Do I need to rent a car?

There’s no way around it—the best way to explore Andalusia is by renting a car. It gives you the freedom to visit both the big cities and the hidden gems, and it’s those gems that make a road trip through southern Spain truly unforgettable! If you prefer public transport, you can still follow this Southern Spain itinerary and easily travel by train between Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. However, smaller towns and coastal areas are harder to reach this way, as routes are limited and transfers can take a long time. For the more remote spots, you might need to join a tour.

When is the best time to visit southern Spain?

Andalusia is a great place to visit year-round. Even in winter, you can enjoy sunny weather and temps around 20°C. However, I’d avoid the inland cities like Seville and Córdoba in July and August. It gets extremely crowded and unbearably hot—Córdoba even hit a record 47.6°C (117.7°F) in 2021!

The best time to visit Southern Spain is from April to October, but my absolute favorite time is May!

Day 1 : Málaga

Fly into Malaga’s Pablo Picasso Airport, just a few miles from the city center. It’s the easiest option and puts you right at the heart of Andalusia. While Seville, Cordoba, and Granada are famous stops in the region, Malaga deserves to be on the list too. The city feels both sophisticated and unpretentious, with clean streets, marble pavements, and intricately designed balconies adorning well-lit buildings.

Start your visit with a walking tour to get a feel for the city. Stroll down Calle Marques de Larios, the main street, known for being 5th most expensive street in Spain but it’s also where you’ll find sweet wine to enjoy. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Malaga, nicknamed the “one-armed lady” because it only has one tower. You can walk around its grounds, enjoy the ever beautiful orange trees, or climb the tower for amazing views of the city.

Art lovers should check out the Museo Picasso Málaga, which has over 200 of the artist’s works, and the Picasso Birthplace Museum, where he grew up. Both are a great way to learn more about this famous painter.

For history fans, visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress from the 11th century with stunning views of the city and coastline. Right next to it is the Roman Theatre, a free spot to explore that was rediscovered in the 1950s. If you’re up for more views, head to Gibralfaro Castle. On a clear day, you can even see the Strait of Gibraltar from there.

Malaga also has plenty of places to relax. Visit La Concepción, one of Europe’s biggest botanical gardens, or enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar of La Terraza de la Alcazaba with views of the city’s landmarks. The city’s beaches are perfect for unwinding, with beach bars serving delicious tapas.

End your day here with a wine and tapas tour. You’ll taste local favorites like Iberian ham and Andalusian wines while exploring some of Malaga’s best food spots. If that sounds interesting, I highly recommend Spain Food Sherpas. I joined their tour in Seville, and it was truly unforgettable!

Where to Stay in Malaga

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	Gran Hotel Miramar GL	From € 280 / night
Luxury	Vincci Selección Posada del Patio	From € 304 / night
Budget	Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano	From € 123 / night

Day 2: Nerja

Nerja, tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Tejeda mountains, is the perfect spot to relax. Wander through its white cobbled streets, quieter than the busy beach clubs of Marbella or Puerto Banus. Spend time on the beautiful beaches like Playa Carabeillo and Playa El Cañuelo, or just kick back and enjoy the sunset.

Stop for a refreshing gin and tonic at El Mirador on the Balcón de Europa, then enjoy your first tapas dinner of the trip.

Don’t miss the Nerja Caves, almost 5 kilometers underground, home to the largest stalagmite in the world. Just outside of Nerja, visit the colorful Acueducto del Águila (Eagle Aqueduct), which I found an impressive sight.

If you’re feeling active, explore the area with hikes along beaches, cliffs, and Moorish towers. You can also walk the Rio Chillar gorge—just be ready to get your feet wet! For stunning views, hike Il Cielo, where you’ll see breathtaking views of the sea and countryside.

Where to Stay in Nerja

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Mid-range	Parador de Nerja	From € 115 / night
Budget	Nerja VG Hostal Boutique	From € 199 / night

Day 3 & 4 : Granada

After a relaxed day in Nerja, head to Granada. Spend your full day there visiting the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks (and my favorite, sorry Sagrada Familia). Be sure to book tickets in advance, especially for the Nasrid Palace, as they sell out fast. The palace, with its detailed design, is a must-see, and you’ll have a specific time for your visit.

After exploring the Nasrid Palace, take time to wander through the Alcazaba and the Generalife, the Alhambra’s vast grounds, which has beautiful gardens and great views of the city. I suggest taking the Generalife Path for a guided tour through the highlights. You’ll need about 2-4 hours for the whole experience.

While Granada is known for the Alhambra, there’s so much more to see. Afterward, walk through the Granada Cathedral, built on a mosque, and visit the Royal Chapel, where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. For a taste of the city’s Islamic history, stop by Alcaiceria, a market dating back to the 14th century (it’s the closest you’ll get to the Moroccan souk experience in Spain).

Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás (Google Maps) for the best views of the Alhambra (perfect for pictures). On your way down, stop by Andalusí Nujaila for some delicious baked goods. Granada is a hilly city, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, take advantage of Granada’s stunning location near the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s the perfect chance to break up your city visits with some time in the fresh mountain air.

Where to stay in Granada

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	Hotel Casa 1800	From € 244 / night
Cave Experience	Casa Cueva Lujo	From € 200 / night
Mid-range	Hotel Casa Morisca	From € 150 / night
Budget	Boutique Hotel Luna	From € 144 / night

Day 5 : Córdoba

Córdoba is a city full of history and charm, with the Mezquita being its most famous landmark. This unique mosque-cathedral, built starting in 786, mixes Islamic and Christian architecture, featuring stunning red-and-white arches. It’s one of the most beautiful interiors in southern Spain. You can learn more about its history and even take a guided tour to explore it deeper.

Just in front of the Mezquita is the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), which dates back to the 1st century. It’s a great spot for a walk and offers beautiful views of the city. While you’re in Córdoba, be sure to visit the Jewish Quarter and check out the Córdoba Synagogue, the only one still standing in Andalusia.

For a local treat, stop by Bar Santos for its famous tortilla, where you can enjoy it with a beer on the steps of the Mezquita. Córdoba is also known for its colorful patios, and during the Festival of the Patios in May, you can visit private homes and see even more stunning floral displays.

Don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a royal palace with beautiful gardens and views of the city from its ramparts. You can also see the Royal Stables, where Andalusian horses were bred.

Córdoba is famous for its patios, especially during the Festival of the Patios in May. You can also visit the Palacio de Viana year-round to see 12 beautiful courtyards.

For something local to try, taste Salmorejo, a cold tomato soup with egg and ham. It’s a dish that might surprise you but is definitely worth trying.

Where to stay in Córdoba

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	Hotel Balcon de Cordoba	From € 276 / night
Mid-range	Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba	From € 171 / night

Day 6 & 7 : Seville

Seville is a city full of life and beautiful buildings. The streets are always buzzing, with people dining outside and enjoying music and dance. It’s a great city to explore on foot, especially in beautiful neighborhoods like Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, and Triana, which has a more local vibe with craft shops.

Some of Seville’s top attractions are the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, and the Royal Alcázar, a palace still used by the King of Spain. Both are right next to each other, so it’s easy to visit them on the same day. Be sure to book tickets in advance for both, as the lines can get long.

After sightseeing, relax with a drink at the rooftop bar of the EME Cathedral Hotel, where you can enjoy a view of the Cathedral and the Giralda bell tower. Don’t miss Plaza de España, a beautiful square in Parque de María Luisa, and take a walk in the park.

For something modern, visit the Metropol Parasol, a unique wooden structure with great views, especially at sunset. If you’re into flamenco, catch a show at La Casa de la Memoria or book a flamenco and tapas tour.

Seville also has some interesting history. You can visit the Torre del Oro, and its maritime museum, or the Plaza de Toros to learn about Spain’s bullfighting tradition. The city’s public transport is easy to use, but walking is often the best way to see it all.

2 days in Seville is a good amount of time to see the main sights, explore the neighborhoods, and enjoy some delicious tapas, like at La Rinconcillo, one of the oldest tapas bars in the city.

Where to stay in Seville

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta	From € 251 / night
Mid-range	Joya del Casco Boutique Hotel	From € 169 / night
Budget	Lukanda Hospec	From € 100 / night

Day 8 : Cádiz

After spending so much time inland, you’ll be happy to return to the coast, even if just for a day. Cádiz, a short ride from Seville, is one of the most underrated cities in southern Spain. There’s plenty to explore here, from its churches and beaches to its plazas and bougainvillea-filled parks. But what you’ll love most is its seaside location—without a doubt! The city sits on a peninsula, so you’re always close to an ocean view or a tapas spot.

Start your day at the Fish Market, where the smell of fried fish fills the air. From there, take a short walk to La Caleta Beach, a beautiful spot with golden sand and a lively boardwalk. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sea views and the fresh breeze.

If you follow the path along the waterfront to San Sebastián Castle, you will pass the beach along the way. The castle offers amazing views of Cádiz and the sparkling sea.

Don’t leave the city without visiting the Catedral de Cádiz, known as the « new » cathedral because the old one was destroyed in the 16th century. Inside, you’ll see Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical designs, and the view from the top is one of the best in the city.

Day 9 : Ronda

Ronda is famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting, but it’s even more well-known for its stunning location. Ronda is a beautiful and inspiring place, perfect for walking around and taking in the sights.

To get to know the town, start with a walking tour to learn about its history. Known for its bullfighting history, the Plaza de Toros is one of Ronda’s top attractions. If you want something a little different, visit the Bandit Museum, dedicated to Spain’s highwaymen. The Municipal Museum, located in the Mondragón Palace, is another must-see, with its Moorish courtyards, lovely gardens, and amazing views. Don’t miss the Arabic Baths in the San Miguel quarter, which date back to the 13th century and are the best-preserved in Spain.

The town is perched on the edge of the El Tajo gorge, with the impressive Puente Nuevo (meaning new bridge) stretching across it, connecting the old and new parts of the town. One of the best views of the Puente Nuevo is from the Camino de los Molinos. But for a unique view, hike down the gorge from Plaza Maria Auxiliadora and look up at the bridge from below. Ronda’s Alameda de Tajo is also a great spot for views of the gorge and is a peaceful place to relax.

If you have time, explore the nearby White Villages like Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Grazalema. If you love food, consider an e-bike tour through the countryside, where you can try local wine and cheese. For a bit of adventure, take a buggy tour through the El Tajo gorge for great views and a fun ride.

Where to stay in Ronda

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera	From € 212 / night
Mid-range	Catalonia Reina Victoria	From € 136 / night
Mid-range	Hotel Palacio de Hemingway	From € 126 / night
Budget	Hotel Boutique Palacio De La Duquesa	From € 100 / night

Day 10 : Travel back to Málaga

Málaga airport is only 90 minutes from Ronda, so you can go straight there from the town. If you have an early flight, it might be better to stay in Málaga the day before. This way, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping or relax by the beach.