Overview of the 10-day itinerary

Do You 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 places that make a road trip through southern Spain truly second to none! 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.

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 bring a good sunhat to the inland cities like Seville and Córdoba in July and August. It can get extremely 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 Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), just a few miles from the city center. It’s the easiest option and puts you right at the middle 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 at every turn.

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 Málaga, 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 the famous Cubist 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.

Málaga 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 beaches in Málaga are perfect for unwinding. You can expect 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’s your thing, check out Spain Food Sherpas. I went with them in Seville once, and let’s just say I’m still daydreaming about it.

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 sits snug between the Mediterranean and the Sierra de Tejeda mountains, and it’s just the right place to slow down. Its cobbled whitewashed streets feel far calmer than the flashy beach clubs of Marbella or Puerto Banús, and the beaches here are spot-on. Spend time on the beautiful beaches like Playa Carabeillo and Playa El Cañuelo, or just kick back and enjoy the view.

When the day winds down, grab a gin and tonic at El Mirador on the Balcón de Europa, watch the light fade over the sea, and then tuck into your first tapas dinner of the trip.

Don’t skip the Nerja Caves: almost 5 kilometers wide underground and home to what is said to be the largest stalagmite in the world. Just outside town, you’ll stumble on the Acueducto del Águila, a bright splash of arches across the valley. It’s surprisingly striking when you see it up close.

If you’re up for some activity, the area is great for hikes. Trails take you past beaches, along cliffs, and up to old Moorish watchtowers. You can also wade your way through the Rio Chillar gorge. Yes, your shoes will get soaked, but that’s part of the fun. For a proper climb, head up Il Cielo, where the views stretch from the glittering sea to the rolling 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 lazy day in Nerja, head to Granada. Spend your full day there visiting the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks (even more magical than the Sagrada Familia, sorry Barcelona). Tickets are a hot commodity, especially for the Nasrid Palaces, so grab yours well in advance. The palace, with its detailed design, is a must-see, and you’ll have a specific time for your visit, so don’t be late.

Once you’ve soaked up the Nasrid Palace, give yourself time to explore the Alcazaba fortress and the Generalife, the Alhambra’s sprawling gardens. The views over Granada are worth the climb, and the gardens are the perfect spot to slow down after all that history. I suggest taking the Generalife Path for a guided tour through the highlights. You’ll need about 2-4 hours for the whole experience.

Granada may be world-famous for the Alhambra, but the city doesn’t stop there. Step into the Granada Cathedral, a massive Renaissance beauty built right on top of a mosque, and visit the Royal Chapel, where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. To catch a whiff of the city’s Arab past, lose yourself in the Alcaicería. It’s a maze of narrow stalls selling everything from trinkets to scarves, and probably the closest thing to a Moroccan souk this side of the Strait.

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. Just remember: Granada is basically built on hills, 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 that wears its history on every corner, but nothing beats the Mezquita. This unique mosque-cathedral, built starting in 786, is a wild mix of Arab and Christian styles. The Mezquita most iconic feature is its hypnotic red-and-white arches stretching off in every direction. Step inside and you’ll see why it’s often called one of the most beautiful interiors in all of Spain.

You can wander on your own or join a guided tour if you want the stories behind the stones

Right in front of the Mezquita you’ll find the Puente Romano, a bridge that’s been hanging around since 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 proper Córdoba snack, grab a slice of the legendary tortilla at Bar Santos and wash it down with a cold beer while sitting right on the steps of the Mezquita. Córdoba is also famous for its patios. If you’re here in May, the Festival of the Patios lets you peek into private homes and visit some of the most colorful interior courtyards you’ll ever see. (You can visit some of the patios all year, but they look even more grand and there are even more of them during the Festival.) You can also visit the Palacio de Viana year-round to see 12 beautiful courtyards.

History buffs shouldn’t skip the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress-palace with beautiful gardens and views of the city from its ramparts. Right nearby are the Royal Stables, where Andalusian horses were once raised.

For something local to try, taste Salmorejo. It’s a chilled tomato soup topped with egg and ham. It might sound a bit unusual at first, but trust me, it’s a surprisingly delicious treat that’s absolutely worth a taste.

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 one of those cities that feels alive from the moment you arrive. The streets buzz with chatter, the clink of wine glasses, and the occasional burst of guitar and flamenco from a nearby plaza. It’s best explored on foot through the tangle of Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, or across the river in Triana, where locals linger in tapas bars that don’t seem to care much for tourists.

Some of Seville’s top attractions are the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world, La Giralda, and the Royal Alcázar, a palace still used by the King of Spain. All three 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 belltower. Don’t miss Plaza de España, the most romantic place in Seville, and take a walk in the Parque de María Luisa.

For something modern, visit the Metropol Parasol. This unique wooden canopy (some say it looks like giant mushrooms) offers one of the best views in the city, especially at sunset. And of course, you can’t leave Seville without flamenco. See a show at La Casa de la Memoria, or make it an evening with 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. Make sure to stop at La Rinconcillo, one of the city’s oldest tapas bars. I think 3 days might be even better though.

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, just a quick trip from Seville, is one of southern Spain’s hidden gems. 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 without a doubt its seaside location! Sitting on a peninsula, Cádiz always keeps you close to an ocean view or a tapas bar.

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 golden stretch of sand with a nice boardwalk. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sea views and the fresh breeze. Follow the path by the water and you’ll reach San Sebastián Castle. Once inside, 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 town.

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 certainly an inspiring place. It’s the perfect destination for walking around and just taking in the sights.

To get a feel for its history, start with a walking tour. The Plaza de Toros is one of the top stops, but if you’re curious, you can also step into the quirky Bandit Museum, or the Municipal Museum inside the Mondragón Palace, with its Moorish courtyards and gardens. Don’t miss the Arabic Baths in the San Miguel quarter, some of the best preserved in Spain.

The star of the town is the Puente Nuevo, the “new bridge” that links old and new Ronda. You can admire it from the Camino de los Molinos, or better yet, hike down 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 nice place for quiet moments.

If you have extra time, the surrounding white villages (like Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Grazalema) are worth the trip. Food lovers can join an e-bike ride through the countryside to taste 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 before making your way home.