia and how much time did I need? Is it safe to self drive in Spain? Is it possible to get around Andalucia by train? You will likely have the same questions, so let me answer these for you below!

As with a lot of destinations, the shoulder months of April/May and September/October make for a great time to visit Andalucia, with average daily temperatures of anywhere between 20-30 degrees celsius (68-86 Fahrenheit).

I’ve visited Seville during May/June and temperatures sat at around 27/28 degrees celsius each day.

I would highly recommend that you avoid visiting at the peak of summer, particularly July and August, as the temperatures in places such as Seville can soar to a blistering 40 degrees celsius (104 fahrenheit) or more.

Bear in mind that the temperatures will vary from place to place – Seville, for example, will be milder than Ronda and Granada.

I spent a week in Andalucia across the New Year period and found it to be an excellent time to visit.

Conditions ranged from ‘short-sleeve weather’ in Seville, to ‘wear a coat weather’ in Granada, but there was sunshine everywhere we went and minimal rain (especially compared to home- Ireland! ) which makes Andalucia a very attractive winter sun destination in Europe.

I looked into buses, trains and hiring a car in Andalucia as a means of completing our southern Spain itinerary. We opted in the end to hire a car. My reasons for this:

Getting around Andalucia by train

Train routes in Andalucia are good, with fast AVE trains linking Malaga, Seville and Cordoba.

They don’t, however, work out very well when trying to incorporate Ronda and any of the White Villages into your itinerary and you have a little less flexibility if you want to venture off the beaten path outside of Andalucia’s larger urban centres.

Price wise too, when I looked at the cost of train tickets for two travellers and compared to hiring a car, there was little in the difference. Weighing it up, it was worth the flexibility of having a car at our disposal for our particular itinerary.

If it makes sense for your itinerary, though, train is still a solid option and you can check times and book tickets here .  

Getting around Andalucia by bus

Travelling around Andalucia by bus is also an option, but not one I opted for. Like the train, you’re tied to bus schedules and bus station drop off/pick up routes.

Personally, too, I just prefer to travel by car (or train), but if you would prefer to travel by bus then you can search for and book your tickets here.

Hiring a car for an Andalusia road trip

If you have decided that hiring a car is a good move for you too, then wonderful – let your Southern Spain road trip begin!

I suggest hiring something that’s not too much on the large side and that is comfortable enough for the longer stretches but small enough to navigate the often minimal spaces of narrow, cobbled city centre streets and car parks. 

I always use rentalcars.com when hiring a car abroad. I like them for the following reasons:

• You can compare all car rental companies in a given destination. They also have superior filtering options too, so you really can drill down to what you’re looking for – even to the deposit amount and payment type. 
• All the info you need for your relevant booking can subsequently be found in their convenient app – no print outs necessary.
• You can often amend/cancel your booking with no additional charges.

Driving in Andalucia during your itinerary for southern Spain- what you need to know

If you’ve ascertained that renting a car is the best way for you to get around Andalucia for your southern Spain itinerary, what else do you need to know?

Road conditions in Andalucia : the conditions of the roads in Andalucia are very good. Much of the road between main cities is motorway and when not, single lanes are wide and easy to navigate.

Driving distances and time : one thing I loved about our itinerary for Southern Spain was that there was never too much driving between locations.

As a rough guide, here is a summary of the time we spent transferring between cities (departing from and arriving to city centre locations in each):

• Malaga Airport to Ronda: 1 hr 15 mins
• Ronda to Seville: 1 hr 45 mins
• Seville to Cordoba: 1 hr 40 mins
• Cordoba to Granada: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Granada to Malaga Airport: 1 hr 25 mins

Provided that you leave at a sensible time and aim to arrive at your next stop in the same vein (i.e. not during the middle of rush hour traffic), the times provided by Google Maps between destinations are accurate and can be relied upon.

Parking is often not included in hotel rates, and is usually available at a nearby secure, underground car park.

Rather than source your own car parking (which might end up being far from your accommodation on the outskirts of town), I’d recommend taking the hit on this for peace of mind while driving a rental car in an unknown city.

It usually costs around €25-30 per day.

Is driving in Andalucia easy?

Driving in Andalucia really doesn’t pose too many problems. The roads we encountered were all high quality and we ran into no logistical issues when using Google Maps – once we followed the route provided we ended up where we needed to be.

Cities will be busy – Seville is a little tricky, as you first need to navigate larger intersections as you make your way towards the centre and then narrow streets once you go further in. Granada was much the same, although on a lesser scale.

We got caught out driving into the centre of Cordoba – there is a local access only zone that is controlled by electronic bollards so if your accommodation is in the old centre, arrange entry into the area in advance with your accommodation.

All in all though, a fairly straightforward driving experience as things go.

How long is a piece of string?! The charms of this region are plentiful and far reaching. To really cover a good chunk of the region of Andalucia as opposed to a city or two, then you need at least one week in Andalucia for it to be worth your while.

You want to allow for at least 2-3 days per stop (with a couple of exceptions requiring less time), so keep that in mind when crafting your Andalusia itinerary .

Personally, I spent a week in Andalucia and would have loved to extend my time there by another few days if I could.

I’ve included my 7 day Andalucia itinerary below, along with how I recommend organising your time should you have 10 days to spend in Andalucia. I’ve also included a 14 day Southern Spain itinerary as well.

• Ronda (2 nights)
• Seville (2 nights)
• Cordoba (1 night)
• Granada (2 nights)

A 7 day Andalucia itinerary allows you to get a real flavour of the region.

You will find yourself on the road at least every second day or so of the trip, but as I’ve mentioned above, journey times between destinations in Andalucia aren’t too long, so this won’t be too arduous. 

If you use the itinerary above in the given order (assuming most will be flying into/out of Malaga airport – so this is your starting point), you will be able to fit in many highlights of the region.

Each of the cities above are key points of interest in Andalusia and they are all also unique to each other, allowing you to uncover much of Andalucia in 7 days .

• Ronda & the White Villages (3 nights)
• Seville (3 nights)
• Malaga (1 night)

10 days in Andalucia will allow you to take some more time to explore the region a little more slowly. Rather than add in additional destinations, I’ve instead expanded on the 7 day itinerary to allow you a better immersion in those places I feel warrant more time. 

I’ve given an additional day in Ronda so you can explore the unique White Villages in the area.

Seville too gets an extra night – I’ve stayed in Seville for a week before and didn’t run out of things to do, so the 10 day Andalucia itinerary above allows a little more time to uncover the delights of my favourite Spanish city. 

Finally, I’ve ended this 10 day Andalucia itinerary in Malaga.

Instead of making your way straight to the airport, take a day to explore Malaga as a variation for this itinerary for southern Spain – perhaps visit an art gallery, admire the orange trees in Plaza de los Naranjos, or take a well earned dip in the Mediterranean Sea! 

• Granada (3 nights)
• Nerja (3 nights)

Your two week Andalucia itinerary builds on the 10 day route. Key changes include an additional night in Granada to allow for a day to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains (for skiing in winter or beautiful hikes in summer) and 3 nights in Nerja to slow down, grab a sun lounger and relax on the beach.

Yes, while having 14 days in Andalucia potentially means that you can cram in more destinations and stops, I know from experience that trying to cram in more does not usually result in a superior trip – the opposite.

In fact – so slow down, immerse yourself in each of your stops and don’t come back from your trip more exhausted than when you left for it! 

Trust me, Andalucia is a region that needs to be explored slowly, as much of this journey is about the experience in itself. 

While it wouldn’t be my recommended way to do it, as I prefer the flexibility of having a car, I understand that this might not be practical for everyone. It is definitely possible to undertake the above itineraries by train, with a little tweaking. 

Book your train tickets in advance here , especially if you are travelling during peak times.

You will be able to complete the loop of Malaga-Seville-Cordoba-Granada-Nerja-Malaga by train – the only thing you would miss out on would be overnighting in Ronda.

I really, really, would recommend visiting Ronda if you can (it’s very different to all of the cities), so there is a way to circumnavigate this conundrum by allocating your night in Ronda as an additional night in Seville and undertaking a guided day trip to Ronda and the White Villages from Seville.  

Building your Southern Spain itinerary – places to visit

So now that we’ve covered off where you should go, what is there to see in each of these places?

In this next section, I’m going to touch on some recommendations for each of the destinations that I mentioned on the 7, 10 and 14 day Andalucia itineraries above. 

I’m not going to provide you with one of those “on day 1, go to this place at 9am, followed by the next place at 11.15am” style itineraries – this is a holiday, not a military operation and Andalusia is a place that encourages you to relax!

I think it’s far more enjoyable to have a ‘menu’ of things to do in a place to have at your fingertips, depending on how you feel at the time. Decide on a couple of ‘must-sees’ in advance, book your tickets, and then fit the rest in around those booked activities. 

While known for being the birthplace of modern day bullfighting, Ronda is even more iconic due to its unique situation, perched atop what seems to be the almost bottomless El Tajo gorge, across which the giant arches of the Puente Nuevo stretch, joining the old Moorish town with the ‘new’ town. 

What to see & do in Ronda

Ronda is such a picturesque and inspiring location that merely walking around it was nearly enough to keep me going! However, below are some highlights and ideas of things to see and do in Ronda.

Get acquainted with Ronda

If you’d like to get your bearings and understand the history of the place, which is very interesting, then take a walking tour on your first day. For a history lesson that’s a little more quirky, drop into the Bandit Museum , Spain’s only museum that is dedicated to bandits and highwaymen. 

Visit the Municipal Museum that is housed in Ronda’s Mondragón Palace , with moorish courtyards, stunning gardens and awe-inspiring views.

Located in the old Arabic quarter of San Miguel, pop in to visit the Arabic Baths , which were built in the 13th century and are the best preserved in Spain.

Take in the views & the famous El Tajo Gorge

Examine the star of the show in Ronda, the Puente Nuevo from all angles and at different times of the day to really get a deep sense of appreciation for the feat of engineering that it is.

Hike down the gorge from the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora in town to view the Puente Nuevo from below – just don’t think about the fact that you have to walk back up it afterwards!

Make sure to take some air too at Ronda’s Alameda de Tajo , an elegant outdoor square that leads out towards sweeping views of the El Tajo gorge.

We went for an early morning run along here, and it definitely knocked the cobwebs off!

Get familiar with the surrounding countryside

Visit some more of the famous White Villages , or Pueblos Blancos. Suggestions include Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas and Grazalema.

Alternatively, you foodies out there might enjoy this alternative White Villages experience – where you take to the countryside on e-bikes and sample wine and cheese as you go!

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, want to take in the beautiful scenery and don’t mind getting a bit dirty, then the dramatic surroundings of the El Tajo gorge are the perfect location to do a gorge buggy tour .

Ronda bull ring

While a controversial topic and not a sport that I personally support, Ronda is famous for its bullfighting, making the Plaza dos Toros (or bullring) one of its most popular attractions. 

Where to stay in Ronda

Hotel catalonia reina victoria.

Upon pulling back the curtains and throwing open the doors of our balcony, I knew that I had chosen the right spot to stay in Ronda!

Offering absolutely insane views from the balconies of its rooms, the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is a Victorian style hotel that has undergone modern refurbishment.

Complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and those exceptional views to boot, you really can’t go wrong with this one. 

Catalonia Ronda

I agonised between this hotel and Catalonia Reina Victoria. The Catalonia Ronda is located right in the heart of town, just across from the bull ring (Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is 500m walk from the centre).

Boasting a rooftop pool with views into the bull ring and on towards El Tajo gorge, this is one for those who want to be slap bang in the middle of the action and are looking for a hotel in Ronda town centre.

Ah, Sevilla. This delightful, stylish, historical city is hands down my favourite in Spain and needs to find itself on every Spain travel plan. Whether it’s cultural sights, architecture, cuisine or shopping (or a healthy dose of all four) that you seek, this city really has got it all.

I’ve written all about what to do in Seville in my Seville guide , but here’s a synopsis.

RELATED READING | The Best Airbnb Seville Spain [2024] – 22 Luxury Airbnb in Seville

What to see & do in Seville

EDITOR’S NOTE | TakeWalks , our small-group cultural tour company of choice, have recently launched a range of tours in Seville.

These include an excellent food tour that I’ve taken, and a Seville in a Day Tour with VIP Alcazar Access . I’d highly recommend that you check them out.

Alcázar of Seville

First things first, get yourself to my favourite landmark in Seville, the Alcázar of Seville . Still in use as the King of Spain’s Seville residence, this amazing palace boasts incredible Mudejar architecture and extensive gardens. It was also featured as Dorne in Game of Thrones.

It’s super popular and also sells out early in the day, so book your skip the line tickets here . Once you see the queue that forms as the day progresses, you’ll be happy you’ve bought yours in advance, trust me!

There’s also quite a lot to take in at the Alcazar, so if you’d love to know more about it and haven’t done your reading in advance, then consider taking this small group tour, which has received over 500 5 star reviews from past guests.

If you’re looking for something really special, then consider the TakeWalks VIP early-access tour .

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Beside the Alcazar, you will find the incredible Seville Cathedral, (which is the 3rd largest church in the whole world !), along with its iconic Giralda, which towers beautifully above the rooftops of Seville.

Again, queues get crazy long, so book a skip the line ticket in advance. When you’re done exploring the cathedral, make sure to climb La Giralda , which is the cathedral’s bell tower, for beautiful views over the city.

TOP TIP | If you plan on visiting both Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar, it can work out better for you to purchase a Seville Super Combi Pass . This includes skip-the-line entrance to both these attractions, plus a hop-on/hop-off bus around Seville.

You can also download audio guides for both the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that incorporates both the Alcazar and the Cathedral. With them located so closely together, it makes sense to visit them on the same day.

I’ve rounded up the best Seville Cathedral tours in this post – check it out!

Rooftop cocktails

All that touring is thirsty work! For those seeking a more glam viewpoint of Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, head to the rooftop bar of the EME Cathedral Hotel for cocktails. I’d highly recommend visiting at sunset.

Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park

Another emblematic location in Seville is the expansive, fountain and tile filled Plaza de España . Try go early in the morning if you can to have more of the space to yourself, as it fills up quite quickly throughout the day.

Make sure to visit and take a stroll in the adjoining Maria Luisa Park during your time in Seville.

Explore the neighbourhoods

You could while away hours wandering the cobbled streets of Sevilla, but when you are in town, do make sure to wander through the Santa Cruz , the old Jewish quarter in the historic area around the Cathedral.

Cross the river, too, and explore some of the craft workshops of the Triana area.

Seville is the home of flamenco dancing, so it is a fitting location in which to attend a flamenco show.

This Flamenco show features 15 of Seville’s best flamenco dancers at Seville’s famous Tablao El Arenal, with a choice of three packages – show with drink, show with tapas, or show with dinner. Alternatively, you could consider TakeWalks Tapas Crawl & Flamenco experience .

Metropol Parasol

Finally, Seville is home to the very modern Metropol Parasol installation – evening time makes a great time to view this as the sun sets over Seville. If you visit early in the day, make sure to head underneath to the interior – where you’ll find an authentic food market in full swing.

Where to stay in Seville

Casa romana hotel boutique.

I had a hard time trying to find somewhere that was reasonably priced over the New Year period in Seville, that would also pass muster and my rather picky hotel standards.

Luckily, I happened upon this charming, 4 star boutique hotel after oodles of hours spent searching. 

Rooms are set around a delightful outdoor courtyard (like a Roman villa) that features a lovely, trickling water feature. There is also a rooftop terrace with a hot tub.

The street it is located on is quiet, and its position in the Old Town meant we were 15 minutes away from everything.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

If you want to splash out on a spectacular luxury hotel in Seville, then look no further than the emblematic Hotel Alfonso XIII.

Situated right beside Seville’s Royal Alcazar, the architecture and design of the hotel borrows heavily from its Mudejar-themed neighbour.

Comes with everything that you would expect a hotel of this ilk to offer.

Soho Boutique Villa

Those looking for something a little bit more affordable, but nonetheless luxe, will find that Soho Boutique Villa ticks all their boxes.

This stylish, 3 star boutique hotel features trendy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and is located too in the old town area of Seville. 

Click here to discover a curated list of Seville holiday apartments

We arrived in Cordoba just as the sun was setting, casting a soft golden haze on the walls of the city as we made our approach from the river. Cordoba is special. For many years preceding the Reconquista, Jews, Muslims and Christains lived peacefully side-by-side. 

An important Roman city too, Cordoba is a melting pot of all these cultures. Famous also for its patios, this is a rather gorgeous and extremely atmospheric city that should not be left off any Andalucia travel itinerary.

What to see & do in Cordoba

Visit the Mosque-Cathedral

Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, or ‘ La Mezquita ’ should be the first port of call when visiting Cordoba. This incredibly unique structure of a cathedral housed within a mosque is famous for its red and white arches.

If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating history of this astounding structure, this guided tour  is extremely well reviewed.

Discover the Jewish Quarter

One area of Cordoba that you need to get lost in is the Jewish quarter, or La Judería. It forms the Old Town of Cordoba and is where you will find most of the city’s main sites. 

A quick stop, but well worth popping into is the Cordoba Synagogue , which is the only existing synagogue in Andalucia. 

The Jewish Quarter is extremely interesting, so if you’d like to learn more, then it might be worth considering a combined Mosque-Cathedral and Jewish Quarter walking tour. This one is extremely well reviewed, and finishes with a tapa and a drink.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Another must-see in Cordoba is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos . Having served as the residence of the Catholic kings, inside it features tranquil, Moorish patios and gardens. Climb the ramparts for views across Cordoba city.

You can book a skip the line ticket and guided tour here . You will also be able to see into the Royal Stables of Cordoba from the ramparts of the Alcazar. This is where the famous breed of Andalusian horses was created. You can visit the stables and also attend a show. 

Sample local dishes

Make sure to try Salmorejo , which is the local speciality of cold tomato soup made with bread, garlic, olive oil and vinegar and then topped with egg and ham. It might sound a little weird, but a friend of mine who lived in Cordoba encouraged me to try it and I can confirm that it is delicious!

Get acquainted with downtown Cordoba & its patios

Make sure to stop off and see some of Cordoba’s Patios! These colourful, flower-filled courtyards are dotted around the city.

Take a stroll through the Plaza de la Corredera . Nearby, you will also be able to observe, towering over the street, the columns of the Roman Temple of Cordoba .

Finally, cross the Guadalquivir River via the Roman Bridge for magnificent views back towards the old town of Seville. This bridge has been standing since before the birth of Christ!

Where to stay in Cordoba

Eurostars conquistador.

This 4 star hotel in Cordoba is where I stayed during my visit and it was absolutely perfect for one night.

Located on the opposite side of the street from the Mezquita, I could see the Mezquita’s beautiful Arabic arches illuminated at all times of the day right from my bed, which was really quite special.

At its centre is a beautiful courtyard, which was a lovely spot to grab a drink in.

Hospes Palacio del Bailio

If you are staying a little longer in Cordoba, or are looking for a luxury hotel in Cordoba, then I would opt for Hospes Palacio del Bailio.

This 5 star hotel with swimming pool is located in a 16th century former palace, with interiors that incorporate a stylish blend of both old and new. It is located in the old town and is only 1 km away from the Mezquita.

H10 Palacio Colomera

This snazzy Cordoba 4 star hotel features an outdoor plunge pool, perfect for those hotter days.

Located in the newer part of town close to the Roman Temple, it is still only 1km away from the Mezquita and the old historic area of Cordoba. 

Granada sits at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range and is home to the Alhambra, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.

As the former capital of Moorish Andalucia, Granada’s Alhambra really is something that needs to be seen to be believed and its presence alone in Granada justifies a visit to the city.

Related reading for Granada |

• How to Spend One Day in Granada
• 2 Days in Granada: Itinerary & Tips
• Visiting the Alhambra from Seville (as a day trip)
• How many days in Granada do you need?
• Visiting the Alhambra: Complete Guide

Where to stay in Granada

What to see & do in granada.

Visit the extraordinary Alhambra

This enormous, hill-top fortress is a complex of palaces, gardens and patios – the highlight for me being the Nasrid Palaces.

There is a daily limit on ticket sales, so where you can, I advise booking your tickets months (or at the very least, weeks) in advance if you plan on going at a popular time. Make sure that you book a ticket that includes the Nasrid Palaces , as these are the first to go.

The Alhambra complex is sprawling and its history comprehensive and interesting, so it is a spot where it’s well worth getting a guide.

This small group tour is extremely well reviewed, or if you’re like me and dawdle a lot to take photos and look at things in detail, perhaps opt for a ticket with audio guide instead, so you can move at your own pace.

TOP TIP | If you forget to book your Alhambra tickets, or book your trip a little closer to the date, then it’s highly likely that Alhambra tickets that include the Nasrid Palaces will be sold our.

Scour any tours that have availability for yours dates and know that if all else fails, you have one last ditch attempt.

Each night at midnight, the official Alhambra website re-releases those tickets that have been returned for the following day (or the same day, technically, if it’s after midnight).

Act really fast the second the clock strikes midnight and you may hopefully be able to secure tickets (I did once, but only by the skin of my teeth!).

Discover Granada’s churches

Visit Granada’s Cathedral and Royal Chapel . The final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, I underestimated how interesting I would find the Royal Chapel and it was my favourite attraction in Granada after the Alhambra.

If you want to learn more about this powerful couple and their place of rest, you can book a guided tour . If baroque is your thing, then get yourself to the Basilica of San Juan de Dios .

This incredible 18th century church is swathed in gold features and frescos, and is the most important baroque church in Spain. 

Make sure to spend some time exploring the Aladdin’s cave of shops and stalls in the Albaicín district, which is Granada’s former Arabic neighbourhood. Another worthwhile thing to do in Granada is to watch the sunset from one of the mirador.

The most popular one for this is the San Nicolas Mirador , which offers spectacular views of the Alhambra.

For a memorable experience that combines both, this 5* sunset walking tour takes you through both the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts to the San Nicolas Mirador, regaling interesting facts and stories about Granada along the way.

Go shopping

Granada has an absolutely wonderful range of high street fashion stores and make up shops, with multiple Zara stores –  it’s safe to say I squished in an adequate amount of retail therapy when I was there!

Head to Calle Reyes Católicos where you will find the majority of these. There are also two El Corte Inglés in Granada.

Immerse yourself in the tradition of flamenco in Granada

The area of Sacromonte is famous for its flamenco dancing, the venues for which are often set in caves. This show takes place in a cave-restaurant, in one of Granada’s most spectacular venues.

Eat some tapas

In Granada, you get a free glass of wine when you order tapas. If you are a foodie, then this small group food tour will introduce you to Granada’s traditional products and dishes (including tapas), along with some hidden treasures.     

Visit the baths | Pay a visit to Granada’s famous ancient Arab baths, “ El Bañuelo ”. Unfortunately, these are not in use today, but if you fancy trying to Arabic bath experience for yourself to relax after all that sightseeing, you can book a traditional hammam and massage here !

Get out into the Sierra Nevada mountains | Granada is located in the shadows of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

Your stop in Granada would be the perfect opportunity to break up all of your city visits with some time spent in the clear mountain air. Depending on your interests, here are some ideas to get you started:

• 4WD Sierra Nevada Safari tour
• Sierra Nevada Small Group E-Bike Tour
• Sunset at 2,500m in Sierra Nevada

Villa Oniria

I loved our hotel in Granada! Situated in the city centre, Villa Oniria is an elegant 4 star hotel situated in a 19th century manor house.

Set around a beautiful Andalusian courtyard, it has a plush, yet relaxed atmosphere. The location is great for exploring all the main sights of Granada. There is also a fantastic restaurant located onsite.

Alhambra Palace

If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel in Granada, I would draw your attention to the Alhambra Palace.

It’s probably a toss up for me between here and the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula (where the entry level rooms may be a tad more modern than those of the Alhambra Palace’s equivalent), but it’s the location outside the walls of the Alhambra and the expansive views of the city that clinch this for me – I’ll take a Junior Suite with city views, please. 

Should you find yourself with more than 10 days in Andalucia, I’d recommend adding some beach time to your southern Spain trip itinerary. This will allow you a few days to kick up your  feet and relax after all your sightseeing! 

I’d recommend considering the white cobbled streets of the former fishing village of Nerja, an area far quieter than the glitzy beach clubs that run from Marbella to Puerto Banus. Conveniently, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Granada too.

If the glitz, glamour and beach clubs of Marbella are more your thing however, there’s nothing wrong with that! I’ve written a roundup of the best holiday villas in Marbella, which you can read here .

What to see & do in Nerja

Get some R&R

Relaxation is the aim of the game here, so get your tanning on (safely!) on one of the beaches of Nerja . Some of Nerja’s most beautiful beaches include Playa Carabeillo, Playa El Chorrillo, Playa El Cañuelo and Playa de Alberquillas. 

Explore the local area

Take a day trip to nearby Frigiliana , which is 6km away. Think pristine white buildings, cobbled streets and cute alleyways. You can also visit Visit the Nerja Caves , which stretch for almost 5km underground and have been in existence for millions of years.

They are also home to the largest stalagmite in the world. Nearby too, is the Acueducto del Águila , or Eagle Aqueduct, a very eye catching, red and yellow coloured feat of engineering located just outside of Nerja. 

Hike some of the local area covering beaches, cliffs and Moorish towers before undertaking a spot of snorkelling. If you’re feeling particularly active, you can walk the Rio Chillar gorge – just prepare to get your feet wet!

Another good hike is Il Cielo – which translates to ‘heaven’ – for breathtaking views of the sea and the expanse of the surrounding countryside. 

Where to stay in Nerja

Hotel balcón de europa .

This beachfront hotel in Nerja is built into the Balcón de Europa rock face, and enjoys direct access to Caletilla Beach.

It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with stunning sea views. Opt for a room with sea views and a balcony to properly enjoy the seafront location.

Boutique holiday rental in Nerja

This nautical themed holiday rental in Nerja features a balcony with sea views, along with a pool and sun loungers.

The house is a mere 200m from the beach and it also takes less than 10 minutes on foot to reach the busy centre and its bars, restaurants and shops.

Known primarily as the gateway to the Costa del Sol when I was growing up, Marbella is in fact a city full of culture and has done a lot to shift this image in recent years.

Yes, there may still exist the dazzling lights of Malaga’s glitzy nightlife, but do remember that this too is the city that gave us Picasso.

Built atop Roman ruins and holding Moorish citadels within its embrace, this impressive city is also worth a stop on a southern Spain travel itinerary. 

What to see & do in Malaga

Stroll around the old town, and take in the Plaza de los Naranjos , a beautiful square in the old town centre that is bursting with orange trees. 

Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga . Built by the Moors in the 11th  to protect against Catholic attackers, its prime position provides magnificent views over the city and coastline. You can book a tour here . 

Visit the Roman Theatre . Having only been rediscovered in the 1950’s, the theatre is located right beside the Alcazaba and is free to visit.  This walking tour includes both the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba.

Continue up the hill past the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro Castle . Built to protect the Alcazaba, this is where you will get the best views of Malaga and can even see as far as the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day. 

All about the views here, climb the tower of the whopping Malaga Cathedral for 360 degree views of the city!

Take a trip to the Picasso Birthplace Museum , where – you guessed it – was the place that Pablo Picasso grew up! You can book your tickets in advance here . 

Art lovers should also visit the Museo Picasso Málaga , which explores the life and art of the famous painter and includes 200 of his works of art. You can purchase tickets here . 

You can also visit one of Europe’s biggest and best botanical gardens, La Concepción should this tickle your fancy. 

Enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop bar of the La Terraza de la Alcazaba for incredible views of the city, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. 

Finally, if you haven’t had enough of eating throughout your Andalusia trip (or want to end your trip with a night of feasting) then I thought that this Malaga evening wine & taps tour looked rather appealing!

Featuring the city’s gourmet highlights, from a classic shop to much loved bars, you’ll taste your way through some of Malaga’s classic foods, from Iberian ham to tapas and wine.

Where to stay in Malaga

Palacio solecio, a small luxury hotel of the world.

A gorgeous, luxury 4 star hotel in the centre of Malaga. The hotel occupies a restored 18th century mansion and is a minute’s walk from Museo Picasso Málaga. 

The building and the rooms of this hotel are truly exquisite, featuring an internal courtyard with marble arches and palms.

Hotel Gran Hotel Miramar GL 

This luxurious, 5 star hotel in Malaga is situated along the seafront, offering glorious views of the ocean from some of its rooms.

A listed building, these walls have hosted many high profile visitors over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Hemmingway. A truly chic affair, with glorious views onto the waterfront.

• Alhambra Day Trip | Day Trip to Alhambra from Seville: How to Pull off a Flawless Visit
• 2 days in Granada | Granada in 2 days: Ultimate Itinerary & Top Tips
• Alhambra travel guide | Visiting the Alhambra – Ultimate Guide + Insider Alhambra Tips
• One day in Granada | Best of Granada in One Day: Where to Go, Eat & Stay
• Where to stay in Granada | Where to Stay in Granada, Spain [2024] – Top Areas & Accommodation
• How long in Granada? | How Many Days in Granada Do You Really Need?
• Andalucia itinerary | The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

Related Topics

• Itineraries

Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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Travel Safe

This is a land of culture, history, fiestas, nature areas and excellent food. You’ll be able to visit everything from outstanding monuments to a wide variety of different natural landscapes… and you'll have the chance to take part in several unique popular events and sample a range of delicious gastronomic products.

One way to discover the culture of Andalusia is by exploring the sites which have been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage designation. In Granada, you’ll see the Alhambra palace, the Generalife gardens and the mediaeval Albaicín neighbourhood; in Cordoba, its historic centre with the great Mosque; in Seville, the cathedral, the Alcázar palace and the Indies Archive; and in Jaén, the monumental sites of Úbeda and Baeza. You’ll also be able to experience festivals such as Easter Week, the Carnival in Cadiz, the Rocío pilgrimage in Huelva and the April Fair in Seville.

You'll find a variety of natural landscapes which range from the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Almería to the extensive olive groves of Jaén. You can visit the Doñana National Park –also declared a World Heritage Site–, or go skiing in the Sierra Nevada ski resort. Finally, remember that Andalusia has a thousand different flavours waiting to be tried. From the sherries of Jerez (Cadiz) and Montilla – Moriles (Cordoba), to the classic platters of fresh fried fish known as “pescaíto frito” from Cadiz and Malaga, cured ham from Huelva and Cordoba, olive oil, and other such typical dishes as gazpacho and “salmorejo” (a kind of thicker gazpacho).

Empresa Pública para la Gestión del Turismo y del Deporte de Andalucía, S.A. (Public Company for the Management of Tourism and Sport in Andalusia)

Parador de San Rafael, C/ Compañía, 40 (Málaga)

+34 951 299 300

Get to know the provinces of Andalusia

Almería (Province)

Cádiz (Province)

Córdoba (Province)

Granada (Province)

Huelva (Province)

Jaén (Province)

Malaga (Province)

Seville (Province)

Of particular interest are the Sierra María-Los Vélez Nature Reserve, with its castle, and the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Reserve, with its endless unspoilt beaches and cliffs.…

It has festivals of International Tourist Interest as the prestigious Carnival of Cadiz, the unique horse racing events on the beach at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and the elegant Horse Fair in Jerez de la…

It is well worth exploring its stately white villages, olive groves and mountain landscapes in places such as the Sierra de Hornachuelos and the Sierras de Cardeña and Montoro Nature Reserves.…

In winter, the province offers the chance to ski while enjoying views of the sea, thanks to its distinctive natural setting which includes both a coastline and snow-capped mountains.…

Huelva's cultural attractions include its Baroque architecture in the Condado area, and the Columbus Route of the sites connected with Christopher Columbus (Moguer, Huelva, Palos de la Frontera; from…

This is the home "par excellence" of olive oil, and there are olive groves covering as much as two thirds of the cultivated land in the province.…

The province lies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, and has 160 km of coastline with a multitude of beaches and marinas.…

The province is the setting for two outstanding festivities which are famous for their colour and passion: the April Fair and the Easter Week religious processions, both declared to be of International…

Places not to be missed

Baeza is in the province of Jaén, where some of the world’s…

Costa del Sol

Endless beaches to stroll along, hidden coves, white villages…

Doñana National Park

Doñana is one of Europe's most beautiful and important wetlands.…

Sierra Nevada National Park

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Real Alcázar Palace of Seville

The Real Alcázar in Seville is a group of palaces surrounded by a…

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This centre is the culmination of a wish expressed by Pablo…

Great Mosque of Cordoba

The Great Mosque of Cordoba is a mixture of architectural styles…

Almería Fortress

It was built by Adb al-Rahman III in 955 AD on the ruins of a…

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a beautiful complex of buildings and gardens.…

Cadiz cathedral

It took 116 years to complete, so the mix of styles is evident.…

Other ideas for your trip

If you are an early bird, take note of these beaches in Southern Spain

Are the early mornings always your favourite time of day, even when you’re on holiday?…

Nights of candles, flowers and concerts in Spain

Night falls, the street lights go out and thousands of candles begin to light up the streets, balconies and courtyards of a town.…

Granada in two days

Tour Granada in two days and surrender to the charms of this city that captivates all five senses.…

Family fun in nature

Travelling as a family is one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable experiences you can have.…

Cordoba: one destination with four World Heritage sites

Art, culture, tradition, history... Cordoba combines all of this within only 10 kilometres.…

A road trip along Spain’s east coast

A road trip along Spain’s Mediterranean coast is a guarantee of sunshine, lovely beaches, and plenty of destinations with things to see and do.…

The Al-Andalus train, a palace on wheels

We invite you to discover different parts of Andalusia on board this luxury tourist train.…

Celebrate Pride in Madrid, Ibiza and Sitges

Spain is one of the most LGBTQI+ friendly countries in the world, as demonstrated by the wide range of different LGBTQI+ festivals and activities here.…

Tastes of the sea in Cadiz

The gastronomy in Cadiz is primarily seafood and combines its most traditional recipes with innovative creations that even include Novel foods such as plankton.…

What to do in Andalusia abased on the time of year you come

Want to plan a trip to Andalusia but not sure when is the best time to visit? It is very simple, at all times of the year you´ll enjoy sunny days, whether your…

Night falls, the street lights go out and thousands of candles…

Tour Granada in two days and surrender to the charms of this city…

Travelling as a family is one of the most enjoyable and…

Art, culture, tradition, history...…

A road trip along Spain’s Mediterranean coast is a guarantee of…

We invite you to discover different parts of Andalusia on board…

Spain is one of the most LGBTQI+ friendly countries in the world,…

The gastronomy in Cadiz is primarily seafood and combines its…

Want to plan a trip to Andalusia but not sure when is the best…

Are the early mornings always your favourite time of day, even…

Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.

The Ultimate 7 Day Andalucía Itinerary Without a Car

Updated February 2024

This 7-day Andalucía itinerary without a car is the best destinations to explore in southern Spain . I found myself loving the culture even more than last time, discovering a few new places.

Southern Spain is rich in culture — it feels a world away from Northern Spain. With influences from the Moorish times, the architecture itself is noticeably different. The food is vibrant, influenced both by the sea and land. It’s a part of Spain that has remained passionate, a place to experience the romance of small towns and adventure out into the wildlands. 

My first introduction to this fiery part of Spain was Seville . I was living in Barcelona at the time for a stint and found myself exploring the cobblestone roads for a long weekend. It was idyllic but left me wanting more — an opportunity to do a deeper dive. So this time, I returned with a thirst. I was determined to see more of Andalucía and did so without a car.

I came back for a week of solo travel, stopping in Córdoba , Granada , and Málaga . Tacking this on with my experience in Seville, I’ve put together what would be my ideal itinerary. It’s an itinerary designed to be a bit slower, giving time to savor each destination. 

So here’s a look at the ultimate 7-day Andalucía itinerary without a car.

Short on Time? Here’s How I Would Spend 7 Days in Andalucía Without a Car:

Stop 1 : seville — 2 nights.

• Hotel Casa 1800 Seville , for the best overall hotel

Stop 2: Córdoba — 1 Night

• Hotel Hospes Palacio del Baílio , for the best overall hotel

Stop 3: Granada — 2 Nights

• Hotel Casa 1800 Granada , for the best overall hotel

Stop 4: Málaga — 1 Night

• Molina Lario , for the best overall hotel

How to Get to Andalucía

If you’re coming from Spain like Barcelona, there are multiple flights that land in Seville or Málaga. Major airlines like Easy Jet, Vueling, British Airways and more offer flights within the EU from other major airports as well. 

Getting Around Andalucía Without a Car

Since the whole point of the itinerary is to travel without a car, I’ve shared an entire guide on how to do so in Southern Spain. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for getting around. It gives the best routes, how to use the bus when to book trains and more.

It is so easy to travel to Andalucía without a car! You may not be able to get to all the smaller villages but you’ll certainly be able to see the major cities and towns along the way. Public transportation in Andalucía is really well built out. I know I found it intimidating to put together this trip at first when I knew I would not rent a car. After some deep diving and experiencing it firsthand, I’m so happy to report back how easy it was. 

Head to this blog post for a guide on how to get around Andalucía without a car.

What to Know Before Traveling to Andalucía

Time of Year to Travel

If you plan on a sunny vacation on the Costa del Sol or want to take advantage of ocean activities, the winter may be too cold. I’ll say the summer months here are incredibly crowded but it’s because the beaches are divine. I’d recommend coming on the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November. I went in November and needed a proper coat, there was even snow on top of the Sierra Nevadas. 

Most places will take credit card but it is important as well to carry Euros for smaller vendors.

Spanish is the official language here. You will find that many speak English as well.  

Amount of Time

Though this itinerary is designed for a week-long experience, you could easily spend two weeks in this region. There is a lot to discover here and I’m touching only on the highlights.

Seville is a magical place to start a trip to Andalucía. The heart and capital city of the region, Seville is stunning to explore. Grabbing tapas at the historic and very bustling El Rinconcillo is a must. You’ll find a few gems that you’ll want to pre-book tickets for, like the Real Alcázar de Sevilla and largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, Catedral de Sevilla. 

Other highlights for me included walking around Plaza de Espana at sunrise and with no people. And of course, the dreamy Casa de Pilatos. 

Helpful Seville Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The First-Timer’s Guide to Seville
• 10 Incredible Things to Do in Seville
• 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Seville

Seville Hotel Recommendations

How to get to seville.

The easiest way from northern Spain would be an airplane. If coming from Madrid, there is a high-speed train that takes around 2 hr 30 min.

Many come to Córdoba for the Mezquita alone — a church and mosque that represents deeply the region’s history. It’s an incredible work of art, and worth the trip alone. The city is vibrant, boasting famous patios that are kept pristine. 

Situated along the river, one night here will get you to the majority of the sights and give you a taste of Córdoba. 

Helpful Córdoba Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Highlights of Córdoba — Things to Do and More

Córdoba Hotel Recommendations

How to get from seville to córdoba.

The fastest way is by train and there is a direct option that arrives in around 45 minutes. 

Granada was my favorite city of them all. Nestled up against the Sierra Nevadas, this is a city I could live. Both modern restaurants and old-world bodegas, it feels like the best of both worlds. Something new, something old. Of course, the Alhambra is reason enough to visit the city but where I found myself falling in love, was in the small streets along the hillside.

It felt peaceful yet right in the heart of the city it was bustling. There so much to do here and I honestly felt like two nights was not enough. If you do have an extra night, I’d spend it here. 

Helpful Granada Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The First-Timer’s Guide to Granada

Granada Hotel Recommendations

How to get from córdoba to granada.

The best route is by bus. It’s the cheapest and takes around the same amount of time as the train. I’d recommend booking a seat in advance on Alsa. 

I’ll be honest that Málaga was not my favorite city and I think in large it had to do with the time of year. I spent two nights here and found it was way too much time to spend only in the city. The city is small as far as things to do. The cathedral is beautiful, and the town has quite a few restaurants. The draw to this area, though, is the plentiful beaches and incredible golf courses, which are seasonal. 

So if you’re coming when it is too cold to be at the beach or play golf, one night here or one full day is plenty of time. If you’re here in the summer and you plan to make use of the good weather (hiking, sailing, golfing), I could see how a few days here would be nice. 

Helpful Málaga Guides to Plan Your Trip

• 24 Hour Guide to Málaga

Málaga Hotel Recommendations

How to get from Granada to Málaga: I compared both bus and train options, and the most direct route is by bus. If you take the train, the options are limited and it requires one change. On the contrary, the bus goes every 30 minutes or so and is direct to the city. 

Leaving Málaga: The international airport in Málaga is only 20 minutes from the city center. This is a great spot to catch a connecting flight to another major airport in Europe.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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A bit harsh on Málaga. I enjoyed the Automobile museum there. Also, if you have time, the nearby Caminito del Rey is breathtaking.

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4-5 days in Andalucia: the ultimate itinerary

How to spend 4 or 5 days in andalucia.

You’re planning to spend 4 or 5 days in Andalucia for your next trip? You’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you two 4-5 days Andalucia itineraries .

The first one will start from Seville and the 2nd one from Malaga (the 2 international airports of Andalucia).

In this guide, in addition to the best things to do and activities , I will give you all my best tips as well as accommodations suggestions depending on your budget.

Planning your short trip to Andalucia will be very easy!

Where to stay in Seville

Day 3: cordoba, where to stay in cadiz, day 5: back to seville / return flight, where to stay in malaga, where to stay in granada, 3) back to malaga (1 day), how to rent a car to visit andalucia in 4-5 days, how to go to andalucia: flight prices, renting a boat in andalucia, you’re traveling in andalusia these articles will help you, 1) 4-5 days trip to andalucia from seville.

For this first 4-5 days itinerary in Andalucia , let’s land at Seville airport to discover the region.

From there, you’ll visit Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz .

A quick note: If you want to land in Seville and visit Granada during a 4 or 5 days trip, it’s also doable. However, in such a short time, you will only have time to visit these 2 cities.

If it’s what you want to do, you can read the part about Seville of itinerary #1 and the part about Granada of itinerary #2. And if you need help to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the article.

Day 1 & 2: Seville

From Seville airport , take the bus to reach to the city center in just 40 min. It runs every 30 min and a one way ticket costs 4€.

You don’t really need to rent a car to visit Seville . It’s very easy to visit everything on foot or by public transportation.

On this first day, you should start with the city’s must-see attraction: Seville Cathedral. As there is always a very long waiting line at the entrance of the monument, the best advice I can give you is to buy skip the line tickets in advance online.

The 2 most popular tickets are:

• A standard skip the line ticket to visit the cathedral and the Giralda.
• A 90min guided tour of the Cathedral + access to the top of the Giralda.

If you don’t want to buy tickets in advance and, there is another way to skip the line.

You will need to go to the “Iglesia Colegial San Salvadore” (“Church of the Divine Saviour” in English), located 10 min walking from the cathedral.

There, you can buy a combined ticket to visit both the church and the cathedral. It will allow you to skip the line and enjoy the stunning interior of the world’s third biggest cathedral.

Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for the visit.

A great tip to save time and money: if you plan to visit Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar of Seville, you should opt for the “Seville City Pass”.

It acts as a skip the line ticket for both monuments and also includes the hop-on hop-off bus tourist bus , which stops in front of every tourist attraction of the city. Audio guides are also included!

To buy it, simply click the button below:

Once you’re done, here is how you can spend the rest of your day:

• First, go to the General Archive of the Indies to have a look inside. It’s located right next to the Cathedral and entrance is free.
• Take a walk in Santa Cruz neighborhood, where most historical monuments are located
• Stop by the Plaza del patio de Banderas and enjoy a nice view over the cathedral.
• Discover the stunning Plaza de España, One of the most beautiful squares I’ve ever seen. You have to check it out during your 4-5 days trip to Andalucia!
• Take a stroll in Maria Luisa park . With its shaded paths and numerous fountains, it’s a great spot to get some fresh air and calm. At the southern end of the park, you’ll find The Plaza America and 2 museums: the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of popular Arts and Traditions.
• In the evening, enjoy Spanish cuisine in a tapas bar, with, of course, a glass of Sangria!

The next day , stay in Seville and finish visiting the city on foot.

Here are the best things to do during your 2nd day in Seville:

• Start with The Alcazar of Seville . You’ve probably seen it the day before, as the entrance is located right next to the cathedral. There is usually a long waiting line here too, so you should book your skip the line tickets in advance. It’s simple, just click here! Allow a full morning to visit the palace and its gardens.
• Visit the Casa de Pilatos , also located in Santa Cruz neighborhood. This palace has a large patio and 2 beautiful (small) gardens.
• What about taking a dip in your hotel’s swimming pool to cool off?
• The Metropol Parasol: head there at sunset time, you’ll enjoy one of the best scenic view over Seville.
• In the evening, you should attend a flamenco show . It’s one of the best thing to do during a 4-5 days trip to Andalucia. There is a great show at the Museum of Flamenco Dance. You need to buy your tickets here.

You will find every information you need to visit Seville in my article: The 15 best things to do in Seville.

If you don’t want to (or can’t) walk for too long, you can visit the city with the hop-on hop-off buses : they stop at almost every points of interest.

In Seville, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket also includes 3 short guided tours of:

• The Plaza de España
• The Santa Cruz district
• The Triana neighborhood.
• Black Swan Hostel : Youth hostel located within 10 minutes walking distance from the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Very stylish and contemporary dormitory bed from 17€ per night, breakfast included! Strong points: the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly staff, the free dinners cooked by volunteers. This is the best choice if you are looking for a youth hostel.
• Hotel Don Paco : Located in the centre of Seville, at 10 minutes on foot from the Cathedral. Spacious room and comfortable bedding from 60€ per night, breakfast at 10€. Strong points: excellent breakfast, the peaceful atmosphere and the swimming pool on the roof. My favorite in Seville for its great value for money!
• Hotel Fernando III : Located in the historic district of Santa Cruz and therefore close to the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Modern and spacious room from 106€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the excellent location, the pool on the roof, the very helpful staff.
• EME Catedral Hotel: Located right next to the Cathedral and the Giralda. Very modern double room from 180€ per night, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: The best location in town, the hotel design, the swimming pool with the view on the Cathedral, the amazing breakfast, the very helpful staff. Don’t hesitate, it’s the best luxury hotel in town!

On this third day of your 4-5 days Andalucia itinerary, let’s go to Cordoba !

It’s still not necessary to rent a car yet, as the city is easily accessible by train , in only 40 min. There’re several daily departures.

You should still book your tickets in advance , just to make sure you’ll have seats for the departure time you want. It’s especially needed if you travel to Andalucia during high season.

Cordoba train station is only 15min walking from the historic center . You will walk through a big park, so it’s quite nice!

You will enter the old town by the Almodovar gate , the entrance to the Jewish quarter. From there you will easily reach the most visited site of the city: the mosque-cathedral of Cordoba. The interior, with its white and red arches, is very impressive.

For your lunch break , you should definitely go to one of the 2 main squares of the city , where many restaurants are located: The Plaza de las Tendillas or the Plaza de la Corredera. Either will be a great option for lunch, and you should still go see both because they are very different.

In the afternoon, go for a walk along the Guadalquivir river until the Puerta del Puente and the Roman bridge. Then, cross the bridge to reach the Calahorra tower . It’s possible to go up the tower to enjoy a nice view.

Finally, come back to the other side of the river and head to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos , the last visit of the day. It’s smaller than the one in Seville, yet its gardens are just as beautiful and even better maintained. Take a stroll in the shaded paths around the flower beds, and fountains, sit down on one of the benches and just relax a bit!

Depending on the departure time of your train to go back to Seville, go back to the train station or spend a bit more time strolling around the old town.

You want to learn more about the best things to do in Cordoba? Have a look at my article: Visit Cordoba: the definitive guide

If you want to learn everything about the history of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and the Alcazar , you should book a guided tour.

They need to be booked in advance here:

• Mezquita guided tour
• Alcazar guided tour

Day 4: Cadiz

For the 4th day of your 4-5 days stay in Andalucia , let’s head to Cadiz.

The city, less known than Seville or Cordoba, is an excellent day trip destination from Seville.

By car (more info about renting a car in Andalucia below), it will take around 1h20 . If you prefer to go by bus or train , both trips take about 1h45 and tickets are around 15€.

Once in Cadiz, Here is my recommended itinerary to visit the city on foot:

• Start at the Plaza de San Juan de Dios
• Pass by the Roman theater (free entrance)
• Visit Cadiz cathedral and go up the bell tower to enjoy the view
• Stop by Cadiz market for your lunch break.
• Go up the Tavira tower, the room equipped with a set of optical lenses and mirrors allows you to enjoy the view over the whole Cadiz bay.
• Go on a walk next to the sea along the Campo del Sur until San Sebastian castle
• Pass by Caleta beach, and maybe take a dip!
• Discover the Castle of San Catalina
• Go for a stroll in Genoves park and Alameda Apodaca park
• End your day in Cadiz at the Plaza de España de Cadiz

You can find detailed information about Cadiz in my article: The 12 best things to do in Cadiz .

At the end of the day, you can either go back and spend one last night in Seville or stay in Cadiz to enjoy the city a bit more.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Cadiz, depending on your budget:

• Cadiz Inn Backpackers : Hostel located 10 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. Bed in dormitory from 14 € per night. strong points: its roof terrace and the staff welcoming.
• Hotel La Catedral : As the name suggests, it’s located right next to the Cathedral. Modern and elegant room from 60 € per night, including breakfast. I have a big crush for the rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool and breathtaking views of the cathedral! This is my favorite in Cadiz for its great value for money!
• Parador de Cadiz : Located in front of the ocean and 5 minutes’ walk from the beach of La Caleta. Very nice modern and bright room from 138 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool with nice views, quality of service, well-equipped rooms, original and modern architecture. It’s the best hotel in town, perfect for a luxury stay in Cadiz!

Here we are, it’s the fifth day of your 5 days trip to Andalucia!

If you slept in Cadiz, go back to Seville to take your return flight. If you’re already in Seville, enjoy your last moments in the city.

Depending on the time of your return flight, you can take a last stroll in Seville around Triana neighborhood , the Torre del Oro (“Tower of Gold” in English) and along the Guadalquivir river for example.

Now you know all the best things to do during a 4-5 days trip to Andalucia from Seville!

If you’re staying only 4 days in Andalucia, you can skip one of the day trips to Cordoba or Cadiz.

4-5 days itinerary in Andalucia from Malaga

For this second 4-5 days road trip in Andalucia , you will need to arrive at Malaga international airport.

During this trip, you will visit Malaga and its surroundings as well as Granada .

1) Malaga (2 days)

Here are my recommendations for your first day in the Costal del Sol’s capital:

• First, reach Gibralfaro castle by bus. It offers an amazing scenic view over the city!
• Then go downhill to the Alcazaba, the second must-see attraction in Malaga. This fortress-palace has stunning gardens, patios and fountains.
• Pass by the Roman Theater, the entrance is free! And it’s located very close to to the Alcazaba’s exit.
• Lunch break

In the afternoon, maybe you can visit one the 30 museums of the city.

Here are the best ones in the Andalusian capital, you can choose 1 or 2 depending on your interests:

• Picasso Birthplace Museum (get you tickets here) : where he was born in 1881. You’ll learn more about his life and will see some of his personal belongings on display.
• Picasso Museum , with more than 200 artworks from the world famous artist
• Carmen Thyssen Museum and its extensive collection of Spanish and Andalusian paintings
• Automobile Museum Malaga , housing 85 perfectly renovated vintage cars.
• Pompidou Centre Malaga , a branch of the famous Pompidou Centre in Paris
• Russian Art Museum offers a collection of Russian art pieces in an old tobacco factory
• Museo de Malaga
• Flamenco Art Museum

For most of them, it’s easier to buy your tickets in advance . You can do it by simply clicking on the museum’s name on the list above.

Depending on the museum you choose to visit, don’t forget to stop by (before or after the museum) Malaga Cathedral . Its 87 meters high tower is one of the highest of Andalucia, you can even go to the top and enjoy the view from there.

At the end of the afternoon, you can head to the closest beach : Malagueta beach.

For your 2nd day in Malaga, you will have 3 options

1) keep discovering Malaga on foot:

• Visit another museum
• Pass by the Atarazanas market
• Have lunch in a tapas bar
• Walk around Soho neighborhood, famous for its street art
• End your day at La Concepcion Botanical Garden, one of the largest garden in Spain and even in Europe. To get there, take the bus #2, get off at the last stop and walk for another 15min to reach the entrance.

If you want more details about the best things to do in Malaga , you should read my article: Visit Malaga: the definitive guide .

2) If you like hiking , then you should definitely go to the Caminito del Rey.

This hiking path was for a long time considered the most dangerous one in the world . No worries however, it has been completely secured, rearranged and is now 100% safe!

The path goes along the cliff, 100 meters above the ground. I hope that you won’t get afraid of heights halfway because once you’ve started the hike, you can’t go back. The path is only one way.

If you’re not sure you can do it by yourself, the best is to hire guide : you’ll feel more secure and you’ll also learn many facts about the location and its history. These guided hikes are very popular so you need to book them in advance. Book your guided hike to the Caminito del Rey here.

You can go to Caminito del Rey with a rental car (see the section “How to rent a car in Andalusia” below or you can book a day-tour from Malaga. Fare includes transportation and hiking with a guide. You need to book it there.

3) Visit Ronda , one of the most touristic villages in Andalucia.

You may not have heard of Ronda, but you probably saw pictures of its emblematic bridge . It’s a super photogenic spot, one of the region’s symbols.

To snap the perfect picture, go to the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora and then go down the path located on the right.

As the village is built on a hill, you can also go to the mirador and enjoy the amazing view over the whole valley!

For the rest of the day, simply go for a stroll in the narrow streets of Ronda . You can for example visit the bullfighting arena , Mondragon palace or La Casa Del Rey Moro.

It takes about 1.5hours to go to Ronda from Malaga. To get there, you will have 2 choices:

• Book a day tour from Malaga

If you choose the organized day trip, fare includes transportation, a guided tour of Ronda and the bullfighting arena + visit of a wine cellar . You can book it here.

You will find every information you need to visit Ronda in 1 day in my article: The 10 best things to do in Ronda.

Spend one last night in Malaga.

To visit Malaga, you should definitely get the Malaga Experience Card.

it includes the hop-on hop-off bus ticket + free entrance to most museums + a 1 hour boat tour + a ticket to see a flamenco show.

You need to book it here.

• The Lights Hostel: This hostel located 400 meters from the cathedral. A bed in a dorm starts from 20.50€/night with a breakfast at 1.50€. Strong points: clean, nice rooftop, very friendly staff.
• Ibis Malaga Centro Ciudad: Located next to the cathedral and 5 min from the Picasso museum. Modern double room (typical style of this hotel chain) starting from 65€/night, breakfast for an additional 7.95€. Its best features: very central location to visit Malaga on foot, many breakfast options. friendly staff. It’s my favorite hotel for its exceptional value for money!
• Barceló Malaga: located 10 min walking from the historic quarter and 600 meters from the Center for Contemporary Art. Comfortable and design room starting from 135€/night, breakfast for an additional 18€. Best features: Rooftop pool, location, beds are very comfortable. It’s a great place to stay in Malaga.
• Gran Hotel Miramar: This 5 stars hotel is located 10 meters away from the Malagueta beach. Very elegant and beautifully decorated room, starting from 250€/night, breakfast for an additional 25€. Its best features: the decoration of the hotel and the rooms is truly stunning, the pool, the Spa, the breakfast is delicious. The best choice for a luxury stay in Malaga!

2) Granada (2 days)

It’s time to start the 2nd part of your 5 days stay in Andalucia! Today, you will leave Malaga and head to Granada.

The trip lasts about 1h40 . You can rent a car to get there or go by train (the 1h45 ride costs 12€).

Once in Granada here is my recommended itinerary for your first day:

• Discover the interior of San Juan de Dios Basilica
• Visit the cathedral and the royal chapel
• Have lunch on Plaza Bib Rambla
• Go shopping in the surrounding commercial streets
• Stop by the Alcaicera market
• If you want, visit the ancient Arab baths .
• Go up the mirador de San Cristobal or the mirador de San Miguel Alto to watch the sunset.

Spend the night in Granada.

On the following day, you will visit the Alhambra , a must see during your 4-5 days trip to Andalucia!

It’s the most visited tourist site in Spain. Each day, thousands of tourists come to visit this beautiful fortified Moorish palace.

In order to manage the site better, there is a limited amount of tickets sold per day . So it’s essential to book your tickets in advance online here . And when I say in advance, I mean weeks or even months in advance! I’m not joking, if you don’t do it, you may not be able to visit the site.

There are 3 sites to visit in the Alhambra:

• Nasrid palaces
• The Generalife
• The Alcazaba

Make sure that your ticket includes all 3 sites . Some tickets don’t!

The best way to visit the Alhambra is clearly to do a guided visit. It will also allow you to skip the (very long) waiting line! You need to buy your guided tour here.

Visiting the Alhambra will probably take you the whole morning. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch break and then head to the Sacromonte district, the former gipsy neighborhood.

There, you will be able to visit curious troglodyte homes: the cuevas . Nowadays, most of them host flamenco dance shows.

If you want to learn more about the history of this neighborhood, you should visit the Cuevas del Sacromonte museum . Tickets need to be bought here.

After visiting the Sacromonte , let’s go to the other historic neighborhood of Granada: the Albaicin district . They are located right next to each others, so it’s very convenient to visit everything on foot.

Take some time to wander around this authentic and charming neighborhood with its many small shops. It has a kind of Arabic souk vibe!

There are many monuments to check out in the Albaicin district:

• San Nicolas Church
• Dar-al-Horra Palace
• The Corral del Carbon
• The plaza Nueva
• The Santa Ana Church
• The puertas de la Murallas

At the end of the day, a bit before sunset, you should go to San Nicolas mirador and enjoy the view over the Alhambra.

Then, for a typical Andalusian night , go see a flamenco show . As I was saying above, they are taking place in cuevas. The most famous one is La Cueva Los Tarantos .

Los Jardines de Zoraya is also a very popular venue in Granada.

Spend a second night in Granada.

For more information to visit Granada, you should read my detailed guide: The 15 best things to do in Granada.

To visit Granada , I really recommend getting the Granada Card .

It includes most attractions entrance tickets such as the Alhambra , the cathedral and the royal chapel . The great thing is that this 3-days pass also includes free public transports.

It’s clearly the best City Pass!

• Granada Inn Backpackers: Hostel located 10min away from the Cathedral and 20min from the Alhambra. One bed in a dorm starting from 16€ per night, breakfast included. Best features: the beautiful patio, the location, the very friendly staff.
• Hotel Universal: Located 400m from the Cathedral and 700m from the Albaicin neighborhood. Clean and comfortable double room starting from 65€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the friendly staff, the central location close to stores and restaurants. It’s my favorite hotel in Granada for its amazing value for money!
• Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites: Located on Gran Via avenue, 200m away from the Cathedral. Design and modern room starting from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop pool, the rooms decoration, the generous breakfast.
• Alhambra Palace: This 5 stars hotel is located 10min walking from the Alhambra or the Albaicin neighborhood, next to the Carmen de Los Martires garden. Cozy and spacious room starting from 200€, with an additional breakfast for 19€. Its best features: the Moorish-inspired decoration, the splendid view over the Alhambra from the terrace, the overall comfort. It’s my favorite hotel for a romantic gateway in Granada!
• Parador de Granada: This luxury hotel is located within the Alhambra itself! The rooms are a mix of modern design with touches of antiques elements, starting from 420€ per night, with an additional breakfast for 21€. What I loved: The exceptional location, the overall atmosphere, very helpful staff, the restaurant with a view over the Generalife. This is the best hotel for a luxury stay in Granada!

Today is the fifth day of your 4-5 days Andalucia itinerary.

It’s time to go back to Malaga.

Depending on the time of your return flight, you can enjoy the city and/or the beach one last time.

Now you know the best 4-5 days Andalucia itinerary from Malaga!

If you’re staying only 4 days in Andalucia, spend one day less in Malaga.

If you want to rent a car for your trip, you should use Rentalcars.com website. It’s the one I always use, whether I go to Spain , Sicily , Greece or any country.

It’s my favorite for the 3 following reasons:

• It’s perfect to compare prices between all rental agencies. You can also read customer reviews and make an informed decision.
• If you want to travel with the peace of mind, you can opt for the “full protection” insurance . With it, you’re 100% sure to be fully refunded in case of any damage or even theft. Tested and approved, they have refunded me more than 1200 euros to date!
• Most of the time, you can cancel or modify your booking for free.

And you know the best? They offer the “best price guarantee” : if you find the same car cheaper elsewhere, they will refund you the difference!

If you already know the travel dates of your 4-5 days itinerary in Andalucia, you should book your rental car now to get the best prices. And if you ever change your mind, it’s alright because modifying or cancelling your booking is free.

Click on the button below to compare rental cars prices in Andalucia:

Flight prices to Andalucia vary greatly, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . You will be sure to get the best price!

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Andalucia, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your sea trip in Andalusia? 😊

If you have any question to plan your 4-5 days Andalucia itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments. I will gladly help you!

Andalusia travel Guides

• Buy the DK Eyewitness Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Lonely Planet Andalusia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Snapshot Andalusia guide on Amazon.com

Discover all my articles about Spain : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

• Cadiz: The 12 things you must-see in town!
• Cordoba: Top 15 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Granada: Top 15 best things to do
• Malaga: The 15 best places to visit
• Ronda: The 10 best things to do
• Seville: Top 15 best things to do and places to visit

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 15 comments.

Excellent Information I have 3 nights in Andalucia coming from Lagos Portugal. I have to fly out of Barcelona to get back home in Canada. Do you think using Seville as a base and doing one long day trip to Granada would be my best itinerary?

I would arrive in Seville at about 1pm and would leave on day 4 to Barcelona so I can quickly see Barcelona for 2 days. Seems to me its either Seville or Malaga as the base. If its Malaga, then Granada is doable but not Seville. Just wondering what you think are the best two places to focus on given my short time.

Thanks Frank

Hello Frank,

For your itinerary in Andalucia, yes you have 3 choices:

1. Stay 3 nights in Seville: you can visit Seville for 2 days and do a day trip to Cordoba (only 40 minutes away by train).

2. Stay in Malaga: you can visit Malaga, and then Granada as a day trip. You can also go to Ronda or hiking on the Caminito del Rey.

3. Doing Granada as a day trip from Seville is doable too, just not very convenient, as it’s a lot transports and it would be a bit rushed in my opinion. It’s however the only solution if you absolutely want to see the Alhambra of Granada and Seville.

If you don’t plan to come back to Andalucia, and you’re ready to do at least 5 hours of transport, you can do it. Seville and Granada are the 2 must-see cities of the province.

If however you want to come back, it’s better in my opinion to opt for solution 1 or 2.

To help you to decide which cities are the best for you, you can read my articles about Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Granada y Ronda by clicking on the link below: Visit Andalucia: all the travel guides

And if you need more information about Barcelona, I can help you too. I have wrote an article but it’s unfortunately only in French for now.

Enjoy your trip!

This is one of the best guides Ive read about touring Andalucia. Its comprehensive, detailed and covers all the right spots.

Im visiting Andalucia in october arriving in Malaga. Id like to go to Ronda, Sevilla, Cadiz, Cordoba & Granada as well. I have 9 days/8 nights to do so which is perfect if I blend your two 4-5 days guide.

However Im having a hard time putting it all together. Can you guide me?

Also will there be time to visit any white villages while driving in between cities?

Thanks so much!!!

Hello Carmela,

Thank you for your kind comment. I’m glad my travel blog is helping you to plan your trip!

For your 9 days in Andalucia, I would suggest you the following itinerary:

– Day 1: Depending on when you will land, you can start to visit the city a bit- Night in Malaga. – Day 2: Road to Ronda (1h15) – Visit Ronda – Go to Zahara de la Sierra (it’s a beautiful white village – 40 min from Ronda) – Night around Zahara or you can directly go to Seville (1h20) – Day 3 and day 4: Visit Seville – Stay 2 nights in Seville. – Day 5: Go to Cordoba and visit the city – Stay one night. – Day 6 and 7: Go to Granada and visit the city – Stay 2 nights. – Day 8 and 9: Go to Malaga and visit the city

I haven’t included Cadiz in this itinerary, as I think it would be too much for 9 days. It’s, in my opinion, better to focus on the other cities!

But if you really want to see Cadiz, you can go there the day after Zahara de la Sierra. Then, after Cadiz, you can go to Seville.

However, this would mean you will have one day less in another place. It’s up to you.

To plan your visit to the city, I recommend you to read my articles about Malaga, Ronda, Cadiz, Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. You can find them here (click on the link): Destination Andalucia.

If you have other questions about your trip to Andalucia, don’t hesitate!

Thanks so much!!! for such fast reply! The itinerary looks good. I’ll have to do it counter-clock though, since I need to make a short stop in Nerja first. As I will arrive in Malaga at 10am I will have the first day to stroll around the city so I could take a day off from Malaga and visit Cadiz. However, you are right. I am too inclined into cutting it out in favor of a longer stay and getting more from each city.

Another reason to forgo Cadiz is the chance to visit some of the smaller towns. Ive made a short list of my favorites and they happen to fall in the driving path from one city to the next. For example: Nerja, Frigiliana and Salobreña on my way from Malaga to Granada. Then Priego de Cordoba (for a taste of the best olive oil in the world) and Zuheros on my way to Cordoba. Almodovar del Rio and Ecija or Carmona on my way to Sevilla. Zahara, Olvera and Ronda. And finally Mijas right before getting back to Malaga. Is this doable or too ambitious? How long would you say it takes to visit these small towns? Should I cut them off too?

Sorry for the long post! Will wait for your feedback. Thanks again

Yes, it’s definitely better to avoid Cadiz if you want to add a few villages between the city.

You can easily go to Nerja, Frigiliana and Salobrena on your way to Granada.

Between Granada and Cordoba, if you want to visit Priego and Zuheros, you will not have so much time to visit Cordoba. These small towns are not on the main road, so the journey time quickly adds up.

Between Cordoba and Seville, the best is to do Almodovar + Carmona or Ecija + Carmona, but again, you will have less time to visit Seville, so it’s really as you prefer!

For Zahara, Olvera and Ronda, no problem, it’s doable.

If you want to go to Mijas after Ronda, you will have to take the longer road (2 hours driving instead of 1h30).

So, visiting all these small towns is doable but it will be more tiring as some of them aren’t on the main road. You will spend more time driving, and a lot of them are quite similar (even if all beautiful!)

Enjoy your trip 🙂

Perfect. Will take your advice. Thanks for the input Vincent! And congratulations again for the blog. Looking forward for you to add more destinations!

You’re welcome!

I am really glad my blog is helping you to plan your trip to Andalucia.

I will definitely add more destinations, I already have a lot more in French, translations are just lagging a bit behind. I will do my best 🙂

Enjoy your trip and maybe see you again on the blog!

Hi! I care for views, gastronomy and meeting locals. I will be arriving to Seville and spending 4 days but want to travel to other parts, maybe for 1 full day or 1 day and a half. Where would you recommend? And any guide tours you recommend?

Hello Kitty,

If you want to do a day trip around Seville during your 4 days in Andalucia, you will have the choice between Cordoba, Cadiz or Ronda.

From Seville, there are guided tours to these 3 cities (click on the link below to see the details and book it): – Cordoba Full day tour – Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera day trip – Ronda and the white villages – Full day trip from Seville

Enjoy your trip to Andalucia!

Thanks Vincent. Great article, very informative.

Would you recommend going to Marbella at all if staying in Malaga? We’re planning on going during Summer. If so whats your recommendation there apart from just going to the beach?

Many thanks.

Thank you! I’m glad that my 4-5 days itinerary in Andalusia helps you organise your stay.

Marbella is only 1 hour’s drive from Malaga, so it’s possible to spend a day there. But apart from enjoying the beach there’s not much to do or see. It’s mainly a seaside resort where people come to party at night and go to the beach during the day. I couldn’t really tell you more about Marbella as I haven’t been there as it’s not really the kind of place and atmosphere I look for when travelling.

Enjoy your trip to Andalusia and Malaga!

The itinerary looks amazing! Do you think it would be doable to visit Seville, Cordoba, and Granada (with the possibility of visiting Ronda as well) in 6 days and 5 nights? Would it be possible for you to give a rough itinerary for these places? I would appreciate it so much!

For your 6-day itinerary in Andalusia, you can spend 2 days in Seville, 1 day in Cordoba and 2 days in Granada. On the sixth day, you can return from Granada to Seville. You can make a diversion to visit Ronda on this day, but only if you have a car (and this will still add 1 hour 20 minutes to your journey).

If you’d like more information on places to visit in Granada and Ronda, you can read my other articles here: – What the best things to do in Granada? – What to do in Ronda?

Enjoy your trip to Andalusia!

Thank you so much for this. I will start planning now.

I appreciate it so much!! Very helpful!!!

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10 Days in Andalusia Itinerary: the Best of Sunny Southern Spain

Planning a trip to southern Spain? This is the ultimate 10 day road trip itinerary for Andalusia.

This southern Spain itinerary takes you to the best and most beautiful cities and towns in Andalusia . You’ll discover the top must visit attractions, historic landmarks, and magnificent UNESCO sites.

I loved every stop on my last solo trip to sunny Andalusia. Full disclosure, it was February, so beach lounging was out of the question.

Nonetheless, I had an amazing trip, without the usual crowds. And I’m ready to hand over what I thought was a smashing 10 day itinerary for southern Spain.

This Andalusia itinerary is a well-balanced blend of must see hotspots, hidden gems, tiny whitewashed villages, and natural wonders.

When you think of Andalusia, fiestas, siestas, flamenco, bullfighting, and tapas come to mind. And, though they’re stereotypes, there’s some truth to them.

Tips For Driving in Andalusia

I flew into beautiful Seville and worked my way east, flying out of Granada . But you could just as easily reverse the direction and start in Granada. Starting in Seville meant that I didn’t need a car the first few days.

By far the best way to see Andalusia is by car. That way, you’re not limited by bus or train schedules and you can stop wherever you want. A car is the gift of freedom.

READ : Tips for Renting a Car and Driving in Europe

To be safe, you should have an International Driving Permit, just in case you’re pulled over. And rent the smallest car possible.

Medieval streets, parking garages, and on street parking can sometimes be a challenge. Or even a real headache.

The highways in Andalusia are extremely good. Just be sure to park on the outskirts of any small towns you’re visiting, so you’re not stuck in a labyrinthian maze of narrow medieval streets.

Google maps worked well for me. I’m directionally challenged and only got lost a tiny bit in Granada.

Overview of Andalusia Road Trip

I had three bases: Seville (4 nights), Ronda (2 nights), and Granada (4 nights). I really dislike moving every day.

From those bases, I blitzed around seeing adorable white pueblos, dazzling palaces, Game of Thrones sites, and the natural wonders of Andalusia.

Here’s my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Seville to Granada. You don’t need to pick up your rental car until day 5 when you head to Ronda.

• Day 1 : Seville
• Day 2 : Seville
• Day 3 : Seville
• Day 4 : Train to Cordoba
• Day 5 : Drive To Ronda with Stops at Osuna and Grazalema
• Day 6 : Ronda
• Day 7 : Drive To Granada, stopping in Antequera
• Day 8 : Granada
• Day 9 : Granada
• Day 10 : Day trip to Guadix
• More Time in Spain? Head north to Madrid

I skipped Malaga. It’s hard to do everything with only 10 days in Andalusia.

And it was far less appealing to me — big city, lots of expats, and a cruise ship stop. Though I would have liked to see the Picasso Museum there.

I stayed or stopped in 10 towns: Seville, Cordoba, Osuna, Grazalema, Ronda, Antequera, Granada, Nerja, Frigiliana, and Guadix. I spent the most time in sunny Sevilla, which was sunny even in February.

Where To Stay in Andalusia

You can either stay in Air BnBs or hotels in southern Spain. I’ve done both.

Here are hotel recommendations for the bases on this 10 day itinerary. I put a * by my #1 recommendation.

Seville : * Hotel Alfonso XIII , Hotel Colon Gran Melia ,  Suites Machado , Hotel Casa del Poeta ,   Hotel Casa 1800 Seville ,  EME Catedral Hotel

Ronda : Parador de Ronda , Catalonia Ronda , Hotel Molino del Arco , * Hotel Montelirio

Granada : Eurostars Catedral , Catalonia Granada , * Hospes Palacio de los Patos , Hotel Alhambra Palace

10 Days in Andalusia Itinerary

Let’s dive right in to how to spend 10 days in Andalusia.

Day 1: Seville’s Main Attractions

Use the beautiful city of Sevilla as you base for the first 4 nights.

Seville is amazing. It’s a seductive mix of Mudéjar palaces, ornate baroque churches, colorful tiles, and winding cobblestone lanes. There’s a romance to it. I fell in love immediately.

To be fair, I think there are ways that Seville can be a PITA. I list them here . But on the whole, it was glorious.

On day one, head to the city’s historic center to take in Seville Cathedral, the incredible Royal Alcazar, and the Plaza de España.

You can walk most places in Seville fairly easily. But the hop on hop off bus tour is also a good option.

1. Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is a massive Gothic affair. It’s the third largest cathedral in the world and a UNESCO site to boot.

The sheer scale of the building is impressive. There are 15 doors on the cathedral’s four facades and each one features a unique relief or carving. The nave is the longest in the world.

The high altar is elaborately detailed and finished in gold leaf. Along the sides, there are 80 chapels to explore. The cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Be sure to climb up the Giralda bell tower for spectacular views. The entrance is in a corner of the cathedral. Click here for skip the line tickets and a guided tour of the cathedral and bell tower.

2. Royal Alcazar

Next, head to the Royal Alcazar , one of the top attractions in Seville . It’s a breathtaking 10th century palace that King Pedro gave a 14th century Mudéjar facelift.

The Alcázar is really one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures — a centuries old complex of palaces and fortifications, lovely courtyards, and extensive gardens bursting with orange, purple, and green colors.

The Alcázar is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a residence of the Spanish Royal family. It’s even a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones . It has exquisite tile work and over the top intricate Islamic architecture.

Inside, the highlights are the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Courtyard of the Maidens, the Courtyard of the Dolls, and the Hall of Tapestries in the Gothic Palace.

The Ambassador’s Hall, or Throne Room, is the big showstopper in the palace. It’s mind blowing.

The room is nicknamed the “Half Orange” Room. It sports a fantastical gilded cedar domed ceiling. Encrusted with gold and mirrors, the dome represents the heavens.

Outside, there’s a series of verdant lush gardens. Don’t miss the Baths of Maria De Padilla, King Pedro’s mistress. The baths are one of the Alcazar’s Game of Thrones filming locations , a place where the Sand Snakes plot.

I advise purchasing tickets online well in advance. Even in February, I had a half hour wait in line. If you’d also like a guided tour, which you may for this fantastic place, click here for a 1.5 hour guided tour.

The Alcazar was my very favorite place in all of Andalusia. Here’s my complete guide to the magnificent Royal Alcazar .

3. Plaza de España

Later, spend the early evening checking out the Plaza de España .

The plaza is one of the famous architectural landmarks in Seville. It stands out in a city already overflowing with beautiful architecture.

It was built for the Ibero-American World Fair of 1929, where Spanish speaking countries enjoyed a year long mutual admiration festival.

The park’s highlight is the Spanish Pavilion, the sweeping half circle structure with rose gold brick buildings.

Day 2: More of Seville’s Top Attractions

Cross the Puente de Isabel II bridge over the Guadalquivir River, and you’ll land in the colorful Triana neighborhood.

It’s a small soulful village and the old gypsy quarter of Seville.

Triana was once considered the “wrong side” of the river. Now, its the fun and funky part of Seville.

And it is THE place to buy ceramics. And, I was told, the best place to se flamenco.

2. Metropol Parasol

Next, visit Metropol Parasol.

The ultramodern Metropol Parasol was built between 2005-11 by German architect Jürgen Mayer to revitalize the run down Encarnacion Square.

It’s called “the Mushrooms” due to its quirky waffle-like shape, inspired by the vaults of the Seville Cathedral.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket and guided tour.

3. Barrio Santa Cruz

Spend the late afternoon amidst the orange trees and tapas bars in Barrio Santa Cruz. Barrio Santa Cruz was once Seville’s old Jewish quarter.

It’s a popular district within the city — a mass of tangled cobbled streets with tiny palazzos and tile covered patios. There’s a mouth watering array of tapas bars and restaurants.

Some streets are so impossibly narrow, they’re called “kissing lanes.” I especially liked Plaza Dona Elvira.

4. Tapas Tour

In the evening, I recommend going on a Devour Seville “Tapas, Taverns & History” tour that evening. The tour was fun and has 5 star reviews.

You’ll get nummy tapas and nuggets of history.

The Sevillanos adore very sweet drinks, including something called “orange wine.”

Day 3: Round Up of Seville Attractions

1. museum of fine arts.

On your last day in Seville, your first port of call is the Museo de Bellas Artes , or Museum of Fine Arts. It opens at 9:00 am.

It’s one of Spain’s best art museums . The museum is quite lovely and crowd free to boot.

The museum is known, after the Madrid’s Prado Museum , as the “second art gallery in Spain.” It’s housed in a lovely salmon colored former convent.

The museum has art from the middle ages to the 20th century. But it’s mostly known for its collection of 17th century art from Spain’s Golden Age.

The museum has work by Spain’s top painters, including Zurbarán, Murillo, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez. You’ll see a lot of monks, balding saints, cherubs, and depictions of Christ.

The museum also has a goodly collection by the Baroque star Murillo. (You can also Murillo’s works at Seville Cathedral.)

Murillo achieved fame and recognition from his religious portraits. But he also left behind some fascinating work of everyday people and street life.

2. Casas de Pilatos

Then, pay a visit to Casa de Pilatos . The casa is a glorious, sumptuous 16th century mansion in Seville’s historic district.

It’s about a 15 minute walk from the Cathedral. The palace was declared a national monument in 1931.

Casa de Pilatos is a beautiful Neo-Mudejar mansion. The palace is overflowing with mosaics, beautiful tile, and sculptures.

A highlight is the courtyard. it’s surrounded by a gallery formed by white marble columns with Mudejar arches.

Inside, there are 24 busts of Spanish kings, Roman emperors, and other characters gracing niches in the walls, which were collected from the ruins of Italica. Click here for tickets.

3. Basilica of the Macarena

In evening, wander north to see the Basilica de la Macarena and the “weeping virgin” in the north end of Seville. The Macarena is a bit off center.

It’s on the north end of Seville’s city center. But it’s definitely worth a detour.

The basilica is also known as the Church of the Virgin of Hope of Lady Macarena. It’s a showy bright yellow Neo-Baroque Church. It houses Seville’s favorite “weeping virgin,”  La Macarena .

After visiting the church, stroll along the river to the Torre del Oro. It’s a pretty tower, but you don’t need to go inside.

Day 4: Day Trip to Cordoba

On day 4 of my 10 days in Andalusia, take the train to Cordoba for the day. You can also book a day trip tour from Seville, to make things easier.

I loved Cordoba. It’s a natural film set, it’s just so beautiful. Here’s my one day itinerary for Cordoba for reference.

Cordoba has an authentic Spanish vibe with fewer tourists than Seville. The town definitely deserves more than one day. Still, I saw quite a bit in the 9 hours I was there.

Start with Cordoba’s #1 site, the Mezquita , the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Dating from the 10th century, it’s a UNESCO site and one of the world’s most well- preserved Islamic buildings.

In the 16th century, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella converted it into a cathedral, calling it the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption.

I expected the combination to be discordant and perplexing. But I found the place fascinating, a snapshot of the sophisticated dual culture that once existed.

You walk in from a courtyard of orange trees through the Porta de las Palmas. You’re immediately in a forest of candy cane horseshoe arches. A highlight is the Mihrab, or high altar in a mosque.

The Renaissance cathedral is built right in the center, sharing marble and space with the Islamic arches. The vaulted ceilings are stunning. Be sure to go up the bell tower for spectacular views of the city.

Click here to book a ticket and guided tour of the Mezquita.

But there’s much more to Cordoba than the Mezquita. Just downhill from the Mezquita is the Guadalquivir River. Cross the stunning Roman Bridge, which is both a UNESCO site and Game of Thrones filming location.

Stroll around the narrow streets of the charming old Jewish Quarter. Skip the Instagram popular Calleja de las Flores, or just stroll by.

It’s overrated and crammed with tourists. There are beautiful flowers and patios everywhere in Cordoba.

Go into the Jewish synagogue, say hello to the statue of Maimonides. Visit the beautiful Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This Alcazar can’t hold a candle to Seville’s Royal Alcazar, but I thought it was still worth a visit.

I had a late lunch in the courtyard of an adorable cafe in the Jewish Quarter, El Rincon de Carmen, which I would definitely recommend.

If you don’t want to walk around Cordoba, you can also take the hop on hop off bus tour .

Day 5: Drive To Ronda with Stops at Osuna and Grazalema

On day 5, pick up your rental car on the way out of Seville and head to the tourist-fly popular town Ronda for “bridge porn.”

On the way, I stop in the charming white pueblo towns of Osuna and Grazalema.

Osuna surprised me. I visited the town for its dashing bullring, which is one of Andalusia’s Game of Thrones filming locations .

But Osuna itself was beyond adorable. It’s a charming white pueblo village with a rich architectural and cultural heritage.

There’s row upon row of white stucco homes and streets dotted with orange trees. Osuna’s a vertitable art gallery, with all its Renaissance and Baroque churches.

UNESCO lists Osuna’s main drag, the Call San Pedro, as the second most beautiful street in Europe . Osuna was declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1967.

2. Grazelema

Next up is Grazalema. It’s a pretty mountain village of Roma origin. It’s completely different than Osuna, more wild.

It lays in the valley of Sierra de Grazalema, splashed with whitewashed homes and surrounded by olive trees.

I was there in February, so there was even a sprinkling of snow. I paused in the main square, the Plaza de España, which is lined with bars and restaurants, for a late lunch.

3. Zahara de la Sierra

Depending on time, you can also visit Zahara de la Sierra, right next door to Grazalema.

Like Grazalema, it’s streets are white, immaculate, and fairly deserted. You can climb to the Tower of Tribute for views.

Day 6: Ronda: Hemingway’s “Romantic Background”

Only 40 minutes from Grazalema, Ronda is vastly more popular. It’s the third most visited town in Andalusia.

And there’s a a reason — it’s dramatic. Ronda is Andalusia’s great cliff hanger. It’s perched on a mountainous gash carved by the Río Guadalevín.

Ronda is synonymous with its dramatic 18th century bridge, the Puente Nuevo.

The bridge connects the two parts of the town over the 328 feet El Tajo gorge. You can hike to the bottom of the gorge for great views.

Aside from the bridge, Ronda is pretty adorable. There are plenty of cozy town squares, cobblestone alleys, terraces everywhere, and lovely architecture.

You can visit the Mondragón Palace, the Arabic Baths, and the Bullring (Spain’s oldest one) if you’re feeling ambitious.

I made this a lazy, laid back day, after a fairly hectic schedule. I like to have a more relaxed day halfway through a road trip. Ronda fit the bill perfectly.

Day 7: Drive from Ronda to Granada, Stopping in Antequera

On day 7, make your way to Granada . En route, take a break and stop in the white pueblo town of Antequera . Like Osuna, Antequera surprised me.

I came to inspect the UNESCO dolmens. They are a fairly new site just listed in 2016.

But I absolutely fell in love with the town itself. Antequera is known as the “Florence of Andalusia.” And, unlike Ronda, I had the place mostly to myself. Antequera is really a must visit destination in Andalucia.

Antequera boasts ancient UNESCO megaliths , an impressive Moorish fortress, a lovely Renaissance church, and a stunning medieval and baroque historical core. You’ll have an eyeful of swoonful scenery.

Antequera’s ancient megaliths were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. The megaliths, or dolmens, are definitely an under appreciated UNESCO site, perhaps because it’s so new.

The Bronze Age dolmens are among the oldest things on the planet. They’re essentially Spain’s Stonehenge. The dolmens were discovered between 1903-05 by the brothers Antonio and José Viera of Antequera.

If you’re a ruin luster, you should definitely see them. They are just outside the town. Signs will direct you there.

You can book a guided walking tour of Antequera or a tour of the dolmens .

Day 8: Granada: The Alhambra and Barrio Sacramonte

On day 8 of your 10 day southern Spain itienrary, you land in the beautiful city of Granada.

1. Alhambra

Start your day in Granada at one of the most famous landmarks in Spain , the mighty Alhambra. The Alhambra is the world’s last and greatest Moorish fortress.

To visit, you need to pre-purchase tickets well in advance. You may want to pre-book a ticket and guided tour to enrich your visit.

The Alhambra sits on a stunning piece of real estate. It’s in a high, mountainous location on Sabika Hill. it boasts sweeping views over Granada and the surrounding countryside.

In the Moorish tradition, the Alhambra is decorated with water: “standing still, cascading, masking secret conversations, and drip-dropping playfully.”

Alhambra became a UNESCO site in 1984. It’s a deeply affecting place. It’s so beautiful and enchanting, it’s difficult to process. Or to unglue your camera from your face.

The most beautiful spot is the Nasrid Palace. When you buy your Alhambra ticket, you’ll be given a specific time to visit this particular palace.

Make sure you get in line at the right time. Or they won’t let you in.

There are no words to describe the breathtaking Moorish architecture of the Nasrid Palaces.

At every turn there is exquisite craftsmanship and/or a stunning view. The Court of the Lions and the Court of the Myrtles are highlight.

For more information, here’s my comprehensive guide to visiting the Alhambra .

2. Granada’s Historic Old Town

Once you’ve drooled over the Nasrid Palace and relived history in the Alcazaba, it’s time to explore Granada itself.

I didn’t know I would love Granada before I arrived — a common theme of my Andalusia trip apparently. But Granada unexpectedly swept me away with its authentic Spanish vibe and dazzling attractions.

Lorded over by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s an absolutely beautiful ancient city. There is scad of historic architecture, including a massive Gothic cathedral.

Granada also boasts many atmospheric neighborhoods, each with an earthy distinct character.

3. Granada Cathedral & Royal Chapel

Granada Cathedral is a massive affair. It’s the second largest cathedral in Spain after Seville Cathedral and the fourth largest cathedral in the world.

It was built by Queen Isabella after the conquest of Granada. Construction began in 1518. It took over 180 years to complete.

The cathedral’s a mix of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The chief architect was Alonso Cano, who took over in 1652. Inside, there’s a towering interior, a grand altar, and side chapels.

You’ll also want to visit the Royal Chapel. It’s connected to the cathedral, but has a separate entrance and admission fee. You can book a combined skip the line ticket and tour for both sites.

This is where you’ll find the ornate marble tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The Sacristy Museum also holds treasures, relics, and paintings.

4. Granada’s Sacromonte Neighborhood

That night, I recommend taking a walking tour at sunset to the otherworldly Sacromonte neighborhood.

Sacromonte feels disconnected from the city. Yet, it sports one of the most mesmerizing views of the Alhambra.

For centuries, Sacromonte was the home of gypsies, bohemians, artists, and foreign refuges. And they still live in the rustic caves.

Day 9: Nerja and Frigiliana

Craving some ocean air? Drive south toward the Costa del Sol to visit Nerja and Frigiliana. You can visit both towns on a guided day trip from Granada .

Nerja is a lovely town on the Costa del Sol, the beauty playground of southern Spain. The heart of Nerja is its beautiful Balcony of Europe.

The balcony is a palm-lined promontory. It was built not he foundation of an old fort.

The balcony juts out like a natural pier and offers panoramic views of the cobalt blue sea and honey colored coast.

There are plenty of other amazing things to do in Nerja , including hitting Burriana Beach.

2. Nerja Caves

After visiting the town, head to Nerja Caves for a real adventure. The caves are situated on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara, just outside of Nerja.

The caves are about five kilometers long. They were once inhabited by the Stone Age hunters. The caves weren’t discovered until 1959.

On a tour, you’ll see rock formations, stalagmites, stalactites and subtle shifting colors. A guided visit lasts around 45 minutes.

3. Frigiliana

Just 15 minutes from Nerja by car is Frigiliana . Of all the beautiful towns in Andalusia, it might be the most beautiful of all.

In Frigiliana, everything is beautiful in a way that it almost never is. Frigiliana is a spotless, secluded, perfectly coifed cliff town dressed in blue and white with flowing orange and purple vines and potted blood red geraniums. Just dreamy.

And after visiting numerous moorish fortresses, cathedrals and other “must see” Andalusian sights, I was incredibly relieved that there was no major sites in Frigiliana. I wandered the pretty cobbled streets guilt free, enjoying the views.

I was ready to just sink in the Moorish beauty and Spanish countryside. Oh, and meander into ceramic shops, purchasing some lovely items to bring home.

Day 10: Day Trip to Guadix & Granada’s Albaicín Neighborhood

The next day I took a short half day trip to the unique cathedral town of Guadix.

The town is very off the beaten path destination in Andalucia. It’s only 45 minutes from Granada, so it’s an easy day trip,

I went mostly to see the house caves or “cuevas.” Guadix’s inhabitants live in caves, with whitewashed chimneys set against the mountains.

Guadix also has a charming old town and a 16th century cathedral worth visiting. It’s also famous for its earthenware pottery.

Back in Granada later, spend the late afternoon and evening wandering in the old Arab neighborhood of the Albaicín, or Albayzín.

Built on a steep hill, its an ancient area with tight tangled winding streets and a bohemian feel. It’s probably my favorite area in Granada.

The Albaicín was declared a UNESCO site in 1984. Amidst a jasmine scented breeze, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, tapas bars, and even street performers.

You can  book a guided walking tour  of the neighborhood or take a DIY stroll.

More Time in Spain?

If you have more than 10 days in Spain, head north to see a completely different side of Spain. To the north are Spain’s other great cities, Madrid and Barcelona . You’ll also find secret medieval towns, the Costa Brava, and Green Spain .

If you need some destination inspiration, here’s my guide to six one week itineraries in Spain .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 days in Andalusia itinerary. Here are some of my Spain travel guides and resources:

• 10 Day Itinerary for Basque Spain
• Landmarks in Spain
• Hidden Gems in Spain
• 10 Day Itinerary From Barcelona to Bilbao
• 3 Day Itinerary for Barcelona
• 40+ Landmarks in Barcelona
• 2 Day Itinerary for Bilbao
• Most Beautiful Places in Andalusia
• Six 1 Week Itineraries for Spain
• 10 Day Road Trip From Madrid To Seville
• 2 Day Itinerary for Madrid
• Best Museums in Spain

If you’d like to road trip in southern Spain, pin it for later.

4 thoughts on “10 Days in Andalusia Itinerary: the Best of Sunny Southern Spain”

Where did you stay?

Air Bnbs in Seville and Granada.

Hi, thanks for all your info. This has been very helpful for our trip.

For Seville it should be mentioned though that you need!!!! to book your tickets to the Alcazar days in advance to avoid disappointment. We got here thinking that a day would be enough only to be proven wrong. We even tried on the day to go there to buy tickets for the day and even though we arrived shortly before it opened, we were already too late. And this wasn’t even peak season. Second disappointment. It’s crazy that you have to book everything in advance it seems and can’t be spontaneous anymore 🙁

Yes, that is for sure! I find that, these days, you have to book skip the line tickets for star attractions well in advance. Tbere is no spontaneity anymore, even in non-peak season. I was just shut out of the opera tour in Vienna in mid-October even though I should know better.

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Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)

Winding streets through whitewashed villages, the clink of tinto verano glasses scraping against tapas plates, sweeping views across gorges, endless sour orange trees, and 700-year-old palaces: these are just a few of the incredible things that you’ll find on an Andalucia road trip.

As Spain’s southernmost region, there are a downright overwhelming number of places to visit in Andalucia, ranging from whitewashed hilltop towns (pueblos blancos) to Mediterranean beaches to snowcapped mountains, and everything in between!

Planning a southern Spain itinerary can be tricky, if for no other reason than that it’s hard to narrow down exactly where to go.

After two long trips spent falling in love with the south of Spain, we’ve put together this road trip itinerary for Andalucia in the hopes that you come away loving it as much as we do (and avoid some mistakes that we learned the hard way).

If you’re ready to soak up the magic of Andalucia, this southern Spain road trip itinerary is for you!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Southern Spain Itinerary

Renting a car for your andalucia road trip, can this andalucia itinerary work without a car, the ultimate southern spain road trip itinerary, other destinations to add to your andalucia itinerary, the best time to road trip andalucia, what to pack for a road trip in southern spain, andalucia road trip itinerary map.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

With a region as large and diverse as Andalucia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 10 day southern Spain road trip is quite the challenge!

We structured this Andalucia road trip as a loop beginning and ending in Seville, home to one of the largest airports in the region.

Since it’s a loop, you can easily reverse this itinerary if you wish, or start in a different city (such as Malaga).

We designed this southern Spain itinerary around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and stunning landscapes.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 10 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We don’t dedicate much time to the famous Costa del Sol on this travel guide, as this is more of an enjoy-all-the-attractions itinerary rather than a relax-on-the-beach itinerary, but we do include a bit of time to soak up views by the Mediterranean as well.

In addition to the detailed 10 day southern Spain itinerary we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of more incredible places to visit in Andalucia that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style.

This guide to road tripping Andalucia is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

For most people, of course, taking an Andalucia road trip will require renting a car

We recommend renting a small car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this southern Spain itinerary, we recommend picking up a car the morning you leave Seville.

There’s no reason to pick one up for your time in the city, as parking it will be a hassle and you won’t need it for exploring Seville.

Check rates and book your rental car today!

This southern Spain itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit Andalucia!

From offbeat villages to charming hikes to out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Andalucia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.

That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Andalucia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, we recommend basing yourself in larger cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, and taking day trips (independently, guided, or a combination of both) from there.

As much as we love Ronda, we wouldn’t recommend spending more than perhaps one night there without a car.

If you want to structure your itinerary for southern Spain without a car, we highly recommend using Omio to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in Andalucia!

Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Andalucia today!

Day 1: Arrive in Seville and start exploring.

Starting your southern Spain travels in Seville means diving right into the heart of Andalucian culture!

Depending on what time your plane lands, kick off your Andalucia vacation with a visit to the Seville Cathedral–once the biggest church in the world–and a climb up its bell tower.

The Giralda (bell tower) not only includes a beautiful view but is part of Andalucian history.

Before the Reconquista (when Christian powers overtook the Moorish kingdom that once ruled this area), this bell tower was the minaret of a mosque on the same site.

When the sun starts to set, head out for tapas and tinto verano (similar to sangria, but less elaborate and beloved by locals).

We don’t recommend picking up your rental car until day 3 of this itinerary–you won’t need it when exploring the heart of Seville.

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far from guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular Hotel Rey Alfonso X is an excellent choice, and their rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget, Hotel America Sevilla gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 2: Dive into Andalucian culture and history in Seville.

Today, it’s time to explore the rest of the major attractions in Seville!

Be sure to visit the famous Plaza de Espana, wander through the picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz (the former Jewish Quarter), and potentially see a Flamenco show .

Touring the gorgeous Alcazar is also a must: parts of this unique palace were built in the Moorish style, by Islamic craftsmen, for Christian rulers.

The result is a unique and beautiful combination of cultures that brings together several aspects of Andalucian history.

If you’re interested in experiencing more modern architecture in Seville, the famous Metropol Parasol is a fun spot with great views.

For foodies, we highly recommend taking a food tour in Seville on the first full day of your trip: not only is it incredibly fun, but it will help you know exactly what to order during the rest of your southern Spain itinerary!

And, if you’d like to explore the history of bullfighting in Spain, the Plaza de Toros is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world and can be toured (for obvious reasons, we do not recommend attending a fight).

Day 3: Explore Cordoba.

Today, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Cordoba!

Lying about 1 hour, 45 minutes northeast of Seville, Cordoba is famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral , which is exactly what it sounds like–a cathedral built literally inside a former Moorish mosque.

It’s one of the most unique houses of worship we’ve ever set foot in, and it alone would be worth visiting Cordoba for!

While Cordoba’s history dates back to the Romans (and you can stroll across the aptly named Roman Bridge while there), its Moorish period is responsible for much of the city’s stunning architecture and fame.

Cordoba peaked in the 10th century, when it was, for a brief moment, the biggest and one of the most powerful cities in the world.

In addition to the Mosque-Cathedral, be sure to explore Cordoba’s many flower-filled patios, check out the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and visit the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter during your day in Cordoba.

Where to Stay in Cordoba, Spain

We loved our stay at Hesperia Cordoba !

Set just over the river from Cordoba’s historic center and a very short walk from the Roman Bridge, Hesperia Cordoba features spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a rooftop with one of the best views in the city.

For those traveling Andalucia on a budget, Cordoba Carpe Diem is a great option in the heart of the city.

And, if you’re looking to stay in a hotel so luxurious that it’s practically a museum, the popular Hospes Palacio del Bailio is the clear winner (it even features actual Roman ruins!).

Check rates & book your stay in Cordoba!

Day 4: Make your way to Granada.

Winding roads, stunning hilltop towns, and olive trees as far as the eye can see: these are the views that you’ll enjoy when driving from Cordoba to Granada on your Andalucia road trip!

If you’d like to add an extra stop or two to your morning, the Medina Azahara (a UNESCO World Heritage recognized archaeological site) and the Castle of Almodovar del Rio (a magnificent castle dating to 760 that was a Game of Thrones filming location) are both excellent options.

Both places are a bit out of the way, but as the drive between Cordoba and Granada is only about 2.5 hours long, you’ll have plenty of time if you’d like to stop.

Once you get to Granada, settle in and start sightseeing!

Depending on what time you get in, we recommend exploring the picturesque Albayzin (Arab Quarter), climbing up to the Mirador San Nicholas (it’s worth every step!), and enjoying plenty of tapas.

If you have time, consider heading up to Sacromonte to visit the interesting cave museum and to attend an an intimate flamenco show –the neighborhood is famous for them!

Where to Stay in Granada, Spain

We rented an apartment from Mosaiko Homes in Granada, and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!

Mosaiko Homes is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!

Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique Casa de Reyes (that decor!).

For a bit of luxury, the popular Shine Albayzin is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks the Alhambra !

Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Seville or the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 day southern Spain itinerary, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!

Check rates & book your stay in Granada!

Day 5: Discover the Alhambra and other Granada gems.

On the fifth day of your road trip in Andalucia, it’s time to visit the region’s top attraction: the Alhambra!

While the Alhambra is most famous for its stunning Nasrid Palaces built by the Moors, there is an overwhelming amount of things to see at this iconic fortress.

From Generalife and its gardens (a summer retreat for the Nasrid dynasty) to the Alcazaba (the oldest portion of the fortress, which dates to the 1200s) and beyond, there are many sides to the Alhambra to visit.

General tickets to the Alhambra are competitive and often sell out far in advance (you can check available dates here ), but luckily, organized tours and skip-the-line tickets (which are only slightly more expensive than general tickets) are very easy to come by.

Deciding whether to take a tour of the Alhambra or simply use an audio guide is a personal choice, and both have pros and cons.

We took this popular tour , and while we got frustrated with how much it dragged in certain places, we loved having the context of a live guide–especially in the Nasrid Palaces.

We also loved not having to manage the tightly controlled timed entry system for the Nasrid Palaces ourselves.

Keep in mind that not all Alhambra tickets include entry to the Nasrid Palaces.

Make sure that your ticket does, though, because they are truly the star of the show!

You will likely be exhausted after visiting the Alhambra, which makes this afternoon the perfect time to visit one of Andalucia’s gorgeous hammams.

Hammam Al Andalus is well-known, gorgeous, and accessible to English speakers. We loved our time there!

Day 6: Take the scenic route to Malaga (or nearby).

Today, start your morning by enjoying any sightseeing you haven’t had a chance to enjoy in Granada, such as visiting the stunning Granada Cathedral and Royal Crypt.

Depending on what time you get started in the morning and how much time you want to spend on the beach, you can also consider heading 20 minutes outside of Granada to enjoy the popular hanging bridges at Los Cahorros Gorge in Monachil.

From there, it’s time to make your way to the Costa del Sol: no southern Spain itinerary would be complete without soaking up some sun!

We recommend heading toward Malaga via the A-44 to A-7 route–it’s slightly longer than going the A-92 route, but you can’t beat the views driving along the Mediterranean for half the drive!

Day 7: Soak up the sun on the Costa del Sol.

There is an endless number of options when it comes to deciding what town to stay in on the Costa del Sol!

Malaga, the biggest city in the region, is perfect for those who want to potentially take an afternoon road trip to a nearby beach but want to dedicate most of their time to culture.

The best things to do in Malaga include visiting the celebrated Picasso Museum, Alcazaba , Roman Theatre, Cathedral, and beyond, which make for a compelling, but not beachy, trip.

If you’re looking for idyllic beaches, Nerja is the place to go (that’s where the above photo was snapped!).

A beautiful resort town with a promenade?

Estepona might be right for you.

No matter where you end up staying, make sure that you spend at least part of the day admiring views of the Mediterranean with a gelato or glass of tinto verano (or both) in hand.

Since you’re visiting via a Costa del Sol road trip, you can also easily stay in one town and squeeze in a quick afternoon visit to another!

Day 8: Continue your Andalucia road trip and head to Ronda.

Last but certainly not least, say goodbye to the Costa del Sol and head north again to Ronda , one of our absolute favorite places in Spain.

Situated on a ridge, Ronda features sweeping views, a gorge, an 18th-century bridge that is earnestly referred to as the “New Bridge”, ties to the Lost Generation, and idyllic whitewashed streets–and that’s without even leaving the town center.

Much smaller than Seville or Granada, Ronda is nonetheless well worth savoring.

Once you arrive, start by exploring a few of the best things to do in Ronda, such as visiting the Cuenca Gardens, marveling at Puerto Nuevo (and Puerto Viejo and the Arab Bridge, while you’re at it), and visiting the historic Arab Baths (now a museum, though there is also a functioning hammam in Ronda!).

For sunset, there is absolutely no better place to be than admiring the views of Puerto Nuevo and the surrounding landscape from the Alameda del Tejo!

Where to Stay in Ronda, Spain

We can’t rave about our stay at Catalonia Reina Victoria in Ronda enough–it may just be one of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in!

Unbeatable views over the countryside (we upgraded to a terrace room, which was absolutely worth it), excellent customer service, comfortable rooms, easy parking on site, and walking distance to all the best things to do in Ronda–it’s hard to beat that!

The popular Hotel Montelirio , with views of the Puerto Nuevo, is also a great option.

However, as Ronda is the last stop on your Andalucia road trip and finding parking in the city center is fairly simple, you may want to go the complete opposite route and stay in a country hotel just outside of town!

The beautiful and well-reviewed Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas is located a 15-minute drive from Ronda, offers a pool, gorgeous views, and a bit of peace and quiet to end your trip with.

Check rates & book your stay in Ronda today!

Day 9: Explore unique places to visit near Ronda.

In addition to being a fantastic town to visit in its own right, Ronda is also surrounded by excellent day trip options!

Our first choice would undoubtedly be a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas: if you only have time to visit one place outside of Ronda, make it here.

This historic town features many homes and businesses built directly into the surrounding gorge, and the result is one of the most unique towns we have ever laid eyes on!

Other fun places to visit include Juzcar (also known as Spain’s “Smurf Village”–it is painted entirely blue!), and the Cueva del Gato swimming hole.

If you want a unique perspective on Ronda’s famous Puerto Nuevo, you can also drive to the bottom of the ridge and view it from an entirely different angle (keep in mind that there are some tiny dirt roads involved here, but it is doable).

Looking to ditch the car entirely?

You can find plenty of horseback riding tours in the area!

Day 10: Head back to Seville and wrap up your 10 day southern Spain itinerary.

It’s time to wrap up your Andalucia road trip!

Today, make your way back to Seville to drop off your rental car and head home.

If you have time for a little extra sightseeing, consider spending the morning visiting any attractions you didn’t get a chance to see in Ronda or Seville.

Or, for an incredibly relaxing end to your 10 days in southern Spain, book yourself a visit to a hammam in either city!

A mere 10 days in Andalucia could never hope to cover every incredible destination that southern Spain has to offer!

If you’re lucky enough to have a longer timeframe to work with, here are a few more places to consider adding to your itinerary for southern Spain, from beach towns to mountainous parks.

Over 3,000 years old and almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is visually stunning and historically fascinating.

It’s fairly small, given that it is physically constrained by its location, but packed with interesting sights, including over 100 watchtowers!

Technically speaking, your Andalucia road trip doesn’t have to only take place in Spain!

Head to Gibraltar to enjoy views from the famous Rock of Gibraltar, check out the resident wild monkeys, and enjoy the excuse to walk (literally) across the border of Spain to the UK.

Don’t forget to pack your passport!

Jerez de la Frontera

A great alternative to cities like Seville, Jerez de la Frontera offers many of the usual Andalucia highlights–Moorish castle, riding school, festivals–but is (slightly) more off the beaten path.

It’s also famous for its sherry production, making it a fun stop for spirit lovers!

Sierra Nevada National Park

Offering skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and gorgeous mountain views year-round, Sierra Nevada National Park makes an excellent addition to an itinerary for southern Spain for those looking for a place to relax in nature.

Located just east of Granada, Sierra Nevada National Park is easy to add to this itinerary–or, if you’re not much of a beach person, you can even swap the Costa del Sol for some time here!

Puerto Banus

Looking for luxurious yachts, high-end nightclubs, and–essentially–the Spanish version of St. Tropez or Monaco?

Head to Puerto Banus, just next door to Marbella, and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Start by checking out the Golden Mile!

Arcos de la Frontera

Surrounded by the Guadalete River on 3 sides and–like Ronda–situated on the edge of a ridge, Arcos de la Frontera is visually stunning and one of the best whitewashed towns (pueblos blancos) to visit in Andalucia.

Don’t miss the views from the Castillo de los Arcos while you’re there!

Located at the far southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa is far enough out of the way that it doesn’t see quite as many visitors as the famous Costa del Sol (among those who aren’t kitesurfing enthusiasts, anyway)–but it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Featuring wide, sandy beaches famous for kitesurfing and a charming whitewashed town center, Tarifa is a laid-back delight.

It also lies a short ferry ride away from Morocco , and you can take a day trip to Tangiers as part of your time there!

El Caminito del Rey

With stunning gorge views and adrenaline-inducing heights, El Caminito del Rey is one of the most iconic hikes in Andalucia!

A decade ago, it was often touted as being the most dangerous hike in Spain–or even the world–but it has now been restored to be much more accessible.

… For those of us with a fear of heights, though, it can still pose a mental challenge!

Andalucia can be a year-round destination–if you can brave the summer heat, that is.

Southern Spain, particularly cities like Cordoba and Seville, are known for being some of the hottest places in Europe.

Summer temperatures can easily reach 98°F (36°C) in the inland cities, which is why during July and August, you’ll find the crowds down at the Costa del Sol, where the temperatures are milder and there’s the Mediterranean to cool off in.

Ideally, this itinerary for southern Spain is designed for the spring or fall, when temperatures are warm but reasonable, the sun is usually shining, and the flowers are in bloom everywhere you look.

If you’re willing to bundle up a bit, winter can also be a wonderful time to take this Andalucia road trip.

The prices and crowds will both be smaller, and if you’re so inclined, you can even go skiing in Sierra Nevada near Granada–the southernmost ski area in Europe!

Here are a few essentials you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Andalucia, Spain!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Spain.

Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in Andalucia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your southern Spain packing list.

Swiss Army Knife  — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh bread from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Andalucia vacation!

Camera  — We absolutely adore our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Reusable Water Bottle(s)  — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use  these .

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)”

beautiful, do you sell a map of this

We don’t sell a map or printable version of this itinerary (yet), but you can click on the button at the top right of the map embedded at the bottom of this article and download it to take with you!

This is exactly the trip we plan to take this fall. Thank you for this great guide! Are the places you reccommend to stay pet friendly? It appeared your were travelling with your dog and we are also travrling with ours. Gracias!

Yes, all of the places we mention staying at personally in Andalucia are pet-friendly and Ranger stayed with us at all of them!

I can’t speak to the alternative suggestions provided, as I don’t source pet-friendly hotels specifically for those (very few of our readers travel with their dogs).

Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Kate, It seems finally I have found the perfect road trip for southern Spain. I plan to go early December or maybe in Jan-Feb. I would like to add 3-4 days to the trip. Could you recommend how to do that? Regards, Amitabh

The sky is the limit!

Beyond the destinations I outlined in the “other destinations” section of the post, you could potentially consider adding on a few days in Morocco with a longer timeline.

You can also easily add more days to any of the destinations included in the itinerary. There’s lots of great hiking around Granada, for example, and of course there’s always the option of enjoying even more beach time along the Costa del Sol.

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If you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been to Málaga. Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion, with half a dozen new art galleries, a radically rethought port area and a nascent art district called Soho. Not that Málaga was ever lacking in energy: the Spanish-to-the-core bar scene could put bags under the eyes of an insomniac madrileño, while the food culture encompasses both Michelin stars and tastefully tatty fish shacks.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Picasso Málaga

This unmissable museum in the city of Picasso’s birth provides a solid overview of the great master and his work, although, surprisingly, it only came to…

Catedral de Málaga

Málaga’s elaborate cathedral was started in the 16th century on the site of the former mosque. Of the mosque, only the Patio de los Naranjos survives, a…

No time to visit Granada’s Alhambra? Then Málaga’s Alcazaba can provide a taster. The entrance is beside the Roman theatre, from where a meandering path…

Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción

These exotic gardens were conceived in the mid-19th century by the Loring-Heredia clan, a noble family of railway builders and bankers who bequeathed the…

Museo Carmen Thyssen

Located in an aesthetically renovated 16th-century palace in the heart of the city’s former Moorish quarter, this extensive collection concentrates on…

Museo Ruso de Málaga

Housed in a former tobacco factory, this offshoot of St Petersburg's Russian State Museum is dedicated to Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries. It…

The antithesis of Málaga's prestigious world-class art museums is refreshingly down-to-earth MAUS, a grassroots movement born out of an influx of street…

Museo Automovilístico Málaga

Fashion and old cars might seem like weird bedfellows, but they’re an inspired combo when viewed through the prism of this slightly out-of-the-box museum…

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Andalucia Tours & Trips

Spain has always left visitors spellbound. The country is steeped in history and culture that has inspired the world. Travel to Andalusia, explore famous sites in Granada and adventure through Moorish Spain. From the beautiful temperatures and sights to the delicious food and wine, there's so much to experience!

157 Andalucia tour packages with 1,723 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

Excellent Tour guide Ophelia is terrific

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Best of Southern Spain

Overall good but areas where improvement / changes/ upgrades would make it better.

• Coach / Bus

South of Spain with Lisbon

It was good Thank you

Madrid and Andalusia (6 destinations)

Wether is very warm.

From Madrid to Barcelona

Lovely opportunity to get a taste of Spain. Organized efficiently. Tour guide Abel knowledgeable, polite, responsive

Best of Spain

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience of the Best of Spain Tour. Many thanks to our wonderful tour leader, Julieta, for her welcoming presence and professionalism. She provided excellent suggestions for our free-time explorations of each segment of the tour and happily assisted group members with any individual requirements for the optional activities. Her cheerful demeanour and energy kept our group focused and cohesive. Her knowledge of the various historic sites, customs and cultures was supplemented with her connections to local professional tour guides. The itinerary gave us the taste of Spain that we were hoping for and fulfilled our expectations. All the travel transportation modes went smoothly, the accommodations were good and well-located for our needs, and, of course, the food choices were amazing. We would rate this tour as excellent and would like to extend again a huge thank you to Julieta for helping to make this trip so worth the two-year wait imposed upon us by Covid.

Colors of Spain - 8 Days

We did an 8-day tour from Madrid to Malaga. The sites were amazing and the tour guides excellent. We took an English/Spanish tour and it worked out that most of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. Only a few of us did not speak Spanish, but the guides worked very hard to speak in both Spanish and English so we could enjoy all the history. I highly recommend the optional package that includes lunches and some shows. The flamenco dancing was incredible.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

We were on a ENGLISH SPEAKING TOUR but we're placed on a SPANISH SPEAKING TOUR. Our guide with LIMITED ENGLISH would forget us 4 Canadians on tour, many details missed unfortunately for first 7 days.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Andalusia with Costa del Sol and Toledo from Madrid

Overall I was very happy with the Tour. The initial pick up point is a little tricky to locate especially as you have to be there so early and it's still dark. It could definitely use a better description to get there. Marina was a fabulous travel guide. She was friendly, helpful, funny and very organised. This meant the tour ran very smoothly. I found the majority of the accommodation we stayed at very clean, large, comfortable and in convenient locations. Some of the dinners were a little uninteresting, but generally they were very good and found the buffet breakfasts filled me for the day. The itinerary was good, but some of the days involved a lot of driving, the price you pay for wanting to cover such a big area in such a small amount of time. Being on a bus with no WIFI made the journey feel even longer. All of the local guides were fabulous! Their knowledge was outstanding and they all delivered the English part of the explanations very well. Having to say everything in Spanish and English does however slow things down, meaning less time to see more. I definitely recommend seeing the Flamenco show, it was fantastic! I skipped the rest of the optionals as I wanted to explore things on my own at a different pace. I'm not sure I would go on an organised bus tour again, as I'm not sure I'm made for travelling the long distances on buses, but for people who enjoy a bus tour and have limited time to explore Spain, this tour is definitely a good option.

Andalusia with Costa del Sol & Toledo

I loved the experience with the tour that Destination Services created according to my needs and the time I had available. The organization was impeccable, the guides were wonderful and I loved especially in the case of Ronda that despite having people who spoke Spanish, English, and French, the guide was fluent in all these languages. Visiting these white towns full of history and incredible landscapes was the best decision I could have made.

Discover Moorish Spain National Geographic Journeys

Lalo has a wonderful way of gathering everyone together by calling us "familia". It is an example of his warm friendly style, he never nags, never looses his cool, he is the best group leader I have ever encountered.

Colors of Charming Spain - 9 Days

Hotels, tour guides, transpiration, transfers all very good. Our only complaint was the bus cleanliness, we rode in from Madrid for several days. When we started our long drive on Tuesday morning, our tray tables had not been cleaned. We had dirty napkins, food crumbs on the tray tables. Other folks also had dirty tray tables. The driver should clean all tray tables every night. Especially at the start of a trip and during Covid!

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Southern Spain: Authentic Andalusia

My first trip with G Adventures, was great. Andalusia is a unique place. Beautiful nature, friendly people and delicious food. It was lovely to be part of this hiking tour. I met amazing people from all over the world. Of course I have to mention our two sweet leaders. Irene and Daniel were super nice with great spirit. Definitely I'm doing this again.

Essential Spain

We booked 2 back-to-back trips to Italy and Spain with Indus and we were very happy with both trips. Italy was amazing! The tour Indus ran was flawless and my companion and I really enjoyed it. Everything from the tours to the hotels and the service was top notch! It feels great to travel after 2 years. Highly recommend both Marvellous Spain and Amazing Italy trips with Indus.

Down South, Self-drive

Excellent tour. Some confusion at the airport. Our representative from the Car Rental Compant was not at the airport when we had arrived. Wasted a lot of time trying to find where the Okay Car Rental station was. Eventually found the shuttle bus that took us to the car rental place. Also, we were dissapointed that we had to pay for parking at 2 hotels. It was not mentioned in the itinierary that this was not included. Otherwise excellent trip :)

What people love about Andalucia Tours

Great Trip, We felt like the trip had enough daily experiences mixed with enough free time. Our Guide and Driver were the best! Enjoyed the entire week, the only thing we would change is a few of the hotel dinners were not for us. I would travel again with VPT based on this experience and would request Miguel and Gabriel guide us along. James B

The itinerary was good; liked the fact that we had a lot of time on our own and that we had the same hotel at least 2 nights in a row. Did not like the fact that we had to take a public bus to our hotel with luggage in tow, and that we had to drag our luggage to various pick-up stops. We have not experienced that on prior tours. The day in Cordoba was poorly planned, leaving us no time to tour the city on our own as was promised. Otherwise everything was fine.

Awesome tour with Europamundo! Enjoy every bit of it. Seville was amazing, overall, an excellent tour. Looking forward for my next year tour with Europamundo

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Andalusia Road Trip: The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Andalusia: one of the most heart-stoppingly beautiful regions in all of Spain . There’s nothing better than driving along the meandering mountain roads between hilltop castles and stopping at beautiful white villages for mouthwatering tapas along the way. The landscapes are iconic; sweeping olive groves cross the open valleys, dotted with orange trees that overlook white sandy beaches in the distance. From charming pueblos to historic cities, discover the best places with this ultimate 2-week Andalusia road trip!

Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary

Andalusia is one of the greatest places to road trip. The drives are beautiful, crossing a diverse range of landscapes—between canyons, under viaducts, and on coastal roads. Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to see all the charming white villages of Andalusia that sit among the hilltops, as well as the most famous cities and beaches in Spain.

Whether it’s action or relaxation, there’s something for every type of traveler on this 2-week road trip itinerary (best done by car for ultimate freedom). 

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 1 – 2: Seville

On day 1 of your Andalusia road trip, begin in one of the most stunning cities in Spain: Seville. This city is famous for the Alcazar, an incredible Moorish palace with the most intricate details and beautiful gardens.

This is your first glimpse of the Moorish history in Spain, an Islamic reign that lasted hundreds of years from the 8th until the 15th century before the country was reconquered by the Christians. This part of history lives on in the architecture seen all around Spanish cities, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia. 

Here are all your hotel options in Seville.

You’ll also notice this architecture at Seville Cathedral, which still looks more like a mosque than a church. It’s also possible to climb the bell tower (minaret) for the most beautiful panoramic views over the city. 

Read: 14 Best Things to do in Seville

Aside from learning about the rich history of Seville, it’s a beautiful city to wander and explore. Everywhere you go, you’ll smell the strong scent of Sevillan oranges among the trees, hear the sound of flamenco dancing, and see the traditional Andalusian courtyards with their gorgeous tilework and fountains.  

Tip: Seville is well-connected to other major cities in Spain, like Barcelona or Madrid , so you can arrive in the city by train if traveling from an international airport.

Where to Stay in Seville

If you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend booking a hotel with a rooftop pool and aircon to escape the heat in the afternoons when temperatures can reach upwards of 40°C (104°F). The more modern hotels with these amenities are just outside of the center.

Hotels in Seville 😴

If a pool isn’t essential for you, look for a traditional boutique hotel in the historic center of Seville, which normally have the traditional inner courtyards and Moorish architectural details.

Day 3: Cordoba  

Wonderful Cordoba: the city of flowers! This city might be small, but it’s perfect as a stopover on your Andalusia road trip. One day is the ideal amount of time to wander the beautiful streets, admiring the many patios (courtyards) filled with vibrant-colored flowers and blue ceramic pots.

Here are all your hotel options in Cordoba.

If you’re visiting in May, watch the city come alive during the Festival de los Patios, a competition for the best florally-decorated courtyard in the city! In fact, this festival is so important that it’s been classified as an ‘intangible heritage’ by UNESCO .

Read: Best Things to do in Cordoba (The City of Flowers)

There are many beautiful buildings to see in Cordoba , but the most famous is the Mezquita (the cathedral of Cordoba). This is one of the most incredible cathedrals we’ve ever seen! What was once a mosque during Moorish times is now a cathedral.

However, barely any changes have been made, and it’s home to some of the most magnificent Islamic architecture you’ll find in Spain. The interior is fantastic, with perfect archways decorated in red and white candy-cane stripes. 

Where to Stay in Cordoba 

Cordoba is home to lots of beautiful boutique hotels, which can be found in the historic center. Make sure to book well in advance if you’re planning on traveling to the city during May, as the festival means that accommodation gets booked up fast and is far more expensive than usual.

Hotels in Cordoba 😴

Another good time to visit is April, when the patios will nearly be ready for the fiesta, but it won’t be as busy.

Day 4 + 5: Granada (Must-do on your Andalusia Road Trip)

Arrive on day 4 in Granada, the most magical city in Spain. Not many cities can boast this kind of scenery; the ancient city is surrounded by snow-topped mountains and has a beautiful river that trickles down into the town.

In the background, sitting on top of the cliffside, and shadowed by the mountains, is the majestic Alhambra Palace (one of the most famous sites in all of Spain).

Here are all your hotel options in Granada.

This colossal fortress complex was once the home of the ruler of the Nasrid dynasty (during the Moorish period in Spain ), and every detail is spectacular. You need a half-day alone just to walk among its opulent buildings and gardens filled with roses and orange trees. 

After your time sightseeing, get lost in the maze-like streets of the old town, paddle in the river off the hillside Albaicin neighborhood, or eat free tapas (in Granada, you get a free plate of tapas with every drink you purchase). 

Read: Ultimate Granada Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Granada

Stay in the historical center close to the cathedral to easily access the city’s shops, restaurants, and most ancient buildings.

Hotels in Granada 😴

Albaicin is also a lovely neighborhood to stay in, particularly as it has excellent views of the city below and across the river to Alhambra. 

Potential Day Trips from Granada: Iznajar + Montefrio

Iznajar and Montefrio are two of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and must-sees on your Andalusia road trip itinerary! Both lie close to Granada and can be visited as half-day trips. We recommend Iznajar as a top priority and Montefrio at sunset if you have time.

Iznajar has one of the most picturesque locations, sitting high up on a hilltop overlooking an open valley and lake below. It’s most famous for its beautiful streets and patios, which are decorated with hundreds of flowerpots and brightly colored geraniums.

This tiny village is mainly home to elderly local people, so the pace of life is slow (it’s the perfect place to wander for a few hours and soak up the atmosphere of Spanish life!). Best of all, Iznajar is just over 1-hour drive from Granada, so it is the ideal half-day trip from the city.

Click here to read all about the things to do in Iznajar .

Montefrio is a hilltop town home to the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle. The views from here are unparalleled, so much so that National Geographic voted Montefrio as one of the top 10 views in the world! Visit the fortress to reach the highest point of the village, followed by a walk to the National Geographic viewpoint, where you can see a direct view of Montefrio sprawled across the hillside. It’s truly one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and the perfect place to visit at sunset.

We stayed in this lovely hotel looking onto the castle .

Day 6 + 7: Frigiliana + Nerja

It’s time to head for the beach! This strip of coastline is named ‘Costa del Sol’, meaning sunshine coast, and it lives up to its name. This area has many beautiful resorts and villages, but Frigiliana and Nerja are some of the loveliest.

Nerja sits on a clifftop overlooking the sea, with fantastic views of the coves and coastline below. It’s the perfect place to stay for the night, with many lovely hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

Here are all your hotel options in Nerja.

From Nerja, you can drive to Frigiliana in under 15 minutes. This beautiful whitewashed mountain town is one of the most photogenic spots on your Andalusia 2-week road trip. Cobbled streets worm uphill, bordered by white houses with painted doorways and flower pots.

You could spend a few hours just getting lost in the streets, taking photos of each beautiful entranceway, and shopping in all the cute ceramic shops. We recommend booking dinner here one evening as many restaurants have terraces where you can sit and enjoy fantastic views of the valley below. 

Here are all your hotel options in Frigiliana.

Where to Stay

There are more accommodation options in Nerja, and you can easily access the beaches if you’d like to swim or sunbathe. If you want to stay in a villa, Frigiliana has many pool options, but you’ll need to book ahead as it’s very popular. 

Hotels in Nerja 😴

Hotels in Frigiliana 😴

Day 8 – 9: Malaga (Half-Way on Your Andalusia Road Trip)

Welcome to dynamic Malaga, a beachside city with a picture-perfect old town. You can find almost everything in Malaga , whether it’s castles, museums, galleries (Malaga was the birthplace of Picasso), or street art. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Andalusia! 

Here are all your hotel options in Malaga.

Exploring the sights of the old town is a must-do on your 2-week Andalusia road trip, for example, the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which are both historical monuments with beautiful views of the city. If you have time, we also recommend taking a half-day trip to the Caminito del Rey , one of Spain’s most thrilling hikes.

Read: Best Things To Do in Malaga

Where to Stay in Malaga

Stay in the old town to be near some of Malaga’s most historic and beautiful buildings.

Hotels in Malaga 😴

Alternatively, if you want more of a beach break, there are plenty of great hotels next to the sea, which are still within walking distance of the city center. 

Day 10 – 11: Ronda

Beautiful Ronda is a place famous throughout Spain for its iconic bridge that hangs over the canyon. The town itself almost looks as if it is balancing precariously on top of the gorge, providing some of the most incredible views out over the Andalusian landscapes.

There are several viewpoints to see the bridge (Puente Neuvo) at its finest: either from below, the lovely Jardines de Cuenca, or the Mirador de Aldehuela. Grab your camera and take some incredible photos from these locations. 

Here are all your hotel options in Ronda.

In the late afternoon/evening, take some time to explore the town of Ronda, whether it’s the main street with its boutique shops or the pretty churches and ancient Arab baths. Ronda is magical and will steal your heart! 

Read: 11 Best Things to do in Ronda, Spain

Where to Stay in Ronda

The main draw to Ronda is the incredible views from the top of the Tajo Gorge. For this reason, many hotels sit on top of the gorge looking out over the valley, so you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation. 

Hotels in Ronda 😴

Day 12: Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unusual white villages of Andalusia and is a fascinating stop on your Andalusia road trip. This pretty town has houses wedged between and under the gorge rock, looking as if they’re almost growing out of the stone itself.

Here are all your hotel options in Setenil.

It’s a popular visit for those who want to visit Calle Cuevas del Sol, a street filled with cave bars and restaurants—one of the most unique experiences on your Spain trip! 

Read: Setenil de las Bodegas (The Cave Village of Spain)

Tip: Combine Setenil with Olvera (another white village) for one of the most beautiful drives along meandering roads and through sweeping valleys of olive groves and fields of sunflowers. 

Where to Stay in Setenil

Setenil is small, but there are some great accommodation options, particularly the cave houses, which have been turned into apartments or hotels.

Hotels in Setenil 😴

Alternatively, stay in any of the white villages of Andalusia and visit Setenil de las Bodegas on a day trip.

Day 13: Villaluenga del Rosario or Zahara de la Sierra

Villaluenga del Rosario and Zahara de la Sierra are another 2 of the white villages of Andalusia . This is a group of 19 whitewashed pueblos (small towns) in the region that are known for their charm and beauty. 

Villaluenga del Rosario

Villaluenga del Rosario, meaning ‘town of the rosary,’ is unusual in that it hugs the side of the mountain and doesn’t have any hilltop viewpoints, unlike some of the other white villages in the area. However, it’s actually the highest, sitting at 900 meters above sea level! Many great hiking trails lead up into the mountains from here, and there are some beautiful, ancient sites within the town itself, from the old bull ring to the cemetery (one of the most picturesque we’ve ever seen).

Here are all your hotel options in Villaluenga del Rosario.

Zahara de la Sierra

If you have some time, drive to Zahara de la Sierra for some of the most spectacular views you’ll find on your Andalusia road trip itinerary. Discover one of the most important fortresses in the area that sits high up on the mountaintop, providing incredible views over the bright blue lake below. If you want, you can also take a boat trip across the lake to see the town from a different angle.

Here are all your hotel options in Zahara de la Sierra.

Stay in a rustic bed and breakfast or hotel in the countryside to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. There are also a few accommodation options within the towns themselves but book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Hotels in Villaluenga del Rosario 😴

Hotels in Zahara de la Sierra 😴

Day 14 + 15: Cadiz

Cadiz has really different energy compared to many other places in Spain. Not only is it one of the oldest cities in all of Europe , but its southernmost nature makes it feel very raw, wild, and rugged.

The coastline has long sandy beaches, with plenty of wind for watersports, backed by the city’s ancient maze of streets and beautiful historic buildings. It’s also a port town, so you’ll see plenty of fishing boats bobbing on the water, giving it a village atmosphere even though it’s a reasonably sized city.

Here are all your hotel options in Cadiz.

As it’s so far away from many of the bigger cities in Spain, like Barcelona or Madrid , it still has a very traditional Spanish feel (most restaurants only serve the traditional tapas menu and drinks). Two days is a great amount of time to explore the old city, climb the cathedral tower (incredible views), enjoy the nearby beaches, and shop in the local food markets. 

Where to Stay in Cadiz

Stay in the historical center closest to the oldest sites in the city and enjoy the evening atmosphere when everyone congregates at the little bars among the narrow streets.

Hotels in Cadiz 😴

Day 16: Seville (End of your Andalusia Road Trip)

Day 16 is the final day of your Andalusia road trip itinerary, and what a trip it’s been! From charming white villages nestled among the hilltops to beautiful coastal towns and Moorish cities, you’ve seen some of the most beautiful places in Spain . Drive back to Seville (1 hour 20 minutes) to drop your hire car and head home. You might even have time to squeeze in one last Spanish meal before your train or flight!

Tip: Seville has an airport with flights leaving to major cities in Spain, as well as France and beyond. If you’re looking to travel further afield, take a train from Seville back to major cities like Barcelona , Madrid , or Malaga, where you’ll find international airports with more flights.

How to visit Andalusia in 2 weeks

Andalusia is a massive region in southern Spain, with countless beautiful villages, hikes, and cities to explore. You could easily spend a month or more slowly working your way around the region. However, 2 weeks is the ideal amount of time to see the majority of Andalusia’s highlights. This Andalusia road trip itinerary (2 weeks) is designed to be done by car, although it is possible to use public transport (with a bit more planning). 

Getting to Andalusia

There are a few airports in Andalusia. However, Malaga is the biggest, with flights arriving from all over Europe as well as internal flights from other bigger cities in Spain.

If you’re flying into Barcelona or Madrid, consider taking the train to Andalusia. There are many high-speed, direct options that will get you to Malaga, Granada , or Seville in a matter of hours.

Getting Around Andalusia on your 2-week Road Trip

The best way to experience Andalusia is by car. The region is vast and very remote, meaning you’ll have greater freedom to reach the small villages and rural nature if you can drive. 

It is possible to travel by bus in Andalusia, but not all the destinations on this itinerary have public transport connections. You might have to make changes or take taxis to reach the more remote parts of Andalusia.

Buses move between the major cities and towns in Andalusia and are usually very cheap and comfortable. Make sure to do your research in advance as to whether you need to pre-book or can pay by cash on arrival. 

Trains link major cities in Andalusia, as well as some towns. For example, Seville , Malaga, Granada , and Cordoba. However, you won’t be able to reach any of the white villages by train. 

Our Favorite Accommodation in Andalusia

There are many beautiful accommodation options in Andalusia, whether it’s a charming old town hotel tucked down a narrow street in Seville , a cave apartment in Setenil , or a bed and breakfast overlooking the Alhambra in Granada . Below are some of our favorites for a 2-week itinerary in Andalusia.

• Seville: Hotel Gravina 51 , Lukanda Hospec , Hotel Dona Maria , Oboe Sevilla Catedral
• Cordoba: H10 Palacio Cordoba , Hotel Boutique Suite Generis , La Ermita Suites , Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero
• Granada: Casa de la Catedral , Casa Bombo , BiBo Real Chancilleria , Häxaris Casa Boutique
• Nerja: Apartamentos NUEVA 22 , Casa Eva
• Frigiliana: Bed and Breakfast Villa Corte Azul , Casa Calle Real 87
• Malaga: Be Mate Hotel , Vincci Larios Diez , iloftmalaga , ICON Malabar
• Ronda: Apartamentos Circulo De Artistas , Salvatierra Guest House , La Escondida , Romántica Lofts
• Setenil: Casa Cueva un Rincon , Apartamentos Cantareria Jazmin , Casa Rural El Tajo , Casa Cueva Las Calcetas
• Villaluenga del Rosario: Casa de los Cuadros , Conjunto Rural Casa Victoria
• Zahara de la Sierra: Cuesta la Ermita , Alojamiento Rural El Pinsapo
• Cadiz: Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas , Candelaria10 , El Armador Casa Palacio , La Casa del Consul

How Much Do 2-Weeks in Andalusia Cost?

Andalusia is one of the cheapest regions in Spain. Eating out is very reasonable, and in some cities, tapas is even free! What’s more, book ahead, and you can find beautiful hotels for a fraction of the price you’d find in bigger cities like Madrid or Valencia .

Expenses for a 2-Week Andalusia Road Trip

A 2-week road trip in Andalusia will cost you anything between 2000-3000 USD. This includes accommodation for every night of your stay, food, entrance fees, the price of your rental car, and fuel. 

Costs of Traveling in Andalusia

Travel on a budget in Andalusia, from $180 − $380 USD weekly per person, mid-range $460 − $1590 USD, and high-end from $1590 − $2480 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $150 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $35 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $5 − $15 USD
• Activities: $2 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Andalusia

The most popular time to visit Andalusia is during the summer when you can make the most of the beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean Sea. However, be aware that the summer months are very busy and can be more expensive (particularly in August when the Spanish take their holidays). These are also the hottest months when temperatures in places like Cadiz and Seville can exceed 40°C (104°F). Because of this, it’s not the best time for city sightseeing. 

Instead, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn. You’ll still get warm temperatures and beautiful sunny days, but it’ll be much more comfortable for sightseeing and road-tripping. Temperatures can be in the high 20s as late as the end of October! 

Travel Insurance for your Andalusia Road Trip

It’s always a good idea to purchase single-trip travel insurance, even if you’re only traveling for 2 weeks in Andalusia. This covers the potential for any accidents or loss, for example, theft of baggage, canceled flights, or a road accident.

We use Heymondo for all our trips, as they have very responsive customer service and a 24-hour online chat where you can speak with medical professionals.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Spain trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Things to Know About Andalusia

There are a few things you can learn about Andalusia that will make your trip run a little more smoothly:

• Tap water is safe to drink in Andalusia. It is quite chlorinated, which can make it taste a little different from what you’re used to. However, drinking is safe, so bring your reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free ! 
• Siesta time. During the summer, all shops and restaurants close for siesta (typically somewhere between 4 PM – 8 PM). On Sundays, most conveniences are also shut.
• Public holidays. Spain is a country with some of the highest number of public holidays in the world! This means there is always a fiesta somewhere, so make sure to check ahead for shop, restaurant, and road closures.
• Hot summer temperatures . In August, temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). Make sure to plan your sightseeing in the early mornings or evenings to avoid being in the sun (the hottest time of day is usually around 4 PM). Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
• Always carry cash , especially in small villages where sometimes card is not accepted.
• Bring extra layers if you’re traveling in the mountains, as it can get cooler in the evenings. 

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Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hello, Do you feel like this would be a safe trip to do a solo female? (A solo female who does not speak Spanish at that.) Thanks!

Hi Meghan! Spain in general is a safe country to travel to, with low crime rates. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas (pick pocketing does happen) traveling should be a breeze. Though we recommend learning some Spanish words, people in Andalusia are very welcoming and kind, and see a lot of other travelers. You can always download Spanish offline on Google Translate for those moments English (and hand gestures) don’t seem to work. Though we don’t think many of those moments will occur :) The region also has good public transport that’s easy to navigate, making getting around very straightforward, even if you’re not familiar with Spanish. Hope that helps a bit!

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How to Spend Two Incredible Weeks in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia is unlike anywhere else in Spain, and it’s one of my favorite regions. The second-largest autonomous province in Spain boasts sandy beaches, snowy mountain peaks, Europe’s only true desert, as well as enormous, vibrant cities, and quaint whitewashed towns perched atop cliffs.

As amazingly diverse as its geography is, this is only secondary to the fascinating history and culture of the region, which owes as much to the Islamic caliphates that occupied the area for centuries as it does to the Spanish kingdoms that later flourished. This melting pot of influences is most notable in the stunning architecture of the numerous cathedrals and alcazars (fortresses), which blends Moorish aesthetics with the Gothic and Baroque ideals of Western Europe. 

It’s not just the buildings that have their own flavor: the food, too, has its own unique specialties, many involving fresh fish from the extensive coastline or cooling dishes designed to take the edge off the heat.

Personally, I’d recommend kicking off your Andalusia adventure in either Seville or Malaga, as these cities have the two best-served airports in the region. As the route we’re going to outline is essentially circular, it doesn’t particularly matter where you choose to begin, but we’re going to start in…

Day One: Seville

Seville is Andalusia’s largest city and sometimes described as the hottest place in continental Europe. Even in October, we were sweating after just an hour of scuttling about streets filled with food markets, tapas bars, and pretty palacios.

Fortunately, many of the older landmarks were designed to ameliorate the heat, including the Royal Alcazar. This extensive complex was built on the site of a former Muslim fortress by Pedro I, a great admirer of Islamic design, who decided to construct a luxurious residence for himself using the principles of Moorish architecture. We were particularly overawed by the Salon de Embajadores (Hall of the Ambassadors), a room of intricately carved walls crowned by a golden, domed ceiling that dazzles today just as much as it must have impressed foreign dignitaries hundreds of years ago.

The palace also boasts extensive gardens as well as a café where you can dine on simple snack fare amidst ostentatious peacocks, which freely wander the grounds. Make sure you book your ticket in advance, as queues during high season can last hours – and believe us, you don’t want to be standing for that long under the blazing sun! 

Just next door to the Royal Alcazar is Seville’s principal religious edifice, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. A solid beast of a building that seems to sprawl outwards in a slightly higgledy-piggledy way, what you see today is the result of successive additions, from original mosque elements like La Giralda (once a minaret now a bell tower) to the Gothic vaulted ceilings and detailed carvings framing each of the many entrances. 

While it makes sense to take in both the palace and the cathedral at the same time due to their proximity, we ended up exhausted just because there’s so much to absorb and explore. Fortunately, the nearby streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz are the perfect retreat for some tapas and a glass or two of tinto de verano. This mixture of red wine and lemon soda is like sangria but more commonly drunk by the locals – its origins lie in the neighboring city of Cordoba (more on that later).

Where to stay in Seville: We opted to go for the newly opened Querencia de Sevilla , right in the heart of the city. Everything was tastefully decorated with modern fixtures, and the view from the roof is truly spectacular. 

Day Two: Seville

If you’re like us, you’ll want to take your second day in Seville a little slower. That means leisurely strolls through Maria Luisa Park, more than 30 hectares of greenery that includes the hemispherical Plaza de Espana. Built in 1929, this grandiose building is adorned with brightly colored azulejo tiles, complemented by pavilions depicting different provinces of Spain. Both the plaza and park often host festivals, concerts or food fairs, so make sure you check the calendar.

From here, you can head north along the Guadalquivir River, passing the Palacio de San Telmo on your right, then the 13th-century Torre de Oro on your left. You can’t go into the former because it’s now a government building, while the interior of the latter isn’t worth the fee, but both have exquisite exteriors. After about 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll reach the Plaza de Toros, Seville’s principal bullfighting ring – a pretty impressive arena, even if you find the brutality of the sport a little hard to stomach.

Head north and east to reach the Setas de Sevilla (Mushrooms of Seville), more formally known as Metropol Parasol. It’s a striking backdrop from a distance, but we couldn’t help but notice that up close it all looks a little dilapidated. Still, it’s worth paying to go up top and see the views from the aerial footbridges. Underneath is a produce market where you can sample some local goodies – though we found it a little overpriced and sterile compared to the markets in Feria and Triana, where we were shoulder to shoulder with locals buying their jamon and queso.

Round out the day with a trip to an evening of flamenco, which is found in abundance in the Andalusian capital. There are a lot of options in Seville, so it might be worth saving some time and booking a show through a reputable tour company so you know what you’re getting beforehand.

Day Three: Jerez

Just one hour away from Seville by car or train, Jerez de la Frontera is most famous for its namesake alcohol: sherry. The city is filled with atmospheric tabancos where you can try the fortified beverage. Our favorite was probably Tabanco el Pasaje, mainly because it also stages flamenco shows (there’s something of a rivalry between Seville and Jerez as to which city is the true home of the traditional Spanish dance form). 

If you’re a sherry newbie, a great place to start is Bodegas Fundador, the city’s oldest sherry maker still in existence, which offers tours and tastings. Alternatively, the Bodegas Tradicion combines sherry tastings with a collection of beautiful artworks by Spanish masters like Velasquez and Goya.

The second thing Jerez is renowned for is its horse-riding school, more formally known as the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Living up to its grand name, the complex has enough attractions to occupy most of a day, from the grand rooms of the Palacio del Recreo de las Cadenas, through a museum that details the history of horse breeding and riding (with a particular focus on the Andalusian tradition), ending up at the training grounds, where you can witness the horses being put through their paces. The cherry on top is an equine ballet show that takes place several nights a week (just bear in mind that this is a separate ticket to the general visit tickets).

If you still have time, you can visit the intimidating 11th-century alcazar (fortress), Jerez’s oldest building, which occupies grounds that also contain a 12th-century mosque-turned-chapel and a modest palace. A few steps away is the city’s cathedral, admittedly not in the top five of Andalusian religious buildings we visited, but still boasting an impressive façade.

Where to stay in Jerez: We stayed in a modern, privately owned apartment in a fantastic location, hosted by the lovely Juan and Amelia. Admittedly, the combination of cake on arrival and a hot tub on the patio may be making us slightly biased in their favor .

Day Four: Arcos

Jerez is a good base from which to make a couple of day trips, including to one of the most beautiful of the so-called pueblos blancos (white towns), Arcos de la Frontera.

This cute little spot of winding alleyways is dramatically perched atop a cliff. From certain angles, it almost looks like the Church of San Pedro is on the verge of tipping right over the edge.

After cramming our first few days with activities, we spent most of our time in Arcos just enjoying the quiet streets, visiting the compact basilicas, and gazing down on the gentle pastoral views below. While for such a small place there are a fair few tourists, the locals are genuinely friendly and chatty. Plus, there are some delightful little restaurants where you can dine al fresco.

As an added treat, don’t miss out on the little cakes made by the nuns at the Convent of Mercedarias Descalzas. These are sold through a little hatch to keep the sequestered ladies from profane eyes, adding a piquancy of mystery to the palate.

Day Five: Cadiz

One of the glorious things about being in Andalusia for two weeks is the diversity you can experience. Having spent a few days in the interior, we were ready for some coastal breezes! 

Cadiz is another easy day trip from Jerez. A little strip of a peninsula encircled by sea, it was first settled by the Phoenicians 3,000 years ago. You can see some of the remnants of this civilization at the Museum of Cadiz, alongside evidence of the later Roman occupation.

Get your bearings by heading to the Tavira Tower, one of the best viewpoints in Cadiz, where you can gaze down on the entire city, including the trio of golden domes that mark out its distinctive cathedral.

Next, head to La Caleta beach and enjoy a walk along the sands, which are sandwiched between two of the city’s castles. It’s a much smaller area than the Playa de la Victoria, but it’s also much closer to the town center if you don’t want to catch a bus to the suburbs. 

Don’t miss out on the Mercado Central, where you can buy fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables – or do what we did and dine in on some tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) and a glass of albarino.

Day Six: Gibraltar 

If you don’t have a car, this section of your journey can be a little tricky, since going from Jerez to Gibraltar involves a series of buses. No matter whether you drive or ride, your endpoint will be La Linea, from where you can traverse the border into Gibraltar on foot. You’ll have the unusual experience of entering a territory by crossing a plane runway.

Gibraltar is a funny old place. A little dot of the UK at the tip of southern Spain, here you’ll hear English bandied about more than Spanish and see pubs dot the main square and principal thoroughfare.

The famous Rock of Gibraltar is also an oddity, jutting out of a flat landscape like a rebellious bit of earth that refuses to conform to its surroundings. We decided to scale this beast on foot, though you can also ride up on the cable car. At the top, we were greeted by the locals: Barbary macaques, who run wild (well, semi-wild) – just make sure not to get too close or you may lose your phone!

Atop the Rock are the ruins of a Moorish castle, while inside the rock are a series of tunnels, carved into the mountain by the British Army. You can walk through some of these, which contain exhibits about their historical use during World War II.

Where to stay in Gibraltar: Accommodation options are sparse in Gibraltar, but we found The Elliott Hotel serviceable. It has a nice rooftop pool and is right in the heart of the action.

Day Seven: Malaga 

If you didn’t get a chance for some beach time in Cadiz, you’ll get a second chance in Malaga. The 1.2-kilometer Malagueta is just 15 minutes’ walk from downtown, so you can pop over at any point when you need a break from sightseeing to enjoy some rays while sipping beer at one of the chiringuitos (local beach bars).

Aside from its soft sands, Malaga is also famous as the birthplace of Picasso. There’s a lovely museum dedicated to his work, which gives a good overview of his life and art. Devotees can also visit the Casa Natal where Picasso was born, but frankly it’s a little underwhelming. We’d recommend instead spending your time absorbing the ambiance of the neighborhood from which the Spanish artist emerged, including the Plaza de la Merced, a pretty square where you can chow down on local specialties like fried fish and sardine skewers.

Malaga is also home to a couple of stately defensive structures that provide some of the most beautiful views in the city: the Alcazaba, one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in all of Spain, which towers above an Ancient Roman theater; and the remains of the Castillo de Gibralfaro, whose majestic ramparts overlook the bullring and the cathedral.

Where to stay in Malaga: You’ll find La Casa Azul easily because (as the name suggests) the facade is a lovely bright blue. The interior is as charming as the exterior, with lots of quirky little touches and some unique pieces of furniture. We took advantage of the proximity to the beach for a late-night swim.

Day Eight: Caminito del Rey 

Malaga is a good jumping off point to reach one of the most unusual experiences Andalusia has to offer, the Caminito del Rey. Literally meaning ‘King’s Little Walkway,’ it’s a suspended wooden trail that hugs cliff sides around the Gaitanes Gorge. 

This current 8-kilometer path was only opened in 2015. The original route, built in the early 1900s as a way to construct a hydroelectric dam, fell into disrepair years ago and you certainly wouldn’t want to be utilizing it today – we can say that with certainty since remnants of the old route are still visible today.

We recommend taking a guided tour , as this simplifies your transport to the Caminito and includes an expert who can tell you all about the history of the walkway. It takes about 3-4 hours to traverse the entire route, which is fairly flat and suitable for people with limited hiking experience. 

Once you return to Malaga, you can spend a bit more time exploring the city or hop on the high-speed train out of town to Granada. This line only opened in 2022, but has dramatically cut the time it takes between the cities to a mere 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Day Nine: Granada 

We’re just going to come out and say it: Granada is our favorite city in Andalusia. First off, the Alhambra complex is justifiably acclaimed as one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Spain. It feels like almost every inch of the Nasrid Palaces has been carved with the distinctive geometric patterns of Islamic architecture, from the honeycomb vaulting of the Hall of the Abencerrajes to the Courtyard of the Myrtles, where the tranquil pool reflects back the surrounding architecture so that everything appears doubled.

One of the joys of visiting the Alhambra is you don’t just get to see the exquisite interiors of the palaces. You also get to explore the ramparts of the forbidding Kasbah fortress, which has fabulous views of the city, as well as gardens of the Generalife and the Renaissance palace of Carlos V.

It’s an enormous amount of space to cover, enough to occupy a leisurely traveler a whole day. We, however, wanted to squeeze in a visit to Albaicin as well. Granada’s charming, old Moorish quarter is built into the hill facing the Alhambra and consists of whitewashed houses split by charming, winding streets that still contain an echo of their medieval roots. The area today is dotted with cute little churches, hidden cafes, and the unmissable Mirador de San Nicolas, where you can get the best view of the Alhambra in all its glory.

Once you’ve walked your legs off, duck into Jardines de Zoraya, a restaurant with a beautiful courtyard, delicious octopus salad and a slightly upscale air. If you still haven’t managed to catch any flamenco yet, regular shows also take place here in the evenings.

Where to stay in Granada: Simple but with a fun vibe, we were first drawn to the Oripando Hostel because of its location, but staying there in a private room, we also appreciated its completely chilled atmosphere and quirky backpacker aesthetic.

Day Ten: Sierra Nevada Mountains 

Spend the morning getting out of Granada and into the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains, which lay claim to having the largest mountain in mainland Spain, Mulhacen. We weren’t quite that ambitious and opted instead for the Los Cahorros pathway, which starts from the village of Monachil, easily reachable from Granada by a 45-minute bus. 

This well-traveled trek covers waterfalls, canyons, and some very exciting (in a rollercoaster kind of way) hanging bridges. Don’t fret about getting lost, as the circular route is easy to follow and only takes about 3 hours to complete – just enough time to build up an appetite for lunch!

There is still one further thing you can’t miss while you’re in Granada: its cathedral. While from either the Alhambra or the Albaicin it’s clearly visible, from the ground it’s easy to stumble upon it by surprise, hemmed in as it is by the surrounding streets. Inside, a gleaming white nave leads you towards the absolutely stunning cupola: a symphony of stained glass, painted saints, and gilt-encrusted pillars.  

Abutting this is the Royal Chapel, the final resting place of the so-called Catholic Monarchs, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, whose marriage and subsequent reconquest of Andalusia from the Moors united the land and created the footprint for modern Spain.

Day Eleven: Jaen 

There are just two things you really must do in Jaen: visit the cathedral and visit the castle. To be blunt, this city is not somewhere you will put down as one of the best places you visited on your Andalusia itinerary. The reason we still recommend you stop off here is: one, it’s a good midway point between Granada and Cordoba (it’s a 60-minute bus ride from Granada and a 95-minute train ride to Cordoba); two, from here it’s a convenient day trip to Ubeda and Baeza (see below); and there, we already mentioned that cathedral, right?

We saw a lot of amazing religious edifices in Andalusia, each with its own unique attributes. The somewhat box-like Jaen Cathedral stands out not just because of the intricately sculpted frontal façade, nor because it is the cathedral equivalent of Mike Tyson in terms of pure solidity and intimidation, but mainly because it seems to absolutely dominate the rest of the city in a way no other cathedral that we visited in the region quite does.

For an idea of just how striking it is, walk up to the Castillo de Santa Catalina, a reasonably picturesque ruin where you can gaze down upon the entire city – and really see how commanding the cathedral is.

Where to stay in Jaen: Did we mention that the Castle of Santa Catalina also houses a hotel? Everywhere else we visited, we stayed near the center of town, but here we decided to escape the hubbub and treat ourselves to the well-appointed comfort of the Parador de Jaen .

Day Twelve: Ubeda and Baeza

It really couldn’t be easier to get from Jaen to Ubeda and Baeza, as regular buses service the whole route. This pair of towns have been recognized by UNESCO as models of Renaissance architecture in Spain, which makes them feel more Italian than the rest of Andalusia. Being slightly off the beaten track, they’re also a chance to escape some of the metropolitan crowds.

The charm of visiting the old quarters of these two places is that you can lose yourself idly strolling along cobbled streets lined with houses made from yellow stone, ducking your head in wherever you fancy. Just make sure you don’t miss some of our favorite parts: in Ubeda, the El Salvador Chapel (which packs design details into almost every available space, both inside and out) and the Palacio Vela de los Cobos (its quaint library would look perfect in any house); in Baez, the Jabalquinto Palace (the fabulous façade now conceals a university) and the Fountain of the Lions.

Day Thirteen: Cordoba

Many of the Christian places of worship in Andalusia are built over, or adapted from, former mosques. The Mezquita, however, is the most unusual fusion of Christian and Islamic architecture we’ve ever seen. 

The original mosque was built on the site in the late 8th century and gradually expanded by successive Muslim rulers of the region. When Cordoba was reconquered by Ferdinand III of Castile in 1236, the mosque was made into a cathedral, with numerous chapels built into the original Moorish design, which was thought too splendid to do away with entirely.

What this slightly dry historical information translates into is one incongruous masterpiece. The main hall is filled with row upon row of double-tiered arches from its days as a mosque, while each side of the enormous room is lined with chapels dedicated to various Christian saints. Set into one wall is the mihrab, covered in glittering, golden-tinted mosaics, indicating the direction of Mecca. Right in the heart of the structure, however, is the main chapel, a ridiculously ostentatious structure, stuffed with marble and detailed wood carvings, that wouldn’t feel out of place in Versailles.

Outside, the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of the Oranges Trees) is itself a pretty space to sit awhile, gazing at the minaret-turned-bell-tower that strikes upwards into the sky. 

Considering the Mezquita’s reputation as a symbol of Cordoba, it’s appropriate that most of the other things you’ll want to see are all nearby. Just steps away is the Roman Bridge, crossing the city’s branch of the Guadalquivir River. Follow the waterway north, past some scenic old windmills, and you’ll come to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. Unlike some of the other alcazars we’ve already mentioned, this one’s history as a fortress has been almost entirely supplanted by its current capacity as a pleasure garden where you can escape into a green oasis for an hour.

End the day at the Plaza de la Corredera, where you can munch some croquetas and try salmorejo, an Andalusian version of gazpacho. The square is always abuzz with activity, as the beautiful buildings that surround it still function as apartments for long-time local residents, who often walk their dogs across the expanse while children engage in games of football.

Where to stay in Cordoba: As you might have gathered, we are obsessed with the Mezquita, and the Ermita Suites are right next door. The apartments here are like something out of an interior design magazine, and the clean, predominantly white décor is faultlessly chic.

Day Fourteen: Cordoba/Seville

It’s less than an hour on the train from Cordoba back to Seville, so if you’ve got time to squeeze in one more activity before your flight, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Medina Azahara. Located just outside Cordoba, it’s about a 25 to 40-minute drive, depending on if you take a car or local bus. If you’re worried about the logistics, you can also visit as part of a guided tour .

A guide might be wise, since most of the site is now mere ruins, with only a handful of areas having so far been pieced back together. On our visit, we could see just how painstaking the ongoing restoration is for the people tasked with revitalizing the faded glory of what was once a symbol of the wealth and might of the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Why visit if it’s mostly ruins? Because it’s not difficult to imagine just how opulent the place must have been once upon a time. Make sure you take the time to watch the informative introduction video and wander the museum of recovered artifacts before hopping on the shuttle bus to the archaeological site, as this will really help with reconstructing the fragments of sand-colored bricks and pillars into the fabulous palace-city they once formed.

And That’s How to Spend Two Weeks in Andalusia!

This is really just a taster of what Andalusia has to offer. We could have included the breathtaking clifftop town of Ronda (which we covered here in an earlier post ); the Tabernas desert, a picturesquely barren expanse used as a filming location not just by Spaghetti Western pioneer Sergio Leone but also Games of Thrones; or the Doñana National Park, a wetland reserve with beautiful walks and myriad birdlife. 

For people who love their beach time, 14 days in Andalusia might be better spent in the resort paradises of Marbella or Nerja. In our (perhaps controversial) opinion, however, a beautiful beach is a beautiful beach anywhere in the world, but the Cathedral of Seville, the Alhambra of Granada, the charming towns of Arcos de la Frontera and Ubeda, the Mezquita of Cordoba, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the precarious walkway of the Caminito del Rey are all utterly unique.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Andalucia Travel Guide

Love to travel in Spain

Explore the region of Andalucia, Spain – Learn about culture and the best sights

Essential information to make your trip to Andalucia unforgettable!

Andalucia is the autonomous region covering the south of Spain, including the provinces of Malaga , Sevilla , Granada , Cadiz , Almeria , Jaen , Huelva and Cordoba .

We also have a nice section on Gibraltar , which although not part of Spain is well worth the trip.

There are many great sights to see, so how do you decide what to do on your visit?

Hopefully this website will help you!

Read on to discover places I have seen on my extensive travels through Southern Spain. I will provide you with some great photos, advice on hotels and restaurants.

Together we will discover sangria, tapas and flamenco .

Andalucians definitely know how to party and they have great festivals and ferias , especially around semana santa . I have provided you with a calendar of fiestas and ferias in Andalucia to make sure you do not miss anything!

You will also find some great pointers on learning the spanish language . I have been brought up speaking both English and Spanish, so I will help you learn some basic Spanish to help you on your travels around Andalucia.

We can also help you find the perfect Spanish Holiday Villa .

Read more on our Andalucia Summary page …

Flights to Andalucia Getting in and out of Andalucia has become a very simple exercise…due to flights to Andalucia becoming more and more common.

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A Guide to Traveling to Andalucia

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Located on the Iberian Peninsula in the south of Spain, Andalucia is a diverse region surrounded by the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline. With towns that sit on hilltops, picturesque landscapes and rich history — Andalucia is a fusion of culture, art and mountainscape waiting to be explored. Here is a guide to traveling the mesmerizing region of Andalucia next time you’re there.

Where is Andalucia?

Andalucia rests in between the Subbaetic and Penibaetic mountains in southern Spain. The region is divided into the eight provinces of Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada , Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and its capital city of Seville . It is the second largest region in Spain and boasts a distinctive culture and Spanish identity.

6 Must-visit destinations in Andalucia

1. Seville: For the love of Flamenco

The capital of Andalucia, Seville is surrounded by gothic cathedrals and an eclectic mix of Mudejar palaces and baroque churches. The winding medieval paths bring light to the city’s aristocratic Moorish past, where flamenco dance halls encompass the city. Flamenco is in Seville’s blood and is the very fabric of life in the capital city.

• Seville is home to unique flamenco tablaos, where each venue offers a different take on the intimate dance.
• The city is known for its timeless fusion of traditional tapas to modern twists of Spain’s famous dining pastime you don’t want to miss.
• Seville houses over 20 different mercados de abastos (local food markets) making it the perfect way to spend a morning trying all the food that the city has to offer.
• Seville is notorious for being a closed-off culture where social circles are deeply rooted and it’s difficult to be part of the local community.

Good to know: Seville’s sunny temperament makes siestas extra popular here. Many shops and neighborhood markets close between 14:00 to 17:00. Most stores are closed on Sunday.

2. Arcos de la Frontera: Queen of the White Hill Towns

Resting on top of a rocky limestone ridge, with whitewashed houses that overlook the Guadalete river below is Arcos de La Frontera. Renowned for its exceptional architecture, the white hill town holds a long history with many Moor and Christian roots still visible in all corners of the city. Moorish castles stand alongside Christian churches as a reminder of the Reconquista — when Christian forces reclaimed Arcos from the Muslim Moors. 

• Trek to Ronda through Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, famous for its lush and mountainous scenery.
• Arcos de la Frontera is home to Santa Maria de la Asuncion, an architectural marvel with, a Renaissance retablo and choir that is a must-see for architecture lovers.
• Arcos de la Frontera is small and can be toured in a matter of hours so don’t expect a day trip when exploring this white hill town.

Good to know: Arcos de La Frontera is part of a series of white hill towns on the Route of Pueblos Blancos. The route is dotted along the stunning white houses. Give yourself three days to explore the whole route.

3. Granada: The Moorish Capital

On the foot of Sierra Nevada rests Granada, a city that celebrates both its Moorish pasts and Andalusian roots. Granada’s beautiful blend of Andalusian Islamic architecture makes this city a southern gem. The city’s multicultural heritage and history can be explored through the cobblestone paths of this Andalusian jewel.

• Alhambra is the only Arab palace in all of Europe and the largest monument in Spain known for its exquisite Islamic architecture is a must visit for all travelers.
• Take a tour of the Albayzin Quarter in Granada, a city within a city, and journey through Granada’s Muslim roots.
• Granada has become a tourist hotspot and is best visited in the fall months of September to October.

Good to know: The best lookout to see all of Granada is in Alhambra at the Tower of Candles. To reach the peak of the tower requires lots of walking so make sure you bring comfortable shoes.

4. Jerez de la Frontera: For Sherry

Known for its sherry, horses, flamenco and aristocratic past — Jerez de la Frontera is a town in the Cadiz that has long been hailed as Spain’s winemaking jewel. The capital of Andalusian horse culture, the town dates back to the Moorish era. Many of the streets and buildings are heavily influenced by Muslim architecture with wide streets, Moorish fortresses, and jacaranda trees that sit in rows around the city center.

• Take a guided tour of the many Jerez wine cellars and go sampling the famous sherry selection Jerez is known for.
• Stroll around the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to learn more about the horses in Jerez and watch dancing horses put on a show twice a week.
• With festivals happening all year round, Jerez can get busy so finding accommodations can be a challenge if you don’t plan ahead.

Good to know: Visit Jerez during their celebration of harvest in September where the city holds their yearly Jerez Sherry Festival to welcome in the grape harvest. 

5. Sierra de Grazalema: Hiker’s Paradise

Bridging Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda to Seville is Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia's park known for its stunning peaks, gorges, hilltop villages and mountains. Sierra de Grazalema is the wettest part of Spain and is considered a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its diverse landscape is the perfect place for outdoor adventures and those looking for that special hike to some of Spain’s greatest scenery.

• Go biking through one of the best trails in Sierra de Grazalema that’ll take you through Grazalema to Villaluenga del Rosario for some of the most picturesque views of southern Spain.
• Venture the Majaceite River trail, one of the most popular trails of Grazalema, where you’ll encounter a rich selection of trees, riverbanks and wildlife.
• Sierra de Grazalema is wet all year round and can be dangerous for not as experienced hikers. Visit during the drier months of May, June, September and October.

Good to know: Sierra de Grazalema is made of porous limestone with an underground of tunnels and pools perfect for those interested in caving, canyoning and spelunking.

6. Tarifa: The Gateway to Morocco

At the most southern tip of Spain is Tarifa. Nestled between the crossroads of where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet, Tarifa is a city with its own charm. The last stop before Morocco , the white-colored streets and stiff winds draw surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers from all around. Its laid-back atmosphere and North African influence make Tarifa the perfect getaway.

• Sitting on the Strait of Gibraltar, white pristine beaches snuggle the coast of Tarifa. Relax at the many beaches and catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales that pass through.
• Go kite surfing and join the community of surfers that visit Tarifa from June to August.
• It can get extremely busy in the summer where travelers from all around flock to Tarifa to ride the waves, so plan around it if crowds are not your thing.

Good to know: Kitesurfing in Tarifa is difficult for beginners due to the strong waves and stiff winds. So if you’re new to kitesurfing, try your hand learning in places such as Dakhla in southern Morocco.

Best time to visit Andalucia

The best time to visit Andalucia is from March to June or September to November when the temperature is cooler and pleasant.

How long to stay in Andalucia

On a trip to Spain , spend at least a week in Andalucia to truly immerse yourself in all that the region has to offer, spending time in each city and exploring the history that surrounds it. Stay at least two nights in Seville. Then make your way down to Cadiz and get lost in the white hill towns. You should spend another day or two hiking and adventuring through the parks and end your time in Granada with three days to explore it all.

How to get to Andalucia

The best way to get to Andalucia from cities such as Barcelona and Madrid would be by train. Spain offers high-speed trains (AVE) to the Andalucia region into cities such as Seville, Malaga and Cordoba . Andalucia can easily be reached from Madrid or Barcelona with direct trains into Seville. Depending on your time and budget, there are also flights from Barcelona that fly directly into Seville.

Andalucia is a region infused with Spanish hospitality steeped in Moorish history. A region that dwells into a history of its own, Andalucia is where you’ll discover a beauty, richness and culture individual from the rest of Spain. To ride the waves, taste the wine, and explore Spain’s rich culture, travel to Andalucia.

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How to Explore Andalusia by Train: A 7-Day Rail Adventure

The Spanish region of Andalusia is known for its delectable cuisine, breathtaking natural scenery, incredible beaches, olive groves and rich and diverse cultural heritage.

It is also home to several of Spain's most well-known cities and towns that include Malaga, Seville , Granada , Cordoba and Ronda.

If you are looking for something a bit different then why not enjoy a train journey and explore Andalusias most amazing attractions and destinations.

Take advantage of Spain's comfortable, and convenient rail system as you explore this fascinating region.

Here then is 7-day rail excursion around Andalucia you may wish to try on your next holiday to Spain.

Day 1: Seville

Seville is the capital and largest city of Andalusia Spain , and a perfect starting point for your rail adventure.

You can easily reach Sevilla Spain by train from Madrid or Barcelona, or by plane from many European destinations.

Seville has a lot to offer to visitors, from the magnificent Seville Cathedral and Royal Palace (the Alcazar) to its charming old town and lively flamenco scene.

You can spend the day exploring the city's attractions, such as the Plaza de Espana, the Torre del Oro, the Metropol Parasol, and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.

In the evening, you can enjoy a tapas tour or a flamenco show in one of the many bars and venues around the city.

Train Journey:

• Ave High Speed from Barcelona to Sevilla = €143 Return Fair (approx) Travel time: 5 Hours 18 Mins ( One Way )
• Ave High Speed from Madrid to Sevilla = €118. Return Fair (approx) Travel time: 2 Hours 55 Mins ( One Way )
• Check out hotels in Sevilla.

Day 2: Cordoba

On your second day, you can take a short train ride (about 45 minutes) to Cordoba, another gem of Andalusia.

Cordoba was once the capital of an Islamic caliphate that stretched from Spain to North Africa, and its legacy can be seen in its stunning architecture and culture.

The highlight of Cordoba is the Mezquita , a former mosque that was converted into a cathedral after the Christian reconquest. The Mezquita is a masterpiece of Islamic art and design, with its hundreds of arches and columns creating a mesmerizing effect.

Other recommended attractions to visit You can also visit in Cordoba include the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, and the Medina Azahara.

• Ave High Speed from Seville To Cordoba = €47.50  One Way (approx)  Travel time: 45 Mins
• Check out hotels in Cordoba

Day 3: Cadiz

From Cordoba, you can take the train to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a port city on the Atlantic coast.

Cadiz is known for its maritime history, its carnival celebrations, and its sunny beaches.

Here, you can spend the day wandering around the old town, admiring its monuments and churches, such as the Cathedral, the Torre Tavira, and the Castillo de San Sebastian.

Relax on one of the many beaches in Cadiz Spain , such as La Caleta or La Victoria and in the evening, you can sample some of the local seafood specialities or join a carnival party if you are visiting in February or March.

• MD Avant High-Speed Train from Cordoba To Cadiz = €35.50  One Way (approx)  Travel time: 3 Hours 15 Mins
• Check out hotels in Cadiz.

Day 4: Ronda

Day 4 and you are off to Ronda, one of Andalusia's most famous towns, on your fourth day.

Ronda is renowned for its picturesque setting atop a gorge that separates the old Moorish town from the more modern Christian town.

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which crosses the gorge and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, is the most recognisable landmark in Ronda Spain .

You can also see the oldest bullring in Spain, the Arab baths, the Mondragon palace, and the Casa del Rey.

• MD Avant High-Speed Train from Cadiz to Antequera = €43.50  One Way (approx)  Travel time: 3 Hours 16 Mins

Then Change for:

• MD Avant High-Speed Train from Antequera to Ronda = €21.50  One Way (approx)  Travel time: 1 Hour 14 Mins
• Check out hotels in Ronda .

Day 5: Granada

From Ronda, the next train ride is to Granada, one of the most visited cities in Spain and a must-see in Andalusia.

Granada is famous for its Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world. The Alhambra consists of several palaces, gardens, and fortifications, each with its own style and charm.

You can spend hours exploring the Alhambra Palace and its grounds, admiring its intricate decorations, fountains, and views.

If you have time you could visit other attractions in Granada, such as the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, the Albayzin Quarter, and the Sacromonte caves.

In the evening, enjoy the nightlife of Granada, along with free tapas with your drinks, yes in Granada it is a tradition in many bars to offer a free tapa with every drink, incredible, but true!

• MD Avant High-Speed Train from Ronda to Granada = €21  One Way (approx)  Travel time:  2 Hours 28 Mins
• Check out hotels in Granada .

Day 6: Malaga

For the final day, head off to Malaga, the second-largest city in Andalusia and a popular tourist destination

Malaga Spain is famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you can visit his childhood home and museum to learn more about his life and art.

There’s plenty to see in the old quarter of Malaga including the  Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Museo de Malaga, and the Glass Museum.

Malaga also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with monuments such as the Alcazaba of Malaga, a Moorish fortress; the Malaga Cathedral, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture; and the Gibralfaro Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

And to finish off your 7-day train adventure we would highly recommend you head to the old quarter located around the Cathedral and enjoy some of the best tapas available anywhere in Spain not to mention a selection of busy music bars open until the small hours!

• MD Avant High-Speed Train from Granada to Malaga = €23  One Way (approx)  Travel time:  1 Hour 18 Mins
• Check out hotels in Malaga .

Day 7: Departure

On your last day, you can either take the AVE high-speed train back to Seville or Madrid, or you could catch a flight from Malaga's international airport.

Better still, why extend your stay in Malaga or explore other destinations in Andalucia or around Spain?

Whatever you choose, you will have unforgettable memories of your 7-day rail adventure in Andalucia.

Train Price Guide:

For the purpose of this journey, we used the basic rates of travelling on either the AVE high-speed service or the MD Avant High-Speed service. The MD trains are modified AVES for short to mid distances. The rates shown are for a single person travelling at non-peak times.

All train timetables, prices and tickets can be booked via the official Spanish train carrier RENFE website at https://venta.renfe.com

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful for planning your trip. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

• About Author
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Hey there! I'm Matt, your friendly neighbourhood explorer extraordinaire! For the past 15 years, I've been gallivanting around Spain, soaking up all its wonders and uncovering hidden gems like a modern-day Indiana Jones (minus the hat and whip, unfortunately). So, buckle up, amigos! It's time to dive straight into the heart and soul of Spain. Welcome to my world of Spanish wonders!

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Where to stay in Seville, Andalucia's striking capital

Stylish, good value and exuding Andalucian charm, the hotel scene in this southern Spanish city make it a winning weekend break.

Seville is one of Europe’s most handsome cities, with centuries of alternating architectural influences giving it a style all its own. Today, the Spanish city’s labyrinthine medieval barrios   (neighbourhoods)   are home to an increasing number of charming boutique hotels, which reflect Seville’s Moorish and Christian heritage alongside its artistic and musical obsessions.

1. Nobu Hotel Sevilla

Seville’s aesthetic history has been all about the blending of cultures, with Islamic and Christian influences sitting alongside contemporary architecture in the city centre. Nobu Hotel Sevilla followed in this tradition when it opened in the Spanish city in April 2023, taking on an elegant townhouse conversion and consciously blending Andalucian craftsmanship with contemporary design and the brand’s signature Japanese minimalism.

The 25 guest rooms are furnished with mid-century armchairs, mirrors and coffee tables. Sleek grey-marble bathrooms with freestanding tubs betray the Japanese influence, while period features from the building’s early-20th-century heyday are retained in parquet floors and wood-panelled walls. There are unmistakably Andalucian features, too — particularly the geometric ceramics and Moorish wall niches in communal areas.  

Naturally, the ultra-luxe hotel is also home to a Nobu restaurant, with the same fusion of Japanese and Andalucian influences. The signature dish is miso black cod, which diners can follow with a local dessert of churros dipped in liquid chocolate. Seville’s ancient history is represented, too: the restaurant is centred around a Roman wall, uncovered during the renovation. Nobu Sevilla’s location is also a selling point; it’s in Plaza de San Francisco, close to Seville’s famous cathedral and the bars of the 16th-century garden square, La Alameda. Then there’s the hotel’s rooftop garden; it’s an unbeatable place to relax, feet in the pool, glass in hand. From €285 (£244).

2. Hotel Amadeus

Inspired by Seville’s rich classical music heritage, this boutique hotel is housed in a group of lovingly converted 18th-century mansions in the Barrio de Santa Cruz — a photogenic warren of cobbled medieval streets around Seville Cathedral. The decor pays homage to history with hanging lanterns and walls adorned with azulejo tiles. Instruments such as harps and grand pianos also decorate courtyards and even some guest rooms. From €204 (£174), B & B.

3. Triana House

In the traditional riverside barrio of Triana, this beautiful hotel is set in a late-1700s residence. Opulent tilework is coupled with latticed screens evoking the Moorish windows of the Alhambra fortress in nearby Granada, while private terraces feel like the alcoves of the Plaza de España, a short walk away across the Guadalquivir River. From €179 (£153), B & B.

4. Hotel Casa de Colón

This hotel combines a homely atmosphere with a great location in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, close to the Real Alcázar palace and the Flamenco Dance Museum. The rooms in this 19th-century building have a farmhouse feel, with rustic wooden furniture, antique dressers and exposed brick walls. The owners direct guests to the best local castizos (tapas bars). From €207 (£177).

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• Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info
• Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno
• Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento
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• Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería
• Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres
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• Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora
• Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz)
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• Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info
• Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol
• Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz
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• Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt
• Live . Live . Live . Live . Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info
• Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info
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Andalusia is in the south of the Iberian peninsula. You can get to Andalusia by air, sea or land (car, train, bus or taxi).

In Andalusia there are 4 domestic airports (Almería, Cordoba, Granada and Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz province), and 2 international airports (Malaga and Seville) which offer flights to and from the main Spanish cities, and other overseas destinations, with Spanish and foreign airlines. For further information you can get in touch directly with the destination airport or the airline chosen for your trip.

Andalusia has 836 km of coastline, with more than 30 marinas, 2 estuary ports, and 15 commercial ports. Special mention should be made of Algeciras Port (Spain’s largest in overall traffic), Malaga Port (the Iberian peninsula’s second busiest for cruise ships), Almería Port and Cadiz Port.

As well as travelling aboard a cruise liner, you can also get to these ports on scheduled services from Ceuta, Melilla, the Canary Islands and north African cities. Before travelling, it is advisable to get full details of routes and conditions from your travel agent or ferry/liner company.

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17 Foods And Drinks You Need To Try In Andalusia, Spain

T he region of Andalusia, which stretches across the south of Spain, is known for its hot beaches, cool mountains, rich history, and exceptional cuisine. Andalusia is home to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Guadalquivir river, and a unique variety of soil that has sustained a wealth of olive groves for thousands of years. This gorgeous landscape has provided the area with rich resources invaluable to many, and they all come to bear on Andalusian cuisine.

Andalusia's food is multifaceted, reflecting the region's diverse past and present. Exceptional produce, well-honed traditions and techniques, and the air itself takes this cuisine to tremendous heights. Some Andalusian dishes might be familiar to you -- seafood paella, churros with chocolate, and gazpacho might even be among your favorite foods. Others, however, are likely to be new. There's no better way to expand your mind than travel, and Andalusian cuisine is at its best when it's created on its home turf. So why not take a trip to one of Spain's most glorious regions and taste what it has to offer? These are the foods and drinks you absolutely have to try when visiting Andalusia.

If you've ever spent time in Andalusia, you're probably well aware of the blistering temperatures that characterize the region from spring to fall. Siestas -- midday naps or rest periods -- aren't just a cultural norm, they're a necessity. How else are you supposed to get through the hottest part of the day?

Also necessary for survival are cool, refreshing foods that can be eaten comfortably amidst soaring temperatures, when hunger often subsides. Produce like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers thrive in the hot sun, making gazpacho , a cold soup with Roman origins, a perfect choice. Gazpacho is made from all three of those gorgeous ingredients, plus stale bread, Spanish olive oil, and a splash of sherry vinegar. It's a perfectly refreshing choice, made from some of the area's finest ingredients. 

Sardines De Espeto

If you ever find yourself in Málaga, one of the best ways to enjoy a taste of local culture is to head towards the beach in search of sand-filled rowboats, set up for espetos (aka skewers). These distinctive landmarks signify chiringuitos, or seasonal beach bars, which are well worth a try; you won't find fresher seafood anywhere.

Sardines are perhaps the most classic fish to be found in a chiringuito: They're threaded onto sword-like skewers whose ends are stuck into the sand and cooked over a wood fire (often made from olive branches) until they're just charred. They're then liberally sprinkled with sea salt and served immediately with lemon. You can also find whole fish, shrimp, octopus, and squid cooked and served in this fashion. This technique became popular in the late 19th century, and it's only gotten better with age.

Tortilla Española

Though they've become a key ingredient in many Spanish dishes, potatoes were not introduced into the Spanish diet until the late 16th century. The potato-rich tortilla española didn't become commonplace until a few centuries later, as a solution to the hunger created by an ongoing famine. After this point, the tortilla española -- and potatoes as a whole -- became a frequent and much loved star of the Spanish table.

A hearty and filling dish, the tortilla española is a delicious mix of soft potato, creamy eggs, and sweet bits of sautéed onion. It's the perfect tapa to enjoy alongside a glass of sherry, cava, or crisp white wine, and can be eaten at any time of day.

Once upon a time, the region of Andalusia kept Rome supplied with a steady stream of olive oil. Today, you can still find a plethora of olive groves across the area, especially in the southern region. This lovely landscape is known for its Mediterranean climate, which helps olives thrive.

Nowadays, 30% of global olive oil production and 20% of table olive production takes place in Andalusia. This makes olives one of the region's most celebrated and protected resources, as they provide economic stability and ecological strength. They're also absolutely delicious with nothing more than a little oil and salt. Olives are good for the Earth, good for the economy, and great for the taste buds. They're such a staple of Andalusian culture and cuisine, it's nearly impossible to visit the region and not partake in this superfruit.

While tapas, meaning snacks or small plates, are a culinary staple of the Spanish food scene, not all tapas are the same. It's essential to understand the custom of each region before you head out to enjoy them.

Despite the norms of sit-down tapas restaurants in the U.S., most tapas in Spain are enjoyed standing, as an accompaniment to alcoholic drinks like beer, sangria, sherry, or wine. In most areas of Andalusia, tapas come at a cost and with a choice, the city of Granada being an exception. Order a drink at a bar and delight in the surprise snack that will come alongside it, often based on local ingredients. While you will not be able to customize what is brought out to you, you can expect that it will be served free of charge, encouraging and prolonging an evening out by keeping costs down and hangovers to a minimum. 

Nothing quite says southern Spain like a glass of cold sangria in the hot sun, often accompanied by a plate of tapas. Like many other mainstays of Spanish cuisine, the drink -- a mixture of water, wine, and various fruits, herbs, and spices -- is a product of Roman influence. It's also evidence of an ancient way of eliminating unsafe bacteria in drinking water -- alcohol and sugar kill it off. Nowadays, the drink can be made with soda water, depending on the desired level of sweetness. Fruits that provide a certain amount of acidity, such as lemons, limes, green apples, berries, and oranges, are also a welcome addition to any glass or pitcher.

The term sangria has roots in the word sangre, meaning blood, -- a reference to the beverage's deep crimson color. Though it can come in other colors and varieties, red sangria is most traditional and commonplace throughout the country.

Pescados Fritos

As the region borders the Mediterranean Sea, it's no surprise that seafood is prevalent within the food of Andalusia. So it goes with the presence of olive oil within this cuisine; some of the finest in the world comes from this orchard-abundant region. Put the two together, and the presence of pescados fritos, or fried fish, on Andalusian menus is inevitable ... and delicious.

Deep frying is found throughout Spanish cuisine, from fish to croquettes. It's especially common in areas like Seville, Huelva, and Cadiz, where the presence of smaller fish like anchovies, baby squid, and cuttlefish is plentiful. Deep-frying fish is said to have come from the Sephardic Jewish communities that once lived in Spain and Portugal, prior to the Inquisition. These little fried fishies make a perfect drinking snack -- cold, carbonated Spanish lager cuts through the deep-fried fat to create a satisfying balance of flavor and texture. 

Gambas A La Plancha

Gambas, or shrimp, are much-loved in Andalusia, and gambas a la plancha are especially popular. As with much of the seafood from this region, gambas a la plancha dazzles by using relatively simple techniques and highlighting the top-tier quality of its ingredients.

Gambas a la plancha are a typical tapa, traditionally accompanied by a cold glass of whatever you fancy. They also make a fantastic snack and are commonly sold and eaten in chiringuitos. While shrimp in the U.S. are typically  peeled and deveined , Spanish shrimp are served whole, with the head and shell intact. For gambas a la plancha, they are flash-fried and finished with lemon and salt, before being immediately served. Fine-tuning the art of peeling them is part of the eating experience. 

Jamón Iberico And Jamón De Trevélez

The Spanish are well known for their dedication to cured meats. This proclivity encompasses everything from cecina, a lesser-known dried and cured beef , to pork products like jamón serrano. The most well-known jamón serrano is jamón iberico, which is made from a small brown pig breed known for feasting on acorns. This gives their meat a distinctive and highly sought-after flavor. Said pigs are grown and raised in the regions of the country closest to Portugal and the western parts of Andalusia, making it an easy and delicious choice if visiting the area. It is most often served thinly sliced, and makes for an excellent tapa.

There are many other varieties of cured pork worth seeking out, including jamon de Trevélez, which comes from -- you guessed it -- the tiny village of Trevélez. This mountain village of fewer than 1,000 people is known for its high elevation and naturally cured meats. The combination of elevation (the highest in the country!) and dry mountain air has provided an ideal climate for curing since the 1700s, when the product first became popular.

Tortilla Del Sacromonte 

Granada is a special part of Andalusia with a long and unique history. Among many other things, it's the birthplace of tortilla del Sacromonte. Though it is made with eggs, the tortilla del Sacramonte is not your typical omelet: Its staple ingredient is lamb or calf brains and, sometimes, testicles. These brains are paired with many other ingredients, including different types of meats, potatoes, and peas, creating a hearty egg dish. 

Like tortilla española, tortilla del Sacramonte is typically cooked until it's slightly crusty on the outside while remaining soft and creamy inside. Even the cooking process is pretty much the same, and the final product is served upside-down. If you're an adventurous eater, it's worth checking out for the unique ingredients alone.

After sampling this fruit many (many) times, we've concluded that the chirimoya might be one of the most satisfying and decadent delicacies on the planet. Known as the custard apple in English, the chirimoya is an unassuming avocado-meets-artichoke-looking fruit with a thin, slightly dimpled green skin that conceals sweet, creamy, custard-like flesh.

The fruit thrives in hot climates, including the Andalusian coast. Chirimoyas can be found in such abundance in shops, grocery stores, and fruit stands that we highly recommend traveling around the area with a spoon. This way, you can easily pick a chirimoya up and enjoy it wherever you are. Pierce the thin green skin with the tip of your spoon and break the fruit in half, then scoop out the flesh and enjoy. The shiny black seeds are too hard to manage, so we recommend working around them or spitting them out like watermelon seeds after each mouthful.

Fritura Malagueña 

From the American South to the Chinese coast, fried fish is universally beloved. Malagueños (residents of Malaga) prove to be no exception to this rule: This region has been into fried ocean goodness since the 1700s, andfritura Malagueña is the proof. This dish simply consists of the city's local produce -- specifically, its small fish and seafood -- fried to crispy perfection.

The day's catch varies, and so does fritura Malagueña. It might contain squid, red mullet, mackerel, prawns, whiting, or any other small seafood. The catch is dusted with flour and deep-fried until crunchy and golden. Served with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkling of sea salt, this is the perfect beach or bar snack, especially when accompanied by a cold beer.

Paella is a dish that highlights some of Spain's best resources: seafood, saffron, and rice. Andalusia is one of the country's biggest rice producers, its access to fresh seafood from the Mediterranean is unparalleled, and some of the world's best saffron is produced in central Spain. It's no wonder, then, that this region of the country dishes out some of the best paella around.

Given the cost of seafood and saffron, the expense of making seafood paella at home can be enormous. But in Andalusia, it's economical. So when you're there, take advantage of your unique opportunity: Eat the best possible paella made with some of the country's finest ingredients. It'll come at a much more reasonable price, due to accessibility, and it will be spectacularly fresh.

Pringá 

Like other items on this list, pringá is considered an anytime dish in Andalusia. It's made from low and slow-stewed chicken, pork, and sausages, which become incredibly tender, and are often fried until crispy. This deliciousness is typically slid into a soft roll or spread onto a slice of bread, then eaten with gusto. Pringá is the perfect meal to line the stomach before a night of drinking, a delightful mid-drink snack, and a tried-and-true morning-after remedy sure to soothe an aching head.  

You don't need alcohol to enjoy this tasty dish, however -- it's delicious in any context. Notably, pringá is probably most popular in Seville, though you can and should seek it out in various sandwich and tapas places across Andalusia. 

Ajo Blanco 

In a region like Andalusia, where temperatures are known to soar into the 90s and beyond for months at a time, having an arsenal of simple and cold dishes isn't a luxury, but a requirement for survival. While gazpacho is the reigning cold soup of the region, it's not the only one. Ajo blanco is an incredibly refreshing alternative.

Ajo, which means "garlic" in Spanish, clues you into this dish's most prominent flavor. As it's also a bright, creamy white, it's a pretty dramatic contrast to bright red, tomato-laden gazpacho. Like gazpacho, though, this soup's texture comes from its use of stale bread, alongside a blend of almond, garlic, and vinegar. What results is a mild and creamy dish that can be paired with a variety of toppings.

Churros Con Chocolate 

Nothing says "Spanish vacation" quite like staying out all night dancing, then topping off the experience with a morning visit to the local churrería for churros con chocolate. It's an experience we highly recommend having at least once in your life: Watching the sunrise as you sink freshly fried dough into a cup of thick, spoon-coating chocolate is pretty much perfect.

Unlike a mug full of hot chocolate, this chocolate is thick, with an almost hot fudge-like consistency, which perfectly contrasts the crispy deep-fried churro. It's an excellent hangover remedy, but it doesn't have to be -- churros con chocolate is a much-loved breakfast indulgence among pretty much everyone. Notably, unlike Mexican churros, Spanish churros often lack a cinnamon-sugar topping, especially when they're made to be paired with chocolate. But we promise, you won't miss it.

Berenjenas Con Miel

Prominent within North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, eggplants have done their fair share of globe-trotting. This includes a trek through Spain, which Andalusian cuisine reflects. The region's long-standing Middle Eastern, North African, and Sephardic Jewish influences come to bear in its eggplant dishes, and berenjenas con miel are a great example.

Deep-fried eggplants are delicious on their own, but this dish ups the ante by drizzling them with honey. Perennially popular, berenjenas con miel show up on menus all across the region and are also a traditional Hanukkah food among Sephardic communities. You can also find this dish at local tapas restaurants in cities like Granada and Cordoba.

Read this next: 20 Authentic Spanish Dishes You Need To Try At Least Once

Portugal is set to remove tolls on roads that enter Spain via Andalucia, Galicia and elsewhere

THE national parliament in Portugal on Thursday approved a draft law from the Socialist Party that will see tolls on a number of roads scrapped. Some of these routes connect the country with regions in Spain, such as Andalucia, Castilla y Leon and Galicia. 

The plan from the leftist party will be applied to currently paid-for routes that have no safe and high-quality alternatives. 

The government estimates that the initiative will cost around €157 million, according to reports in the Spanish press.

Read more: Toll roads in Spain will hike their prices next year: These are the new costs in Malaga province

Among the roads that will become free of charge is the A22 in the Algarve, which connects to Andalucia; the A4, which joins with Spain’s Zamora province, as well as the A13, A23 and A24, which reaches Ourense. 

The measure was approved after a tense debate, which reflected the fragmented nature of the current parliament. 

Now that the draft law has been approved, it will still have to go through several stages before coming into force, including its signing by the head of the parliament and the president, before it is sent to the prime minister. 

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