Day 1: Malaga – The Gateway to Andalusia
Drive: Start your journey in Malaga, a city with a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. If you’re picking up a rental car, Malaga Airport is well-connected, and plenty of car hire options exist.
Explore Malaga:
Begin your day at the Alcazaba (Entrance Alcazaba and Castle €5.50), a magnificent Moorish fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city. Its intricate architecture and lush gardens are a delight to explore. Nearby, you’ll find the Roman Theatre, a free archaeological site that dates back to the 1st century BC.
Next, head to the Malaga Cathedral (Entrance €10), affectionately nicknamed “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) due to its unfinished tower. The interior is a stunning mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Art enthusiasts should visit the Picasso Museum (Full Entrance Ticket €13), which houses an impressive collection of works by Malaga’s most famous son.
Stroll along Muelle Uno, the city’s modern harbour, or relax at La Malagueta Beach for a leisurely afternoon. End your day with a walk through the charming streets of the historic centre, where you’ll find plenty of tapas, bars and shops.
Where to Eat:
- El Pimpi: A Malaga institution, this lively restaurant serves traditional Andalusian dishes like espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines) and ajo blanco (chilled almond soup).
- Mercado Central de Atarazanas: This bustling market is perfect for sampling local produce and tapas. Try the boquerones en vinagre (vinegar-marinated anchovies).
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Molina Lario: A stylish hotel located near the cathedral, offering modern rooms and a rooftop terrace.
- Room Mate Valeria: A boutique hotel with a chic design and a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
» Check availability for hotels in Malaga
Day 2: Malaga to Granada (130 km, 1.5 hours via A-92)
Drive: Take the A-92 motorway northeast from Malaga to Granada. The drive is straightforward and offers scenic views of the Andalusian countryside.
Explore Granada:
Granada is home to the Alhambra (Entrance Tickets), one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. This sprawling Moorish palace and fortress complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Book your tickets well in advance, as they often sell out. Highlights include the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress.
After the Alhambra, explore the Albaicin neighbourhood, a labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. The Mirador de San Nicolas offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
End your day with a visit to the Granada Cathedral (Entrance from €7) is another architectural gem worth exploring. If you have time enjoy a stroll around the old quarter.
Where to Eat:
- Bodegas Castañeda: A traditional tapas bar is known for its generous portions and local wines. Try the jamón ibérico and tortilla española.
- Restaurante Carmen de San Miguel: This restaurant offers Andalusian cuisine with stunning views of the Alhambra.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Casa 1800 Granada: A charming hotel located in the Albaicín, offering cosy rooms and a rooftop terrace.
- Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula: A luxurious hotel set in a historic building featuring elegant rooms and a central location.
» Check availability for hotels in Granada
Day 3: Granada to Cordoba (200 km, ~2.5 hours via A-92 and A-4)
Drive: Head west on the A-92 and then join the A-4 motorway towards Cordoba. The journey takes you through olive groves and rolling hills.
Explore Cordoba:
Cordoba’s star attraction is the Mezquita-Catedral (Entrance from €13), a stunning mosque-cathedral that showcases the city’s Islamic and Christian heritage. The forest of red-and-white arches inside is unforgettable.
Next, wander through the Jewish Quarter (Juderia), a maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower-filled patios. Don’t miss the Synagogue and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Entrance from €10), a fortress with beautiful gardens and Roman mosaics.
If time permits, visit the Roman Bridge and the Calleja de las Flores, a picturesque alleyway with views of the Mezquita’s bell tower.
Where to Eat:
- Taberna Salinas: A historic tavern serving traditional Cordoban dishes like rabo de toro (oxtail stew).
- Bodegas Mezquita: Known for its creative tapas and lively atmosphere.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio: A luxurious hotel set in a 16th-century palace featuring a spa and outdoor pool.
- Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia: A charming hotel located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, with a rooftop terrace and pool.
» Check availability for hotels in Cordoba
Day 4: Cordoba to Ronda (200 km, 2.5 hours via A-45 and A-367)
Drive: Take the A-45 south and then follow the A-367 towards Ronda. The drive is scenic, with views of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains.
Explore Ronda:
Ronda is famous for its dramatic location, perched atop a deep gorge. Start at the Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge that spans the El Tajo gorge. Visit the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, and the Casa del Rey Moro, a historic house with beautiful gardens.
Stroll through the Old Town (La Ciudad), where you’ll find charming streets, churches, and viewpoints. Don’t miss the Arab Baths, a well-preserved example of Moorish architecture.
TOP TIP:
The Bono-Turistica costs just €12 for Adults and includes the entrance to the Plaza de Toros, the Arab Baths, Puente Nuevo, and the Joaquim Peinado Museum.
Where to Eat:
- Tragatapas: A popular tapas bar offering creative dishes and local wines.
- Restaurante Pedro Romero: Known for its traditional Andalusian cuisine and bullfighting memorabilia.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Catalonia Ronda: A modern hotel with stunning gorge views and a rooftop pool.
- Parador de Ronda: A historic hotel near the Puente Nuevo, offering elegant rooms and panoramic views.
» Check availability for hotels in Ronda
Day 5: Ronda to Jerez de la Frontera (100 km, 1.5 hours via A-374 and A-381)
Drive: Take the A-374 and then join the A-381 towards Jerez. The drive takes you through the rolling hills of Andalusia’s wine country.
Explore Jerez:
Jerez is famous for its sherry production. Start your day with a tour of a sherry bodega, such as Tio Pepe ( Entrance from €24), where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tastings.
Visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art ( Entrance from €14), where you can watch a spectacular equestrian show. Don’t miss the Alcazar de Jerez (Entrance from €5), a Moorish fortress with beautiful gardens and a camera obscura.
Where to Eat:
- La Carbona: A traditional restaurant serving hearty Andalusian dishes.
- Bar Juanito: A local favourite for tapas and sherry.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Jerez & Spa: A modern hotel with a spa and outdoor pool.
- Hotel Casa Grande: A boutique hotel located in the city centre, offering stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace.
» Check availability for hotels in Jerez
Day 6: Jerez de la Frontera to Seville (90 km, 1 hour via AP-4)
Drive: Take the AP-4 motorway north to Seville. The drive is short and easy, leaving you plenty of time to explore.
Explore Seville:
Seville is a city full of life and history. Start at the Seville Cathedral (Entrance from €11), the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views. Next, visit the Real Alcazar, a stunning palace complex with lush gardens and intricate Moorish architecture.
Stroll through the Barrio Santa Cruz, a charming neighbourhood with narrow streets and hidden plazas. End your day with a flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria (Entrance from €22).
Where to Eat:
- El Rinconcillo: The oldest tapas bar in Seville, serving traditional dishes like espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas).
- La Azotea: A modern tapas bar with creative dishes and a great wine selection.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Casa del Poeta: A boutique hotel located in the city centre, offering elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace.
- Hotel Palacio de Villapanes: A luxurious hotel set in an 18th-century palace featuring a spa and outdoor pool.
» Check availability for hotels in Seville
Day 7: Seville – Farewell to Andalusia
Spend your final day exploring more of Seville. Visit the Plaza de España, a stunning square with a canal and tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces. Relax in Maria Luisa Park or take a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River.
Before you leave, indulge in one last meal at Eslava, a popular restaurant known for its innovative tapas.
» Check out our post on things not to do when visiting Andalucia.
