south spain tour

Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalucía

Last Updated on November 27, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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Planning a southern Spain itinerary can seem a bit overwhelming when you consider all of the incredible places to visit in this vast and diverse region. Boasting vibrant cities, sleepy beach towns and everything in between, heading to Andalucía is never a bad idea.

Known for its diverse landscape, fantastic cuisine, historic cities, and laid-back culture, Andalucía is one of the most popular and sought-after regions in the country. As one of the largest autonomous regions in Spain, Andalucía is filled with a complex history and culture unique to the rest of the country.

If you’re wondering what to see when spending 10 days in Southern Spain, then look no further. We have had the pleasure of spending months exploring this incredible region over several years and have gained a wealth of knowledge about travelling there.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Southern Spain

Before we get into the logistics of our itinerary, we need to discuss the best time of year to visit this sunny region.

A good portion of Andalucía is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine per year and, outside of the high Sierra Nevada mountains, the weather will rarely ever get cold enough for it to freeze or snow.

Because of this, Andalucía (and the Costa del Sol in particular) is a popular winter destination for northern Europeans looking to escape the cold, dark weather of their home countries.

However, while the months between November and March are certainly warmer than virtually anywhere else on the continent, nights can still get chilly and you are more likely to have some rainy days.

However, if you plan to visit Andalucía in the summer months, you can expect some of the hottest temperatures in Europe, with some towns repeatedly being subjected to temperatures over 40°C (104°F).

While many hotels, apartments, and tourist sites are air-conditioned and many of the towns are equipped to handle such high temperatures, it can be uncomfortable to visit during the peak summer months.

Arguably the best time to undertake an Andalucía itinerary is in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November. It is during these months where the weather is at its best — mild yet warm and sunny — and tourist numbers haven’t reached their peak.

How Many Days in Southern Spain?

Now that we’ve determined which time of year is best to go to Spain, we need to figure out how many days you need for your itinerary for southern Spain.

While it might seem that one region of a country wouldn’t require all that much time to explore, you would be quite wrong to assume this of Andalucía.

The region is vast, encompassing multiple major metropolitan areas and various sub-regions and provinces. Each city, town or village that you will visit in Andalucía will have its own unique character that will beg you to explore more.

However, if you don’t have a lifetime just to devote to exploring one region of one country (like everyone else), plan to set aside at least ten days for your trip.

In ten days, you can see a lot of the region without being too rushed and really get a feel for the culture and history. While you likely won’t have time to visit every city and town of interest in Andalucía, 10 days is enough to give you a very good feel for the region.

If you have a bit longer to spend, then the absolute ideal amount of time to spend in Andalucía would be about 2 weeks. This will allow you to visit all of the major metropolitan areas of the city and get a little bit off the beaten path.

Getting To & Around Andalucía

Spain is home to a number of different international airports and there are lots of options when it comes to your itinerary.

The largest airport in Andalucía is located in Málaga and there are countless connections across Europe and further afield here. Flying into Málaga is a good option for those following the Costa del Sol route below.

There are also airports in Seville and Granada, though they are less trafficked. You can find connections across Europe – particularly into Seville – however, you may find it easier to fly into Madrid and then take the fast train to Seville, depending on where you’re coming from.

Once in Spain, it is also necessary to figure out how to get from one destination to another as you explore the region.

While many people like to hire a car and head out on a Southern Spain road trip itinerary, having your own rental car isn’t entirely necessary. The stops on this route are all easily accessible by bus or train (though booking trains and buses in advance is a good idea!) and each city itself is quite walkable.

If planning on taking a number of trains, a train pass can be incredibly good value. If you’re from outside of Europe, you can view Eurail Spain Passes here . Alternatively, if you’re from the EU, you can view Interrail Spain Passes here.

Where you might find a car more helpful during this Andalusian route is if you want to go on some more off-beat day trips that don’t have frequent or easy connections via public transport.

If you’re thinking of renting a car in Spain, we recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the best rates. It can also be worth taking out a third-party insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to avoid paying higher fees through the rental car agency.

10-Day Southern Spain Itinerary

Day 1 – seville.

The capital of Andalucía, no itinerary would be complete without a stop in the dynamic and historic city of Seville. One of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Seville has a ton to offer tourists and it is one of the best cities to get to know the unique culture and history of Andalucía.

Seville is the fourth-largest city in Spain and therefore is an easy starting point for a route through southern Spain as it is well connected both because if its international airport and frequent buses and trains from all major Spanish cities.

Due to its size and historical significance, there are also a lot of things to do in Seville that you can easily spend 3 or more full days exploring the city. Plan to spend a couple of days in the city itself, checking out all of the incredible sites.

On your first day, plan to get your bearings – a great way to do this is by going on a free walking tour! Of course, you cannot miss the incredible Seville Cathedral , which takes some time to explore.

Make sure to wander through the gorgeous streets or take a walking tour of Barrio Santa Crus, which was the former Jewish Quarter of Seville. And, finally, end your day by taking in the sunset from the Metropol Parasol – known locally as “Las Setas.”

No visit to Seville is complete without hopping around a few tapas bars and this is an excellent thing to do your first evening in Andalucía!

Where to Stay in Seville

Hotel Bécquer  – This centrally located hotel is a great choice if you’re travelling on a mid-range budget but want to be close to all of the action. They have numerous clean, comfortable rooms available and they also have a wonderful rooftop pool and terrace to take the edge off of those warm Seville days.

Monte Triana  – Located in the vibrant Triana neighbourhood, this swanky boutique hotel is on of the highest-rated in Seville. Located within a 15-minute walk of all of the top sights of the city and close to some of the best tapas bars in Seville, they have a number of luxurious rooms available.

Onefam Catedral  – If you’re travelling solo or have a tight Spain travel budget , this hostel is an excellent choice. It is one of Seville’s highest-rated hostels and it is located within easy walking distance of sites like the Cathedral and the Alcázar. They have a range of dorms and private rooms available and the staff organises social events and activities.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse for more hotels in Seville!

Day 2 – Seville

On your second day in the capital of Andalucía, take the time to dig a bit deeper and enjoy some more of the incredible sites that Seville has to offer.

Start your day by exploring the Mercado de Triana on the other side of the Guadalquivir River – this is a great area to wander through on its own, but the market is something special.

And you absolutely cannot miss the Real Alcázar – this takes a few hours to explore and it is so wonderful and worthwhile. The architecture is absolutely stunning, as are the tranquil gardens to be found here.

You also should ensure to visit the iconic Plaza de España, one of Andalucía’s most beautiful town squares.

And end your day with a visit to a flamenco show – Seville is one of the birthplaces of this artform and there are plenty of tablaos where you can experience it!

Day 3 – Ronda

After spending two full days in Seville itself, now it’s time to head out on a day trip. One of the most popular options is to visit Ronda , a beautiful whitewashed village in the hills of Andalucía.

You can reach Ronda via bus (which is the easiest route if going by public transport), via car in about 2 hours or join an organised day trip.

Ronda is known for the incredible Puente Nuevo, a gorgeous and impressive bridge that cascades over the river gorges it sits above. But there is more to this town than the bridge. You can also tour the bullfighting ring, see beautiful churches like the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor or even visit the old Arab Baths.

Ronda also has plenty of great bars to have a bite to eat in that serve up traditional cuisine from this area. In general, it’s a great day trip option.

Day 4 – Cádiz or Jerez de la Frontera

On your fourth day in Seville, it’s another great opportunity to head out and explore a nearby town. One of my favourites would be the gorgeous coastal city of Cádiz , which is located only about 1.5 hours by train from Seville.

Here, you can visit the beautiful Cádiz Cathedral and experience the find Camera Obscura at the Torre Tavira. There are also some cool, historic castles to take in, like the Castillo de San Sebastian. Cádiz also has its own unique cuisine with some incredible eateries, so this can be a great opportunity to head out on a food tour.

Alternatively, you could also visit the city of Jerez. This is located just a bit north of Cádiz and about 1 hour on the train from Seville.

Jerez is known as the cradle of sherry and is a fantastic place to visit for fans of this fortified wine. When you visit Jerez, make sure to pop into a bodega or two to learn about (and taste) all varieties of Spanish sherry – from fino to amontillado to oloroso. Of course, there are also incredible places to eat in Jerez, so it’s a great place for foodies!

Day 5 – Córdoba

After spending your first four days of this itinerary in Seville, it’s time to head to another historic city in Andalucía: Córdoba.

While many visitors to the south of Spain tend to only treat Córdoba as a day trip from Seville , the city is much better experienced in the two days I have allotted in this route through Andalucía.

Córdoba is located only about 45 minutes by train from Seville, so you can enjoy a relaxed morning without feeling the need to be rushed and get moving.

Once you arrive in Córdoba, spend your first day getting your bearings in the city and wandering through the incredible and beautifully preserved old Jewish Quarter. Of course, if it interests you, you could opt to go on a walking tour (free or paid) to get more historical context here.

At one point, Córdoba was considered to be the most important city in Western Europe and it was the head of one of the most advanced civilizations of its time during the Moorish rule of Spain.

Therefore, there are centuries, if not millennia, worth of history to explore in Córdoba and though it’s historical centre might be small, it is much better enjoyed at a slower pace.

It’s also a great idea to visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba. Though not as impressive as the one in Seville, it’s still worth taking in and seeing more of the Moorish architecture and learning about the history here.

Where to Stay in Córdoba

Hesperia Córdoba – This comfortable boutique hotel, located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, is a great place to stay if you are travelling on a mid-range budget. They have a range of modern, clean and comfortable rooms and also include a rooftop pool to take the edge off of a hot Córdoba day.

Puerta de la Luna – This small hostel is a fantastic option for solo and budget travellers alike. They have great common areas, a range of both dorm and private rooms, and even have a rooftop terrace to chill out on.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other hotels in Cordoba!

Day 6 – Córdoba

Córdoba is perhaps most famous for its marvellous Mezquita-Catedral, a massive Moorish mosque-turned-cathedral in the centre of town. The monument is one of the most-visited in Andalucía and is a shining example of the Mudéjar architecture so common throughout this region and country as a whole

The Mezquita is certainly a can’t-miss sight in Córdoba, but it does get very busy which is why I recommend trying to get there as early as possible. That is why it’s ideal to visit the Mezquita on your first full day in Córdoba, rather than the day before when you first arrive.

After taking in the Mezquita, take the time to get lost in the gorgeous streets of Córdoba, visit the Mercado de la Corredera which is located below the plaza of the same name, and enjoy the city’s laid-back tapas culture.

This is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of some regional cuisine that hails from Córdoba – particularly salmorejo , a cold tomato soup that is similar to gazpacho.

Day 7 – Granada

The penultimate stop on this itinerary is the incredible city of Granada , one of the best places to visit in all of Spain.

Tucked high in the Sierra Nevada, in 1492, Granada was the last city to fall to the Catholic monarchs during the Reconquista. Because of this, Granada’s Islamic roots and history seem somehow more pronounced than in other Spanish cities or cities in Andalucía altogether.

Much like Córdoba, Granada is perhaps most famous for its iconic monument: the Alhambra. The fantastic Moorish palace, summer house, and fortress is a sight to be seen and is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

From Córdoba, it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Granada depending on the route you choose. So you don’t feel too rushed, spend your first day in the city getting the feel for everything and exploring the Albaicín and the historical centre of the city.

Start off in the central area of Granada, first visiting the gorgeous Granada Cathedral and the nearby Monasterio de San Jerónimo. Then, make your way up the hill to the UNESCO-listed Albaicín.

Getting lost in the incredible Albaicín neighbourhood, which was once the city’s Arab quarter, is one of the highlights of visiting Granada. There is something beautiful to explore around every corner. And, if you want an excellent place to see the sunset, head to the Mirador de San Nicolas – it’s popular for a reason!

Spend your evening bouncing between some of Granada’s bars – here you can get a free tapa with a drink order and it’s one of the best experiences to have while in the city!

Where to Stay in Granada

Hotel Rosa D’oro – This hotel, located in the heart of Granada along the tranquil River Darro is an excellent place to base yourself in the city. They are located within easy walking distance of all of Granada’s main attractions, have a range of comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Hotel Los Tilos – Centrally located close to everything Granada has to offer, this hotel is a great place to rest your head in the city. They have numerous rooms available, a rooftop terrace with excellent views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and breakfast is included each morning.

El Granado Hostel – If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then this hostel is a fantastic accommodation in Granada. Located in the heart of the Albaicín, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available, numerous common areas, and they organise social events each evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Granada hotels!

Day 8 – Granada

On your second day in Granada, it’s time to visit the main attraction – the Alhambra. The Alhambra complex is massive and it will take the better part of half a day to do the area justice, so make sure that you’re aware of that.

It’s also essential to book your visit to the Alhambra well in advance, as it can be booked out early and you may not be able to see some of the areas you wanted without having to join a guided tour.

After visiting the Alhambra, head to one of Granada’s more unique areas – Sacromonte. This traditional Roma neighbourhood is made up of cave dwellings, and it’s a place where some people living alternative lifestyles still live today.

If you want a truly spectacular view, then hike up to the San Miguel Alto Viewpoint, which is a bit of a trek but well worth it.

End your time in Granada by bouncing around various tapas bars again – it really never gets old!

Day 9 – Málaga

The final stop on this Southern Spain itinerary is in the lively coastal city of Málaga . Málaga is a wonderful city to visit and it is a great place to relax by the coast while still taking in some history.

It’s also located only about an hour from Granada and, as home to a high-traffic international airport, a logical place to end this itinerary.

Spend your first day wandering around and getting to know the city. It has a lively, metropolitan vibe that is definitely different from the cities you’ve visited previously.

Make sure to visit the gorgeous Alcazaba which towers over the city and, also, wander around the Roman Theatre that is located directly below.

Of course, you must visit the Picasso Museum while here. This was the birthplace of the famous artist and it’s worth taking in some of the incredible works while visiting the city.

Where to Stay in Málaga

Hotel Sur Málaga – This centrally-located hotel is a wonderful place to stay in Málaga, situated within easy walking distance to all of the best museums and attractions. They have a range of air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable, rooms available and it is the ideal place for couples. There is also breakfast available for an additional charge.

Madeinterranea Suites – This is a great hotel if you’re after a little bit of luxury on your trip to Málaga. There are numerous spacious and comfortable rooms available, a restaurant on site (complete with room service!), and a fantastic breakfast included in the room rate. They also can organise an airport shuttle.

The Lights Hostel – This hostel is one of the highest-rated and a great option for solo travellers or if you’re on a budget in Malaga . They have a range of dorm and private rooms available and a hearty breakfast available at an additional cost. They also organise social events in the evenings.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Málaga!

Day 10 – Málaga

Spend your final day exploring more of beautiful Málaga. Begin your day at the massive Mercado de Atarazanas where you can take in a lot of delicious local produce. Then, make your way to the Museo del Vino which, if you don’t understand Spanish, means the Museum of Wine!

You can also take some time to lounge at Playa de Malagueta, the main beach in the city. Or, if you want to explore a cool, hip area with lots of street art, then make sure to wander around the lovely Soho neighbourhood.

Have More Time?

If you have more time in the area, then you can continue exploring past Málaga and visit more of the Costa del Sol. There is a lot more to this area than just Malaga or Marbella and it’s worth taking the time to visit some of the smaller coastal towns.

The town of Estepona is just lovely, as is the nearby beachy city of Marbella . Both are worth visiting if you’re on the Costa del Sol.

Of course, it’s also very popular to go on a day trip to Gibraltar , the British Overseas Territory is easily reached from Málaga and it’s a unique experience to visit!

No matter where you choose to visit on your southern Spain itinerary, you are sure to leave with fond memories of an enriching and historical experience.

Are you planning a trip to Andalucía? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect San Sebastian Day Trip from Bilbao

The Perfect 7-Day Catalonia Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Granada Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

is easy to put together a side trip to Morocco while in the south of Spain ?

Yes, it’s very common for travellers to add on a visit to Morocco when in the far south of Spain 🙂

Hi Maggie This is a great post. I’m planning a trip to this region and would like to visit Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz. I would be flying into and out of Malaga but don’t want to stay as I’ve seen it and Granada on a previous trip. I’m wondering would it be best to get a train or bus from Malaga to Seville and use it as a base to take trips to Cordoba and Cadiz or go from Malaga to Cordoba – Seville- Cadiz- Malaga? Thanks

Seville makes for a good base for exploring both Córdoba and Cádiz but all three cities have enough to do to keep you occupied for more than a day each. So it really depends on how much time you have and if you want to move accommodations a few times during your trip or not. 🙂

This is a wonderful resource and I’m so glad I found it!

I’m in the very early stages of planning a 10 day trip (Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada) with my parents in 2023. I’m thinking a September trip might be a great idea before the end-of-year holiday travel begins.

How early do you think we should start booking travel/lodging? And it’s probably too hard to guess with the ever-changing COVID precautions.

Hi Camille, thanks so much for your comment! I would personally wait until your trip is only a few months out before booking – but hopefully, things are a bit more clear when it comes to planning travel in the future.

We are planning 4.5 weeks in Spain & Portugal next May 2020-flying into Barcelona (but not staying there this timeas we were there last year) and then out of Madrid. We will be hiring a car and our rough plan is to head up the Costa Brava from BCN, then across to San Sebastian (not much time to expolre the Pyrenees unless we cut out other areas?) and along the northern coast (inland or mountains – or a mix?) to Santiago de Compostela, then down through Portugal via Porto, Coimbra to Lisbon and then Algarve region to Andalucia then back up towards Madrid, seeing Toledo, Salamanca and some rural spots inbetween. I know we’ll be moving fairly quickly but we just spent weeks in the balkans with a car and found if we had some 3 night breaks in more popular stops, we were happy with some overnights in between. Would you say this is do-able in the time and any unmissable places to stay a few days on the way, or pass through to check out main sights? I like your destination info and presentation and used it for our Balkans trip too so any feedback would be much appreciated.l I then have a week extra so am thinking I’ll get a Spanish rail pass and base myself in Madrid to do trips out from there or maybe return to an area for 4-5 days R&R after all the driving! Cheers & Merry Xmas ?

Thanks for your comment, Lyndie! Sounds like you’ve got quite a busy trip planned but if you’re hiring a car, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be doable. Unfortunately, we haven’t travelled as much in Catalonia or Northern Spain (yet!) so I can’t be of much help in that regard. Hope you have a great time, though!

Thanks for all your interesting information! It has been useful in the beginning stages of my planning to see how long to stay in each town.

Glad it’s helped, Claudia! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Beautiful Andalucia is an exceptional place in Europe with breath-taking scenery, wonderful history and distinctive culture. It is a place of legends, ancient civilizations, amazing monuments and great food.

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• South of Spain Tour

Flamenco, tapas, and the soul of Andalucia

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Enter the spirited heart of Southern Spain and the sun-soaked region of Andalucia where hot sun, rugged scenery, and long nights are all the rage. Walk through the shaded Moorish palaces and mosques of Cordoba and Granada, before basking in the sun on Malaga’s coastline. Stroll among the orange trees of Seville on your way to the tranquil water gardens of the Alcázar of Seville. Wherever you are in this region, there will be enough tapas, wine, and music to dance the night away.

Seville is an elegant city of boulevards and palaces from the time when Spain was ruled by Arabic leaders, known as the Moors. This is a city that is alive with color and culture, from the paradise of the Alcázar palace water gardens to the 19th-century majesty of the Old Tobacco Factory, where Bizet’s Carmen was set. Take an afternoon stroll or siesta before heading out into the long evening—a flamenco show with tapas is what we’d recommend.

Cordoba is one of Spain’s oldest cities, once the seat of the mighty Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus from 711 AD until 1031 AD, when it was recaptured by Castille—as reflected in the Mezquita, a combination of mosque and cathedral. Walk through the mosque’s forest of 856 onyx and marble columns, before reaching the Romanesque cathedral that the Castilians built right in the middle—this is a place that has to be seen to be believed.

Head southeast to Granada, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Walk through the Arab quarter of this hilly city, where restaurants sit on cobbled staircases and orange trees grow in tiny plazas. At the top of the city, you’ll find the Alhambra, known to the Moors as the “Pearl set among Emeralds”. Explore 1,200 years of extensions to the palace, from Roman ruins to one of Spain’s most inspiring structures.

Sat on the southern coast of Andalucia, Malaga is the perfect place to end your Southern Spain Tour. Enjoy something a bit more modern than the Alhambra from Malaga’s most beloved son: Pablo Picasso. Set in a converted palace, explore the famous Blue Period and the modern classics of this genius and Spanish icon. End an evening with a meal of Mediterranean langoustines and white Rioja wine, enjoying one last taste of Spain’s spirited south.

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Home > Itineraries > 5 Days in Andalucia

5 Days in Andalucia Itinerary

Expert guides, luxury vehicles, your 5 day tour of andalucia.

Our 5 days in Andalucia itinerary has been designed to deliver the best of Southern Spain for you in 5 compact days. Combining the best private guided tours of Seville, Ronda, Malaga, and Granada while limiting the amount of travel required during the vacation.

Andalucia means enjoying the warm Mediterranean climate, fascinating history, and unique culture that has been forged by centuries of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences in the region. Explore the most iconic sites such as The Alhambra, Seville Cathedral, and Alcazars while enjoying classic Andalucian culinary fare and get introduced to famous artworks and artists from the region with our 5-day itinerary.

Highlights Best of Spain Private 5-Day Luxury Tour:

• Gothic Cathedrals and Tapas gastronomy in Seville
• Historic Old Towns and Whitewashed villages in Ronda
• Best artistic & historic experiences in Malaga
• Private Tour of the Alhambra & Granada walking tours

What’s Included In Our 5 Day Tour?

• Officially Licensed Guides
• Luxury Transport
• Private Drivers
• 24 Hour Support in English
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Flexible Cancellation or Rescheduling

Start in Seville, The Capital of Andalucia

Where better to begin our 5-day Andalucia tour Itinerary than in Seville, the capital, largest, and most populated city of the region? Seville is famous for blending Moorish, Renaissance, and uniquely Andalucian cultures, design, and architecture throughout the centuries, so we have designed an itinerary to deliver the best of this along with Seville’s classic Tapas and food culture and evening activities.

Among the highlights of our Seville private tour itinerary, you will visit Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in Europe. You’ll also see the Alcazar, a palace built during the Moorish period, and the Patio de la Reina Victoria (Queen Victoria’s Patio), where you can relax in the shade of palm trees. You’ll also get to experience the flavors of Andalusia, including tapas, paella, and sangria.

Day 1: Seville Sights and Activities

We begin our best of Andalucia itinerary with your guide collecting you from the train station, airport, or your Seville accommodation. With 2 days to spend exploring the city with your guide, our itinerary has been designed so that they can deliver you between the major sites on foot, meaning that you will not need a driver for the Seville portion of your vacation.

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Built in the 13th Century on top of the ruins of an Islamic Mosque to symbolize that Christianity was once again the ruling force in the region, Seville Cathedral is truly a statement piece in every sense, to this day it is the third largest church in the world, and was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1987. From the original Moorish structure there only remains the Patio de Los Naranjos (the court of Oranges), and the Giralda tower.

On your guided tour of Seville Cathedral, you will visit:

• The Tomb of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Legend has it that Columbus’ great voyages continued posthumously as his remains were delivered to the Dominican Republic, then to Cuba, before being returned to Seville in 1895.
• The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real), contains the tombs of Ferdinand III who conquered the Moor’s last outpost in Spain, and other Monarchs.
• The Treasury contains an exhibit of a thorn from the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus Christ’s head
• The treasure room and many artworks and paintings by Murillo, Goya, Pedro de Campaña, and more

Exiting the Cathedral you will walk across the Court of Oranges to ascend The Giralda tower, preserved from the original Mosque, the tower was previously one of four minarets and you can climb to the top using the sloping corridor (there are no stairs) to enjoy some wonderful views across the city.

Walking Tour in Barrio Santa Cruz

Discover the engrossing history and medieval tales of Seville’s historic Jewish neighborhood with your guided tour of the Santa Cruz district. 

Your guide will reveal how Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures and traditions blend and intertwine throughout the area and discuss their fractious past. Walk with your guide amongst narrow cobbled lanes, ancient streets, and orange tree-lined boulevards as they bring to life centuries of stories and lore from the city’s most popular sector.

Highlights in the Barrio Santa Cruz include:

• Royal Citadels 
• The General Archive of the Indies (another UNESCO World Heritage site)
• The City Hall – The Casa consistorial de Sevilla.
• Hospital of the Venerables

Real Alcazar Private Tour

The Alcazar is the third UNESCO World Heritage site we have included in your first of 5 days in Andalucia itinerary.

This Royal Palace or Reales Alcázares can trace its history back to the Middle Ages when the Moorish Palace al-Qasr al-Muriq was destroyed and a new structure was built in its place for Christian king Peter of Castile in 1248. To this day it is still an official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, making it the oldest running active royal residence in Europe.

On your Alcazar of Seville private tour you will visit:

• The Hall of Ambassadors: Formerly the Throne Room, this awe-inspiring gold-domed structure is said to symbolize Heaven and Earth.
• Baths of Maria de Padilla: Recognizable from the series Game of Thrones, the arches that hang over the baths give the space a deeply atmospheric and almost haunting ambiance.
• Alcazar Gardens: Walk in the footsteps of generations of Royalty who took time out to enjoy the lush green flora, fountains, and ponds.
• The Royal Apartments: a collection of 11 historic rooms, still in use today by the Spanish Royalty.

Day 2: Seville

Similarly to our first day in Seville, we have prepared your second day so that all of the sights and sounds of the city can be visited on a walking tour with your guide.

On the second day of our best of Andalucia in 5 days itinerary we recommend you visit:

Plaza de Espana

Constructed to display Spanish Renaissance and Moorish revival style architecture for the Ibero-American exhibition. The tile mosaics, looping arches, and towers on display have led to the Plaza de Espana gaining a reputation as one of the most attractive squares in Spain.

Maria Luisa Park

The Plaza de Espana is located just outside the grounds of Seville’s most famous park, the Parque de María Luisa. Enjoy a relaxing stroll amongst the greenery and along the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Museum of Fine Arts

Known as The Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla in Spanish, this is the premier Art gallery in Andalucia. Here your guide will take you to explore artistic works spanning from the Middle Ages, through the Spanish Renaissance, all the way up to the 20th century. Some of the masterpieces to spend time with your guide admiring include works by Francisco de Herrera, El Greco, Velásquez, José García Ramos, and many more.

Seville Bullring

The Plaza de Toros de Sevilla, constructed in the 18th Century with a gorgeous Baroque facade, is one of the most historic bullrings in all of Spain, and hosts the largest bullring event in the calendar during the festival week, Feria de Abril. To learn more about the history and pageantry of the sport you can go inside to experience the “Museum of Bullfighting”.

Guadalquivir Boat Trip with Tapas

We end our two days in Seville with a relaxing private boat trip along the Guadalquivir river. During the journey, you will be supplied with a selection of Spanish Tapas and Wine.

Day 3: Driver-Guided Trip to Ronda

In the morning you will join your private driver guide as you make the 1hr 45 scenic journey from Seville to the picturesque town of Ronda in the comfort and luxury of our executive class vehicle.

The gorgeous mountaintop city of Ronda stands atop the deep River Guadalevín gorge and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Ronda is widely regarded as one of the most stunning “white villages” or Pueblos Blancos in Andalucia, and one look at the whitewashed buildings cascading down the mountains will make it immediately clear why this city is held in such high regard.

Ronda is a bustling town with a rich history dotted with outlaws and Bandoleros from the ancient Roman era through to the 20th Century, and can even lay claim to being the birthplace of Spanish Bullfighting as we know it today. Join your guide and discover why legends such as Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles (who were buried here) fell in love with Ronda.

Sites around Ronda’s historic old town include:

Mondragon’s Palace

This Royal palace, dating back to 1314, was used as a residence for King Ferdinand and  Queen Isabella when in the city.

Duchess of Parcent Square

This beautiful little square contains the St Mary Major Church, resplendent in its combination of Renaissance and Gothic style architecture and design.

Bandit Museum

Ronda is proud of its bandit history which has seen many Robin Hood-style ‘steals from the rich to give to the poor’ style stories featuring bullfighters, flamenco singers, and of course smugglers. Learn about this side of the city by visiting the Bandit Museum to see if you can sort facts from legend!

Ronda Bridge, The Puente Nuevo

Many of our guest’s rate Ronda as a must-see on their Andalucia tour for the views of the Puente Nuevo bridge. Towering over the El Tajo gorge at a height of 322 feet and constructed in 1751, your guide will take you to the best locations to appreciate the stunning views provided both below and overlooking the bridge.

Plaza de Toros

A favored destination of Ernest Hemingway when on his travels here, the Ronda Bullring is an 18th-century structure where the Rondeño style of bullfighting was invented. Moreover, going back in history even further than that, the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda (Spain’s oldest horsemanship society) was founded in the city in the same year that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella restored Christian rule to the region.

Visit The Arab Baths

Discover what life was like in the 13th -16th century when the region was under Moorish rule when you visit the ancient Arab Baths, said to be the best preserved in all of Spain.

After enjoying a classically Andalucian-style meal in Ronda’s old town, your driver will return you to your Seville-based accommodation in the evening.

Day 4: Malaga

On the morning of day 4, you have the option of joining your private driver for a 2-hour trip to Malaga, or you can take the high-speed train which will get you there in just under 2 hours.

The city of Malaga has beautiful beaches, great food, and friendly locals. There are also plenty of things to do such as visiting the famous Roman relics and Moorish Alcazaba, going hiking, or exploring the old town. If you want to relax after visiting the beach, then head to one of the many bars where you can sip on sangria while listening to live music.

Naturally, given its harbor location, Malaga is famous for its excellent fresh fish and seafood. Your private guide can take you on a food market, tapas, and wine experience to ensure you are sampling the finest and freshest available produce. 

Between meals, you can enjoy a Roman amphitheater and above it up the steep hill, is Málaga’s Alcazaba, a palatial Arab fortress built in the 11th century by the Moors.

Furthermore, although perhaps more synonymous with Barcelona, did you know that Picasso was actually born in Malaga? Discover more about one of Malaga’s most famous sons, and indeed, one of the world’s most renowned artists on a guided tour of the grand Picasso museum just a short walk from the bay.

Malaga’s food scene is well renowned, and our tour planning specialists will consult with you ahead of time to recommend the best option for your evening meal and entertainment. Whether your preference is for 5-star Michelin dining or more rustic traditional fare, we will suggest just the right place to suit your needs!

On your penultimate night in Spain, you will stay in centrally located Malaga accommodation.

Day 5: Granada

Granada is an enchanting city that lies just an hour and a half North of Malaga.

With almost 3000 years of history packed into this impressive and charming town that lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, your guide will make the tales of famous battles, Royalty, historic figures, and unique culture that emerges from the confluence of  Christian, Jewish and Moorish influences and traditions sparkle into life and brought into focus for you as you walk the cobbled lanes, mountainside villages, and grand Moorish palaces where history was made.

Whilst Granada has many sights of interest and fascinating cultural enclaves to visit with your private guide, the undoubted highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Alhambra. The spectacularly well-preserved last Moorish outpost in Spain before the kingdom was united under Christian rule which then underwent further alterations to blend with Catholic traditions. 

Must see Granada Locations:

The Alhambra Palace

This magnificent palace originally constructed between 1238 – 1358 and resultantly updated after the war of Granada, combines its Moorish origins with Spanish Renaissance Architecture. Allow your guide to bring to life the centuries of history, wars, and famous historic characters as you explore the complex together. On your private tour, you will visit the Nasrid Palaces, Medina (the remains of the residential district), The Alcazaba, and Generalife Garden.

The Royal Monastery Of Saint Jerome

The first Christian holy building to be constructed after the Christians took control of the city in 1492. Step inside with your private guide to explore the intricacies of the Gothic-style architecture and design.

The Museu de Arte e Cultura (Museum of Fine Arts)

This gallery and museum are located in the Palace of Charles V and feature works by artists including Juan Sanchez Cotan, Alonzo Cano, and Mariano Fortuny.

Plaza de Toros (Granada)

A classic bullring venue in neo-Mudejár architecture, which has been used to hold concerts.

This concludes your best of Andalucia in 5 days itinerary. You have the option of either joining your private driver to take your luggage to the airport, or you may choose to spend a final night in Granada before your driver collects you the following morning to transfer to the airport.

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Contact Us For Your Free Itinerary For Andalucia, Spain, & Beyond!

The above is an excellent introduction to Andalucia if you only have 5 days to spend on vacation. Our passion, however, is to create custom tours tailored to each and every individual guest’s tastes and requirements.

To receive a complimentary tour itinerary for your Andalucia adventure, simply contact our specialist tour planners using the form below. We can alter any detail of the above tour for you free of charge, add or remove exclusive experiences and even build in additional days to include remarkable destinations like Toledo, Cordoba, El Caminito del Rey, and much more besides!

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Best of Southern Spain

8 days, madrid to barcelona.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

With some destinations, you always have to compromise on something, whether it's cuisine, history, or just things to do. Luckily, in southern Spain, there’s no such thing. This tour covers the major highlights of Andalucia (southern Spain): the ornate palace of Alhambra in Granada, Córdoba (an architectural mainstay of Islamic culture), and the Andalucian capital of Seville, home of flamenco dancing. Pair it all up with time in Madrid and Barcelona, and you’ll never run out of fun things to do, eat, or see.

Madrid to Barcelona

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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Interested in a grand tour of Spain's highlights? Check out our "Classic Spain" tour.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 8

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Places visited

Itinerary notes.

Due to revised regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at least 45 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information. Visits to the Alhambra may vary and take place on Day 3 or 4, depending on ticket availability, special events or holidays in Spain.

For Christmas and New Year's departures: Your itinerary over these holiday periods may include some variations depending on holiday closures. Alternative arrangements will be provided.

Day 1 Madrid

Arrive any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 madrid.

Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.

Meals included:

Day 3 madrid/granada.

Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.

Day 4 Granada

Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.

Day 5 Granada/Cordoba/Seville

Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.

Day 6 Seville

Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.

Day 7 Seville/Barcelona

Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.

Day 8 Barcelona

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner, Barcelona
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Orientation walks in Madrid, Granada, Seville, and Barcelona
• Albaicin quarter visit
• Alhambra guided tour
• Flamenco show performance
• Mezquita mosque and Jewish quarter visit in Cordoba
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (7nts).

7 breakfasts, 1 dinner Allow USD260-340 for meals not included.

Transportation

Walking, train, public bus.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

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Southern Spain explored

10 days from $8,490pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Spain trip ideas

Tour highlights

Explore the highlights of Seville’s cityscape by horse-drawn carriage.

Learn how to prepare typical Andalusian cuisine in a shared cooking class.

Marvel at the unique architecture in Córdoba’s Mezquita.

Take in views over the plunging gorge of Ronda.

Visit the impressive Moorish Alhambra palace in Granada.

Hike between small towns in the Alpujarras.

Relax on the beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Price includes:

• In-destination transfers
• Activities and excursions as detailed
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Private customized tour. Ask us about booking your international flights at our preferred rates.

Arrive today in Seville, where you’ll be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel. The day is yours to relax and refresh before enjoying an evening of tapas tasting and flamenco.

Today, you’ll enjoy a horse-drawn tour of Seville’s main sights, such as the Alcázar and Giralda Tower. Then, spend the afternoon exploring more of the city on your own, perhaps venturing across the Guadalquivír River to the Triana district.

Having had the chance to taste some Andalusian cuisine, today you’ll get to try making it yourself as you learn to prepare some classic staples in an Andalusian cooking class. Spend your last night in the city at leisure, enjoying one of the museums or a walk around the plazas.

Say goodbye to Seville today as you drive on to Córdoba, stopping along the way to visit Almodovar Castle, a Moorish fortress known as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones. Then, continue to your hotel in Córdoba, where you’ll have the rest of the evening on your own.

Embark on a walking tour of Córdoba today, exploring its fascinating mix of Moorish, Christian and Jewish heritage with visits to the Alcázar and La Mezquita. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking the chance to try Córdoba’s signature cold soup dish, salmorejo.

Your journey through Andalusia continues as you move on to the Moorish city of Granada today. Along the way, you’ll stop in Ronda for some free time to have lunch and explore the town’s bridges and views over the plunging gorge. After your visit, you’ll continue to Granada.

Granada is perhaps best known for the magnificent Alhambra, which sits just above the heart of the city. Today, you’ll enjoy a tour through the Alhambra’s Nasrid Palaces and nearby Generalife, then have some free time to stop for lunch. After lunch, you’ll continue on a tour through the city itself, visiting the Capilla Real and exploring the winding lanes of the Albayzin.

This morning you’ll leave Granada for the nearby Alpujarras, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Embark on a hike through the area, making your way between tiny historic villages and enjoying lunch at the end. After lunch, you’ll continue on to Marbella to spend your final days relaxing.

Spend your final day in Spain completely at leisure today, perhaps choosing to indulge in the spa, cycle around the promenade or just relax on the beach.

Today your driver takes you to the airport in nearby Málaga.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Corral del Rey

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería

Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza

Hotel Alfonso XIII

View more accommodations in seville.

Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba

Hospes Palacio del Bailío

Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula

Hotel Alhambra Palace

Parador de Granada

Puente Romano

• Córdoba

The specialist who designs your trip to Spain will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

Watch our tailor-made process

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2 Day – 2 Week Southern Spain Itinerary! A Complete Guide to Planning Your Trip!

Categories Europe , Itinerary , Spain

After my recent visits to South Spain, I want to help you plan your Southern Spain itinerary with a range of itineraries you can follow and also tell you the best places to visit in Southern Spain so you can plan your own trip!

This post gives public transport options as the buses and trains in South Spain are great! But it is very focused on a Southern Spain road trip which will make it possible for you to visit some smaller towns and villages in Southern Spain too!

Andalucia is the region that covers most of Southern Spain and planning an itinerary for Andalucia will give you mountains, historic buildings, beautiful beaches, the taste of Tapas and the sound of Flamenco!

So Vamos, let’s get into this complete South Spain itinerary guide to help you plan your Southern Spain trip!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

South Spain Itinerary

Best places to visit in Southern Spain

Let’s jump in with the best places to visit in the South of Spain so you can start planning your Southern Spain itinerary based on how long you have .

Here is a map with all of these places to go in Southern Spain on it to help you plan your trip too.

I have noted roughly how much time you need in each place , but below in the Souther Spain itineraries section , I’ll go into more detail about where to visit in Southern Spain based on the time you have like 4 days, 7 days, 10 days or 14 days in South Spain .

Got 10 days to explore Europe? Here are some great 10 day Europe itinerary options to help you see a lot!

– Malaga

Malaga is the best place to start your South Spain itinerary because it has the biggest airport with the most amount of flights and because it’s so big you can often get some really good deals and cheap flights into Malaga Airport from elsewhere in Europe!

Malaga used to be seen as the gateway to the beaches of the Costa del Sol , but Malaga City has been revamped and these days it’s a great place to visit in its own rights too! There are many things to do in Malaga worthy of a day, or a few days!

Malaga Airport also offers a huge range of car rentals because it is the biggest airport. We rented a car from Malaga Airport recently using RentalCars and then visited many of the places on this Spain itinerary!

Search car rental from Malaga Airport for your Southern Spain trip here on RentalCars!

Things to do in Malaga

• Alcazaba – this has to be top of your list on things to do in Malaga as it’s the top Malaga tourist attraction . It’s a Moor-ish style medieval fortress which offers a lot of history and great views! Buy great value tickets here!
• Castillo de Gibralfaro – next to Alcazaba but further up the hill, this is the Castle on the hill! You can walk around the old walls of the fortress castle and it offers even better views! It’s a great sunset spot in Malaga too!
• Ancient Roman Theatre – as the base of Alcazaba is a museum and an anicent roman theatre. You can go inside but you can equally see a good view of the theatre from the street.
• Malaga Cathedra l – this is one big Cathedral with an impressive a 16th Century Baroque facade. There is also a museum inside which requires a ticket.
• Picasso Museum – this is a treat for art lovers. It’s located in a restored 16th Century palace with over 200 pieces by Pablo Picasso. Buy tickets here!
• Mercado Central de Atarazana – visiting markets in Spain is always such a great thing to do, whether you want to pick up some fresh food or drink or take a wander around the local produce and this old-school market with an impressive stained glass front offers this.
• Playa de la Malaga – there are many beaches in Malaga along the coast but Playa de la Malaga is the city centre beach and for a city beach, it’s pretty good!

Tours and activities in Malaga!

How much time to spend in Malaga?

Visiting the top tourist sights in Malaga City requires half a day at a minimum and 2 days at a maximum .

You may decide to spend more time in the area of Malaga though so you can enjoy more of the beaches as well as the things to do in Malaga city.

Also, Malaga acts as a great base for a Southern Spain trip because you can visit a lot of places from here, especially if you hire a car.

For example, in May, I stayed at 5* Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton for 3 nights, we spent 1 day relaxing at the hotel and the other 2 days doing a Southern Spain road trip but with this Malaga base which was perfect for a long weekend in Southern Spain.

– Granada

When people think of Andalucia, they most likely think of Granada, or of the sights that you do see in Granada!

Granada is such a charming city. I love it because it has so much character and energy but it isn’t a huge city to navigate. Without a doubt, Granada has to be on your Southern Spain itinerary , without it, and a visit to Alhambra , your trip is not complete!

Things to do in Granada

• Alhambra – this is one of the top tourist attractions in Spain and rightly so! You need to PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE which you can do here and should do as soon as you know your trip dates, and remmeber to take your passport. Alhambra takes 2-4 hours to go around. It’s a huge medieval complex with palaces, throne rooms and gardens from when the Muslims ruled Granada.
• Albacin – this is an area of Granada which is made up of small winding streets. Many of the lower streets are filled with shops and cafes but as you get further up the hill you can wander quiet residental streets. This is the old Muslim quarter of the city so you may feel like you’re in Morocco here!
• Granada Mosque – at the top of the Albacin is Granada Mosque. You should visit here even if you aren’t Muslim because the gardens are beautiful and it has the best view of Alhambra. Next to it is San Nicholas viewpoint outside the church but this viewpoint is better and much quieter.
• Granada Cathedral – a huge catholic cathedral, this is free to enter so definietly worth going inside.
• Flamenco Show – Andalucia is the home of Flamenco and although you’ll see more Flamenco in the streets of Seville, one of the best things to do in Granda is see a Flamenco show as they have so many high quality shows on offer.
• Shopping – there are so many shops in Granada, some are typical tourist souvenir shops, but others like Granart offer many beautful pieces using traditional Granada styles and artwork. There’s also a perfume shop I recommend called Patio de los Perfumes .

Tours and Activities in Granada

How much time to spend in Granada?

You need to factor in at least a few hours in Granada to visit Alhambra, plus a few more hours to see the rest of the city by foot at a minimum.

If you have limited time on your Southern Spain trip , you could spend 1 full day in Granada / 6-8 hours and this is enough time to see Alhambra and get a feel for the city.

However, I recommend at least 1 night and 2 days to get a better feel for the city, go for brunch and relax there like a local as well as sightseeing. And on that note, if you have longer, like 2 weeks in Southern Spain and somewhere on your South Spain itinerary to have a break in, this is a great place to do it. You could happily spend 3-5 days here relaxing and living that slow-paced Andalucian lifestyle, with lots of good food too!

– Seville

Seville is the capital city of Andalucia and the largest of the cities in Andalucia. It’s great, charming and you’ll get all the Spanish feels when you see and hear Flamenco being performed on the streets .

Seville has some of the best places to visit in Andalucia, and it’s also great to use as a base to see more of Southern Spain from because of its great road, bus and train links.

Seville is made up of different neighbourhoods which are great to explore and stay in, check out where to stay in Seville and the best neighbourhoods!

Things to do in Seville

• Plaza de Espana Square – this is one of the most famous places in Seville and translated as the ‘Spanish steps in Seville’. It’s a truly grand and large place with so much tiling work, fountains, benches and you can hire a boat to sail along the small area of water within the Plaza.
• Setas de Sevilla / Las Setas – also known as ‘the mushroom’ one of the fairly new Seville tourist attractions opened in 2011 and you can certianly tell as it’s very modern and unique. It’s cool to see from the ground but one of the top things to do in Seville is to go to the walkway and viewpoint along the top!
• Royal Alcazar of Seville – the Royal Palace of Seville with Islamic, Moor-ish and Christian architecture deisgns, if you’re coming to Southern Spain for Islamic history, this has to be on your list of places to go in Southern Spain! You have to BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE as there are limited daily tickets. You can buy tickets here.
• Seville Cathedral – this is the largest gothic cathedral in the world!
• Flamenco – shows like this are hugely popular with tourists and locals and are a must-do in Seville and Southern Spain!

Tours and Activities in Seville

How much time to spend in Seville?

The best Seville attractions are dotted around the city and therefore, take more time to walk to and from than in Malaga and Granada. One day in Seville is enough and will enable you to visit a few of the top places to go in Seville but ideally, 2 days in Seville is good .

– Cordoba

Cordoba is one of the cities in Southern Spain you might not have heard much about, especially in comparison to Seville, Granada and Malaga, which was the case for me until last year,

However, Cordoba is definitely worth a visit on your South of Spain itinerary. It has the largest old town in Spain and is the only city to have 4 UNESCO world heritage sites which are part of the best things to do in Cordoba.

Things to do in Cordoba

• Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – if you only go to one place in Cordoba, this has to be it! This is a really unique building which was once a mosque when the Muslims ruled and then became a Church in 1236 when the Muslim rule fell. Today, as you enter inside you can see architecture from both a mosque and cathedral mixed into one which is really unique! BUY FAST-TRACK TICKETS HERE!
• Alcazar de los Rayes Christianos – this was once a fortress with gardens, baths, courtyards and the largest library in Western Europe, it’s changed hands a few times since then and is now of the one top Cordoba tourist attractions with plenty to see!
• Cordoba Old Town – as mentioned, this is the largest old town in Spain which is one of the UNESCO protected sites in Cordoba. It’s made up of lots of small winding streets full of shops, hotels, cafes and restaurants and you’ll also come across many plaza’s and courtyards as you wander.
• Medina Azahara – If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Southern Spain, visiting a place like this will do this! Medina Azahara is on the outskirts of Cordoba city. It was once a magnificent fortified palace-city , with sources mentioning 10,000 people working here to create a new city and Western Caliphate. It’s remains are a major archelogical site in Spain today which can be visited and explored.

Tours and Activites in Cordoba

How much time to spend in Cordoba?

I spent just a few hours in Cordoba , I didn’t see that much, just the Mosque-Cathedral, the Old Town and Old Bridge but it gave me a lovely insight and feel of the city. Without going to Medina Azahara you could spend just one day in Cordoba just fine and it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Seville, and Malaga by train or car .

If you want to visit Medina Azahara and all the top places to see in Cordoba, I’d recommend 1.5 – 2 days in Cordoba .

– Ronda

Ronda Bridge has to be one of the most photographed places in Spain. I know I’d seen so many photos of this impressive, high, arch bridge and gorge.

I had always thought that it was hard to get to Ronda and Ronda was further inland in Spain than it is, but Ronda is in Andalucia in Southern Spain and travelling around Andalucia, especially on a Southern Spain road trip will enable you to see this spectacular pueblo blanco (white town) that has escaped mass build-up of chains and modern buildings.

Things to do in Ronda

• Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) – this bridge isn’t exactly new and it’s over 230 years old , but it is the famous bridge in Ronda which connects the two sides of the town and has a 100m drop and gorge below it. There are viewpoints on either side and all 4 are great to visit to see a different view and perspective.
• El Tajo Gorge – I was surprised to see so many people walking into the Gorge below Ronda’s bridge but it can be done via a path down one side, at the bottom you can walk through the gorge and see the waterfalls down here.
• Old Town – Ronda is nothing but charming and idilic and walking through the small streets of the old town will show you this. During the day it can get busy with day trip tourists but if you visit in the morning, afternoon or evening, you’ll see even more how special Ronda is!

Day Tours to Ronda

Ronda & Setenil from the Costa del Sol

Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas tour from Malaga

Ronda and White Villages Day Trip from Seville

Private Day Trip to Ronda from Marbella

How much time to spend in Ronda?

I spent just 2-3 hours in Ronda as we were on a little road trip around Southern Spain and decided to come here pretty last minute. Even though it was quick and we didn’t get to fully see inside the Gorge, I loved what I saw of Ronda and don’t feel like I have to return in future to see more, even though I wouldn’t say no!

Some people love to spend their whole Southern Spain holiday in and around Ronda because of the beautiful surrounding countryside.

On your itinerary for Southern Spain, I’d spend from 0.5 days to 2 days here depending on how long you have and it’s possible to do a day trip from Seville or Malaga to Ronda.

– Setenil de las Bodegas

My husband literally found the small town of Setenil de las Bodegas via Instagram during our road trip around Southern Spain. We added it to our Spain itinerary straight away and headed here after Ronda as it’s extremely close by.

Setenil de las Bodegas is another one of the pueblos blancos which are the white villages of Andalucia but it has a unique aspect to it because it has buildings built into the rocks of a canyon, which is usual to see for us travellers but even more unusual because usually towns in this area are built on hilltops, not inside a canyon!

Things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas

• Rock Covered Streets – most people do not visit Setenil de las Bodegas for a large list of things to do in Setenil de las Bodegas, instead it is to wander it’s unique streets and see the buildings that are built into the rock.
• Oberservation Deck – seeing the town from a viewpoint is quite an experience, in Spainish a viewpoint is a ‘Mirador’ and there are a few viewpoints in Setenil de las Bodegas.
• Arab Castle – if you have time you should head up here and it’s another way to see a great view as well as take in some history. I read it’s just 1 euro to enter so super cheap but now that only 1 of the 12 towers remain it won’t take you too long to look around.

How much time to spend in Setenil de las Bodegas?

There is accommodation in Setenil de las Bodegas however it seems it’s very much one of the places to visit on a day trip in Southern Spain, it’s very close to Ronda which is where we visited from and then we drove back down to the coast to Malaga afterwards with no problem.

There are many restaurants and cafes in Setenil de las Bodegas and it’s a nice relaxed place to have lunch in on your South Spain road trip.

So, you could spend 1 night in Setenil de las Bodegas but equally 1-3 hours seems to be enough too.

For more information on this pretty town, here’s a great guide to Setenil .

– Puerto Banus

You have probably heard of Marbella which is known for being a high-end beach destination in Spain to visit, but actually, Marbella is a city and actually, where everyone visits is a place near to Marbella called Puerto Banus.

Puerto Banus is known as a playground for the rich and famous because of its yachts, supercars and designer shops so it’s not to everyone’s taste, and people probably don’t associate it with Andalucia but it’s worth passing by to see, especially if you’re doing a Southern Spain road trip.

Things to do in Puerto Banus

• Puerto Banus Harbour – this is the main place I’d suggest going to and plan in visiting for lunch or dinner because there are lots of nice restaurants. There are high-end expensive restaurants but also a fair few mid-range places so it can be enjoyed by all. Walking around the harbour looking at all the yachts and cars is what a lot of people enjoy too.
• Nikki Beach Marbella – this is a really famous beach club which now has other locations in Dubai and Marrakesh. If going to a fancy beach club is on your list of things to do in Spain, this is where you can do it!
• Boat Trip – this location is all about fun in the sun and sea ! From Marbella / Puerto Banus you can do a sunset evening cruise , dolphin watching trip and a party boat trip !

Tours and Activities in Marbella

How much time to spend in puerto banus.

It’s really up to you and what you like. People visit Marbella and Puerto Banus for their 1 or 2 week holiday so you can spend a few days in Marbella, but equally, you can enjoy it by passing by as you drive along the South coast of Spain as I did recently just stopping in for dinner in the evening to take in the pure luxury and craziness of this place.

– Cadiz

Not many people will get over to Cadiz on their Southern Spain itinerary because it is quite far West in the South of Spain, especially if you start your trip in Malaga, but it is a gem not to be missed if you have time, and, it is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe !

Why should Cadiz be on your list of places to visit in Southern Spain? You’ll get the white-washed buildings, cobbled streets, and historic buildings, but also get beautiful clear water surrounding you and plenty of places to visit in Cadiz to keep you busy, and full!

Things to do in Cadiz

• Cadiz Cathedral – this Cathedral took 116 years to complete between 1722 and 1838 and sits in the heart of Cadiz welcoming all visitors as one of the top places to visit in Cadiz.
• Cadiz Cathedral Bell Tower – I love that you can see views of Cadiz city and over to the water from the bell tower of such an impressive cathedral!
• Mercado Central De Abastos – when in a Spainish city you must visit a market and this is a really old one built in 1839! You’ll find all types of food so why not get some food for lunch and even if you’re not hungry, going in is a must to see daily local life !
• Bike Tour – biking through a city is the best way to see it and in Cadiz you can do an organised 3 hour bike tour like this around one of Europe’s oldest cities taking in the historic sites and learning about them from a guide.
• Tapas Tasting – the best way to see a city can be through the food and in Spain, you want to try real Tapas , but the best way is often to do with a guide on a 3 hour tour like this , so they can take you to the best places for tapas in Cadiz!
• Watch Flamenco – just like in Seville and Granada, you can watch Flamenco in Cadiz and get skip the queue tickete here ! Flamenco will have you mesmerised and even those who think they might not like it, will enjoy it!

Tours and Activites in Cadiz

How much time to spend in cadiz.

Like many of the other cities in Andalucia, you could spend 2-3 days in Cadiz enjoying a laid-back lifestyle and this is definitely what people like Cadiz for, but you could also pass through for one day and see a lot of the top things to do in Cadiz.

Southern Spain Map

All 8 of the places to visit in Southern Spain are on this map to help you work out your itinerary!

Southern Spain Itineraries

To help you work out where to visit in Southern Spain I’ve given you some ideas of itineraries below. These are not definites but you can use them to understand where you can visit in the time you have.

– Southern Spain 3-4 Days

Arrive in Malaga – 1 Day

Day Trip from Malaga to Cordoba – 1 Day

Granada – 1-2 Days

– Southern Spain 7 Days

Granada – 2 Days

Cordoba – 1 Day

Seville – 2 Days

Malaga – 1 Day

– Southern Spain 10 Days

Cadiz – 2 Days

Ronda – 1 Day

– Southern Spain 14 Days

Seville – 3 Days

Ronda – 2 Day

Marbella – 1 Day

How to get around Southern Spain

– southern spain road trip.

Hiring a car in Spain is the best option if you are able to do this because then you can explore as much as you want and be on your own schedule!

Malaga Airport is a huge airport with lots of car rental companies and the best place to hire a car from in South Spain. I always use RentalCars which searches the top rental car companies.

Search car hire availability and prices for Southern Spain here!

But you can also hire a car in Seville as I recently did if you happen to fly in and out of there to start and end this trip, or Cadiz or Granada.

Have a look for a car for your Southern Spain Road Trip here on RentalCars!

The roads in Southern Spain are very good . The main roads are all highways with 2 lanes , sometimes 3 around cities such as Malaga and they are all in good condition.

In the countryside, the roads become smaller and can become quite steep, windy and narrow in places but they are still very well maintained so as long as you drive carefully you’ll be fine!

– Buses and Trains in Southern Spain

South Spain is well connected by train and bus and OMIO is the best platform to search all transport options within Spain so you can check the best, cheapest and fastest route.

Going by train is a great idea to connect between the big cities like Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz as they all have good train stations with lots of routes.

Search train and bus routes through Spain using Omio here ! Omio searches all the train and bus providers in Spain to give you the most availability!

If you plan to do some day trips in Southern Spain to see more of the country, then I recommend using the train as it’s faster than the bus and probably driving. For example, you can easily do a day trip to Cordoba from Malaga, Granada or Seville by train.

Going by bus is sometimes the only option but it’s still a good option, I recently booked by bus through OMIO with the ALSA bus company to get from Granada to Malaga. They are a well-organised company with regular departures for a good price with comfy coaches. You even get assigned a seat on the coach making it very safe too.

– Shared Taxi Transport

Another way to get between the cities is using a carpool / shared taxi company . I haven’t used this myself but my friend who lives in Seville has used BlablaCar several times between Seville and Granada .

It gives an added level of comfort being in a car rather than on a bus and can be much cheaper than the train. You will share with strangers but you never know, they may be new friends by the end of the trip !

Accommodation in Southern Spain

There is a huge amount of accommodation on offer in the cities and big towns in Southern Spains to suit all trip types and budgets.

I have used booking.com and Airbnb to book all of my Spain accommodation recently.

In Malaga , I recommend a hotel in the Soho District which is really cool! Have a search for one here!

Or, in Malaga, if you’d prefer to be by the beach and in a resort hotel , I really recommend the 5* Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton where I stayed in May.

In Granada , I recommend staying in the Albaicin , only if you don’t have much luggage because the Albicin is full of small pedestrian streets and gives you a really good feel for the old city of Granada!

Best time to visit Southern Spain

One of the reasons I love Spain is because of the all-year-round great weather ! Yes, it does get cold in Spain in the winter but the South is much warmer than the North in winter!

– Weather in South Spain

Recently, I visited Southern Spain in November, May, June & July and honestly, it was great all of those months weather-wise .

June and July were very hot and in terms of visiting Southern Spain in Summer, I would avoid July & August if you can as temperatures can go over 40c, especially in cities such as Seville. Being by the coast or in the mountains is a bit more manageable in the summer months.

I loved Spain in May because it was hot but not too hot at all and so many flowers were in bloom because it was spring, it was just a very warm and sunny spring compared to the U.K!

Visiting Southern Spain in Winter is also a great idea. The start of November when I went was very pleasant, I had a jacket on but it wasn’t cold and wasn’t wet either. There was also a huge difference in temperature between Granada which is in the mountains and is colder than Seville and Cordoba which were much warmer in November!

December, January and February definitely get cold in South Spain but not so cold that it snows and with the right warm clothes on you will be comfortable and it will be much milder than in the UK and many other parts of Europe!

For more reasons why I love Spain, especially Southern Spain, check out my YouTube video:

Thank you for reading my guide on a Southern Spain itinerary, I hope you have worked out where to visit in Southern Spain, especially if you plan to do a Southern Spain road trip!

• For more of my posts from Spain see:
• REVIEW: Higuerón Hotel Malaga. Incredible 5* Hotel Near Malaga!
• The Ultimate Zaragoza Travel Guide! Everything You Need To Know!
• 50 Things To Do in Zaragoza & Things To See in Zaragoza!

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• Southern Spain
• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive Seville
• Day 2 Seville
• Day 3 Seville
• Day 4 Seville - Ronda
• Day 5 Ronda - Granada
• Day 6 Granada
• Day 7 Granada - Cordoba
• Day 8 Depart Cordoba

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

10 Top Destinations in Southern Spain

Andalusia is an autonomous community that covers most of southern Spain. It has a diverse landscape, with a long Mediterranean coastline and its own mountain chain, and is known to have the hottest average temperatures in Europe. Andalusia is a rough translation of an Arabic word meaning “vandals”, due to the fact that it was raided and claimed by many different cultures and nations because of its prime location.

This has created a series of cities and towns with a very multicultural architecture, cuisine, and history. They are home to a celebratory culture full of festivals and flamenco dancing, tapas and sherry. Here is a look at some of the must-see destinations in southern Spain :

10. Jerez de la Frontera [SEE MAP]

This small city is believed by many to be as quintessential Andalucía as anyone can find. Though larger cities like Cadiz and Seville will advertise this honor, Jerez is well known on several fronts without much lip service at all.

It is the center of Spanish horse culture, and home of the invention of fortified sherry wine. Eleven European palaces and one looming Moorish palace and fortress are available for tours. During one of the many festivals here, there is ample opportunity to see traditional flamenco dance in the city where it was invented.

9. Donana National Park [SEE MAP]

More local endangered species can also be seen by lucky people, like the Iberian lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. As it was once a home for nobility, the visitors centers and marine museum are all housed in repurposed castles and manors, and are worth seeing as well.

8. Marbella [SEE MAP]

Once a small white village of fishermen, Marbella is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol. The beaches with its fine sand and the Mediterranean with its clean blue water are the main attractions here, although there are numerous historic attractions well worth exploring too.

An ancient walled city boasts virtually the same footprint as it did during the 16th century. When not sunning on Marbella’s palm-tree-lined beaches, visitors can walk the Golden Mile to view some of the most luxurious homes and resorts in Europe. The area around the yacht-filled marina Puerto Banus boasts the city’s best boutiques, restaurants and bars.

7. Cadiz [SEE MAP]

This is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in all of Western Europe, and was founded over three millennia ago by Phoenician sailors. A visit to Cadiz means seeing long coastlines of public beaches, waves on crashing seawalls, and examples of thousands of years of architecture.

The must-see time to visit is during Carnival, which is the third-biggest celebration of this kind in the world. During the rest of the year, guests flock here for seafood, surfing and flamenco dancing.

6. Malaga [SEE MAP]

From the outside, this city has a subdued and modern shell. The historic, Gothic heart of town is another world completely. This is the birthplace of Picasso, and has a large collection of museums to enjoy. Those seeking older historic sites will enjoy the Roman theater, and Azcalba, the Moorish castle.

The grand 11th Century Gibralfaro castle is a must-see for those who love lavish manors. Malaga is well-known for its tapas bars and has a reputation of being one of the tastiest cities in the region when it comes to this kind of cuisine.

5. Sierra Nevada [SEE MAP]

This mountain range in Spain is one of the southernmost ski destinations in all of Europe. It also contains the highest mountain of continental Spain, Mulhacén at 3,478 meters (11,411 feet) above sea level. The range towers over the city of Grenada, and offers a number of fun activities for travelers.

In addition to winter slopes, visitors here can enjoy the National Park that serves as a biosphere reserve, an astronomical observatory and telescope, and access to a number of adventure guide services. During summertime, these mountains are a mecca for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

4. Ronda [SEE MAP]

Located in and around the deep El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It’s nearly impregnable position made it a stronghold against Catholic troops in the 1400s. Completed in 1793, the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the 30-story high gorge is one of the city’s most impressive features.

The city’s architecture received its influence from the Romans and Moors who once ruled the area. Ronda is also home to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, an arena that has attracted writers ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Alexandre Dumas.

3. Cordoba [SEE MAP]

The architectural splendor of Cordoba is well-known, and comes from a multitude of cultures. Of worldwide renown is the Mezquita, or great Mosque-cathedral of Cordoba. Both the exceptional design as well as the combined religious histories bring a steady stream of international visitors.

The middle-aged architecture that comprises the Jewish Quarter stretches out from the Mezquita, and offers a lovely stroll through the past, as does a trip across the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. Spring visitors will especially enjoy their trip here, as this is when several citywide fiestas fill the streets.

2. Seville [SEE MAP]

This is the largest tourist destination in southern Spain, and home to many attractions. The cathedral here, adorned with a Moorish bell-tower, is the third largest church in the world by some measurements, though some say the world’s largest by measurement of volume. A host of museums, ancient architecture, palaces and churches are available to explore in Seville , along with the usual big-city amenities of excellent food and cultural activities.

One fun must-see here is the diary of Christopher Columbus, which is housed in the Museum of the Indies. Finally, a two-week visit here in April can be amazing- the somber Santa Semana (holy week) and celebratory Feria de Abril that follows is a world-renowned celebration.

See also: Where to Stay in Seville

1. Granada [SEE MAP]

This city at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains was founded as a Celtic settlement and has been inhabited for over 2500 years. Its breathtaking location near mountains is one of the loveliest in Andalusia. Granada’s most famous attraction is the fortress/palace complex known as Alhambra, which was a Moorish palace for the emirs when the city was under Islamic rule.

The adjacent Muslim neighborhood and many other cathedrals and castles are also worth the trip while here. Tapas and flamenco lovers will find that both are easy to find and quite excellent.

Map of Southern Spain

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Reader interactions.

March 25, 2019 at 8:12 am

I found that the weather was perfect in late April early May, in Rota, Cádiz, Jerez, Seville was toasty and humid, bu tolerable you will enjoy the area.

March 19, 2019 at 5:12 pm

I plan traveling to southern Spain early April. Is the weather good that time on the year?

November 21, 2017 at 4:41 am

I would have definitely put Ubeda and Baeza in this list as they are Unesco World Heritage sites. There is so much history to explore and is a great location for 2 or 3 days.

September 25, 2017 at 5:26 pm

If you want to swim in the best natural beaches in Spain you have to visit Cabo de Gata in Almería, you will enjoy of this natural parks and its amazing landscapes , place where many films has been recorded like Indiana Jones or The Planet of the apes.

May 13, 2017 at 11:30 pm

I just a week ago toured to Malaga, Cordoba and around. These are so nice sites to go. The region is beset with rich history of christians, jews, muslims and alike cultures. Pleasant people, good multi-language tour operator, weather in late Apr/early May is bright summer there in Spain vs. a bone-jerking chill in Nordic and West Europe.

April 9, 2017 at 8:56 am

I enjoyed all that info as in Spain currently and looking for different places to visit. Have travelled here extensively and love it so much.

June 10, 2015 at 6:07 pm

So beautiful indeed. Those photos are so nice. It makes me wanna visit Spain asap.

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Tours & Vacations of Southern Spain

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Unravel an enriching experience as you awe at Moorish architecture in Seville, indulge in decadent tapas in Cordoba, and come face to face with iconic artwork at the Picasso Museum in Malaga. All of this and more is accessible when you visit Andalusia. Embrace a region that exudes history and culture when you create your own tour of Southern Spain with Zicasso.

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8  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,595

Perched on the southern most edge of the Iberian peninsula, Andalusia has long enjoyed an excellent position and the juncture of two continents and two seas. This position and the attendant cultural and historical heritage the region enjoys is well displayed on this 8-day tour of Granda, Cordoba, Seville, and Malaga. From tasty tapas to mesmerizing Flamenco music, you have never seen the side of Spain displayed on this handcrafted tour.

9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,803

Saffron-induced aromas waft through the air as locals gather on sun-kissed patios. Gulls coo as they circle overhead while the staccato beats of rhythmic flamenco dancers echo down the cobbled streets. These are just a few of the enticing sensory experiences that you can have on this luxurious, 9-day adventure through Southern Spain. This excursion will have you venturing inside royal palace walls, strolling through illustrious public parks, marveling at internationally revered artwork, and admiring the opulent gold leafing of Spain's oldest cathedrals. After witnessing the soulful melodies of an authentic flamenco show, you will truly feel inspired by the charismatic energy of Andalusia.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,179

Southern Spain is a conglomeration of culture, unique experiences, delicious, food, and local heritage. Ornate palaces pop boldly against the muted cobbled streets of Andalusia’s downtown, and stoic fortresses loom above church steeples that pierce the sunny skies. Nestled in the snow-capped mountain range of the Sierra Nevada, Granada boasts the last-standing Moorish stronghold, and Sevilla's downtown provides glimpses into its history while also maintaining a vibrant culture of authentic bullfighting and springtime festivities. Cordoba's La Mezquita is an ode to the past and a symbol of the city's diverse cultural makeup to this day. During this luxurious, 7-day adventure, you will experience all of this and more, which will prove to be the vacation of a lifetime.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,115

Take your entire family on an unforgettable, 10-day excursion to Spain’s sunny Andalucia. Ornate palaces and beautiful cathedrals line the quaint, cobblestone streets.  Flamenco dancers throw up their arms in a passionate display as they stomp their feet to the staccato beats of clapping castanets. Nearby cafes entice patrons with jamon iberico and other delectable, local flavors. Located a stone’s throw away, crowds cheer as bullfighters twirl their capes and tease their four-legged counterparts with a boastful Ole! In no time, you and your family will be immersed in local history and culture while falling in love with this enchanting, Spanish paradise.

Dynamic pricing from  $2,491

Basking in the southern sun and sparkling under starry night skies, Andalusia speaks to your soul. This earthly paradise is an oasis of natural beauty and magnificent monuments that testify to the glory of Spain’s ancient Islamic kingdom. Discover this enchanting land once known as Al Andalus. Visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and admire the spectacular settings. Cliff-top castles, medieval Moorish palaces, charming whitewashed villages, and idyllic nature reserves will delight you. During the entire vacation, you’ll stay in wonderful “parador” hotels, lovely historic buildings converted into luxury accommodations.

Bask in enchanting ambiance and captivating history during your customizable romantic Spain tour of Andalusia for a real-life fairytale. Whether celebrating a milestone honeymoon or reveling in the throes of new love, Andalusia will be a captivating retreat filled with delicious tapas and the sounds of soothing Spanish guitar, the songs of lovebirds and the passion of flamenco. Unforgettable architecture highlights the grandeur of Moorish and Christian royalty while geraniums add flourishes of color to the charismatic whitewashed walls of welcoming towns. Panoramic views, sophisticated designs, and endless romance will radiate from your spirited tour of Spain.

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There is nothing quite like Spain’s charming cobblestoned streets and passionate flamenco melodies to set the mood for the an outstanding couple’s retreat in Andalucia.  Sun-kissed plazas and luscious public parks serve as the perfect backdrop for your 10-day excursion through the beloved cities of Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Malaga.  Intoxicating flavors of finely cured ham and freshly picked olives pair perfectly with an elegant glass of vino tinto.  Take your partner’s hand as you peruse outdoor markets and step inside ornate palaces and cathedrals.  As dusk falls, you will sit atop a romantic mirador for idyllic views of the city that are blanketed in stars.

Travel to the land of sunshine and tapas in Spain’s beautiful Southern region of Andalucia.  Sit on the café terraces to enjoy a soothing cup of café con leche beneath citrusy aromas of orange trees as you listen to the heartfelt melodies of flamenco performers nearby.  History unfolds around each corner as you step inside ornate cathedrals and walk through opulent palace gates, and culture is baked into every deliciously fried croqueta and sewn into the fabric of each traditional sevillana dress.  Immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and culture of this region while Andalucians welcome you in with their warm hospitality.

During this luxurious 7-day adventure through Madrid and Barcelona, you will experience some of the most exclusive experiences that these cities have to offer. Vivacious street life bursts from the central avenues and open-aired plazas of Madrid's downtown and local bands catch the attention of passersby. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, artistic whimsy emanates from every storefront and the intricate architecture amazes all its visitors.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,275

Spain is the country of Flamenco and paella, Picasso and Columbus. Medieval cities are lined with cobblestoned streets. Large towers create the skyline and watch over the old stone ramparts. On this custom-tailored family tour of Spain, you will find enchanting culture and fairytale architecture. The family will delight in the beauty of the hills, the majesty of history, and the animated atmosphere of big cities overflowing with spirit.

The spirit of Spain is an amalgamation of majesty and cannot be summed up by a single city. On your 10-day customizable Spain tour, you will find the true culture of the country in the exceptional mixture of heritage and history. From incredible cathedrals to ineffable mosques, ancient old quarters to vivacious modern streets, you will immerse yourself in the essence of Spain and find immeasurable delight.

Instead of settling for a beach vacation or a journey through the mountains, you can have it all on this custom tailored Spain family vacation to Madrid and Barcelona. Give the entire family a chance to indulge in the golden sands of Barcelona. Let them wander around the lavish décor of the Royal Palace. The kids will delight in the artistry and learn about history without ever knowing. Spend your time enjoying the scenery and indulging in your family’s excitement. Taste traditional dishes and stroll along medieval cobblestone streets. Let this unique family getaway give you luxury and landscape, culture, and memories.

More Popular Destinations in Spain

More About Tours of Southern Spain

With countless ways to experience Spain, getting the right information and inspiration will make your vacation the best it can be.

From ornate Cathedrals and hidden tapas bars to Moorish history and stunning nature, Zicasso’s Spain Travel Guide will provide you with the expert tips and recommendations for your dream vacation.

Explore what this amazing country has to offer and when you’re ready, contact a destination specialist to learn more.

The best time to visit Spain is from March through May and September through November for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. June through August and December through February are also great times to visit, and this guide answers questions about when to visit the country for specific experiences.

The best time to visit central cities is different from the best time to visit the Dolomites, and the best time for wine tasting is not necessarily the best time for beach vacations. How you decide to travel will determine when you should visit Spain and our information can help you narrow down your choice.

From seasonal changes to information on the hottest month in Spain, we can help you find the right time for your custom trip.

Explore answers to the most common questions travelers ask before a trip to Spain to find inspiration for your vacation.

Whether you are searching for the best time to visit the country, deciding between a trip to northern or southern Spain, or want to know what food to try on your trip, the following tips can guide you in the right direction.

Below, you will find everything you need to know about Spain and suggestions to help you iron out the details of your trip. With these answers and a Zicasso travel specialist’s assistance, you can experience the best of Spain on your first-time or return visit.

From exploring Moorish heritage to basking in Basque Country sunshine on golden beaches, the top 10 things to do in Spain offer cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation.

Each region is famous for distinct experiences, be it San Sebastian’s culinary pursuits or southern Spain’s cross-continental cultural activities. Exploring them, you could spend the day unraveling history in museums and admiring art in contemporary galleries, while in the evening, you could fine dine on Mediterranean beaches, savoring tapas, pintxos , and other local treats.

Bringing iconic things to do to the forefront of your travel plans and sharing surprising additions worthy of our top 10 recommendations, let these ideas guide your Spanish experiences.

Travel Tips for Discerning Travelers

Spain is a treasure trove of highlights, from Mediterranean beaches to breathtaking Moorish palaces you can discover in these 10 best places to visit.

Spanish spirit spills from the cities, towns, and countryside, with each region known for its unique charm. Explore Catalonia from the region’s bustling capital, Barcelona, spend your stay on sun-washed Basque Country beaches, or discover Moorish heritage in the museums of Seville.

These are a few of the famous destinations in Spain, with more ideas in this article highlighting the artwork, architecture, cuisine, and experiences to have in the best places to visit.

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The Best Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary Through Fiery Andalucia

April 12, 2021

Andalucia stands apart from Spain at the tip of the Iberian peninsula, drenched in sunshine, snow and, above all else, character. Having spent years exploring this part of the world, here’s the best southern Spain road trip itinerary through Andalucia. An inside guide.

The timing of this post was brought to you as a result of the #SpainOnMyMind campaign, created and managed by iambassador in partnership with the  Spain Tourist Office. We always keep the right to write what we like, as ever, as always. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Table of Contents

The Perfect Itinerary for Southern Spain

My memories of southern spain.

Al Andalus. I think about those words right now amid another sea of change. 

Al Andalus refers to the part of southern Spain previously ruled by the Moors, a rough approximation of modern day Andalucia. Coins from 716 bear the name in both Latin and Arabic and the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada reveals its history through its name: Alhambra. The red one.

You’ll find traces of that Moorish legacy across Spain’s largest region, from the haunting arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba to the latticework in the major meeting point in Seville: La Giralda. 

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
• Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

What is Andalucia Like?

But Andalucia has a powerful character of its own, one fierce with tradition, passion and, if we can perhaps take a break from the serious for a moment, some stunningly cold red soup. 

For years, I lived there, on the outskirts of Seville, in a place called Aljarafe. I walked through olive groves, celebrated at village ferias and tried not to blush as everyone stopped and stared at my pale skin and blonde hair at every doctor’s appointment or foray into the local post office. 

At weekends, we’d grab skis in the winter, bound for the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. In summer, we’d flee to the coast. Spring saw the silence of Semana Santa followed by the week long extravaganza of Feria and in autumn, we’d join visiting friends to tour around the rest of Andalucia. 

When the World Stopped

After a year of the pandemic, when we can scarcely leave our house, these memories bring me joy but also a weight that could, on some days, break my heart. 

Did it really used to be so easy to walk between the orange trees, to the clatter of hooves and the salty tang of tapas and fino sherry? Was a new adventure only ever a short walk away?

Well, as we settle into our new routine of trying not to stare at the same four walls and drive each other mad, instead of baking banana bread and learning how to crochet a new handbag, I’m settling down to do something else. Something I meant to do years ago: distill all those travel memories into the best southern Spain road trip itinerary for you. 

And, let’s face it, one day again, I hope, for me.

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Planning a Trip to Southern Spain

The number one tip for planning a southern Spain road trip itinerary is this: don’t go in August! Many places close down but the temperature in the inland cities remains ferociously, unforgivingly hot. Many an overconfident traveller has been rendered into a sweaty, collapsing, heatstroked blob by failing to take this into account. 

Seriously, guys. Seville gets seriously hot. Candle melting, tyre poppingly, tourist trashingly hot. There’s a reason why locals still have siestas and why everyone who can leaves the city for the coast in the summer. 

It’s an amazing place. But plan your Andalucia itinerary for any season but summer.

When to Visit southern Spain

When is the best time to visit southern Spain? In the shoulder season of spring and autumn and definitely not in the height of summer! While the coast can entertain you on the beach with a 30 degree breeze, in the city of Seville, temperatures can reach 50 degrees, with candles melting, tyres popping and visitors flagging. See how I wrote that again? I really want you to pay attention to this one simple fact!

Granada and the Alpujarras are cooler again but for a southern Spain itinerary where you can enjoy walking around, look to travel to Spain between May and June or late September and October. That’s also a great time to visit the white villages, or Pueblos Blancos, like Mojácar Pueblo in Almeria.

Winter is cool but not frozen and can be quite wet. You can ski on the slopes by the Alhambra but the resort is quite modest in size. 

To catch the festivals of Semana Santa and Feria, you need to check the calendar each year. The dates move around Easter and accommodation fills up fast.

What to Eat in Southern Spain

Tapas isn’t a stereotype in southern Spain, it’s a way of life. Even the most abandoned looking service station at the edge of the road serves up fresh, homemade tapas and it’s utterly delicious. 

People tend to have meals at home and tapas out with friends. Breakfast is a small but simple affair, typically consisting of toast and coffee darker than the heart of Satan. 

Mealtimes in Southern Spain

Lunch takes place pretty late according to US and UK customs, at around 3pm and dinner takes place between 9 and 10pm. In the tourist centres, you’ll be able to find restaurants open at other times but in the more remote areas, there’s no chance, I’m afraid. 

Pack some snacks if you don’t think you can last that long but it’s worth giving it a try at least once during your southern Spain itinerary. 

Traditional Dishes in Southern Spain

Jamon is famous across Spain but the finest in the world comes from Andalucia. Known as Jamon Iberico de Bellota or Pata Negra, this melt in the mouth charcuterie is the most expensive cured meat in the world. Pata negra means “black hoof” and the pigs are raised outside in a free range manner and fed a diet of acorns and berries. 

Not every tapas bar will serve it, however, and that’s probably a good thing for both your wallet and your waistline. But do make sure to try some at least once. Although, be warned. It may convert you into a jamon snob for life.

Gazpacho, poorly described as a “cold tomato soup” makes sense when you feel the real heat of Andalucia. Cordoba and Seville jostle for ownership over the more locally developed salmorejo, a delicious vinegar-based cold soup with a boiled egg served on top. 

Other key dishes includes gambas, albondigas and tortilla. While you will find paella for sale in the main cities, the rice hails from Valencia and so it’s not a typical dish of southern Spain. 

• Read more about the best tapas bars in Seville here.

Where to Stay in Southern Spain

You will find yourself overflowing with characterful and atmospheric places to stay in southern Spain. While the big chains do exist in the big cities, the true delight of any southern Spain trip itinerary is to delight in the sense of place. 

With that in mind, I’d highly recommend staying in ancient forts, renovated palaces and converted monasteries in this Andalucia itinerary.

To make life easier, the Spanish government have created a series of Paradores, hotels generally built in or from buildings of historic interest and with menus sourced from local traditions and flavours. 

That said, you’ll find some stunning luxury properties across Andalucia, and some budget boltholes too. Just don’t expect much choice in the rural areas and smaller towns but try not to worry about it: most places are beautiful and if you make a mistake, the outdoor scenery will compensate.

Also, if you’re from the US, get ready for a different style of service. Tipping is, by and large, not expected and nor is the attitude that the customer is always right. 

Road Trip Through Southern Spain At a Glance

• Day 1 – Arrive in Malaga
• Day 2 – Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera 
• Day 3 – Cadiz
• Day 4 – Doñana National Park to Seville
• Day 5 – Seville
• Day 6 – Cordoba & The Mezquita
• Day 7 – Granada & The Alhambra
• Day 8 – The Alpujarras Mountains
• Day 9 – Malaga

Have additional days in Andalucia? Add Almería, Malaga city centre and Gibraltar to your southern Spain itinerary.

Southern Spain Itinerary: Day by Day

Ok, enough pleasantries and travel tips. Let’s start your Andalucia itinerary!

Arrive in Malaga

Malaga has a bad rep in the UK for being a place where people go to get drunk in the sun. And, well, there is some truth to that.

However, Malaga itself has a beautiful Old Town and great access to the southern coast of Spain. It’s also the biggest airport in southern Spain. While Seville and Granada do have their own international airports, the flight paths are more limited and you’ll often find that Malaga provides you with more choice. If that doesn’t work, look at flights into Faro in neighbouring Portugal. 

Another way to fly into southern Spain involves a transfer in Madrid or Barcelona and hopping on a domestic flight to Seville or Granada. If that’s what you choose, then tweak the order of this Southern Spain itinerary.

However, I’ve opted for the easiest option for most travellers and have you flying in to Malaga. It’s easy to pick up a rental car, the roads are smooth, wide and straightforward and the scenery is beautiful. 

Are you ready? Let’s go.

Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera

Not to be confused with Rondda in the grey and drizzly South Wales Valley, the Ronda in Andalucia will sear itself into your memory on account of its ludicrously tall bridge with a teetering fall and river below. 

This small Andalusian town clings to the rocky outcrops of the El Tajo gorge, the Guadelevin River flowing far, far beneath. Today, you’ll find a genteel and welcoming atmosphere but that betrays a stormier past: the local bandit museum fills in the details.

Back in the day, this part of Andalucia was wild country, with blood weddings, bandits and melancholy. That element of sorrow and danger underpins the music of flamenco, a sorrowful, foot-stomping display of passion despite the apparent cheer of polka dot dresses in tourist kiosk windows. 

• A great place to stay in Ronda is the Parador de Ronda, with rooms overlooking the steep drop into that gorge.

Fino sherry in Seville: bitter and strong and perfect with olives

Jerez de la Frontera

I love Jerez de la Frontera. 

Known as the home of sherry, the bodegas that illustrate the story behind the underrated drink tell so many great stories.

First, the sherry. The drink takes, on average, an astonishing century to make. Bodegas show barrels on top of barrels, as craftsmen mix the produce from one with the one below it and leave it for a while. Then mix from the one below. And so on.

The process is called solera and all told, over 100 years of craftsmanship go into one simple drink.

To call a drink “sherry,” derived from “jerez,” it must come from Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, or El Puerto de Santa María in the Cadiz region of Andalucia.

But as if that the sherry were not enough, Jerez also has the most famous equestrian training centre in Spain  and is a beautiful place to visit in its own right.

• Top tip: arrange for a sherry tasting in one of the local bodegas. Discover manzanilla, a strong, white fortified wine and make sure to take a few bites of tapas at the same time.

The coastal city of Cadiz can seem like a hidden gem in comparison to some of the more famous cities on this southern Spain trip itinerary. Its beach, the Playa de la Caleta, sits right by the Old Town, while local fishing boats bob on by. 

If the sea scene looks familiar, it’s because it doubled as Havana in the Bond film Die Another Day, when a dazzling Halle Berry emerged from the sea. Two former Moorish fortresses overlook the coast, as does the balneario, a spa that snuggles into the cove.

Cadiz also is home to the oldest covered market in Spain, the Mercado Central de Abastos. First built in 1838, and renovated significantly since then, around 150 market stalls stand there today, with calls of manzanilla, empanadas and, these days, even sushi.

To escape the city and head to more wild expanses of sand, drive for less than an hour to the Playa del Faro. The lighthouse here, the Cabo de Trafalgar, looks mighty on the horizon, but the best place to eat is the the thatched shack Bar Las Dunas at the point where the road turns into sand. 

And in case you were wondering? Yes, it is the Trafalgar of the battle of the same name. Although it’s hard to imagine that in the peace-filled sunshine waves today.

Doñana National Park

Can I tell you a secret? The Doñana National Park is an incredible spot that too many people miss from their southern Spain itinerary. 

Think flamingoes spilling over tranquil lakes. The Spanish imperial eagle amid undisturbed reeds. And, if you’re really lucky, the Iberian lynx.

Of course, I am not the only person who has noticed. Doñana is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and you can book tours from Seville to explore the park. It’s just that I see it missing from many a south Spain itinerary and cannot understand for the life of me why that is.  

Even the nearby village, El Rocio, captures hearts and minds with the smoky incense of her shrines. And the fact that bars have raised tables so that cabelleros who arrive on horseback don’t need to dismount to enjoy a cerveza. 

Within the context of this Andalucia road trip itinerary, I’d recommend you spend the night near Cadiz, spend the day at Doñana and then head to Seville to make the most of the evening there. 

Ah, Seville. This is the biggest hitting of the cities in Andalucia, with the most to do and the hairiest of introductions if you’re running this southern Spain itinerary as a road trip. Those flyovers on the entrance to the narrow, narrow Old Town are fierce. 

All that said, as Spain’s 4th largest city, you can expect to find a lot to do in Seville. I lived there for nearly four years and still wouldn’t say that I had explored every last bodega, shrine and cobbled street.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. 

Seville’s Golden Days (Quite LIterally)

Seville made its name during the literal gold rush of the “discovery” of the “New World.”

Christopher Columbus sought financing from Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in the grounds of Seville’s Real Alcazar.

He recruited sailors from the district of Triana and Columbus’ remains are said to be buried within the grounds of Seville’s Cathedral. The Archivo General de Indias houses over 80 million pages of documents relating to Spain’s overseas empire.

At one point in time, Seville was the most powerful city in the world. 

Seville in More Modern Times

Today, unsurprisingly, much of the rich architecture and state buildings stem from that time. But the city hasn’t frozen.

 The new addition of Las Setas, the mushrooms, officially known as the Metropol Parasol, may have caused a stir at the time but seem to have won over tourists, if not locals, over the years. 

The Plaza de España, a great expanse of ceramic creation set amid a grand, leafy park, dates back only to 1928 and the Ibero-American Exposition.

You could spend your time so many different ways in Seville, but a few things make everyone’s list: La Giralda, the Cathedral spire built on top of a mosque in the atmospheric Old Town; the Barrio Santa Cruz and its rooftop bars; the Flamenco museum or shows (skip the tourist performances and catch the mournful real thing at the La Carbonería;) and the view from the river (make like a tourist and take a cruise.) And the tapas. Oh, how you can’t miss the tapas. 

After that, here’s a more in depth guide on the best things to do in Seville.

• Seville off the beaten path: the city’s hidden gems
• Exploring Triana, the wrong side of the tracks in Seville.
• The best souvenirs to buy in Seville: a shopping guide.
• The best places to stay in Seville
• The best tapas bars in Seville

The beautiful city of Cordoba would be a show-stopper if it didn’t have the misfortune of being so close to both Seville and Granada. It has narrow cobbled streets with white-washed walls and bright pink flowers, surrounding olive groves and fragrant orange trees amid tapas bars with centuries of history…

It’s an enchanting place. But with only one week to explore southern Spain, I’m going to suggest you keep your visit here short and spend more time in Seville and Granada at the Alhambra. 

However, there is one sight you absolutely must see. The mezquita or mosque or, to call it by its official name, the Catedral de Cordoba.

Confused? Let me explain. 

The Mezquita

Like many aspects of life in Andalucia, a lot changed when the Reyes Catolicos or Catholic Monarchs defeated the Moors and drove them out of the Iberian Peninsula. Until then, the building was a mosque. After the wars, it was converted to a Christian cathedral, complete with its own dome. 

If that sounds like a dry historical footnote, it’s not. Walk inside the candlelit shadows of the Mezquita to see a mesmerising series of rose pink and cream arches one after the other after the other in formation.

Then look up to see the inside of the dome. 

• Find everything you need to arrange your trip to the Mezquita here.

Named after the passionate pomegranate, the city of Granada would be an essential part of any southern Spain itinerary all on its own. But add in its prize attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra and you’re looking at a bona fide, world class destination. 

The Alhambra

There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Perched high on the deep green mountains of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, the burned red stone of the Alhambra Complex is a sight to behold. Not only is it one of the best places to visit in southern Spain, it’s one of the best in all of Spain and a major highlight on any European itinerary. It’s hard to imagine that this palace of delicate mosaics, perfectly proportioned fountains and fragrant rose gardens came to life at around the time that draughty stone castles popped up in wet and windier climates in Europe. There’s simply no competition.

As well as being one of the most beautiful monuments in Europe, the Alhambra also carries the weight of its own bloody history. Read more about the story of the Alhambra over here.

Visiting the Alhambra: You Must Book Tickets in Advance

To visit the Alhambra, you must buy tickets. And I mean you must! Tickets are sold in half hour slots online from here. If you’ve messed this bit up, you may still be able to enter the other areas but it’s the interior of the Nasrid Palace that’s the most spectacular to see. 

Allow at least half a day for your visit and be aware that you’ll probably need to walk for more than three miles to see it all. Therefore, avoid if you possibly can the midday sun and opt for an early morning or evening slot instead. 

Granada city Centre

The ancient Iberians, the Romans and the Visigoths have all enjoyed the fertile ground around the city of Granada, long before the Moors and the Christians battled it out on the peach-red earth. 

As a university town today, it mixes honey-coloured medieval architecture with coffee shops and cafes, Fair Trade markets and live music venues.

The Best Viewpoint in Granada

Go up the steps from the Albaicín’s Calle Cruz de la Rauda to the Ermita de San Miguel church and watch the sunset across the Alhambra.

Save your walking energy for the Alhambra earlier in the day and then enjoy drifting around the steep streets and barrios of Granada afterwards. Enjoy an early aperitivo (in Granada, the tapas is complimentary) and then relax into an evening meal or else head straight into the Alpujarras Mountains if your’e keen on an early morning hike.

The Alpujarras Mountains

Perched on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras Mountains offer some of the most scenic and hair raising drives in the world. 

These beautiful, remote hideaways provided shelter to the Moors who fled persecution from the cities of southern Spain, first from Seville in 1248 and then Granada after 1492. They were also the site of a bloody rebellion in 1568, where the Moors lost once again. Their choice was religious conversion or departure. And Christian soldiers from Galicia were brought in to keep the peace. 

All that turmoil and bloodshed seems impossible to imagine now, as the streets of the Alpujarras whisper the scent of jasmine amid white washed walls, honeysuckle, hiking routes and calm. 

At Peace with Nature

The area is a respite from the energies of the cities. A balm for the heat felt elsewhere. 

Not that the area has escaped the siesta. Visit in the afternoon to see handwoven rugs and carpets hanging down the sides of houses, blocking out the lights while residents sleep. 

Look out for the traditional colours of red, green, black and white amid impossibly beautiful village walls. 

Here is a place for quiet contemplation – or energetic hiking. If you have any time spare, shop for handmade baskets and pottery and reflect on your southern Spain itinerary so far.

And here you are at the end of your one week in Spain itinerary, back at Malaga. 

If at all possible, I’d suggest you explore this gorgeous coastal city. Although it ‘s best known as the gateway to the popular tourist spot the Costa del Sol, it is a valuable destination to visit in its own right. 

On the new side of things lies the Picasso Museum. Then there’s the headline stealing Pompidou Centre.

But my favourite part remains the old cobbled streets, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Moorish citadels of the Alcazaba and Gilfarbaro. And perhaps most of all: the beach.

Malaga is a great place to notch up one last Mediterranean swim before you need to travel to the airport and head home.

Travel Tips for Southern Spain

Here are the answers to some FAQs about southern Spain itineraries…

Where are the best cities to visit in Spain?

The Alhmabra in Granada is the best site to see, followed by the Mezquita in Cordoba. Seville is the biggest inland city and Malaga and Cadiz are the main cities on the coast.

Is it possible to see Portugal, Morocco and Spain in two weeks?

Not really, I would say! At a squeeze, you could combine two of the three, either Morocco and Spain or Spain and Portugal. But it will be rushed.

What is there to see in Spain while travelling if I like nature?

So many places! This southern Spain road trip itinerary includes the Doñana UNESCO World Heritage Centre but there’s also El Torcal Park and the hikes around the Alpujarras mountains.

More on Travel in Spain

• How to spend the perfect week in Spain
• The best road trips in Spain and their self-drive itineraries
• 40 Interesting facts about Spain

More on Southern Spain

• Triana, the wrong side of the tracks
• The 15 tapas dishes in Seville you need to know
• A sneak peek into the olive oil harvest in Spain
• The truth behind those shocking images of Semana Santa in Spain
• Unlocking the quotes of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain
• The secret meaning of No8Do in Spain
• The best things to do in Seville, Spain
• What to buy in Seville: the perfect souvenir list
• Where to stay in Seville: your neighbourhood guide

Perfect Road Trip Planning

You’re in road trip heaven here, as we have everything from a full list of road trip essentials to the Ultimate Road Trip Planner .

We even have 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive and a collection of inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas. Happy planning!

2 thoughts on “The Best Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary Through Fiery Andalucia”

Super article, Thank you for making it easier for me prepare my itinerary to my favorite destination which i’ll be travelling to in 3 months time ;) asking out of curiosity do they have vegetarian food ;p?

Ah, you will have such a great time! You will be able to find vegetarian food but there isn’t a huge understanding about vegetarianism and veganism. Stick to dishes like salmorejo, gazpacho and pimientos de padron. Don’t be surprised if people look confused when you say you don’t eat meat – it’s still seen as a treat and mark of hospitality to give you animal based dishes. But it can be done! A lot of my extended family follow vegan and vegetarian diets and travelled happily enough through southern Spain.

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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.

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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.

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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Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days In Andalusia [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 78 mins read
• Post last modified: February 25, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Southern Spain offers some of Spain’s highlights that every visitor has to experience. Andalusia is  one of the larger regions in Spain,  covering most of southern Spain. 

From sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and festivals to mouthwatering cuisine and diverse landscapes, this place offers some of the most notable attractions. And, of course, how can we forget that it’s also the land of the enthralling  flamenco and bullfighting ? 

I lived in Spain for 2 years , was road-tripping around Andalusia, and fell in love with the region. So, I’ve created this itinerary out of my experience so that you can have the same amazing trip.

So here you have the best of southern Spain itinerary for 10 days. Let’s get into it.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days & Map

Here is an overview of this Andalusia itinerary 10 days, including a map:

How Many Days Do You Need In Southern Spain?

The perfect time in southern Spain is 10 days . You’ll have enough time to explore its charming cities, spend some time in wonderful nature and its beaches, and make some day trips.

If you want extra time in Andalusian cities , you can spend 14 days in southern Spain.

The minimum time in Andalusia is 7 days , just enough to explore the major cities at least and immerse in their history.

Quick Guide For Andalusia

Spain is divided into so-called  autonomous communities  (small states). Each of them has a separate politics and regime. Altogether, there are  17 autonomous communities  in entire Spain.

Andalusia is one of them, Spain’s  second-largest community  by area (after Castile and Leon). It’s also quite different from the rest of Spain, thanks to its  diverse cultures , architecture, and unique art. It’s one of the  most beautiful communities in Spain  and deserves special attention.

Interesting Facts About Andalusia

• Has the second-highest life expectancy in the world after Japan.
• It’s home to the largest arid desert in Europe called Tabernas.
• The Sierra Nevada Mountain range is the highest peak in mainland Spain . It’s in the Granada province and lies at 3478 meters above sea level .
• Sevilla , Granada , and Córdoba make the Golden Triangle in Andalusia .
• You can reach Morocco from Andalusia by ferry in only 70 minutes .
• Tarifa is a surfer’s and windsurfer’s paradise .
• The Málaga airport has the lowest rates for car hire in Europe.
• With more than 110 golf courses, it has the highest concentration of golf courses in all of Europe.

History Of Andalusia

Food & drinks of andalusia.

Famous Personalities From Andalusia

Andalusian culture.

How To Get To Southern Spain

You can get to southern Spain in 3 different ways: by plane, bus, or train . We’ll start our southern Spain itinerary in Sevilla , the major city in Andalusia.

Flying To Southern Spain

Sevilla has an  international airport . So, you can look for flight tickets to Sevilla. If you’re flying from other cities in Europe like Milan, Paris, Prague, or Barcelona, you can look for cheap tickets from budget airlines .

Just be aware of the luggage allowance . Flight tickets are crazy cheap (sometimes only $10), but they charge a lot for extra baggage.

➡ Get the best flight deals on Skyscanner by clicking this link.

Getting To Spain By Bus

If you’re already in Spain or Portugal and want to  get to Sevilla by bus , I suggest booking  Flixbus  or  Alsa .  Flixbus  is an affordable bus company with great connections and deals.  Alsa  is a Spanish bus company that runs between major Spanish cities.

The only disadvantage is that getting to Sevilla by bus will take a lot of time . The advantage is the price and no luggage restrictions .

➡ Check out Busbud for the fastest and best bus connections here.

Getting To Spain By Train

Alternatively, you can  take a train  from other parts of Spain. The national railway is called  RENFE . You can also take a speed AVE train to Sevilla from other major cities like Barcelona, Valencia, or Madrid.

➡ Book your train tickets via Trainline for the best deals here.

How To Get Around Southern Spain & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around southern Spain is to rent a car . It’ll give you much flexibility and convenience.

Buses are running between major cities and other places, but you would lose a lot of time and have to stick to their schedule.

Andalusia doesn’t have a well-developed train system , so don’t count on trains here.

So rent a car for 8 days to make this southern Spain itinerary. You’ll rent a car on day 3. in the morning in Sevilla and return it on day 10 , in the evening again in Sevilla.

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN SEVILLA

Welcome to Sevilla, one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia and Spain. We’ll  start our southern Spain road trip  itinerary here. But before anything else, I’ll leave you some time to relax after your journey, get into your hotel, and  get the first insights  into the city.

In the evening, you walk alongside the  River Guadalquivir  and even hop on a cruise as your first activity in Sevilla. If not, chill and go to a tapas bar. You’re in the  birthplace of tapas .

Where To Stay In Sevilla: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

atLUMBRERAS 16 UMA SUITES PARADA DEL MARQUES HOTEL ALFONZO XIII LUXURY COLLECTION

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

1. day: sevilla.

Let’s explore Sevilla today with its brimming with cobblestone pathways, bustling neighborhoods, lively festivals, distinctive local culture, and elegant plazas .

It’s the capital city of Andalusia  and the largest in the region. Today, we’ll explore some famous attractions, including the  Cathedral of Sevilla , the  Alcazar (Moorish Castle) , the  Barrio Santa Cruz , and the marvelous city square  Plaza de España .

Sightseeing In Sevilla

🔅 Cathedral of Sevilla 🔅 Giralda Tower 🔅 Real Alcazar (Moorish Castle) 🔅 Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish Quarter) 🔅 Plaza España (Spanish Square)

NOTE: It’s necessary to book skip-the-line tickets in advance for visiting the Cathedral , Giralda , and Real Alcazar . Otherwise, they’ll be sold out. So click on the links below and get your tickets asap:

➡ SEVILLA CATHEDRAL + GIRALDA: Get skip-the-line tickets here and secure your spot.

➡ REAL ALCAZAR: Book the skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Suggested Walking Tour Of Sevilla

Sevilla combines 3 distinct ethnic groups that used to live together in one city. Nowadays, you’ll be impressed by its Moorish , Jewish , and Catholic style architecture.

First, I recommend visiting the Cathedral of Sevilla , where you can see Christoph Colombus’s tomb . After, head up to Giralda , which offers the best views of the entire city. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world (top 3).

After, head to the Real Alcazar to explore the Moorish culture. See how they used to live in the past, admire the stunning architecture inside and the beautiful patio. Nowadays, the building is used by the Spanish Royal family .

Then, take a little break and have a coffee in the Jewish quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz). It’s an entirely different world, worth strolling through the streets. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere and shop.

Plaza España is my favorite place in Sevilla. It displays all autonomous communities from Spain using beautiful tiles on the ground. It’s one way to learn more about Spain and its regions.

Sevilla Guided Tour

Book a guided tour of Sevilla and visit the Cathedral , Giralda , and Real Alcazar with a local guide. Learn about the history and hear interesting stories.

Tapas Crawl In The Evening

Sevilla is the  birthplace of tapas , so in the evening, you need to sit down in one of the bars and enjoy a tapas experience.

The best way to immerse into the tapas culture of Sevilla is by participating in a tapas crawl. Join a group with a local and have fun while trying different tapas and walking through the city.

➡ Book a Tapas Crawl in Sevilla with a local guide by clicking here.

2. DAY: EXPERIENCE OLIVE OIL FARM

How would it be being in Andalucia and not visiting one of the amazing olive oil farms out here?

This itinerary won’t let you leave Andalusia without having a  proper experience on an olive farm , seeing and learning  how olive oil is produced , and tasting some of the best samples of olive oil in the world.

Ultimately,  Andalusia is the largest producer of olive oil globally , so it’s time to experience olive oil production in reality.

Experience Olive Oil Farm & Tasting

Today, you’ll enjoy a day trip from Sevilla to an  authentic olive oil farm  20 minutes away. They’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the morning.

The  owner of the farm  will explain to you everything about  growing olives  and  producing olive oil . Afterward, you’ll  visit their factory  and see how they make the oil traditionally and in a traditional Andalusian way. In addition, you’ll  taste various types of olive oil , including sweet, spicy, and bitter flavors, with local bread.

In the afternoon, they’ll  drive you back to Sevilla , where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

Book the tour to an oil farm and tasting by clicking on the image box below:

Organized Tour To Olive Oil Farm & Tasting

Book this organized tour to an authentic olive oil farm near Sevilla. Learn about the production and taste delicious olive oil with local products.

Famous Spanish Festivals In Sevilla

Sevilla is also home to 2 famous Spanish festivals : Semana Santa and Feria de Abril . These festivals perfectly reflect Spanish culture . So you can plan your itinerary for the months when these Spanish festivals are organized.

It’s usually in late March, April, or early May. Check the exact dates in my article by clicking on the image below:

3. DAY: SEVILLA ⇒ CÓRDOBA

It’s time to set off for our big southern Spain adventure. We’ll drive to another city, Córdoba.

In the morning, rent a car in Sevilla for 8 days . You’ll return it in Sevilla after this road trip. Once you have the car, let’s go to Córdoba .

Distance Sevilla ⇒ Córdoba by car: 1 hour & 40 minutes (141km/87miles)

Córdoba has a rich history, as many  kingdoms  occupied it. It has many photographic spots and  Insta-worthy places  due to its beautiful  streets with colorful flowers and pots .

A key highlight of this place is the UNESCO World Heritage site  Mezquita of Córdoba , also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba. This imposing structure symbolizes Muslim architecture with  Byzantine-style mosaics , a gilded prayer nook, impressive domes, marble columns, and arches.

The  Jewish Quarter  and  Puente Romano  (an ancient Roman bridge) are other highlights of this place. Today, you’ll explore the city.

Sightseeing In Córdoba

🔅 Mezquita of Córdoba – Great Mosque of Córdoba 🔅 Jewish Quarter 🔅 Puente Romano – ancient Roman bridge

Today, take the time to explore the city from the outside. Walk around the Great Mosque and Puente Romano and take some photos.

After, visit the Jewish quarter and admire Cordoba’s cute tiny streets full of flowers. I love this city and its atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Andalusian culture .

I recommend visiting the Great Mosque tomorrow morning before traveling to Granada. So book your tickets for day 4. of this itinerary.

Where To Stay In Córdoba: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PATIOS DEL ORFERBE – budget-friendly HOTEL BOUTIQUE SUITE GENERIS – mid-range hotel H10 PALACIO COLOMERA – luxury hotel

Famous Spanish Festivals In Córdoba

Córdoba is also home to a  famous Spanish festival  called  Festival de Patios . Locals  decorate their patios  (courtyards) and compete for the most beautiful ones. The city’s streets are lively; everyone sings, dances, drinks, and eats delicious food.

So you can plan your visit to experience this festival.

4. DAY: CÓRDOBA ⇒ GRANADA

Today, we’ll visit one of the most famous and important landmarks of Andalusian and Spanish history, the Great Mosque of Córdoba .

The Great Mosque Of Córdoba

Would you believe the mosque’s official name is  the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption ? Confused? Don’t worry, I was too. That’s because this mosque  reflects many religious changes  in Córdoba over the past centuries. 

This sight was initially built as a  Catholic church  until, in the 700s, the  Moors conquered the city  and occupied it for a long time. Back then, the complex was  divided into Muslim and Christian parts . Soon,  Muslims built the Great Mosque , one of the Islamic world’s biggest buildings.

In 1236, thanks to the  Reconquista , Christians defeated the Muslim reign over Córdoba, and the building converted into a  Roman Catholic Church .

Nowadays, you can admire its stunning arches and the entire complex with a park and courtyard.

NOTE: As with the sights in Sevilla, booking your tickets to the Great Mosque in advance is necessary . Otherwise, they’ll be sold out.

Great Mosque Tickets & Guided Tour

Get this skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour of the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Visit it with a local guide and hear about interesting stories.

Afternoon Drive To Granada

In the afternoon, pack your bags and make the way down to  Granada .

Distance Córdoba ⇒ Granada by car: 2 hours and 15 minutes (204km/127miles)

After you arrive in Granada, check in to your accommodation and relax for a while. Then, head to Granada’s streets for drinks and free tapas . Granada has many bars where you’ll get free tapas if you order a beer or a drink. So go ahead and enjoy local culture.

Where To Stay In Granada: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

FLORENTIA HOMES – budget-friendly U-SENSE GRANADA CATHEDRAL – mid-range hotel ALHAMBRA PALACE HOTEL – luxury hotel

5. DAY: GRANADA

Granada has a great blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a complete family-friendly destination.

Well-known for the magnificent  Alhambra , incredible  tapas culture , fascinating history, and  delightful neighborhoods.  Granada is one of the most visited places in Spain.

A few things that must make it to your itinerary are the UNESCO-listed  Albaicín neighborhood , the exotic  cave dwellings of Sacromonte , the  Granada Cathedral , and the  traditional Arab quarter .

You can also see a lot of Moorish , Jewish , Christian, and Roman influences in the city. Today, we’ll get to explore it all on this itinerary.

Sightseeing In Granada

🔅 Alhambra 🔅 Cathedral of Granada 🔅 Royal Chapel – burial places of Spanish Monarchs, Queen Isabella I. and King Ferdinand (who started Reconquista against the Muslim rule in Spain) 🔅 Alcaiceria – Great Bazaar of Granada 🔅 Albaicín –  Arab Quarter 🔅 St. Nicolas Square – best views of Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountain 🔅 Sacromonte – birthplace of flamenco (best spot to see the show)

Visit Alhambra In The Morning

Today, I recommend you start sightseeing with the most popular site of all time: Alhambra.

Alhambra complex was  built back in the 1200s  during the  Muslim reign in Andalusia . The  Nasrid dynasty  lived in Alhambra for many years until the Spanish Monarchs conquered and  expelled Moors from Andalusia  and Spain.

It then became the  royal residence  of the  Spanish Catholic Monarchs . Nowadays, it’s a top attraction to visit in Europe and serves mainly as a museum with incredible Moorish architecture .

Again, you’ll need to  plan,  as getting tickets for Alhambra is  impossible on the spot . They are usually  fully booked, even 3 months in advance .

This is one of the most important sights on our southern Spain itinerary. Therefore, I highly recommend you  book the skip-the-line tickets before your trip .

➡ Book this guided tour of Alhambra incl. skip-the-line tickets (best deals).

Explore Granada In The Afternoon

In the afternoon, explore Granada and other sites such as the  Cathedral with the Royal Chapel ,  Sacromonte ,  Albaicín neighborhood , and get lost in the  Great Bazaar (Alcaiceria) .

Walk up to the  Mirador de San Nicolas  (viewpoint) for the best sunset views and spectacular views of Alhambra.

You can explore the city by yourself or join this guided tour to learn more about the history of the Inquisition and the Spanish Monarchs.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Granada Cathedral + Royal Chapel here.

➡ Join this guided tour of Granada’s Cathedral & Roayl Chapel.

Flamenco Show In The Evening

Granada is the  birthplace of flamenco . The best place to see it is the  Sacromonte neighborhood ,  home to gypsies .

They made it the best place to see an  authentic flamenco show . This is one of the best flamenco shows you can get in Granada, so check it out by clicking on the image below:

6. DAY: GRANADA ⇒ MÁLAGA

Good morning to Granada. Have a nice breakfast and pack your bags because another destination awaits us today. We’re heading to Málaga.

Distance Granada ⇒ Málaga by car: 1 hour and 40 minutes (132km/82miles)

The  second-largest city  in Andalucia is well known for its bevy of resorts and  spotless beaches . While most tourists flock to Málaga for sun, sand, and surf, it’s also home to major historical sites.

Besides, you can experience authentic Spanish Christmas markets here.

These include the  Alcazaba Moorish palace , the remarkable  Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga , the  Roman Amphitheatre , and  Málaga’s Picasso Museum , a delight to art and history buff. 

If you are a  foodie , stop by the  Atarazanas market  for fresh local produce and yummy snacks and explore their tapas bars and fresco-dining terraces. You can also join a food tour .

Sightseeing In Málaga

🔅 Castilo de Gibralfaro 🔅 Alcazaba Moorish Palace 🔅 Málaga Cathedral 🔅 Roman Theatre 🔅 Ataranzas Market 🔅 Picasso Museum 🔅 Picasso’s house

Enjoy your time in Málaga visiting some or all of the sites from the list above. Don’t forget to check out Picasso’s House and museum and get the city’s best views from the  Castilo de Gibralfaro.

Málaga is a great place for  day trips around Andalusia , so you can stay in the same accommodation for a few nights now.

Tomorrow, you can make some of the best day trips from Málaga . Whether you like adrenaline, history, or just relaxing, there is something for you.

Where To Stay In Málaga: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

We are staying in Málaga for 2 nights, so you can stay in one of these beautiful boutique resorts and enjoy the atmosphere of la Costa del Sol :

BEACHFRONT VILLA TORROX COSTA HOTEL BOUTIQUE VILLA LORENA BY CHARMING STAY

If you still want to stay in the centre of Málaga, here are my recommendations and top accommodation tips:

HOTEL PALACETE DE ALAMOS ROOM MATE VALERIA

7. DAY: DAY TRIPS FROM MÁLAGA (Caminito del Rey, Marbella, Ronda)

Today, I’ve got some  exciting day trips from Málaga  for you. Choose one based on your interests and feelings. If you want to do more, extend your road trip and add one more day trip to your itinerary.

1. Caminito Del Rey

The first day trip I have for you is the amazing and  thrilling pathway , Caminito del Rey. It’s in the  Gorge Desfiladero,  just 40 minutes drive from Málaga. This pathway was built to provide access to the  hydroelectric plant  on the Gorge. 

Nowadays, it’s a famous attraction known as the Caminito del Rey: The King’s Little Pathway. It’s  7.7km long , and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Gorge and surrounding nature.

You’ll need to  book tickets in advance . You can do so by clicking on the link below:

➡ Get skip-the-line ticket for Caminito del Rey here .

➡ Join this organized guided tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga .

2. Marbella

The elegant town of Marbella is your second option for a day trip. It boasts  pristine beaches ,  trendy boutiques , high-end restaurants, and  lively nightclubs . The majestic  Sierra Nevada Mountain Range  forms a stunning background for this coastal town. 

Marbella is one of  Spain’s most famous beach resorts . However, there is another less-explored artistic side to this lovely town that is fun to visit, too.

Head to the  Old Town (Casco Antiguo) , where you can see peaceful courtyards, winding cobblestone lanes, historic churches, sidewalk cafés, and excellent boutiques.

So if you like to explore another  beautiful town  in southern Spain and need some  relaxation  on one of the most  beautiful beaches , this day trip is for you.

➡ Join this Sailing & Dolphin watching tour from Marbella .

Ronda’s dramatic location has attracted millions of visitors every year. Perched on both sides of the  El Tajo Gorge  in the  Sierra de las Nieves National Park , this picturesque historic  town has inspired several writers and poets . 

Ronda is known for  inventing modern bullfighting  and the iconic  Puente Nuevo bridge . It’s one of the most visited in Andalucia. The city has two areas- the old one has many Islamic landmarks, such as  The Moorish Palace  and the  Arab Baths .

In contrast, the new area is the hub for shopping and dining. You can visit it on your own by car or join the guided tour from Málaga to Ronda if you don’t want to plan anything:

➡ Join this guided tour from Malaga to Ronda by bus .

➡ Book a walking tour in Ronda here .

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary 14 Days – for more day trips from Málaga

8. DAY: MÁLAGA ⇒ TARIFA

Let’s head to the  surfers’ paradise . Even if you’re not a surfer or a windsurfer, you’ll love Tarifa. Not to mention that it’s one of the most southern points of Europe and you can already see  Morocco and Africa  from it.

So, let’s drive down south to explore another beautiful Andalusian place.

Distance Málaga ⇒ Tarifa by car: 2 hours (160km/99miles)

Tarifa is the  European capital of kite surfing . It also has a great beach to chill on, and its perfect  coffee culture  and tiny little streets will be a great point to take some  time off road-tripping  for now.

Its  laid-back atmosphere  will give you the time to relax. So spend some time on the beach , or stroll through its city streets and go shopping.

Sightseeing In Tarifa

🔅 Moorish Fort – the first place from where the Moorish invasion of Spain started 🔅 Playa de Los Lances – beach time & relax 🔅 Tarifa Beach – beach for kite-surfing 🔅 Tarifa centre 🔅 Great nightlife – Surf Bar Tomatito, Aloha Tarifa, Hotel Arte Vida Tarifa

Take your time to relax, drink a good cup of coffee, and head to a tapas bar for dinner. Enjoy your time in Tarifa.

I think it’s better to enjoy beach time here in Tarifa than any other city in Andalusia. Beaches around Málaga and Marbella are usually very crowded (they’re better for sightseeing).

Tarifa is special as not many people go here. It has an amazing beach, and you’ll enjoy tranquility and remoteness . That’s why I’ve brought you to Tarifa on this itinerary: to have a great beach time and enjoy this cute little time. And for half of the price than you would in bigger cities.

Best Tapas Bars In Tarifa

• No. 6 Cocina Sencilla
• Bar El Tapeo
• Bar Ola Ola

👉 READ ALSO: How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide

Where To Stay In Tarifa: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

ARTE VIDA – beachfront apartments ALMENDA HOSTAL BOUTIQUE – city center DUNAS LUXURY BEACH RESORT TARIFA – away from the center, but beachfront

9. DAY: TARIFA ⇒ CÁDIZ

As our last destination on this southern Spain itinerary, we’ll explore  Europe’s oldest inhabited city , Cádiz. In the morning, drive from Tarifa and check in to your accommodation in Cádiz. After, head to the city and explore.

Distance Tarifa ⇒ Cádiz by car: 1 hour & 20 minutes (104km/64miles)

Cádiz is  Europe’s oldest inhabited city  and is famous for its white  houses surrounded by sea . Tourists often overlook this coastal city for more popular cities in the region. Still, a trip here is worth your time. 

This charming city is on the Atlantic Ocean and offers  splendid beaches ,  delicious food ,  majestic castles , and  fabulous beaches . Don’t miss out on sweeping views of the city from the top of the  Tavira Tower .

Another highlight is the  La Caleta beach , famous for the  castle of San Sebastián  on the left and the  castle of Santa Catalina  on the right (facing the ocean).

Sightseeing In Cádiz

🔅 Cathedral of Cádiz 🔅 Roman Theatre 🔅 Plaza de San Juan de Dios 🔅 Tavira Tower 🔅 Cádiz Market 🔅 San Sebastian Castle 🔅 Santa Catalina Castle 🔅 La Caleta Beach

Where To Stay In Cádiz: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

SOHO BOUTIQUE CADIZ AUREA CASA PALACIO

10. DAY: CÁDIZ ⇒ SEVILLA

Today marks the last day of our southern Spain itinerary for 10 days. Enjoy the last moment in Cádiz before returning to Sevilla, where we started our road trip.

You can use this day to explore more of Cádiz or just chill and walk alongside the ocean before returning to Sevilla to return your rental car.

Alternatively, you can stay in Tarifa for 2 nights (day 8. and day 9.) to enjoy more beach time or kite-surfing. Come to Cádiz on day 10 , of this itinerary to see it on the way back to Sevilla.

Distance Cádiz ⇒ Sevilla by car: 1 hour & 20 minutes (121km/75miles)

This is my southern Spain itinerary for you guys. Feel free to extend it if you need more time in one of the cities or make more day trips from Málaga. It’s undoubtedly the most exciting part of Spain , offering authentic culture and some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.

After, you can head to  Portugal  and visit the Algarve beaches , its beautiful beaches and sandstone rock formations.

Practical Tips For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

I’ve got some more travel tips to help you plan your itinerary in more detail. See when the best time to visit is, what budget you’ll need, and how to pack.

Best Time To Visit Southern Spain (Andalusia)

Spring and autumn  are the best times to visit Andalusia, southern Spain. I recommend this road trip in  April ,  May ,  September ,  October , or  December .

During spring and autumn, there are  fewer tourists   fewer crowds , and the  temperatures are perfect  for sightseeing. It’s also a great time to go swimming on the beach.

You can also visit  southern Spain in the summer  (June, July, and August). However, be prepared for many crowds, so it might be less enjoyable overall. Also, temperatures can rise to 40°C/104°F in summer, which is a lot.

What To Pack For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

It’s usually very hot in southern Spain. The temperatures in spring and autumn range from around 22°C/71 ° F to 27°C/80°F . In the summertime , it can be more than 40°C/104°F .

I visited southern Spain in December , and the weather was mild, yet I needed a light jacket. Temperatures in the winter are around 17°C/62°F .

So it depends on the time you’ll visit Andalusia. But generally, I recommend packing the following things:

• swimming suit
• good walking shoes
• shorts and dresses
• small backpack for sightseeing
• Light jacket (if it’s windy or colder)
• warmer jacket in the wintertime
• long-sleeve clothes in the wintertime

Budget For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

The budget for this itinerary for 10 days per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $875 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car to travel conveniently, and enjoy each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category:

So the total budget for a 10-day trip to Andalusia, without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $875 per person .

Southern Spain is quite cheap , so you can lower the budget significantly.

Budget Breakdwon For Each Traveler Type

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $400 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $875 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $1900

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my trip to southern Spain. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

Is Southern Spain Safe?

Yes, southern Spain is safe. I spent 2 weeks traveling around Andalusia with a group of my girlfriends, and we always felt safe. We even walked alone at night in Sevilla, which was safe.

You should only be aware of pickpockets in bigger cities such as Sevilla and Málaga . Other cities are quite small, and people are super friendly and helpful.

Use your common sense , and it’ll always keep you safe.

How To Speak Spanish When Traveling Spain

I’m a big believer that knowing a few words of a local language will give you much better travel experiences . If you know at least the basics, you’ll connect with locals easily, get to know the culture and the places better, and have a great travel experience.

That’s why I also teach you how to learn a language for travel in fun and effective ways . One of them is to take my Spanish sheets and learn how to order food in Spanish.

So get this Spanish food guide and learn basic vocabulary. You’ll see how it’ll enhance your trip experience:

👉 READ ALSO: Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

To help you plan your trip to Andalusia even more, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you. Check the answers below.

Is Southern Spain Worth Visiting?

Southern Spain is well worth visiting . I always tell my clients that if they don’t have much time to see Spain, they should at least explore southern Spain.

Andalusia is my favorite Spanish region . It’s mainly because of its traditional cuisine , rich history , stunning architecture , and authentic culture . It has a special vibe , and when you visit Spain, spending a few days in southern Spain is a must.

10 days is the perfect time to explore southern Spain. Of course, you can also explore its highlights in 7 days, but you would be a bit in a rush.

If you want to extend your trip and see more things, such as Gibraltar , relax on the beaches of Costa del Sol , and do a cooking class , you can easily spend 14 days in southern Spain .

How Do I Spend A Week In Southern Spain?

If you only have a week in southern Spain, I recommend visiting major cities such as Sevilla , Granada , and Cordoba . Then allocate 2 days for some day trips to Ronda , Caminito del Rey , Gibraltar , or visiting an olive oil farm .

Skip Cadiz and Tarifa if you only have 7 days. And focus on the 3 major cities with these day trips.

Is 2000 EUR Enough For 2 Weeks In Spain?

Yes, 2000 EURs are enough for 2 weeks in Spain. I’ve also designed a detailed Spain itinerary for 14 days with a budget overview, so check it out. The mid-range budget for 2 weeks in Spain is between 1800 EUR and 2400 EUR , depending on your activities and the hotels you stay at.

Having 2000 EURs for 2 weeks in Spain is a perfect budget to explore everything and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

WRAP-UP: Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days

This is my southern Spain itinerary for 10 days for you. I hope you’ll get the most out of Andalusia and enjoy its stunning architecture and beautiful places. It’s my favorite part of Spain , and you’ll see unique places in this region. If you can’t decide where to go to Spain, Andalusia is the winner.

If you  need additional help planning your itinerary , don’t hesitate to contact me on Instagram or email me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Spain Travel

Looking to visit more places in Spain? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain

Barcelona Itinerary For 3 Days

Top 8 Road Trips From Barcelona

6 Best Spanish Festivals You Need To Experience

Is Seville Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons To Visit & Tips

How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide

How Far Is Barcelona From Paris? Complete Guide

Spain In December: Best Things To Do & See

Christmas In Spain: Complete Guide With Traditions & Best Places

27 Best Places To Visit In Europe In November

Is Portugal In Spain? Ultimate Guide

Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SPAIN : Interested in more articles about Spain? Check out my Spain Travel Page :

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Southern Spain 2-Week Itinerary: A Road Trip Through Andalucía

Created On: August 7, 2022   |   Updated: January 27, 2023   |   5 Comments

Planning a trip to Andalucía? This southern Spain 2-week itinerary will take you through the best cities and towns in Andalucía. Even better, you can get to all the places via train if you don’t want to rent a car!

Madrid and Barcelona may be the best known cities in Spain, but my heart belongs in Andalucía!

After the Muslims invaded Spain in 711 AD, they called the southernmost part of the country “Al-Andalus.” Near the end of Reconquista — a war between the Christians and the Muslims to gain total control of Spain that spanned seven centuries — Al-Andalus was the last remaining portion of the country that still belonged to the Muslims.

The centuries spent under Muslim rule has imbued the entirety of present day Andalucía with a unique culture you won’t find elsewhere. In each city of Andalucía, you’ll find mosques-turned-churches, stunning Mudejar architecture, and a cuisine that combines ingredients and flavors from both cultures.

While you could plan a 2-week trip to Spain anywhere you’d like, I highly recommend spending your time exploring Andalucía. 2 weeks in southern Spain will give you a taste of Spanish culture as a whole while offering a more nuanced experience wholly unique to Andalucía.

Below is a Spain itinerary for 14 days. I’ve gone into as much detail as possible about what to do in Andalucía, but you’ll notice that I’ve included links to my detailed city guides as well — otherwise this blog post will turn into an e-book!

How Many Days Do You Need in Spain?

In a perfect world, we’d all be able to spend 3+ months in Spain to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and see the main sights. However, that’s not how life works and I know your vacation time is limited.

2 weeks in Spain is just enough time to see three to six cities and towns — the exact number depends on how many activities you pack into your days and the size of cities you visit. (This itinerary comfortably fits five major cities in Southern Spain!)

I’ll focus solely on the main cities in Andalucía in this itinerary. I’m of the opinion that it’s better to focus on one specific area rather than waste time traveling from one end of the country to another just to see the big cities.

You could of course adjust this itinerary to spend just one week in Spain if that’s all the time you have. If that’s the case, I think your best call would be to visit Seville and Granada if you’ve never been to either!

What’s the Best Time to Visit Spain?

I recommend planning a trip to Andalucía during shoulder season (March / April or September through November) . I visited southern Spain at the end of May, thinking I’d beat the worst of the crowds and would experience cooler temperatures. Wrong! It was 90ºF+ most days and major attractions, like the Alhambra in Granada, were packed with people.

The next time I visit Spain, I plan on going in the early spring!

Overview of This Spain 2-Week Itinerary

You’ll note that I didn’t include Barcelona or Madrid in this southern Spain 2-week itinerary. You can OF COURSE visit one or both of these cities, but I prefer to travel a little slower these days. If I’m going to go to Barcelona or Madrid, I’d rather have at least 5 full days in each place — which would have eaten into most of my 2-week trip to Spain!

So know that there are no itinerary police holding you accountable. Travel wherever you want, but I think this is the best 2-week Spain itinerary for those of you (like me!) who want to visit lots of different cities and see a variety of sights without having to run yourself into the ground each day.

All that being said, here’s an overview of this 2-week Andalucía itinerary:

• Days 1 – 3: Málaga
• Days 4 – 6: Granada
• Days 7 – 8: Córdoba
• Days: 9 – 10: Ronda
• Days 11 – 13: Seville

Day 14 has been left blank to account for travel between cities. It’s better to have a little wiggle room in case your arriving flight is delayed, you miss your train, etc.

Where Should You Start and End a 2-Week Trip to Spain?

This southern ​​Spain 2-week itinerary begins in Málaga and ends in Seville. You could also flip flop the itinerary if you find better flight prices flying into one city versus the other.

Or, you may find it easier and cheaper to fly into Madrid and then drive or take the train to Málaga to start your 14 days in Spain. That will obviously add on time and eat into your trip, but sometimes needs must!

Car, Bus, or Train? How to Get Around Southern Spain

Most itineraries I referenced for planning 2 weeks in Spain suggested renting a car to traverse Andalucía. They said it was easier and quicker to do so, but I had zero desire to spend extra money on a rental car, nor did I want to deal with parking in foreign cities on my own.

I was worried that taking a train around southern Spain would prove confusing or time-consuming, but it was actually so incredibly easy and affordable!

From my personal experience, I can assure you that this 2-week Spain itinerary can absolutely be done by train! The longest train journey is just under 3 hours, and it will be at the end of your trip.

Note that many of the trains leave either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon. I recommend boarding the morning trains (none require you to get up ridiculously early, don’t worry!).

Also, you should plan to arrive at the train stations 20 to 30 minutes before departure. In Spain, you’re required to go through a quick security check before boarding your train. They’ll X-Ray your suitcase and check your ticket, and then you’re off!

Lastly, please note that I walked from the central train stations to each of my hotels and AirBNBs. So know that the train stations of each city listed in this 2-week Andalucía itinerary are very close to the city centers!

Best Way to Book Train Tickets in Spain

The Renfe website (i.e. the Spanish railway’s official website) is an absolute nightmare to use. Every time I tried to book a ticket, the site crashed.

Save yourself a major headache and book your train tickets through a third-party provider like Omio . I did manage to book a couple tickets through Renfe after much hair-pulling, as I noticed that Renfe sometimes had additional train times listed that weren’t shown on the Omio site. So check both sites, but book through Omio if possible.

Of course, you can also wait to book your tickets in person at the train stations. There are ticket machines everywhere and they’re easy to use. The prices may be more expensive day-of, but it would give you the flexibility to alter your itinerary if that’s important to you.

Southern Spain 2-Week Itinerary

I’ve already given quite a few tips for making the most of your 2 weeks in Southern Spain, but here are a few quick reminders before I FINALLY dive into the full itinerary.  

First and foremost, you can get to all of the cities mentioned on this itinerary via train. No need to rent a car!

Second, you can mix and match this itinerary as you see fit.

Thirdly, I’ve given broad overviews of each day’s activities but have linked to my ultra detailed city guides in each portion of the itinerary. Read those posts for more information on the individual attractions. I wanted this itinerary to be, well, an itinerary (i.e. a broad overview of how to plan a 2-week trip to Spain).

Spain Itinerary Days 1 – 3: Málaga

One of the gems of southern Spain, Málaga is a gorgeous port city that boasts one of the biggest and best preserved Old Towns I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Málaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas, and the locals are very proud of their famous sons!

Of all the places in Andalucía, Málaga is one of the better ones for understanding how the Romans, Muslims, and Catholics shaped the region’s culture. The absolute top attractions in Málaga are undoubtedly the beautiful cathedral, the Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle.

Below is a bulleted itinerary for 3 days in Málaga, but you can read LOTS more about the specific attractions in my full Málaga city guide . 

Day 1 in Malaga

Free walking tour — Malaga Adventures has a detailed 3-hour, free walking tour of the city center. This is the best way to learn about the history of the city, plus it gives you a chance to ask a local for restaurant and activity recommendations!

Cathedral and rooftop  (shown above) — Nicknamed La Manquita (little lady with one arm), Málaga’s cathedral took more than 200 years to get to its current state … and it was never finished! It’s one of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve visited, and I highly recommend paying extra to climb to the rooftop for an unparalleled view of both the unfinished cathedral and the city center.

Malaga Museum — Housed in what was originally the city’s customs house, the Malaga Museum is a small but impressive museum that boasts a variety of art and artifacts meant to give visitors a closer look into the city’s past.

Explore the Old Town — After packing your brain with key historic facts, enjoy window shopping getting lost in the Old Town! Calle Marqués de Larios is one of the most expensive shopping streets in all of Spain, and there are many more side streets to discover.

Day 2 in Malaga

Alcazaba  (shown above) — A former Muslim fortress that was built in the 11th century as a means of defending the port. The interior of the fortress has lots of hidden gardens and babbling fountains, and is a surprisingly peaceful place to visit.

Roman Theater — Built by the Romans in the 1st Century BCE, the Roman Theater is now in ruins. The city has built platforms over the ruins so you can walk directly over them and get a sense of how the theater must have operated in its heyday.

Gibralfaro Castle — Gibralfaro Castle was built in the 1300s to improve the city’s defenses. Like the Alcazaba, the castle was built by the Muslims. The views from the castle’s parapets are absolutely stunning!

Picasso Museum — The perfect place to escape the afternoon heat! Picasso was born in Málaga, and this museum owns more than 230 of his works of art. If Picasso doesn’t pique your interest, I can also highly recommend the Carmen Thyssen Museum as an alternative.

Day 3 in Malaga

Muelle Uno  (shown above)— A section of the port of Málaga that’s been transformed into an open-air shopping and dining center.

Playa de la Malagueta – The local beach! It can become crowded in the summer, so arrive early to claim a spot. You can spend the morning here, or the entire day. OR enjoy a walk along the sand before continuing with the attractions below.

Mercado Central de Atarazanas — A covered market in the city center with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood and meats, dried fruits, and almonds. Grab some fresh fruit, almonds, and other nibbles here to take with you to the gardens!

La Concepcion Botanical Gardens — An underrated Málaga attraction! The gardens are located on the historic La Concepcion. After touring the various gardens, I recommend finding a spot in the shade to enjoy your snacks from the market and maybe read a book or call home, if desired.

Spain Itinerary Days 4 – 6: Granada

Granada was ruled by the Muslims for centuries and was the last city in Spain to fall back into the hands of the Catholic monarchy in 1492. Granada is home to one of the top tourist attractions in all of Spain: the Alhambra.

Many people visit Granada as a day trip from Seville or Málaga, but I don’t recommend doing that as there’s SO much more to do and see than simply tour the Alhambra.

Below you’ll find an itinerary for 3 days in Granada. For more details on the individual attractions listed below, check out my full Granda city guide .

Day 1 in Granada

Cathedral — Built on the site of the Great Mosque following the Catholic reconquest of Spain. The cathedral contains a unique blend of architectural styles, but it was built mostly in the style of the Spanish Renaissance.

Guided walking tour —  Granada has a long history, which you won’t learn about simply by visiting the main tourist attractions. Walk in Granada offers a more traditional pay-what-you-want walking tour, as well as a walking tour of Albaicin and Sacromonte. Choose whichever interests you more!

Sacromonte / Albaicín  (shown above) — The “Old Town” areas of Granada directly facing the Alhambra. They’re mostly residential, but there are many white-washed alleyways to meander through as well as scenic overlooks ( Miradors ) offering up spectacular views of the city.

Bañuelo — An 11th century Arabic hammam (bath house) that’s been beautifully preserved.

Sunset — Most itineraries say to watch the sunset from Mirador San Nicolas, but it fills up quickly and is noisy and crowded. Instead, watch the sunset from Mirador de la Vereda de Enmedio, Mirador Placeta de Carvajales, or Mirador Sacromonte.

Day 2 in Granada

Alhambra  (shown above)— The top attraction in Granada! It’s a massive complex that was originally built in the 9th century as a military fortress, but it was expanded upon over the centuries to also serve as the royal residence.

Rest! — Even if you visit first thing in the morning, you’ll be wiped after walking for hours around the Alhambra complex in the sunshine. Schedule a rest period into your day to ensure you don’t become overheated. (Seriously, please do this! Even if it’s just relaxing at a cafe for an hour with a cold drink.)

Window shop and explore some more — Popular shopping streets include the Reyes Catolicos, Carrera del Darro, and Calle Calderería Nueva. If you’re up for a little adventure, try to find a local convent or monastery selling sweets! (Check out my full Granada guide linked above for info on where I bought my convent cookies.)  

Flamenco show — You can’t leave Granada without attending an authentic flamenco show in the caves of Sacromonte! The local style of flamenco is called Zambra, and the entire performance is absolutely electrifying.

Day 3 in Granada

Carmen de los Mártires  (shown above)  — A stunning 19th century mansion with a sprawling park and garden complex.

San Jeronimo Monastery —The first monastery to be built in Granada after the reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchy.

Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (“La Cartuja”) — A lavishly decorated Spanish Baroque church atop a hill just outside the city center. Emphasis on “lavishly decorated.” This place is insanely beautiful! If you don’t have the time or desire to visit both monasteries on today’s itinerary, pick this one over San Jeronimo.

Spain Itinerary Days 7 – 8: Córdoba

Córdoba was formerly the capital of Islamic Spain and was also once the largest and most advanced city in all of Europe. Today Córdoba is best known for its Mosque-Cathedral, “La Mezquita,” which integrated the original mosque architecture with the Christian cathedral built on the site.

There are enough attractions in Córdoba to fill two leisurely days of adventuring, but one full day will also give you enough time to see the main sights. If you want to alter this itinerary for 2 weeks in Southern Spain, this is one place you could do it.

For more information on the Córdoba attractions listed below, check out my full Córdoba city guide.

Day 1 in Córdoba

Mosque-Cathedral ( Mezquita ) — A former Islamic mosque that was converted into a Catholic cathedral in the 13th century. The original mosque architecture has been integrated into the cathedral, rather than destroyed and built over.

Flower Street — A quaint white-washed alleyway near the Mezquita lined with bright blue flower pots. A great photo opp!

Roman Bridge (+ Calahorra Tower, if desired) — The Puente Romano was first built in the 1st century by the Romans. The view from the opposite bank makes for a great photo! Calahorra Toweris a fortified gate along the bridge that now houses the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus.  

Alcazar of the Catholic Monarchs — A fortress that also served as a palace. It’s where the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella lived for eight years during the Reconquista. The interior of the fortress isn’t anything to write home about, but the gardens are beautiful!

Almodóvar Gate — One of only three remaining medieval city gates. Walk through the gate to reach the former Jewish Quarter, where there are lots of shops and restaurants.

Day 2 in Córdoba

Palacio de Viana  (shown above)— A 15th century palace with 12 stunning patios (the lush inner courtyards that Córdoba is known for!).

Templo Romano — Ruins of what was once the largest Roman temple in the city.

Plaza de las Tendillas — Nearby square with a fountain and pretty cafes.

Window shopping in the Old Town b— Return to the Old Town to shop, grab a drink, or enjoy an afternoon siesta back at your hotel.

Plaza de Corredera — A residential square with bars and cafes at street level. It’s fairly quiet during the daytime, but at night it’s packed with locals all chatting over their drinks. This is a relaxed, family-friendly spot, not a party destination!

Spain Itinerary Days 9 – 10: Ronda

Ronda is one of the prettiest towns in all of Spain! The Old Town is set high above the El Tajo Gorge and connects to the modern part of the town via the 322-high Puente Nuevo bridge. This was one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts, and the town’s iconic bridge is said to have inspired scenes in his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls.  

Like Córdoba, you could get away with one full day in Ronda if there are other cities you’re dying to pack into your 2 week-trip to Andalucía. However, my two days in Ronda were some of the most magical of my entire 2 weeks in Spain! The town’s small size makes it perfect to explore at your leisure.

For lots more detail on the Ronda attractions I’ve shared below, read my full guide to Ronda .

Day 1 in Ronda

Bullring — The oldest and largest in all of Spain.

Mirador de Ronda overlook (shown above, right) — Near the bullring. It’s a gorgeous vista with views of the surrounding countryside.

Puente Nuevo  (shown above, left) — The main attraction of Ronda. Words can’t describe how beautiful this bridge is! (In my full guide linked above, I’ve also shared my favorite spots to photograph the bridge.)

Murallas de la Cijara (old city walls) — The best preserved section of the old city walls is near the Puerta de la Cijara.

Arab baths — 13th century Arab baths that have been lovingly preserved and restored.

Walking tour — End your first day in Ronda with a guided walking tour of the Old Town. The tourism board offers a 90-minute tour that I highly recommend!

Day 2 in Ronda

Jardines De Cuenca — Lovely hanging gardens on terraces set over the El Tajo gorge, facing the bridge. This is a good spot to come in the morning to photograph the sun rising over the bridge!  

Puente Viejo — Another pretty (albeit less impressive) bridge in Ronda.  

Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor — The inside of the church isn’t that impressive, but the viewing decks from the rooftop offer an amazing view of the Old Town and surrounding countryside.

Casa Museo Don Bosco — An old home-turned-sanatorium that operated until 2008. The home is very small, but the gardens with their cliffside views are the main attraction.

Sunset — You could watch the sunset by the Puente Nuevo bridge, but I recommend finding a quiet spot to sit at the Plaza de María Auxiliadora.

Spain Itinerary Days 11 – 13: Seville

Seville flourished under Muslim rule and rose to further prominence under the Catholic monarchy following the discovery of the Americas. Much of Spain’s trade with the Americas was facilitated in Seville, making it the country’s richest city for nearly 100 years.

Seville is the most diverse city on this southern Spain 2-week itinerary, both in terms of attractions and the local culture. It’s also the biggest city on this itinerary, so if you have the time and desire you can certainly spend more days here either to explore the city more in depth or to take day trips.

Read my full Seville itinerary for more details on the attractions listed below!   

Day 1 in Seville

Royal Alcazar — A palace complex originally built by the Muslims to offer them a more strategic position next to the port (i.e. where the city’s wealth flowed in). Arrive first thing in the morning to avoid waiting in a long line.

Cathedral  (shown above, left)— The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest in general!

Giralda Tower — The symbol of Seville! La Giralda was originally the minaret of the mosque that stood on this site. In the 17th century, the cathedral’s bell tower was built atop the minaret.

Maria Luisa Park — Palace gardens that were donated to the city and transformed into a sprawling public park. The park is divided into smaller gardens and gathering areas, making it a fun spot to explore.

Plaza de España  (shown above, right)— End your day here to watch the sunset! The Plaza de España was built for the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 and was designed to showcase Spain’s accomplishments in industry and architecture.

Day 2 in Seville

Setas de Sevilla  (shown above)— A wooden structure in Encarnacion Square that has a walkway and viewing platform on top. If it’s not in your budget to ascend to the viewing platform, the structure is still really cool when seen from below.

Lebrija Palace — A 16th century palace that was heavily renovated in the 20th century to accommodate a private collection of ancient Roman mosaics. If you love house museums, you MUST come here!

Collegiate Church of El Salvador — A pretty Baroque church that was built on the site of what was the Great Mosque in Muslim Seville.

Museum of Fine Arts — An art museum housed in the former La Merced convent. This is a great spot to end the afternoon as a means of escaping the heat!

Day 3 in Seville

Walking Tour of Triana — The free Sandemans walking tour of Triana offers a unique perspective on Seville’s 2,000-year history.

Mercado de Triana — A covered market selling fresh produce and seafood. There are also restaurants inside, which is where I recommend grabbing lunch today.

Archivo de Indias — Free to enter! The Archives of the Indies houses 80 million pages and maps (all original!) relating to Spain’s massive empire from the 18th to 19th centuries.

Casa de Pilatos  (shown above)— A 15th century palace decorated with  azulejo (Spanish glazed tiles).

Free time to explore! — Seville is walkable, and there’s a lot packed into the city center. Give yourself some free time to wander the streets and enjoy your final afternoon in Spain.

Adios, Andalucía!

Hopefully this southern Spain 2-week itinerary have given you plenty of information — and then some! — to make planning your vacation easier. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Andalucía, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

More Places to Visit in Southern Europe: 

• 3-Day Florence Itinerary: The Best Things to Do! 
• Best Things to Do in Corfu, Greece
• What to Do & See in Athens, Greece
• All of my Europe travel recommendations! 

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Comments & Reviews

October 18, 2022

Do you commercially run such tours? We are on the wrong side of 65 (esposa/mi) and never been to Europe. I enjoyed reading your summary. I’ve been put off some “tours” by people complaints. Cost is also a factor, many seem for royalty we’d feel uncomfortable in such company. I say this if we decide to do less with quality but the upper middle class would be far to… Regards Tony

November 9, 2022

Hi Tony, no, I do not provide any kind of travel planning or tour services. Right now I just provide awesome, free guides online right here on my blog 🙂 Hopefully you’re able to visit Spain soon though!

May 20, 2023

Very impressive, thanks for sharing!

December 16, 2023

Awesome , information . What hotels do you recommend? We are planning to do this in March.

December 29, 2023

Hi Sonia! How exciting that you’ll be visiting southern Spain in March, I think you’ll have an amazing time! Unfortunately I can’t recommend any specific hotels because I stayed in AirBNBs throughout my stay. However, let me know if you’d like general recommendations for areas of the cities to stay in and I can provide info on the neighborhoods I was in.

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The South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucía 6 day tour

Fuse Moorish marvels with flamenco dances and Spanish flavours on this journey through Andalucía and Portugal.

Tour Highlights

Toledo - The former capital of Spain, this charming ‘City of Three Cultures’ boasts 2,000 years of history and beautiful architecture

Castilla–La Mancha  Vineyards, castles and windmills: travel through the region immortalised in the novel about Don Quixote

Córdoba - This ancient Andalucían city will take your breath away with the marvels of La Mezquita and the Palace of the Christian Kings

Granada with Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountains - Be mesmerised by the lavish palace built by the Moors and wonder at the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada National Park

Ronda - Discover a spectacular white town dramatically perched on top of the El Tajo gorge

Pueblos Blancos - Fall in love with beautiful white villages built on hilltops overlooking Spain’s wild landscapes

Seville - Be dazzled by the history, spectacular architecture, and magic of Flamenco in the city influenced by a number of civilisations

Tavira - One of the most charming towns in the Portuguese Algarve set on the Rio Gilão

Your journey

The Iberian Peninsula possesses one of the most flamboyant combinations of cultures on the planet.

It straddles both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There are Roman monuments sheltering Moorish artefacts, fragrant wines accompanying cumin-spiced dishes, and Arabian melodies paired with Latin dances.

On this tour, we take you to Lisbon through the beautiful contrasts of Andalucía, Southern Spain , and Southern Portugal .

You experience the architectural wonders of the Alhambra Palace, a location that transport s you into a story from 1,001 Arabian Nights . You explore national parks and plains that take you back to the times of knights and kings . And you finish your trip on the Portuguese coast.

Join this tour and experience the wonders created by the collision of cultures.

Tour Details

• Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
• Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
• 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
• Entrance to La Mezquita with audio guide included
• Entrance to an olive oil production site
• Entrance to the Alhambra with audio guide included
• Entrance to Fortaleza de la Mota
• Entrance to Muelle de las Carabelas
• Meals, unless listed above
• Attractions, unless specified above
• Uncover the fusion of cultures that shaped Toledo, the former capital of Spain
• Travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the backdrop for Don Quixote’s adventures

You leave the heart of Spain and head south to the former capital of the country, Toledo.

Sitting atop a hill and overlooking the Tajo River, this city used to be known as the ‘City of Three Cultures’. To get the real feel of the place, wander through the cobbled streets and try to spot the Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Christian cathedrals.

You travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of the literary hero Don Quixote. Next, you stop on the way through the Despeñaperros Natural Park, the gateway to Andalucía.

Córdoba, your home for the night, welcomes you with its bustling squares and delightful architecture.

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Conquistador or similar, Córdoba*

*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will instead stay at NH Cordoba Califa or similar.

• Explore La Mezquita, an immense mosque-cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site

In the morning, you visit La Mezquita, one of the most spectacular mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain. This world-famous construction boasts countless rows of decorated arches, a serene interior, and is large enough to have a cathedral built inside it.

Next, we travel through rolling hills blanketed with the silvery-grey-green leaves of olive trees. It’s a sign you’ve entered the oil-producing province of Jaén.

We continue our journey south to the ruined hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota and arrive in Granada early evening, our base for two nights.

Included Activities

• Entrance to La Mezquita with audio guide included
• Entrance to Fortaleza de la Mota

Hotel Porcel Alixares or similar, Granada

• Become entranced by the ornamentation of the Alhambra Palace
• Uncover the unique neighbourhood of house caves in Gaudix

You wake up in a city adorned with the most sensual palace of Europe, the Alhambra.

Your morning is blessed with a visit to this famous monument. When you look at it, you’re transported to the tales of 1,001 Nights . Originally a fortress and then a palace, this UNESCO World Heritage site will seize your imagination.

In the afternoon you'll uncover the unique Barrio de las Cauevas of Gaudix (neighbourhood of house caves in Gaudix). Choose to learn more about the history and evolution of this intricate maze of homes at the Gaudix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre, located inside several original cave dwellings.  

There may be time for a photo stop of the Sierra Nevada mountains before you head back to Granada. Use your evening in Granada to discover tapas restaurants and more of the culinary delights.

*Sometimes this day will be reversed, and you will visit the Alhambra in the afternoon.

Optional Activities

• Entrance to the Gaudix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre
• Discover the charm of Ronda, the most stunning of the pueblos blancos

Today is all about exploring the other faces of Andalucía; the beautiful wilderness and iconic pueblos blancos .

You travel west to El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range. You'll be amazed by the stunning limestone formations that have been formed over millions of years. 

Your adventure then takes you through the landscapes of Malaga’s ‘Lake District’ before you reach Ronda. Precariously clinging to a steep cliff of the El Tajo Gorge, this commune captures your imagination with its literary connections and history full of outlaws. Stroll along the city walls, explore picturesque plazas, and enjoy your lunch.

Before making your way to Seville, you'll have the chance to learn how Spain’s ‘liquid gold’ is made at an olive oil farm.

Cast a last glance over the Andalusian countryside and start your journey to Seville, your home for two nights.

• Entrance to an olive oil farm 

Accom modation

Hotel Macia Sevilla Kubb or similar, Sevilla*

*Please note that if your tour departs after 1st April 2024, you will instead stay at Hotel Exe Sevilla Macarena.

• Soak up the grandeur as you stroll through the Plaza de España
• Try the finest sherry in Jerez de la Frontera

Seville signifies the essence of Spain. This city will seduce you with its rich Moorish heritage, the orange trees, tapas, and passionate flamenco.

Today it’s up to you to decide how to spend the day.

You can dedicate your time to discover the best gems of the city’s 80 chapels at the Seville Cathedral and marvel at La Giralda. Or go for a stroll along the bank of the Guadalquivir to admire the iconic Torre del Oro, a military tower dating back to the 13th century.

Alternatively, you can join our half day tour and travel to Jerez de la Frontera. This elegant town is the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy.

Whichever option you choose, spend the evening strolling through the shaded arches of the grand Plaza de España. Warning: with the hypnotic Flamenco performances, delicious tapas, and buzzing bars, this city can keep you entertained till the early hours.

• Sherry winery visit in Jerez with wine tasting and snack
• Soak up the sun in Huelva on the Costa de la Luz
• Wander through Tavira, one of the most charming towns of the Algarve

Say farewell to Seville and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andalusian countryside as you travel west towards the Costa de la Luz, a land of bright sunlight and golden sandy beaches.

You stop in the seaside city of Huelva, where Christopher Columbus planned his trip to find a western sea route to China and India. Here you'll visit the waterside exhibition, Muelle de las Carabelas, where you can see life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships.

Next, you cross the Portuguese border and stop at Tavira in the Algarve. Set on the River Gilão, this town exudes an irresistible charm and makes you want to discover its hidden corners. Wander through the cobblestone streets, cross an old Roman bridge and try Portuguese cuisine for the first time.

Take in the last views of the Algarve and journey north where laid-back Lisbon awaits you in the evening.

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay one night in Córdoba, two nights in Granada, and two nights in Seville. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.

How does the accommodation work?

A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.

So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.

Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.

Are there any extra accommodation costs?

The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.

Do I need a visa to take this tour?

You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.

Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?

Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.

So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email [email protected] .

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.

To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.

What are your cancellation policies?

We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.

We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.

Click here to view full terms and conditions.

What is a guaranteed departure?

It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.

Can routes change?

Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.

Do you take children on your tours?

We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?

We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

What should I do if I have too much luggage?

It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.

But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.

Should I tip the driver and the guide?

Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Andalucia Cultural Walking Tour

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If you've ever seen the movie El Cid , you know that the Moors invaded Iberia then the Spanish chased them out. Of course, that took almost 800 years—and in the process created Europe's richest and most fascinating culture. Seville is the suavest of cities. The Alhambra? The way water in all its variety is used to cool air that whispers through beautiful stone fretwork is unimaginable. The vastness of la vega, the province's plain, is truly cinematic, scattered with whitewashed villages, punctuated by ruined alcazares (fortresses), and carpeted in vineyards, swatches of gnarled olive trees and stately groves of poplar. We stay in fantastic accommodations and at one of Spain's finest 5-star hotels. And the walks—in both city and country, through mosques and Spanish palaces—are gentle revelations every step of the way. Our local guides are exceptionally well-connected, so you get introductions to families that own the olive groves and even Alhambra's resident wood inlay expert. Can you tell Andalucia is one of our favorite places on earth?

• Meet in Seville for a leisurely stroll that takes in King Ferdinand's Alcazar and the chic shopping district. 
• Journey into the Andalucian countryside to walk among green hills to one of Los Pueblos Blancos ("the white villages"). 
• Explore the clifftop town of Ronda, perched high above the Tajo Gorge.
• Walk the banks of a lovely river and enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard where the buildings date back to the 16th century. 
• Keep your eyes peeled for a large colony of flamingos on a walk amid the natural pillars of El Torcal National Park. 
• Join a local friend from Granada for a personally guided visit to the Alhambra and shopping in the alcaizeria. 
• Walk in fragrant forests and visit a traditional olive oil mill before arriving in Córdoba where visits include the elaborate Mesquita (mosque). 
• Marvel at an up-close flamenco performance you'll never forget.

Starting Point:

Ending point:.

Click map to enlarge

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887 .

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

• Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
• Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
• Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
• Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
• Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
• Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
• Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Legado Alcázar

Built within the historical complex of the Reales Alcázares Palace, this four-star boutique luxury hotel rests upon important Moorish, late medieval and contemporary archeological remains and assures an unforgettable stay in Seville’s city center.

Catalonia Ronda

The hotel, newly opened in 2017, features a unique and beautiful Spanish modernist façade, an elegant rooftop terrace with outstanding views, and is located just opposite the iconic bullring on the town’s main pedestrian shopping street.

La Bobadilla Hotel

La Bobadilla is in the style of a typical Andalusian village to greet its visitors and transmit an authentic luxury experience, surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Sierra de Loja mountain range, between Granada and the Costa del Sol.

Hotel Amistad

Boasting an ideal location in the historic heart of Córdoba, close to shops and sites, the hotel is made up of two 18th century palaces and traditional courtyards completely restored with modern touches and historic views from every room.

What’s Included

• All breakfasts, 1 lunch (cooking instruction) and 5 dinners
• Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and are there to help with anything
• Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
• Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage
• All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible check-in.

• When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Perfect Pairings Dinners

• A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.

Privileged Access Events

• One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.
• In many regions, we uncork wonderful local wines at every dinner, compliments of Classic Journeys.

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10 Day Southern Spain Tour Eternal Andalucia TOURCODE: ES2

Duration: 10 Days

Activity Level: 2

When To Go: May, Sep, Oct

Countries Visited: 1

Arrive In / Depart From: Madrid / Sevilla

Max Group Size: 18

Tour Style: Cultural

Price From:

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

• Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
• All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.

If you have trouble determining a destination based on deciding between the culinary delights, architectural feats, or cultural marvels, then our Southern Spain Tours are the answer.

Spain is the land of many wonders, where intricate history weaves its way into everyday life.

Where charismatic cities are like the tapas, bursting with flavours found around every corner. Where the serene countrysides are full of run down barns, rolling cattle ranches, and olive groves.

For travellers on our tours of Southern Spain, there is the chance to explore a little bit of everything.

It seems fitting that the homeland of one of the world's strongest empires is a grand showcase of art and culture.

Discover palaces such as that in Sevilla, where King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella once resided as Spain entered the golden age of discovery.

The grandeur of galleries such as the Prado found in Madrid which houses all the finest works that were collected by the Spanish Royalty, epitomize the vast wealth collected by the Iberian nation.

For those who follow history, perhaps one of the most interesting influences to cross this Iberian peninsula was not the Armada that was sent abroad, but the Moors who invaded and conquered the land.

From 711 AD, the Moors conquered Spain and left in their wake of a 700 year rule, some of the most elegant and refined cities of Europe.

Tours of Southern Spain visit Granada, a city with rich history set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Spain's highest mountain range.

Wander the cobblestone alleyways of this ancient city, with tapas bars serenading visitors with flamenco music, tempting with spicy aromas, and begging for a leisurely visit with sangria on special.

Known as the city of castles, it is the allure of the Moorish palace of Alhambra that brings people to this region.

The Islamic decor and landscaped gardens found within this 13th century fortress are sure to impress, as will the ornate and precise 'lace in stone' architectural details found within the embellished palace. There is no doubt, in Europe, this monument is without rival.

There are many more impressive Moorish sites beyond the Alhambra. The Alcazar Palace, a 14th century palace, is set in the picture-perfect city of Andalucia, complete with restored Andalusian architecture, orange groves, castanet-rattling Gypsies and flower-filled patios.

In Cordoba, our tours of Southern Spain visit the Mezquita-Catedral, or Great Mosque of Cordoba, one of the oldest structures still standing which was built by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads.

Away from the city we partake in visits to 25,000 year old Neolithic and Paleolithic drawings found in the Pileta Caves, and step into a bullring after a visit to a bull breeding farm to understand a controversial part of current culture without having to witness the act of bullfighting.

We will peer into the dramatic escarpments and views that are found on the southern end of this dynamic country.

With vast treasures spanning thousands of years, tours of Southern Spain are sure to leave visitors speechless, and always eager for more.

Prices below are per person , twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) . Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here .

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

Optional Single Supplement: $840 CAD (number of singles limited).

Day 1 Arrive in Madrid Today we arrive in Madrid and transfer to our hotel. The capital of Spain, located in the heart of the peninsula and right in the center of the Castillian plain, is a cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family. Overnight in Madrid. Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Madrid & The Prado This morning we have a panoramic tour of broader Madrid, terminating at the Prado Museum for a guided tour. Our route to the museum likely takes us past Plaza Espana point and the Cervantes Monument. Originally opened to the public in 1819, the Prado houses all of the finest works collected by Spanish Royalty as well as Spanish paintings gathered from other sources over the past two centuries. The Prado is one of the most important repositories of art in the world, including a vast collection of Italian paintings. For the purposes of our visit, however, we will concentrate on works by Spanish masters -- Velasquez, Goya, Ribera, El Greco, Zurbaran, to name a few. After our tour, we'll head off on foot for an informal stroll up Gran Via and into the old quarter of Madrid. You'll then have free time for lunch and an afternoon of independent exploration. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your free time, with recommended shopping, other historical sites and galleries. You may want to visit the nearby Reina Sofia for the important modern art collection, including Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica." Or visit the Museo Naval, one of the world's most important Navy Museums, to learn about the history of the Spanish Armada. Overnight in Madrid. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 Madrid: Toledo Day Trip This morning we travel to Toledo, a city with a unique blend of Arab, Jewish, Christian, Roman, and Visigothic elements. Toledo sits on a rocky promontory isolated on three sides by a looping gorge of the Tagus River. The history of several different cultures is contained within this region, represented by the houses, synagogues, churches, and mosques. Our excursion includes a visit to the Cathedral, as well as the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, which shows the influence of the Granada Moors. We also see one of Toledo's most outstanding attractions, El Greco's masterpiece "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" located inside the Church of Santo Tome. After lunch and some free time in Toledo, we return to Madrid. Overnight in Madrid. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Madrid - Cordoba: City Tour Today we travel by fast train to Cordoba (+/- 2 hours), crossing the Despenaperros Mountains and the border pass between Castile and Andalucia. During our time in Cordoba (a World Heritage City), we will gain a sense of the city's long and varied past and multicultural nature. Our tour starts at the Roman Bridge and the Calahorra Tower, an Arab defensive tower. Next we arrive at the Mezquita-Catedral, or Great Mosque of Cordoba, one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus. The buildings on this site are as complex as the extraordinarily rich history they illustrate. Historians believe that there had first been a temple to the Roman god, Janus, on this site. The temple was converted into a church by invading Visigoths who seized Cordoba in 572. Next, the church was converted into a mosque and then completely rebuilt by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads -- the first Islamic dynasty who had originally ruled from their capital Damascus (in present-day Syria) from 661 until 750. We visit the Alcazar fortress, built by King Alfonso XI, and containing mosaics and sarcophagi. Finally we will have a stroll in the Jewish Quarter where the synagogue is located. Please note: Our official meal plan for today is "breakfast & dinner"; however, due to other variables, however (such as hotel location), your Tour Leader may choose to include lunch instead of dinner today. You will, of course, be advised in advance. Overnight in Cordoba. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 Cordoba - Granada Our tour continues to Granada, set in the heart of Andalucia with the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop. Conquered by the Moors in AD 711, Granada blossomed into one of Europe's wealthiest and most refined cities. The legacy of Granada's rich history and heritage remain visible throughout the city centre with its cobblestone streets and lovely plazas. In 1992 Granada celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Christian re-conquest by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand, and Isabella. On arrival we visit the Royal Chapel, featuring tombs carved out of marble by the Tuscan sculptor Domenico Fancelli. As both Queen Isabel and King Fernando died before the Royal Chapel was finished, they were first buried in the Friary of San Francisco in the Alhambra. They were then later moved to the chapel once it had been completed, and buried alongside King Felipe and Queen Juana. Although their original idea was for all future Spanish Kings and Queens to be buried here, this did not happen as the monastery in El Escorial was used instead. Overnight in Granada. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Granada: The Alhambra The focus of our sightseeing today is Granada's main attraction, the Alhambra, a mighty fortress that houses an extraordinarily delicate and beautiful Moorish palace begun in the 13th century. This was the palace of the Nasrid Sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish Kingdom. A fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by gypsy cave dwellers. In many ways, the Alhambra represents the Moorish concept of life itself -- something glorious to be ennobled by learning and enlivened by every kind of pleasure. We also visit the nearby Generalife Gardens. The balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration, or you can join your Tour Leader on an informal stroll in the city's old Moorish quarter of the Albaicin. Overnight in Granada. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 Granada - Reserva Tauro - Ronda: Town Tour We continue our tour (by road) to Ronda, a historic town located on a towering plateau in the mountains of Malaga Province. En route we visit Reserva Tauro, a 500 acre bull and horse breeding farm. Here we have the opportunity to get close to bulls and gain an understanding of the culture without attending a bull fight. Of course this cultural/historical practice is controversial, but the farm does a good job in presenting bull fighting in an even, objective way without in any way promoting or excusing it. In Ronda, we will walk around the old town where you will learn the origins of this ancient town where Romans, Arabs, and Christians left their traces. We visit the Mondragon Palace, built in a Mudejar style. Ronda is famous for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevin through its centre. We suggest a walk to the 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge, which straddles the 100m/328 ft chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serrania de Ronda mountains. Overnight in Ronda. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Ronda - Pileta Caves - Olive Oil Tour - Sevilla Today we travel to Seville via a stop at the well-preserved rock paintings at the Pileta Caves (walking required on wet stone with no hand rails - speak to your leader for further guidance). The 25,000 year old Neolithic and Paleolithic drawings of black, ochre, and red are mostly just lines or patterns, but there are also horses, goats, cattle, and a rare giant fish, made from a mixture of clay and fat. This is not a well-developed tourist attraction; you must be steady on your feet and prepared for some slow walking. We then follow the route known as "the Route of the White Villages" for the singularity of the scenery. The villages -- Pueblos Blancos -- are a series of whitewashed towns and villages in the northern part of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, mostly within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. These charming settlements feature whitewashed houses festooned with pots of colourful flowers, mountain vistas, and traces of the Islamic and Christian past. For a bit of a break we stop briefly in the White Town of Grazalema, a white hill down nestled in Grazalema National Park, before continuing to a visit to one of the region's olive oil producers for a tour and lunch (included instead of dinner today). The region is renown for extra virgin olive oil, which transmits all the aroma, the flavour, and the essence of the olive groves of Zahara de la Sierra. The process is difficult and extreme, with steep slopes which require manual caretaking and harvesting; the reward is a very fruity, sweet, and gentle flavour partly due to high rainfall in the area. We will learn all about this process and have a chance to taste both the oil and the wine also made locally. Our visit will culminate with a lunch typical of the region with an assortment of tapas, local cheeses, fruits and other sweets (vegatarians are well-catered for). After a relaxing lunch, we proceed to Sevilla arriving late afternoon. Though we don't include dinner this evening, our hotel is well-placed and your Tour Leader will provide suggestions for your free time. Overnight in Sevilla. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 Sevilla: City Tour Sevilla, the fourth largest city in Spain, is the picture-perfect image of Andalucia, complete with restored Andalusian architecture, orange groves, flower-filled patios, and castanet-rattling Gypsies. While in Sevilla we visit the largest cathedral in Spain, built in a Gothic style with lovely stained glass windows, choir, and chapels. We visit the Giralda Tower, with its spectacular views of the city. We will also see the Moorish Alcazar Palace, a 14th century palace, the oldest royal residence in Europe and still in use. Later we will walk along the Guadalquivir riverbank and view historic monuments like the Maestranza Bullring, the Torre del Oro, and the Monument to the Tolerance by Eduardo Chillida. Overnight in Sevilla. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 Depart Departure from Sevilla. BUEN VIAJE! Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.

Exclusions International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.

Seasonality and Weather The best time to visit Iberia is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. Fall (between September and October) is also ideal, when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and summer crowds have dispersed.

Transport and Travel Conditions Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Train journeys are comfortable (2nd class). YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ON/OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS. Please also note that, due to the narrow and winding nature of the streets and the size of our vehicle, we may need to park some distance away from our hotels in Granada, Córdoba, and Rhonda and walk our luggage a short distance. This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form .

Accommodation Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.

Staff and Support Tour Leader throughout, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.

Group Size Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)

Tour Extensions This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

Regions visited: Western Europe Countries visited: Spain

*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.

The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.

Reservation Summary

Have Questions? Call us: 1-800-843-2678

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The Ultimate One Week Itinerary in Southern Spain

By Helene Sula

The spirit of Andalusia is intoxicating – without even drinking the wine. Great art, late night dining, and beautiful streets, Southern Spain has so much to offer. There’s fascinating history along with authentic, delicious food with the stunning backdrop of a diverse landscape with beaches and mountains. This region is comprised of eight provinces and is quite a large area so it's hard to know where to start. I've got the ultimate one-week itinerary and road trip guide to Southern Spain.

The Andalusia region of Spain is more laid-back and the nice weather almost all year round permits a very social culture. It feels as if every day there's a festival. The traditions of siesta, tapas, jamon, and flamenco dancing are all happening here. The large squares are like the living rooms of the communities. At night people go out to mix and mingle, drink, and dance.

This trip was a surprising one for me. Not only did we get a taste of the flavors and traditions of the south of Spain, we also got to see the long stretches of wide open spaces (very rare in Europe), dipped over to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, and could see Africa in the distance from Tarifa. Truly, this trip was a treat. This guide will ensure you make the most out of your travels through Andalusia.

• Ultimate One Week Itinerary in Southern Spain

I looked at our itinerary and gasped. Could we really go to 13 places in just 7 days? We tend to try and see everything in a city and I was worried we were packing ourselves too tightly. But as it turns out, we not only saw it all, we got to enjoy some leisurely days feeling like Spaniards: sipping wine and lounging on the beach. On average Spaniards devote nearly 16 out of 24 hours a day to leisure activity. It was only natural to feel like the locals.

Andalusia is by far my favorite region in Spain. Our trip was fun to plan and driving was the perfect way to get around. We saw quite a lot in seven days since the roads are well marked and pleasurable to drive. I hope my guide will make it easy for you to plan your trip to Southern Spain.

Many of the towns are very small but accessible. Allowing yourself a day or even just spending the afternoon there gives you plenty of time. Of course, if you'd like to extend your trip you can add on days as you see fit or stay longer in certain cities. Here's a look at the map of our route:

Day 1: Malaga

Day 2: granada, nerja, day 3: cordoba, seville, day 4: ronda, grazlema, zahara de la sierra, day 5: seville, day 6: arcos de la frontera, medina-sidonia, vejer de la frontera, tarifa, day 7: gibraltar, planning your andalusian trip, where to stay, things to know.

Originally Spain was called “Hispania” by the Romans, which translates to “land of rabbits.” When they came, they thought no one lived here and there were just thousands of rabbits dotting the open space. Now, it's bustling with life and Andalusia is my top recommendation for visiting Spain. One week in Spain makes it tough to see all the highlights but this itinerary will cover many of the best cities of the Andalusian regions.

Fly into Malaga's Pablo Picasso Airport (the birthplace of the artist). This is the best option, especially since it's only a few short miles from the city center. It's also an ideal place to take day trips from. Spain is well known for three top cities in the Andalusian region: Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. And don't worry, we'll be visiting all of them. But I think Malaga should really be included in this list. Malaga is somehow fancy and clean, yet unassuming.

Walking through the city you'll see beige and green marble beside streets juxtaposed with well-lit buildings and intricate balconies. Unmissable is the tall reaches of the Cathedral of Malaga. There are street performers and artists that line the walkways showing off for your money. It's no surprise, the Main Street of Malaga ( Calle Marques de Larios ) is the 5th most expensive street in Spain, and also happens to be where they carried all the sweet wine. Make sure to grab a glass for yourself!

We started off with a walking tour to get acquainted with the town and all it has to offer. After walking around we spent some time listening to a boys' choir perform in the impressive Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga. Aka, the Malaga Cathedral, or one-armed lady, because it only has one tower.  I recommend taking a walk around since the back of the church is full of orange trees. I also recommend the Museum of Picasso which exhibits 230 works from the artists from the late 19th century until his 1973 death.

As you roam around you'll see the Roman Theater Alcazaba . Be on the lookout from here for Antonió Banderas, his penthouse is across the street! He was actually born here and has even participated in the annual (and exquisite) Easter celebration. There is a festival that happens every Easter, called Semana Santa, where two huge floats carrying Jesus and the other carrying the Virgin Mary proceed down the street. These occur all over Spain and are a strong tradition dating back to the middle ages. You can see the incredible and extremely heavy floats for yourself at the Malaga Holy Week Museum .

You can also hit up the market, Central de Atarazanas , for some fresh juices and great food. Lastly, check out some of Malaga's coast , the beach is just a couple miles away from the city center.

A great place to stop for dinner is the modern tapas restaurant uvedoble taberna málaga.

Today we'll explore Granada and Nerja, two of the most famous places in Southern Spain. The drive from Malaga to Granada is just an hour and a half, so it's easy to take a day trip here and still spend the night in Malaga, which is only 45 minutes from Nerja.

Granada is well known for one important place: the Alhambra . Make sure to get tickets in advance. I'm not talking about just a few days before, to ensure you can see all the palace has to offer you need to book farther in advance. You can do so right here . I suggest getting the one that includes the Nasrid Palace as this is the most intricate and beautiful structure on the grounds. When you purchase your ticket you'll have a specified time to visit the Nasrid Palace. It's sold out daily and you must only go at your allotted time.

First constructed in 889, the Alhambra is a place where royalty flourished under both the Moorish influence and later, after the Reconquista, it became the royal court of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand. This UNESCO site is where Christopher Columbus came to the Monarchs to ask for money to go to the New World. The Nasrid Palace is incredibly detailed with a history and story behind every room. Salón de los Embajadores (Chamber of the Ambassadors) is overwhelmingly grand, there are over 8,000 cedar pieces in a pattern of stars that represent the seven heavens of Islam.

After you spend time at the Nasrid Palace make sure to walk around the sumptuous grounds of the Alhambra. It's a great way to see the city of Granada below, walk through beautiful gardens, and take a peek at what royal life felt like. I recommend taking the “ General Life Path ” which will take you through the highlights on your audio guide. Expect to spend about 2-4 hours here.

After our tour we stopped for lunch in the city of Granada, located just down the hill from the Alhambra. Granada is the perfect place to take a stroll. Full of life and passion, it embodies the combination of Christian and Moorish cultures. With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop you’ll have a feast for your eyes as well as your palette.

Take a look at the Granada Cathedral , built on the site of a mosque it's Spain's second largest cathedral. Next head to the Royal Chapel where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. You can check out Alcaiceria a narrow laned market echoing from the Islamic days where you can still find spices and goods. On your way out find the Corral del Carbón which is the oldest monument during the Nasrid dynasty. This was a warehouse and shelter for merchants built in the 1200s.

Trading culture for the coast, head to Nerja . This small town is one of the most sought after destinations on the Costa del Sol . Nerja sits at the end of the Chillar River and is flanked in between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Sierra de Tejeda. Grab a custard apple and watch the musicians perform in the main square or head down to the beach for sunset. We had a great dinner then headed back to Malaga for the night.

Córdoba is known for the large, beautiful mosque full of hundreds of orange and white columns. The Mezquita of Cordoba began in 786 and took almost 200 years to compete. The once mosque and converted cathedral (a common theme for cathedrals in Andalusia) has beautiful aspects of both- a detailed mihrab and impressive Christian elements like an exquisite altar.

We walked around town and took in Cordoba's Roman bridge, Puente Romano . We then went to the museum at the end of the bridge, Museum of Al-Andalus Life. I don't recomend this museum since it talked little about the day-to-day lives of Andalusians and was a bit hard to follow. The most attractive part of Cordoba, in my opinion, is to just walk around and take in the lovely and shaded courtyards and patios often populated with lush greens and flowers. As far back as the Roman times houses were built with an open-air atrium protected from the sun. If you're interested, there's also a Patio Museum, Palacio de Viana.

Check out the Roman temple ruins which were discovered in the 1950s when Cordoba's town hall was expanded. Before heading back we went to the UNESCO site Alcazar fortress which is where Isabella and Ferdinand ruled. Originally constructed in 1328, it reflects a more military fortress. From here we headed to Seville.

It's very easy to see why people love Seville . Upon arrival, I was struck with the absolutely stunning architecture and the liveliness of the atmosphere. People were spilling out on the streets or dining in cafes. Seville seems to emulate a particular sort of Andalusian spirit. Since we arrived at night we had a late dinner, just like the Spaniards, and walked around to see the beautiful town lit up. I marveled at the Cathedral. But what I loved most was the outbreak of song and dance on the street. I felt like I just waltzed in on a musical. There was a crowd of 100 people gathered around a group of about 15 talented singers and musicians singing traditional songs.

These next few towns are much smaller so it's easy to see them in a day trip from Seville. We headed towards Ronda, but first stopped at the Cueva de la Pileta to see drawings from 32,000 years ago! Our guide spoke very broken English, luckily we made a friend that could translate, but I'm assured that most of the guides speak both English and Spanish. Regardless, it's incredible to see cave drawings from such a long time ago. The cave is a short hike up from parking but you will need to call in advance (the day of is fine) to reserve a spot.

Next on our Andalusian itinerary was the town of Ronda . The town is split in two by the river which carved a deep ravine. If you want a view of the unforgettable Puente Nuevo bridge covering the gorge walk down the Camino de los Molinos . Ronda is also the site of an old bull ring which is said to be the home of modern day bullfighting. We had a quick stop here and the best part was the DIVINE .80€ tapas. Find them at Bar El Lechuguita and don't miss out since lines form early. We got in after the lunch crowd and found some seats at the bar.

We breezed through the next couple stops since these small whitewashed towns can be taken in just by walking around. We first went to Grazalema . This bright white town is contained in the green hills of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. This small village is known for their handcrafted and sturdy wool blankets.

Even smaller still is Zahara de la Sierra . Known for its small Moorish castle, we ate dinner here and headed back to Seville for the night.

Seville (or Sevilla) is known as the “gateway to the new world”, and it's obvious to see why many would stop here and be floored. The architecture here is some of my favorite in Europe. It's also said to be the birthplace of flamenco and you can feel the passion that people have for the music and dance. Since we only arrived at night to see Seville, we wanted to see it during the day and see some of the highlights.

Seville is a somehow flamboyant but quaint city. In 1992 the World's Fair was hosted here which left the city with good infrastructure – you'll find it's simple to take public transportation from place to place. Although it's the fourth largest city in Spain, I still recommend walking around.

Must-do's include the huge Seville Cathedral . This is the third largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic church. Again, this is built over a mosque. All that's left from the Moorish period is a tall tower, now a Christian bell tower. Here you'll find the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Right beside it is Sevilla’s famous Alcazar , the oldest palace still in use in Europe. Inside you'll find fabulous patios and salons as well as gardens. You will need to book tickets in advance here . It sells out daily and the line outside stretches for hours. After you tour here take a walk around the old town and take a look at the Torre del Oro , or Golden Tower, which sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. You can also cross the river and go over to a different part of Seville called “ Triana ” which reminds me a bit of Montmarte as a different part of Paris. They like to differentiate themselves from the rest of Seville.

You can explore the old Jewish Quarters in Barrio Santa Cruz and if you'd like to learn more you can go see the Museum of Flamenco .

One of my favorite places was the lovely Plaza de España . Located in the Parque de María it was built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. It's a mix of detailed architecture with Moorish and Spanish influence. You might recognize this plaza from scenes in the movie Star Wars II!

Bull Fighting is still famous in Spain. While it's not something I can personally stomach, you can learn about the history and culture surrounding the tradition with a tour of the bullfighting arena: Plaza de Toros .

Make sure to go to Bola's for unique flavored gelato and Casa la Viuda for a savory tapas dinner. Finish off your time in Seville with a flamenco show!

We left in the morning from Seville and took the scenic route, we stopped for pictures along the way and saw more chuckar birds (quail) and olive trees than I've ever seen in my life. We got to Arcos de la Frontera and explored this lovely town. I suggest heading to the tourism office and grabbing a map and history of the town. One of my favorite but surprising spots was the Nativity scene or Belén (which is Spanish for Bethlehem). This miniature version of the nativity changes from day to night and uses mirrors to illuminate and tell the story of Jesus' birth.

Take a peek inside the town's church and then walk to the opposite side of the plaza to get a view of the cliff. They boast that they can see “the backs of birds as they fly” since the town is so steep. During the day at the lookout you'll find a rescue bird organization. There are about a dozen birds you can see up close and personal. With owls in all shapes and sizes as well as hawks.

Out of all the white-washed towns Arcos de la Frontera was my favorite in the South of Spain.

From here we traveled towards Tarifa and on the way we stopped in Medina-Sidonia. Get on your walking shoes, these cities are steep. We took a quick walk around and sauntered through the elegant Plaza de Espana of this white-walled town. This city is considered by some to be the oldest city in Europe.

Next we headed to Vejer de la Frontera for one last hilltop town to admire. This one was particularly lovely and looked almost like I was walking through Santorini. Make sure you peer through the Arco de La Villa for a picture perfect scene.

We arrived in Tarifa just in time for a picnic on the beach and sunset. We had drinks at the overpriced but beautiful Carbones 13 and walked through the town at night. What we noticed most was how many dogs there were running around playing at the beach. It was so heartwarming. Also from here you can see Africa in the distance.

We could have spent a bit more time in Tarifa but we enjoyed the beach, then forged on to Gibraltar . I absolutely loved Gibraltar. I think I felt so giddy about the idea to walk over the border from one country to the next where I could still see Africa just made me laugh.

Gibraltar is known as the “top of the rock” and even though it's really just a tiny speck on the map the Brits refuse to give it up as it's a strategic military position. The Rock of Gibraltar rises majestically out of the Mediterranean and you can see Africa on a clear day.

We drove here from Tarifa and parked our car outside the border after seeing the long line of cars. I'm glad we did. Driving your car into the city is not recommended as you can wait up to three hours in the queue for passport control. We had no such issues going in on foot. We parked on La Linea Street which is inexpensive pay and display parking. Because it is a British overseas territory you'll need to show passports at two spots along the way and on the way out.

To walk across you'll have to cross an airport runway. We had to wait about 15 minutes since a plane was landing. Once it passed it was interesting, to say the least, to walk the runway and over the border. As soon as you cross you'll see the traditional red telephone booths and signs for fish and chips. I couldn't get enough.

From here we went straight up to the top of the rock. Go early as possible to avoid crowds and lines. DO NOT take a cab up. They will tell you that it's easier or that you'll be “packed in the gondola like a sardine.” I found just the opposite to be true. A cab ride is double the price and doesn't take you to the very top. Plus the cable car ride was very lovely and we were immediately greeted with monkeys upon our exit at the top.

The Barbary Macaque monkeys were brought here (or maybe hopped on a boat) from Morocco to this very spot. You won't find them anywhere else in Spain, or England for that matter. Be careful as they might look cute but you're instructed not to feed or touch them. They are incredibly smart. One jumped right on top of Michael's back and unzipped his backpack's zipper. I wish I caught this on camera but we were trying to get the monkey off and our stuff back since he quickly started rifling through! One of the most memorable experiences I'll have to date.

After you get your fill of the monkeys, take a walk around. Over 30,000 British soldiers were stationed on the Rock for World War II. There are many fortresses and bunkers. From here you can keep walking to the viewpoint that's made of glass. Just be careful, when I was there they were fixing a crack below my feet!

One of the top attractions is St. Michael's Cave which is a network of limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites jutting out from every corner. It's a different experience as there are multicolored lights displayed throughout and sometimes they have shows in here.

You only need a day in Gibraltar but you can walk around the town and grab some British cuisine on your way out. The “solid as a rock” Gibraltar is definitely worth the side trip.

Where you stay can make or break your trip. I believe in staying somewhere centrally located, especially on a tight schedule like this, so you can ensure you make the most of your time. Throughout this trip we stayed in the absolutely exceptional Preferred Hotels . What I love so much about these hotels is that you know, without a doubt, that you're getting quality when it comes to your hotel. This can always be tricky when it comes to picking a place to stay and you can rest at ease with Preferred Hotels.

In Malaga we stayed in Vincci Selección Posada Del Patio where I was immediately struck by the elegance and ambiance of this hotel. You'll find art displayed throughout the hotel by local artists that is rotated  every two months. But one of the coolest aspects is the glass floor which reveals the ruins found and unearthed on behalf of the hotel itself!

The room is clean and sophisticated with dual sinks and luxurious linens. Hotel Vincci is located very close to the heart of the old town and the quiet patios lend to enchanting views. We were greeted with a lovely gift basket filled with my favorite treat: Diet Coke. It also came with a Malaga specialty: the sweet wine.

I've been to a lot of hotels in my day and the breakfast at Hotel Vincci was one of the best I've ever had. Not only was there a plethora of meats, including Iberian ham, there was fruit, bread, meat, drinks, traditional Andalusian offerings, and even a menu (included!) where you can order steaming omelets or pancakes. I recommend the sinfully delicious waffle drizzled with caramel sauce.

There is parking on site which we took full advantage of to make it easy to come and go at our own will. The staff was friendly and helpful and recommended great places to eat nearby. I highly recommend staying at this beautiful, modern hotel. This 5-star hotel was the ideal way to kick off our stay in Andalusia.

Further along on our trip we again stayed at another Preferred Hotel, this time in Seville at the best possible location: Hotel Inglaterra . This hotel is a must for your stay in Seville. The location is within walking distance from the Cathedral, across the street from public transportation and the ornate edifice of Seville Town Hall. The hotel and building are extremely historic, with 150+ years of history. I was taken with the ornate and regal details in the rooms that made me feel like I was stepping back in time, without losing out on the comfort qualities of a top-notch hotel.

Each room includes wooden floors, yellow and blue touches, and classic antiques that make the room feel special. We had plush robes as well as his and hers sinks.

Despite this old world charm hotel, there's a very swanky bar on the first floor that has gorgeous design elements. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat and luxuriate in the plush green seats. Also, the hotel offers free tea and cake during the day. Michael and I spent a couple hours here sampling tea and dining on fluffy cake while we got a little work done.

The intimate breakfast nook was a great way to start the day and start exploring Seville. Hotel Inglaterra is classic and romantic, just like Seville. But the best part is the view of Seville on Hotel Inglaterra's rooftop bar. Grab a drink and watch the city come to life and glitter with lights.

Preferred Hotels ensured that we had the perfect stay through the Andalusian region.

I've never had to buy tickets quite this far in advance before, but in Southern Spain you need to. Particularly for Granada's Alhambra (the Nasrid palace) and Seville's Alcazar. I found my Nasrid Palace tickets here and my Alcazar tickets here .

What to eat in Southern Spain? Make sure to try some jamon when you're in Andalusia. Iberico ham is the most famous here and I'm told you know it's good when the hoof is black. This dry-cured ham is produced from Iberian pigs and is made with the highest quality ingredients.  I also recommend ordering the fried eggplant drizzled in honey, called “Berenjenas con Miel”. This might sound a bit strange but it's so divine. The Andalusian region is also known for Pescaito frito which is small fried fish or you can order “puntillitas” which is fried baby squid. Also, a popular seafood dish is “gazpachuelo” which is a typical fisherman's lunch made with fish stock, potato, and egg.

If you have the time you might like to go on an olive oil tasting. I've never seen so many olive trees in my life and the olive oil produced in Southern Spain is top notch.

When to go to Southern Spain? We went in October which we found very pleasant. The weather was warm, the crowds were few and far between, and we were able to get a reservation at every restaurant we wanted to try.

Southern Spain is an inspirational place to visit. I loved this trip so much because of the mix of what we did. White walled cities reminiscent of Santorini, Spanish enthusiasm and passion for life, jumping monkeys in the British city of Gibraltar, and an overwhelmingly lovely atmosphere. We found ourselves stopping a few times to take pictures or take in the view. I highly recommend at least a week in the beautiful Andalusian region. An impeccable mix of culture and soul, Southern Spain will leave you wanting more.

You might also like:

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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Visiting Southern Spain – Cities & Beaches + MAP

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | Visiting Southern Spain – Cities & Beaches + MAP

Traveling through southern Spain is an adventure you won’t soon forget, as the region is rich in culture and beautiful sights. The cities of southern Spain will enchant you, while the beaches offer a relaxing place to unwind. From the historical towns to the scenic hiking trails, there is something here for everyone.

There is so much to see and do, and as an Andalusian, I couldn’t help but share the ultimate itinerary for southern Spain to ensure you don’t miss any of it.

I’ll give you my tips for getting around, where to stay, and the best places to visit in the south of Spain . So, keep reading to learn where to start your journey!

GUIDE FOR VISITING SOUTHERN sPAIN

To help you make the most of your visit to southern Spain , I’ll cover a few topics in this guide:

Also, at the end of this article, you’ll find a complete map of southern Spain , as well as some tips to help you organize your itinerary .

Best cities in southern Spain

Andalusia may be known for its rural landscapes and pristine beaches, but it’s also home to some of the best cities in southern Spain . You could easily spend a full day in any of these cities, so I encourage you to check them all out below!

1. Granada, one of the most beautiful cities in southern Spain

Granada is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in the south of Spain . This university city is well known for its great atmosphere, which attracts people from all over the country and the world. So, if you’re looking to have some fun in southern Spain , this is the city to visit!

The most popular attraction in Granada is the Alhambra , one of the top attractions in Spain . The Alhambra is a monument to the power and wealth of the Nasrid Kingdom, which ruled over the city until its surrender in 1492.

Here, you can see the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, the Generalife Gardens, and the Partal, making this a must-see in southern Spain . Of course, it’s a wildly popular attraction, especially in peak season, so I recommend buying your ticket months in advance.

Besides the Alhambra, you should also see the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel , the final resting place for King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabel I. Just before dusk, go up to the Mirador de San Nicolás to see the breathtaking sunset over the city.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Casa Morisca is the best hotel in southern Spain if you want to stay in Granada. This noble residence dates back to the late 15 th century and offers impressive views of the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens.

2. Seville, one of the best places to visit in the south of Spain

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain , so if you visit the south of the country, you must see it!

First, the Giralda is a majestic Almohad Tower atop the Cathedral, which is more than 800 years old. Along with the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede , they’re the three most important monuments in Seville. To see them and learn all about their historical significance, do this guided tour with admission tickets , one of the best things to do in southern Spain .

Another reason to put Seville on your southern Spain itinerary is so you can see its Plaza de España . It’s worth visiting this historic center on foot so you can pass through La Iglesia del Divino Salvador, the Plaza Nueva, the Puerta de Jerez, or the Royal Tobacco Factory.

Then, visit the Triana neighborhood to immerse yourself in the culture of Seville, which centers around artisans, singers, and dancers. In fact, seeing a flamenco show in Seville is one of the most enjoyable things to do in southern Spain . For a romantic date, don’t miss this boat trip on the Guadalquivir River .

• Recommended accommodation : El Rey Moro Hotel Boutique is a charming hotel in southern Spain . The renovated 16 th -century manor house is right in the city center.

3. Córdoba, the most historical city in southern Spain

Córdoba is a gorgeous city and another must-see on your tour through the south of Spain . Its magical atmosphere is characterized by flower-adorned patios, Roman remains, and an ornate Mosque-Cathedral .

The latter is one of the most visited monuments in the country and a top attraction in southern Spain . Construction on the Mosque began in the 8 th century, and it became the second-largest mosque in the world. During the reign of King Ferdinand II, in the 13 th century, it was transformed into a Catholic cathedral. If you want to witness the long history of this Mosque-Cathedral, this guided tour is the best option.

Moreover, if you’re interested in the Hispano-Muslim legacy of Al-Andalus, the Medina-Azahara is another essential site to visit. This fortified palace dates back to Abderraman III, who sought to build a city on the outskirts of Córdoba between 936 and 976.

It’s easy to see why Córdoba is one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about the culture and history of southern Spain . I suggest going in May when you can enjoy the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba (Courtyards Festival of Cordoba), listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018.

• Recommended accommodation : The last time we traveled to southern Spain , we stayed at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio in Córdoba, a luxurious place with gardens, elegant décor, and a spa.

4. Cádiz, an enchanting city in southern Spain to spend your holiday

Cádiz is another amazing city in southern Spain , and a great starting point for exploring its province, as there are lots of things to do here.

One of the most recognizable places in this city is its promenade, which is often compared to the famous boardwalk in Havana. What makes the promenade in Cádiz stand out is its impressive cathedral.

It’s also worth visiting the Tavira Tower , the Camera Obscura , the Castle of Santa Catalina, and the Monument to the Constitution of 1812. It’s also a good idea to take this free tour , which begins at the central Plaza de San Juan de Dios .

Finally, you can’t leave Cádiz without taking a stroll along La Caleta Beach, one of the best beaches in southern Spain .

• Recommended accommodation : You’ll feel right at home in the Tandem Torres de Cádiz Suites , which feature amenities like a beautiful patio and a swimming pool.

5. Marbella, a city in the south of Spain with lots of style

Situated along the southern coast of Spain and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Marbella is a lovely vacation town.

For those who like to party, Marbella is one of the best beach towns in southern Spain . Of course, I recommend taking a break from the yachts and parties to stroll down Avenida del Mar, where you’ll see ten replicated sculptures by Salvador Dalí. Then, walk along the Paseo Marítimo (boardwalk) and visit the beach.

Another important place you should visit in Marbella is the Plaza de los Naranjos, home to Town Hall, the Santiago Hermitage, and the Casa del Corregidor. You also must visit Old Town, one of the best places to see in southern Spain . Check out this free guided tour to see everything and learn more about Marbella’s Arab past.

• Recommended accommodation : The Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Spain and a great value for the money. Besides its themed rooms, the hotel has a pool, gym, beach club, and two restaurants specializing in Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisine .

Best beaches in southern Spain

Some of the best beaches in Spain are in the south of the peninsula, so you’re in luck. Of course, they’re all very different, so to help you choose which ones to visit, here are the five best beach towns in southern Spain :

1. Los Muertos Beach, one of the best beaches in southern Spain

Los Muertos Beach , in the province of Almería, is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain that you must see. What makes this one of the best beaches is its over half-mile-long coastline and its crystalline water.

Another way to enjoy Los Muertos is by taking this boat tour , which sails along the shore and also goes past Cala del Corral, Playa de las Salinicas, Puente Romano Beach, Cala Sorbas, and Cala Castillo, among others. It’s one of the best things to do in southern Spain , and you’ll get to see the pretty villages while enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Senderos in Agua Amarga is very good. It’s in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and has an indoor pool and solarium.

2. Bolonia Beach, a natural, wild beach in the south of Spain

For a more rustic beach in the south of Spain , visit Bolonia Beach . Its pristine landscape looks almost untouched, with white sand, dunes, and crystal clear water. It’s no surprise that thousands of visitors come here every year to enjoy its natural beauty.

The shoreline stretches nearly 2.5 miles, and it’s next to the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia, home to the best-preserved Roman forum in Hispania. Along with Bolonia Beach, this old city is one of southern Spain’s hidden gems , so don’t miss it!

Finally, if you’re in Cádiz and don’t have a way to get to Bolonia, this private day trip to Gibraltar and Bolonia is an easy way to see both areas.

• Recommended accommodation : The best option is the Miramar Apartments right next to Bolonia Beach, and about a half-mile from the dunes. Among the facilities here are a garden and a terrace overlooking the pool and sea.

3. Zahara de los Atunes Beach, another unique beach in the south of Spain

Speaking of Cádiz, it’s close to another beach in southern Spain : Zahara de los Atunes . It’s characterized by its virgin fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and bright sunshine.

The ambiance here is phenomenal, especially in the summer, so it’s the perfect place for a vacation in the south of Spain . Zahara de los Atunes has over three miles of coastline, as well as lifeguards, showers, bathrooms, and hammocks. It’s one of the best places to visit in southern Spain as a family since there are attractions for all ages, from the beach bars to the abandoned steamboat that dates back to 1902.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Playa de Plata is just 820 feet from Zahara de los Atunes Beach, and it has a gym, a garden, and a shared lounge.

4. Mónsul Beach, a volcanic beach in the south of Spain

Over in Almería, Mónsul Beach is smaller than the beaches in Cádiz (it’s about 985 feet long), but it’s one of the most beautiful spots on the southern coast of Spain .

This natural, virgin beach is the perfect place to go with friends or family, and, for me, it’s the best beach in southern Spain . Moreover, it’s in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, so be sure to bring everything you’ll need for the day since there aren’t any modern amenities.

For something different, take this tour in a 4×4 , which travels along several beaches in Almería, including Mónsul, as well as the Rodalquilar gold mine area.

• Recommended accommodation : El Dorado Cabo de Gata is in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, just a five-minute walk from San José Beach. Plus, it has an outdoor pool and beautiful sea views.

5. Matalascañas Beach, one of the most beautiful places on the south coast of Spain

Last but not least, Matalascañas Beach in Huelva is another one of the best beaches in southern Spain . The 3.1-mile beach is known for its eco-friendly commitment and conservation efforts, which earned it 16 consecutive Blue Flags between 1994 and 2009.

While Matalascañas is becoming more popular, it’s not yet overcrowded, so it’s the perfect place to add to your southern Spain itinerary if you want some peace and quiet. Don’t worry about being bored though, as there are all kinds of activities here, including paddleboats, beach bars, and a 2.5-mile boardwalk. To round out your day, this sunset horseback ride is an adventure you won’t regret.

• Recommended accommodation : The On Hotels Oceanfront resort faces Matalascañas Beach, so it’s the ideal place to relax. The hotel is designed for adults and features an outdoor and indoor pool, a sun terrace, a bar, and a trendy à la carte restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine .

Best places to visit in southern Spain for nature

Several of Spain’s national parks are located in the southern part of the country. Visit these lush natural sites to discover amazing landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and some of the best hiking in southern Spain .

1. Doñana National Park, a must-see in southern Spain

Of all the natural places to visit in southern Spain , one of the best is Doñana National Park . The Government of Spain defines it as “a mosaic of ecosystems that harbor a unique biodiversity in Europe.”

Several rare species live here, including the Iberian lynx, the spur-thighed tortoise, and the Imperial eagle. This large wetland is located halfway between the southern Spain provinces of Huelva and Seville, very close to Africa. Because of this privileged geographical location, the park is rich in biological diversity.

The best way to see the park’s beaches, dunes, forests, and marshes is to take this guided tour in a 4×4 . Be sure to bring your camera, because this is one of the highlights of southern Spain that you’ll want to capture!

• Recommended accommodation : Macia Doñana , in the charming fishing village of Sanlúcar, is a pleasant hotel with a large outdoor pool and a solarium.

2. Sierra Nevada National Park, a beautiful place to ski in the south of Spain

If you like to ski and visit southern Spain in the winter, you’re in luck. Sierra Nevada National Park , in the province of Granada, is one of the most important ski resorts in the country.

Even if you don’t ski, there are other things to do here, like this snowshoe tour . You can also go stargazing, paragliding, or hiking on one of the trails leading to the summit of Veleta and Mulhacén (the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula.)

The best way to learn about this natural attraction in southern Spain is to go to the El Dornajo interpretation center in the town of Güejar Sierra. You’ll be able to discover more about the history, ethnography, and environmental traditions of this area, like its snowfield manufacturing.

Sierra Nevada National Park has been a declared Biosphere Reserve since 1986, so it’s well worth visiting, as are the nearby towns of Güejar and Pinos Genil.

• Recommended accommodation : No matter the season, the Melia Sierra Nevada is a great option. It has a modern spa, ski lodge-style rooms, and it’s just 330 feet from the slopes.

3. Torcal de Antequera Natural Area, the best place in southern Spain for hiking

The Torcal de Antequera Natural Area is a unique region in southern Spain and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.

If you’ll be in the province of Málaga, you must add this place to your southern Spain travel itinerary . The limestone structures of this park date back over 200 million years and give the area an otherworldly atmosphere. You can even find prehistoric caves and abysses throughout the environment.

3. Torcal de Antequera Natural Area, the best place in southern Spain for hiking –  Alberto Enisosbajas Moreno

The routes through the park are colored-coded and free for anybody to access. That said, this guided hike will safely take you through the area and help you learn more about the flora and fauna you’ll see there.

Another option is this guided tour of Torcal and the Dolmens of Antequera , an interesting journey through Andalusian prehistory. During the tour, you’ll see the caves of the El Romeral tholos, an impressive stone structure from the late Neolithic era.

• Recommended accommodation : The DWO Convento la Magdalena is an incredible resort with a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, so you can pamper yourself after your southern Spain hiking.

4. Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park

In the northwest of the province of Jaén, you’ll find the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park , the perfect place to go hiking in southern Spain .

Spanning 530,000 acres, it’s the largest protected area in Spain and the second in Europe. Moreover, it’s been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1983 and Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) since 1987.

Adding this place to your south of Spain travel itinerary will make you feel like you’re stepping into a nature documentary. Among the species you’ll see here, keep an eye out for the Golden eagle and the Griffon vulture.

You can explore this rugged area by yourself or sign up for one of the two tours offered here . One goes through the Poyos de la Mesa viewpoint and Nava de San Pedro mountainside. The other travels through the Borosa River valley and the Cerrada de Elías gorge. Both of these southern Spain tours are amazing, so there’s no wrong choice.

• Recommended accommodation : Book a room at the Coto del Valle de Cazorla , where you can enjoy the views from an Andalusian patio. The resort also has an outdoor pool, a rustic lounge, gardens, and a spa with a thermal pool, hot tub, flotation tank, Turkish bath, and sauna.

5. Caminito del Rey (part of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park)

The Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park , also known as Garganta del Chorro, is one of the absolute best places to visit in the south of Spain .

Part of what makes it spectacular is the Caminito del Rey , one of the best hiking routes in Spain . This walkway is built into the rock face of the canyon, and parts of it are barely three feet wide. Not only that, but the walkway is suspended nearly 330 feet above the river, so it’s quite the experience.

The path was built for the Chorro Hydroelectric Society, for better access between the waterfalls. King Alfonso XIII himself inaugurated the structure by traveling to the area in 1921 from the Conde del Guadalhorce Dam. He had no choice but to travel along this walkway, hence its name, Caminito del Rey (the King’s Pathway.)

The Junta de Andalucía declared this place a Natural Area in 1989, and today, it costs about 10€ (USD 10.50) to enter. General admission, which you can buy here , includes all the safety gear you need to take the tour. If you prefer to go with a guide, this half-day excursion includes access to the walkway and a visit to the Gaitanes Gorge and the King’s Armchair. Plus, you’ll get to learn more about the history and geology of the area from a knowledgeable guide.

• Recommended accommodation : Located 0.2 miles from the Caminito del Rey, La Posada del Conde sits in the Gaitanes Gorge, between the Conde del Guadalhorce and Guadalteba dams .

Best towns in southern Spain

The south of the peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Spain . Plan your route through the best of southern Spain ’s white villages or the other small towns I recommend below.

1. Ronda, one of the most beautiful towns in southern Spain

Your itinerary for southern Spain should include Ronda , especially if you’re passing through Málaga. Often called the “dream city” of Andalusia, Ronda is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the country.

When you go here, you must visit the Plaza de España, the Ernest Hemingway Walk, and the Puente Nuevo (“New Bridge.”) The latter grants you the most amazing views of the Tajo de Ronda, an impressive 490-foot-deep gorge with “hanging houses” built into the cliff. Along with the Mondragón Palace and the Arab Baths, it’s among the best places to visit in the south of Spain .

With this free tour , you can get to know these incredible sites, and a local guide will tell you all about the history of Ronda. You’ll also see the stately homes of Tenorio Street, the Don Bosco House-Museum, and the Plaza de María Auxiliadora.

• Recommended accommodation : First, the Catalonia Ronda is an elegant hotel with a rooftop terrace and an infinity pool. Another great option is the Parador de Ronda in the city’s old Town Hall. It’s one of the best paradores in Spain and offers beautiful views of the Ronda Gorge and the New Bridge.

2. Vejer de la Frontera and the white villages of southern Spain

Between the southern Spain provinces of Málaga and Cádiz, you’ll find Vejer de la Frontera , the most beautiful and famous of Spain’s White Villages and a declared Historic Site.

A gorgeous town with a National Beautification Award, Vejer de la Frontera is a special place with a rich Arab heritage. This legacy is reflected in the town’s architecture and urban planning, particularly in its Jewish Quarter. This free tour (in Spanish) will introduce you to iconic sites like the 16 th -century Church of the Divine Savior, the remains of the old walls of Vejer de la Frontera, the medieval castle, and Calle de la Corredera.

You can even add some other white villages to your southern Spain itinerary by taking this excursion , which goes to Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema, and Ubrique.

• Recommended accommodation : The Casa Shelly Hospedería in Vejer de la Frontera is a welcoming place with an ideal location, so you can easily get to the most important parts of town.

3. Baños de la Encina, a charming town in southern Spain

Baños de la Encina is a charming, small city in southern Spain that’s famous for its castle with 14 towers, which has been meticulously preserved since the 12 th century.

The Baroque Tabernacle is another worthy attraction in this town and a crown jewel of 17 th -century Andalusian cabinetry. That said, Baños de la Encina is home to other southern Spain monuments, including the 17 th -century Hermitage of Jesus del Llano, the 18 th -century Santo Cristo Windmill, and the 15 th -century San Mateo Church. You can learn all about these beautiful sites on this guided tour .

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Palacio Guzmanes is one of the best hotels in southern Spain , right in Baños de la Encina. It’s in a historic 17 th -century building and has an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a solarium.

4. Úbeda and Baeza, two more towns in southern Spain you must see

In Jaén, near Baños de la Encina, you’ll find Úbeda and Baeza , two more towns you must add to your itinerary for southern Spain .

The two towns, which together have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are rich in art, history, and beauty. Úbeda ‘s Santa Clara Convent is a declared National Monument, while its bullring was built on an old convent, so they’re two sites you can’t miss.

This free tour (in Spanish) will take you on a guided walk through the historic center, where you’ll hear the legends behind the stone streets, churches, and mansions of Úbeda. You’ll also visit the Plaza Vázquez de Molina, a prized example of Renaissance architecture in Spain, as well as the Plaza del Mercado, where the old Town Hall is located.

Next on this south of Spain tour is Baeza , where you’ll be transported to medieval times. This historic town is home to one of the province’s two Cathedrals, as well as the Renaissance-style Town Hall. The best way to see both Baeza and Úbeda is with this excursion , which grants you access to the most iconic monuments.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Don Juan Boutique is very good, and has an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a bar. It’s in Úbeda, so its location is perfect for those who want to get to know this town.

5. Mojácar, a great place for a holiday in southern Spain

Mojácar , in the province of Almería, is one of the top destinations for a southern Spain vacation . The town is divided between Mojácar Pueblo and the more touristy Mojácar Playa. While the coastal area of Mojácar is worth visiting, here we’ll focus on the other part of town.

Since 2013, Mojácar has been recognized as part of the network of Spain’s most beautiful towns. For me, one of the top attractions in southern Spain is right here, at the Plaza del Parterre. It’s surrounded by arches and stone columns, reflecting its former days as an Arab necropolis.

Some other places you must visit here include the Town Hall Square, the famous Fuente Mora, and the Mirador del Castillo, which offers stunning views of the sea. Also, don’t leave without strolling through Old Town and the Barrio del Arrabal, Mojácar’s picturesque Jewish Quarter that dates back to the 17 th century.

• Recommended accommodation : The boutique-style Hotel Mamabels is a charming hotel in southern Spain , decorated with original artwork and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Map of southern Spain

I’ve given you quite a few attractions and cities in southern Spain , so I hope you found a few places you’d like to visit! Here, I’m leaving you a map of southern Spain , so you can easily locate the sites you’re most interested in seeing.

Tips for your southern Spain itinerary

I’ve given you a lot of places to visit, so don’t worry about adding them all to your southern Spain itinerary at once. Andalusia has eight provinces, each with its own villages, cities, and natural areas, so rather than rushing to see everything immediately, consider taking several trips.

Take a look at my map of southern Spain and put together a logical route that will accommodate your specific travel dates. Keep in mind that the capital cities will require more time than smaller towns.

Whichever sites you choose, be mindful of your time and the season of your visit. Some places can become quite crowded, especially in the summer or during the holidays, so it may be difficult to book a hotel or reserve a table at a restaurant. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the rich gastronomy of southern Spain !

Best time to visit the south of Spain

The best time to visit southern Spain depends on what you want to do. Unless you plan on skiing in the Sierra Nevada or taking a winter trip, I recommend visiting between March and October. That said, keep in mind that the summer weather in southern Spain can get steamy, reaching temperatures of 86°F or above.

For those who want to plan their trip around festivals and holidays in southern Spain , April is the best month to visit Seville. May is a great time to visit Córdoba since it’s when the Courtyard Festival takes place. August, while hot, is when the famous Feria de Málaga occurs.

For a southern Spain beach trip, specifically in Huelva, June is the prime time. Cádiz is also gorgeous during the summer.

Moving into autumn, September is still warm and pleasant, so it’s a great month to enjoy the south coast of Spain , especially Almería and Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. If you go later in the season, Jaén is the best place to visit in southern Spain . The temperatures stay mild, so you can enjoy Úbeda, Baeza, Baños de la Encina, and the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park.

How to get around the south of Spain

There are four domestic airports in southern Spain : Almería, Córdoba, Granada-Jaén, and Jerez de la Frontera. You can also find international airports in Málaga and Seville, so it’s relatively easy to find flights to southern Spain . Of course, I recommend reading our guide with tips for finding cheap flights so you can save as much as possible.

Moreover, traveling to southern Spain from Madrid and other Spanish cities is quite easy. Most of the provincial capitals are well-connected via a network of train and bus routes (you can get a 10€ discount here .)

Once in the south, it’s best to get around by car. We have a guide on how to find cheap rental cars , although I’ll tell you now that we always find the best prices with DiscoverCars .

For those who prefer to do their south of Spain tour without having to drive, don’t worry. As I said, the provincial capitals are connected by several train and bus routes, so you can get around without any problems.

With that, you have everything you need to organize your perfect itinerary for southern Spain . If you have any questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to answer. Until then, have a wonderful time in the south of Spain !

Ascen Aynat

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Luis Miguel celebrates 54th birthday in L.A. with Paloma Cuevas and daughter Michelle Salas

The famous singer known popularly as ‘sol de méxico’ is on a world tour that is taking him across south america, the us, spain and mexico.

The romantic relationship between the Spanish designer Paloma Cuevas, 52, and the Mexican singer Luis Miguel, 54, is going strong. Despite the initial surprise, and even disbelief, that the romance first generated, the couple seems to be consolidating a bond that has been growing step by step for almost two years. Last week they demonstrated it once again, albeit with their usual discretion, by celebrating the singer’s birthday together. Cuevas traveled over 6,000 miles from Spain to the city of Los Angeles to be with the artist on his special day. His daughter, Michelle Salas, has also shared a photograph of herself with Luis Miguel on that day, a rare event as the two have not posed publicly together for years.

Luis Miguel is currently on a very successful world tour, with each and every concert sold out. After passing through South America and around 20 U.S. cities since the end of 2023, he has extended the American leg of the tour. Last week in L.A. he surpassed the 100-concert mark with two events at the Crypto.com Arena on April 16 and 17, when he showed himself to be in shape, with a lot of energy and a well cared-for voice. His following concert was two days later, on April 19, in Las Vegas, the same day he turned 54. But he took advantage of that short break in Los Angeles to go out to dinner with Cuevas and blow out his birthday candles. According to Hola! magazine , which revealed the information on Wednesday, mariachis came to the restaurant where they sang the traditional Mañanitas to the winner of 12 Grammy Awards.

The artist also celebrated his special day with his eldest daughter, Michelle Salas, 34, born from his relationship with the Mexican actress Stephanie Salas. It was not until the young woman turned 18 that Luis Miguel recognized his paternity (which at one point he even denied), but for a few years now they have maintained an affectionate relationship. Luis Miguel attended the wedding of the young woman — a model and influencer — held in Italy last October, and gave away the bride at the altar. Although Salas and her husband, the Venezuelan businessman Danilo Díaz, shared every detail of the marriage in Vogue magazine, there were no photographs of Luis Miguel. Now, however, Salas has congratulated her father on his birthday with an image of both of them together, in what constitutes a very unusual gesture.

The image was taken, apparently, on a private plane. Both are dressed in black, and she is sitting on her father’s lap and rests her head on him, while both hold glasses of red wine. Salas posted it on her Instagram profile, which has more than two million followers, on April 23, a few days after the singer’s birthday. Although there is no text and it is not dated, both were in Los Angeles and Las Vegas during practically the same days. The influencer traveled to both cities for different promotional events for the brands with which she collaborates, and has shared her luxurious lifestyle on her social media accounts, showing off signature bags and staying in expensive hotels.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴍɪᴄʜᴇʟʟᴇ sᴀʟᴀs 🧿 (@michellesalasb)

It does not look like the celebrations with Cuevas and Salas coincided; if this was the case, both women have given the spotlight to one another in order to each have their media moment with the so-called Sol de México (Sun of Mexico). Cuevas and Luis Miguel have been friends for years, as she is the daughter of Victoriano Valencia, an important bullfighting impresario who is himself a friend of Luisito Rey, the singer’s father. Later, during her marriage of almost 25 years to the bullfighter Enrique Ponce, the artist was a friend and regular guest of the couple; in fact, both were the godparents of Miguel, the first of the two children that the Mexican superstar had with the actress Aracely Arámbula. It was after Cuevas and Ponce’s divorce, in the summer of 2020, that the artist became closer to her and their friendship became a romantic relationship.

During the months of May and June, Luis Miguel will continue on his tour of the United States, where he will give 30 more concerts. At the end of June he will fly to Spain, where he will start his tour in Córdoba (the hometown of Paloma Cuevas) and do 15 concerts until the beginning of August. Then he will take a break for a couple of weeks before finishing the tour with another 30 shows throughout Mexico.

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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