It is also home to several of Spain's most well-known cities and towns, including Malaga, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda.
If you are looking for something different, why not enjoy a train journey and explore Andalusia's most amazing attractions and destinations?
Explore this fascinating region by taking advantage of Spain's comfortable and convenient rail system.
Here then is 7-day rail excursion around Andalucia you may wish to try on your next holiday to Spain.
Day 1: Seville
Seville is Andalusia's capital and largest city and a perfect starting point for your rail adventure.
You can easily reach Sevilla by train from Madrid or Barcelona or by plane from many European destinations.
Seville has much to offer visitors, from the magnificent Seville Cathedral and Royal Palace (the Alcazar) to its charming old town and lively flamenco scene.
You can spend the day exploring the city's attractions, such as the Plaza de Espana, the Torre del Oro, the Metropol Parasol, and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
In the evening, you can enjoy a tapas tour or a flamenco show in one of the many bars and venues around the city.
Train Journey:
- Ave High Speed from Barcelona to Sevilla = €143 Return Fair (approx) Travel time: 5 Hours 18 Mins ( One Way )
- Ave High Speed from Madrid to Sevilla = €118. Return Fair (approx) Travel time: 2 Hours 55 Mins ( One Way )
- Check out hotels in Sevilla.
Day 2: Cordoba
On your second day, you can take a short train ride (about 45 minutes) to Cordoba, another gem of Andalusia.
Cordoba was once the capital of an Islamic caliphate that stretched from Spain to North Africa, and its legacy can be seen in its stunning architecture and culture.
The highlight of Cordoba is the Mezquita, a former mosque converted into a cathedral after the Christian reconquest. The Mezquita is a masterpiece of Islamic art and design, with its hundreds of arches and columns creating a mesmerizing effect.
Other recommended attractions to visit You can also see in Cordoba include the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, and the Medina Azahara.
Train Journey:
- Ave High Speed from Seville To Cordoba = €47.50 One Way (approx) Travel time: 45 Mins
- Check out hotels in Cordoba
Day 3: Cadiz
From Cordoba, you can take the train to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe and a port city on the Atlantic coast.
Cadiz is known for its maritime history, carnival celebrations, and sunny beaches.
Here, you can spend the day wandering around the old town, admiring its monuments and churches, such as the Cathedral, the Torre Tavira, and the Castillo de San Sebastian.
Relax on one of the many beaches in Cadiz, such as La Caleta or La Victoria and in the evening, you can sample some of the local seafood specialities or join a carnival party if you are visiting in February or March.
Train Journey:
- MD Avant High-Speed Train from Cordoba To Cadiz = €35.50 One Way (approx) Travel time: 3 Hours 15 Mins
- Check out hotels in Cadiz.
Day 4: Ronda
Day 4, and you are off to Ronda, one of Andalusia's most famous towns, on your fourth day.
Ronda is renowned for its picturesque setting atop a gorge that separates the old Moorish town from the more modern Christian town.
The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which crosses the gorge and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, is the most recognisable landmark in Ronda.
You can also see the oldest bullring in Spain, the Arab baths, the Mondragon palace, and the Casa del Rey.
Train Journey:
- MD Avant High-Speed Train from Cadiz to Antequera = €43.50 One Way (approx) Travel time: 3 Hours 16 Mins
Then Change for:
- MD Avant High-Speed Train from Antequera to Ronda = €21.50 One Way (approx) Travel time: 1 Hour 14 Mins
- Check out hotels in Ronda.
Day 5: Granada
From Ronda, the next train ride is to Granada, one of the most visited cities in Spain and a must-see in Andalusia.
Granada is famous for its Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture worldwide. The Alhambra consists of several palaces, gardens, and fortifications, each with its style and charm.
You can spend hours exploring the Alhambra Palace and its grounds, admiring its intricate decorations, fountains, and views.
If you have time, you can visit other attractions in Granada, such as the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, the Albayzin Quarter, and the Sacromonte caves.
In the evening, enjoy the nightlife of Granada, along with free tapas with your drinks, yes in Granada it is a tradition in many bars to offer a free tapa with every drink, incredible, but true!
Train Journey:
- MD Avant High-Speed Train from Ronda to Granada = €21 One Way (approx) Travel time: 2 Hours 28 Mins
- Check out hotels in Granada.
Day 6: Malaga
For the final day, head off to Malaga, the second-largest city in Andalusia and a popular tourist destination.
Malaga is famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you can visit his childhood home and museum to learn more about his life and art.
There’s plenty to see in the old quarter of Malaga, including the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Museo de Malaga, and the Glass Museum.
Malaga also has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with monuments such as the Alcazaba of Malaga, a Moorish fortress; the Malaga Cathedral, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture; and the Gibralfaro Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
And to finish off your 7-day train adventure, we highly recommend you head to the old quarter around the Cathedral and enjoy some of the best tapas available anywhere in Spain, not to mention a selection of busy music bars open until the small hours!
Train Journey:
- MD Avant High-Speed Train from Granada to Malaga = €23 One Way (approx) Travel time: 1 Hour 18 Mins
- Check out hotels in Malaga.
Day 7: Departure
On your last day, you can either take the AVE high-speed train back to Seville or Madrid, or you could catch a flight from Malaga's international airport.
Better still, why extend your stay in Malaga or explore other destinations in Andalucia or around Spain?
Whatever you choose, you will have unforgettable memories of your 7-day rail adventure in Andalucia.
Train Price Guide:
We used the introductory travel rates for either the AVE high-speed service or the MD Avant high-speed service for this journey. The MD trains are modified AVES for short to mid distances. The rates shown are for a single person travelling at non-peak times.
All train timetables, prices and tickets can be booked via the official Spanish train carrier RENFE website at https://venta.renfe.com
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful for planning your trip. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
