Andalusia Road Trip: Our 10-Day Itinerary

General Tips for Your Andalusia Road Trip

Before we kick off our Andalusia road trip, there’s one question to answer first: how do you like to travel? In a group or on your own, and by what mode of transportation? We’ll walk you through what’s really worth it.

Guided Andalusia Tour vs. Self-Drive

We love spontaneity and flexibility and don’t mind changing our travel plans on the fly. That’s why an organized Andalusia tour wouldn’t really be our thing.

That said, we know that a guided Andalusia tour definitely has its advantages: no organizational hassle, you benefit from your guide’s local knowledge, and you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant surprises.

Whether a guided tour suits you is ultimately something only you can decide.

Andalusia Road Trip by Train Instead of Rental Car?

If you’d like to do an Andalusia road trip without a car, the train is a reasonable option — at least it gets you to the major cities like Málaga, Seville, and Granada.

If you have the budget for it, there’s also the historic luxury train Al-Andalus. You stop in the most important cities, spend the night in 1920s luxury rail cars, and onboard entertainment and meals are taken care of as well.

But whether you travel by luxury train or regular regional train: the Andalusian rail network is pretty underdeveloped and you simply won’t be able to reach many of the sights.

The beautiful beach towns of Marbella and Nerja, for example, don’t even have a train station, and you’d miss the Tabernas Desert and Gibraltar entirely as well.

The best option for a road trip through Andalusia is definitely a car. It gets you from A to B the fastest and lets you reach even the more remote attractions.

You can pick up a rental car at any airport. When booking, pay close attention to what insurance coverage, how many drivable miles, and what fuel policy are included in the price — otherwise things can get expensive later on.

Compare rental car deals on Discovercars

Highways and Traffic Rules in Andalusia

The highway network in Andalusia is well developed and the roads are generally in pretty good condition. A small number of highways are toll roads, though; on our route that’s only the AP-7 from Málaga to Algeciras.

You’ll take that one when driving from Málaga to Marbella.

By the way: Running parallel to the AP-7 is the A-7, which is toll-free. However, you can expect more traffic there, and your travel time will increase by about half an hour.

When a highway is a toll road, it’s marked with the letters AP.

The vast majority of highways and expressways in Andalusia are free of charge, though.

The speed limit here is a maximum of 120 km/h (75 mph). On many roads it’s even only 100 km/h (62 mph). Speed checks happen regularly and you’ll find speed cameras on virtually every highway or expressway.

How Much Time Should You Plan for an Andalusia Road Trip?

Our suggested route is designed for 10 days. That’s the minimum you’ll need to see all the major sights in Andalusia and still have some time to relax and wander around.

There’s also room to go longer: if you have more time — say two or three full weeks — there’s definitely enough to fill a longer stay.

For example, on a 14-day Andalusia road trip you could add a few days of beach time in Nerja, Málaga, or Cádiz. There are some truly beautiful beaches in Andalusia.

Book Hotels in Advance

Many cities in Andalusia are among the most popular travel destinations in Europe, so you should take care of accommodation at least a few weeks ahead of time, especially during peak season.

Even for smaller towns, it pays to look for a place to stay early. There may not be the same rush as in cities like Seville or Granada, but the selection of hotels is also considerably more limited.

If you’re doing your Andalusia road trip by car, make sure to check that your hotels offer parking. In old towns, finding a parking spot can be quite a challenge, since most spaces are reserved for residents.

Buy Tickets for Sights in Andalusia in Advance

As we just mentioned, Andalusia is always a popular destination — and that means not only hotels fill up fast, but long lines also form at the top attractions.

Our advice: buy your tickets online in advance, especially for the most well-known sights.

This usually gives you the advantage of not only securing your ticket, but also being able to skip the line. And even for the less popular points of interest in Andalusia, it’s simply convenient to book a few tickets online ahead of time. It also makes the anticipation that much greater.

Here’s an overview of all the Andalusia attractions for which you can purchase your ticket online in advance.

Your Andalusia Road Trip on a Map

To give you a geographic sense of what to expect on your Andalusia road trip, we’ve mapped out the full route through Andalusia.

Below we’ll explain in more detail how many days you’ll spend in each city and give you helpful tips on the highlights along the way.

Day 1: Arrival in Málaga

We recommend starting (and ending) your Andalusia road trip in the beautiful city of Málaga. Málaga has the best-connected airport and you’ll find direct flights from many major cities.

Since the flight, baggage claim, rental car pickup, transfer, and hotel check-in all take up a fair amount of time, you should take it easy on your arrival day and recover a bit from the journey.

And where better to do that? Yep, at the beach with the sound of the ocean. A stop at the city beach Playa de la Malagueta at sunset is the perfect start to your southern Spain road trip. You’ll also find plenty of chiringuitos along the promenade — those are beach snack bars where you can get acquainted with Spanish cuisine over tapas and sangría.

You should book your accommodation in Málaga for two nights, so you have at least one full day to explore the old town. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll also find tips for a city trip to Málaga with kids.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Málaga

We recommend the Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. It’s one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Andalusia and is located right in the heart of the historic center.

Day 2: The Sights of Málaga

Day 2 is completely dedicated to the highlights of Málaga.

Although Málaga with around 570,000 residents is far from a small town, its old quarter is quite manageable. You can reach everything comfortably on foot and stroll from one sight to the next.

Alcazaba

The fortress sits on a hill right in the middle of the old town and was built by the Islamic rulers of Andalusia around 1,000 years ago.

The beautiful, colorfully blooming gardens surrounding the Alcazaba are the perfect vantage point over the old town. Inside, you’ll find various exhibitions today.

Since you’re already at the Alcazaba, you can easily tack on two more Málaga attractions: the Alcazaba is connected by a (non-public) tunnel to the Gibralfaro Castle on one side, and towers just a few meters above the Roman Theater on the other. More on both of those in a moment.

Combo Tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theater

Gibralfaro Castle

Climb a little higher and you’ll reach the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a castle built by Christians after the reconquest of Andalusia. A storybook castle where you can genuinely step back in time.

An absolute must is a walk along the castle walls, because from 135 meters (443 feet) up you get the best panoramic view over Málaga, all the way to the mountains and the sea.

You can reach the Castillo de Gibralfaro on foot, by car, or by bus.

Roman Theater

You don’t have to travel all the way to Rome to see Roman architectural heritage — Málaga has its own Roman theater.

The theater was forgotten for a long time, and parts of it were actually used during the Arab occupation to build the Alcazaba. Before that, however, it was something like the gathering place of high society, where people came to watch ancient spectacles and to see and be seen.

It wasn’t until 1951 that the Roman site was rediscovered, and today you can visit the theater free of charge.

Málaga Cathedral

The Málaga Cathedral has been declared a national monument — that’s how stunning and imposing it is. And that’s especially impressive when you consider that the church was never completed. The cathedral is also nicknamed La Manquita (the One-Armed Lady), because the second bell tower was never built due to lack of funds.

No matter — one is enough. For €6, you can climb the existing tower via over 200 steps. The effort is totally worth it: from nearly 90 meters (295 feet) up, you have a fantastic view over Málaga’s old town.

Inside, the cathedral is richly decorated with precious stones, reddish marble, and paintings.

Combo Tour of the Cathedral, Alcazaba, and Roman Theater

Calle Larios

When you’re in Málaga, you simply have to stroll down Calle Larios. It’s essentially the heart of Málaga and the city’s premier shopping strip.

But it’s not just worth a visit for the shopping: there are also plenty of great cafés and restaurants lined up along the street. We love the mix of historic old buildings and modern boutiques too.

Muelle Uno

Muelle Uno is a promenade that takes you from Málaga’s old town all the way to the city beach Playa de la Malagueta.

This part of the city was newly inaugurated in 2011 and has a very modern feel. Here you stroll along the waterfront past palm trees and chic fashion boutiques.

Right next to it is Málaga’s port, where you can admire many luxurious yachts and sailboats.

Day 3: Marbella and Ronda

On day three the road trip really gets going and you’ll leave Málaga heading west. This day is dedicated to two places: Marbella and Ronda.

Marbella’s old town, with its lively lanes and charming boutiques, is perfect for a few hours of leisurely strolling.

Ronda, on the other hand, definitely needs the whole afternoon and evening, since there are several important sights here.

That’s why our itinerary has you spending the night in Ronda and continuing your Andalusia road trip the next day. You’ll find our Ronda accommodation tips further below.

Marbella Old Town & Beach Promenade

Drive time Málaga – Marbella: 50 minutes

It’s best to leave Málaga early in the morning so you have the whole morning for the top sights in Marbella.

Marbella’s old town is full of lively lanes lined with cozy restaurants, boutiques, and flower-adorned doorways. You can wander, eat, and shop your way through Marbella at a wonderfully leisurely pace.

The centerpiece of the old town is the Plaza de los Naranjos, a square planted with orange trees and surrounded by many cafés and Marbella’s town hall. Also worth seeing are the remains of the old city walls, which are also located in the historic district.

As you walk toward the beach, you’ll also pass through the famous Avenida del Mar, a palm-lined boulevard where original sculptures by Salvador Dalí are on display.

Along Marbella’s beach promenade there are many restaurants with sea views. This is a great spot for lunch before heading on to Ronda.

Possible stops: La Bodega del Mar (tapas bar right on the beach promenade), The Harbour Bar & Restaurant (elegant restaurant overlooking the yacht harbor), Bajamar (beachfront restaurant with beach chair rentals).

Continue to Ronda and Explore the Old Town

Drive time Marbella – Ronda: 70 minutes

Ronda is one of the most beautiful White Villages in Andalusia. The little town rises up among the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda and boasts a truly picturesque old town with narrow lanes and flower-adorned building facades.

The main attraction in Ronda is the Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge with Roman origins that spans 120 meters (394 feet) above the El Tajo gorge. Looking straight down might give you a serious case of vertigo!

Ronda is also home to one of the oldest bullfighting arenas (Plaza de Toros) in Spain. Even if you don’t want to watch a bullfight, the architecture and this piece of Spanish tradition are simply well worth seeing.

Possible stops:
Viewpoint: At sunset, you absolutely must head to the Mirador del Puente Nuevo. It’s located east of the bridge, and during the golden hour you get the most beautiful view of the massive structure.
Dining: Restaurante El Patio (Spanish food in a patio decorated with colorful tiles and flowers)

Our Hotel Recommendations for Ronda

Day 4: Rock of Gibraltar, Tarifa, and Playa de Bolonia

On day four you’ll drive from Ronda to Cádiz.

The shortest route would cut through the interior and be about 150 kilometers (93 miles) long. However, you’d miss some important Andalusia highlights along the coast.

So instead, you’ll take a detour along the coastline from Ronda. Stops include the Rock of Gibraltar, the surfer town of Tarifa, and the spectacular Playa de Bolonia beach. In the late afternoon or evening you’ll arrive in Cádiz and check into your next hotel.

From Ronda to the Rock of Gibraltar

Drive time Ronda – Gibraltar: 2 hours

You should set off from Ronda early in the morning so you arrive in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar no later than 10 AM. You’ll need to show your ID or passport at the border crossing, since you’re no longer in the Schengen Area here.

To get up to the top of the Rock, you’ll need to take the cable car — you’re in Great Britain, after all!

The cable car station is located next to Alameda Park, and there are several parking lots nearby where you can leave your car. A round-trip cable car ticket costs £17, which is around €20 per person.

You can save some money by only paying for the ride up and walking back down. That takes about 30 minutes.

The ascent to 412 meters (1,352 feet) takes six minutes by cable car. Once at the top, you have an incredible view spanning three countries and two continents: Europe and Africa, which is only 14 kilometers (9 miles) away from Gibraltar.

The Rock of Gibraltar is home to around 250 Barbary macaques that hang around the cable car stations looking for food. They’re not native to the area — some were likely brought over from Morocco at some point and quickly multiplied.

Warning: The monkeys will brazenly reach into handbags and backpacks and take anything they find. If you try to shoo them away, they may bite. Your best bet is to observe the little wild creatures from a safe distance!
Possible stops: At the top of the Rock there’s the Top of the Rocks Café, where you can get food and drinks. Depending on what time you’re there, you can either have lunch here with a great view (and slightly inflated prices) or wait to grab a bite in Tarifa.

From Gibraltar to Tarifa

Drive time Gibraltar – Tarifa: 50 minutes

Tarifa is the southernmost point in Europe, and from here you can actually switch continents in just 35 minutes. Wild!

The little town sits on a hillside and you work your way down toward the sea from street to street. Around every corner you discover a charming café or a crafts shop, and every now and then you catch a glimpse of the sea between the white houses.

The town is also known for something else: Tarifa is the surf mecca of Europe. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing — Tarifa has it all, for every skill level. So you can throw yourself into the waves for a quick session on your Andalusia road trip, or relax on the beach and watch the surfers.

Possible stops: If you didn’t already have lunch in Gibraltar, you should definitely try fresh tuna in Tarifa. A great fish restaurant is Restaurante La Pescadería, with an outdoor terrace.

Playa de Bolonia

Drive time Tarifa – Playa de Bolonia: 25 minutes

On the way to Cádiz, there’s one beach you absolutely cannot skip: the miles-long, uncrowded Playa de Bolonia. The long stretch of beach lies tucked among green hills and wind turbines, away from all the towns.

That means there are usually hardly any people around, and you can relax beautifully with a view of Africa.

Speaking of unique: the real highlight at this beach are cows lounging in the sun. Yes, you read that right — cows lying in the sand! Looks like the four-legged locals want a beach day too.

Behind the dunes there are a few good chiringuitos where you can grab dinner or a snack before the next leg of the journey that takes you to Cádiz.

Possible stop: Chiringuito Sirocco (beach bar with tables and lounge chairs overlooking the sea)

Arrival in Cádiz

Drive time Tarifa – Cádiz: 1 hour 40 minutes

In Cádiz’s old town, only a few hotels offer parking. There is, however, a large public parking lot right on the edge of the old town: Muelle Reina Sofía. Parking costs around €8 for 24 hours.

Since according to our itinerary you’ll be arriving in Cádiz in the evening, the best plan is to check into your hotel, unwind, and have a relaxed end to the day. That way you can dive into Cádiz sightseeing with full energy the next morning.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Cádiz

Day 5: Cádiz Old Town and Arrival in Seville

Time to get up early, because you’ve got a day ahead of you in which you’ll explore two of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia: Cádiz and Seville.

Cádiz is gorgeous and you definitely shouldn’t miss the old town. That said, Seville is the top sight in Andalusia, so we recommend taking your time there. The best plan is to spend the morning in Cádiz, have a leisurely lunch, and then head to Seville in the early afternoon.

Enough preamble — let’s take a look at what there is to see in Cádiz and Seville!

Cádiz Old Town

Cádiz’s old town is almost entirely surrounded by the sea, connected to the mainland by just a narrow strip of land — which means you get the feel of a city break and a beach vacation all at once.

Did you know that Cádiz is the oldest city in Europe? The city’s rich history is woven into every corner, and the best way to explore it is simply to take a long stroll through the streets.

Cádiz Cathedral

The cathedral is a must-see when you visit Cádiz. Its dome glows golden-yellow in the evening light and is a true postcard image.

The church is also a great viewpoint, since you can climb one of the two towers via a spiral ramp. At the top, a stunning panorama of the old town and the sea awaits. Admission is €5 for adults.

City Walking Tour Including the Cathedral in Cádiz

Playa de la Caleta

Since you’ll be heading inland to Seville in the afternoon, you could definitely use a quick beach break. And Playa de la Caleta is perfect for that — it’s right in front of Cádiz’s old town.

Get comfortable in the fine golden sand and soak up some sun before your next leg of the Andalusia road trip kicks off. The water is quite shallow, by the way, which makes it great for kids to splash around in.

Possible stop: There are plenty of tapas bars and restaurants around the beach — perfect for a seaside lunch in Cádiz before moving on.

Continue to Seville

Drive time Cádiz – Seville: 90 minutes

And on to Seville. By the time you arrive it’ll probably already be afternoon, so you can check into your hotel at a relaxed pace and freshen up a bit. But don’t rest too long — Seville has seriously amazing things to see.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Seville

Metropol Parasol

First things first: get an overview of Seville, and nowhere is that better than at the Metropol Parasol. Behind this quirky name is a massive and very modern art installation. Like giant mushrooms or parasols, these wooden giants spring up from the ground.

The highlight of the structure is the panoramic walkway that runs 26 meters (85 feet) above the parasols. From up here you enjoy a fantastic view over Seville and can get your first real feel for the city. The vista is of course most beautiful in the late afternoon during the golden hour.

Metropol Parasol Ticket with VR Tour
Possible stops: The restaurant Los Coloniales is just a stone’s throw from the Metropol Parasol. It has both indoor and outdoor seating, and the tapas are really delicious.

Flamenco Show in the Triana Neighborhood

Flamenco is as essential to a Seville vacation as the Colosseum is to Rome, and a performance of this traditionally Spanish dance is the perfect way to wrap up your first evening in Seville.

Flamenco is really so much more than a simple dance — it always tells a story, it’s pure passion, and inextricably tied to it are the stunning outfits of the dancers. And what an evening like this wouldn’t be complete without: delicious tapas and a glass or two of sangría.

Your best bet is to catch a show in the Triana neighborhood. Triana isn’t the typical sightseeing district — instead, it’s a very authentic part of Seville that falls more into the working-class neighborhood category.

We recommend strolling through Triana before or after the show to get to know a side of Seville well off the tourist trail.

Flamenco Show in Triana

Day 6: Sightseeing in Seville

Having gotten a feel for the city on day five, today it’s time to really dive into sightseeing in Seville. Seville is great to explore on foot, since most of the sights are close together.

It’s best to get an early start, because there’s not only a lot to see — Seville is the top destination in Andalusia, and the earlier you get going, the better you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Because Seville is so popular, you should absolutely buy all your tickets in advance online; otherwise you might end up waiting in long lines or not getting in at all.

Real Alcázar

The most important Seville sight comes first, and that’s without a doubt the Royal Palace Real Alcázar. Its history goes back to the time of the Moors, and here you can get a great look at the Mudéjar style so typical of Andalusia.

With its richly decorated patios, colorful azulejo tiles, and flower-fragrant gardens, the Real Alcázar is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain. That unfortunately also means it’s always correspondingly crowded with visitors. Even so, a visit is an absolute must!

Real Alcázar Ticket with Skip-the-Line Entry

Seville Cathedral

Since you’re already at the Real Alcázar, you should follow up with a visit to the Seville Cathedral just a few hundred meters away. The cathedral is the city’s second landmark and every bit as stunning as the royal palace.

Aside from the fact that the church is simply a true showpiece, there are a few special highlights. Did you know, for example, that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus is buried here?

You should also make sure to climb the bell tower La Giralda for a wonderful view. It was originally a minaret, by the way — the cathedral was simply built on top of the old mosque after the Christian conquest.

Skip-the-Line Ticket for the Cathedral and Giralda

Plaza de Toros

Bullfighting is definitely a complicated subject, and we’re not fans ourselves. However, bullfighting is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, so the Plaza de Toros can’t be left off a Seville visit.

You can also explore the bullring without watching a bullfight. The building is architecturally very impressive on its own. On a guided tour you’ll also learn a lot about the history of bullfighting and can stand in the ring yourself like a matador.

Guided Tour of the Plaza de Toros

Paseo del Rio Guadalquivir

After the turbo sightseeing of the morning, you should also have time to let yourself drift through the city a bit. And the Guadalquivir riverfront promenade is perfect for that.

From the wall along the river you get a great view over the Guadalquivir, the Puente Isabel II bridge, and the colorful houses of the Triana neighborhood across the way.

Along and behind the promenade there are plenty of restaurants, by the way. So you can take a little stroll and pick out a spot for a midday snack along the way.

Torre de Oro

The Torre de Oro is also located along the Guadalquivir, so you can easily tack on a visit to the tower during a stroll along the promenade.

The name roughly translates to Tower of Gold, and it wasn’t chosen without reason. After the discovery of America, ships returning from their expeditions stored their plundered gold here.

For €3 you can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful view over the Guadalquivir and Seville’s old town.

Plaza de España

Since you’ll certainly want to explore Seville a bit on your own, we’ve planned just one more sight for the late afternoon and evening. The Plaza de España is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, and we’re not surprised.

The square is designed to reflect all of Spain both geographically and historically. Especially beautiful are the Andalusian azulejo tiles depicting the 48 provinces of Spain. The square is framed by a beautiful historic building — home to, among other things, a military museum — and the Parque de María Luisa.

The best time to visit the Plaza de España is during the golden hour, when the light is at its most beautiful. Afterward you can head to one of the many restaurants in the area around the square.

Day 7: Continue to Córdoba

Drive time Seville – Córdoba: 1 hour 40 minutes

New day, new city: after waking up, it’s straight onto the A4 and E-5 heading to Córdoba. Córdoba is a beautiful city and, owing to its rich cultural heritage, is also known as the Constantinople of the West.

Famous for its colorful flower patios and home to no fewer than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Córdoba is a place where you can easily spend an entire day and then spend the night in one of the lovely old-town hotels.

Many of the worthwhile places in Córdoba, such as the Judería neighborhood or the flower patios, can certainly be explored on your own. But for sights like these in particular, we love joining a tour, since it gives you the backstory and history behind what you’re seeing.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Córdoba with Parking

Mezquita Catedral

The most important sight in Córdoba first: the Mezquita Catedral. As you’ve already seen on your Andalusia road trip at the cathedral in Cádiz, the Mezquita is also a church that was built from a mosque.

Churches can sometimes look rather plain, but not in the Mezquita — here, about 800 red-and-white striped arches give the church a fascinating look.

There’s also a bell tower, the Torre Campanario, which — just like in Cádiz — was originally a minaret. The steps take you up a good 54 meters (177 feet), and at the top a wonderful view of Córdoba’s old town awaits. The perfect starting point for getting your first impression of the city.

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of the Mezquita
Possible stop: La Posada del Caballo Andaluz (standard dishes, no tapas), Casa Qurtubah (excellent Moroccan restaurant).

Calleja de las Flores

If there’s one thing Córdoba is especially famous for, it’s its colorful flower patios. Geraniums in every color and form hang from the walls of whitewashed courtyards and delight your senses. One of the most beautiful lanes for this spectacle is the Calleja de las Flores — the name is no accident.

Some of the patios are freely accessible, while others are private property. So be mindful of treating them with respect — though many proud patio owners are happy to show you more of their courtyards if you ask.

Our tip: Every May, the Festival de los Patios Cordobeses takes place, crowning the most beautiful flower patios. Patios that have previously won the award display the recognition on the building’s exterior walls.

Puente Romano

On the way to the next sight, you can make a stop on the Puente Romano. The stone bridge dates back to the Roman occupation and leads from the Jewish Quarter across the Guadalquivir. On the opposite bank stands the Torre de la Calahorra.

San Basilio

From the Puente Romano, continue along the banks of the Guadalquivir to the San Basilio neighborhood. Here you can continue your tour of the flower patios, as San Basilio — alongside the Calleja de las Flores — is the best place to see the courtyards.

But if you also want to experience authentic Córdoba, San Basilio is the right place for that too. From students to retirees, locals of all ages live here. The neighborhood’s streets are also home to great bodegas and restaurants.

Guided Tour of the Flower Patios in San Basilio

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Córdoba has a castle too: the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, with stunning gardens and terraces.

It’s actually surprising that the fortress is less well-known today than the Mezquita, because the palace has a very rich history: Romans, Moors, Christians — the Alcázar has served as a residence for rulers from the most varied of cultures. It was also here in the Alcázar that Christopher Columbus first presented his plans to sail to India via a new route.

Inside the castle there’s an exhibition on archaeological finds from the Middle Ages, and you can also climb both watchtowers. From the top you get a great view of the gardens and Córdoba.

Admission is free, but you need to register online in advance. You can also take a guided tour:

Guided Tour of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Judería

From the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, head on to the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba. Its roots stretch all the way back to ancient Rome, and it’s also home to some of the most beautiful corners of Córdoba. The best thing to do is simply stroll through the lanes and soak up the atmosphere.

A detour to the synagogue is a real must, since the Córdoba synagogue is one of the last remaining ones in all of Spain. From the outside, the synagogue can’t compete with the beautiful Mezquita. But don’t be fooled — on the inside, it’s a dream.

Combo Tour of the Judería and Mezquita

Viana Palace

For our next Córdoba highlight, you’ll need to take a short 20-minute walk through the city. But it’s worth it — the Palacio de la Viana is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Córdoba, which doesn’t surprise us given a construction period of more than 500 years.

Over 100 artfully furnished rooms, twelve beautiful flower patios, and numerous exhibits of antique weapons and art await you at the Viana Palace.

Tour of the Viana Palace

Plaza de la Corredera

For your evening plans in Córdoba, we recommend the Plaza de la Corredera. At 113 meters (371 feet) long, it’s one of the last Plazas Mayores in all of Spain.

Three sides of the square are lined with beautiful historic buildings with countless arched colonnades, the majority of which are apartments belonging to well-to-do locals.

Around the square you’ll find plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants, and come evening the plaza really comes to life. This is a great spot for dinner and a glass or two of wine to the sounds of street performers.

Day 8: Continue to Granada & Visit the Alhambra

Drive time Córdoba – Granada: 2 hours 15 minutes

Day 8 of your Andalusia road trip is entirely devoted to Granada and the Alhambra.

That said, you should leave Córdoba as early as possible so you arrive in Granada by late morning.

Granada is a standout destination in Andalusia, so be prepared for lots of tourists — and that of course means: lines! For the sights in Granada, you should absolutely buy your tickets in advance online.

In theory, the Alhambra is most beautiful in the afternoon or late afternoon, since most visitors come in the morning and it can get quite crowded then.

However, the visit can be quite exhausting, since there’s simply so much to see. It therefore makes more sense to head straight to the Alhambra first after arriving from Córdoba. There’s a large parking lot at the main entrance where you can leave your car.

After your visit, you can grab lunch and check into your hotel.

Our Hotel Recommendations for Granada with Parking

Alhambra

The Alhambra is arguably the most famous sight in Andalusia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The vast fortress was built during the Islamic occupation and served as the residence of the sultans.

The most important sections are the Alcazaba, which served as a defensive fortification with its watchtowers, the elaborately decorated Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife Palace with its breathtakingly beautiful gardens.

You should plan around three hours for the entire Alhambra visit. There are no restaurants inside the Alhambra, so you should either pack some food or plan to eat lunch after your visit.

There are numerous ticket options and guided tours for the Alhambra. Since it can get overwhelming quickly, we’ve put together a dedicated article covering all the Alhambra ticket options.

Our Alhambra article with all ticket options compared plus tips

We definitely recommend the ticket with fast-track entry, including the Nasrid Palaces.

Possible stops: Luckily, right across from the main entrance there’s a very good restaurant, Jardines Alberto. After your Alhambra tour you can eat here with a great view.

Granada Cathedral and Capilla Real

While no building in Granada can match the Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is still very much worth a visit. The cathedral is located right in the heart of the old town, so it makes sense to park your car at the hotel and walk over.

As in Cádiz and Córdoba, this church was also built on the remains of a mosque after the Moors were driven out of Andalusia.

Right next to the cathedral is the Royal Chapel, the Capilla Real. Queen Isabella and her husband are buried here. The chapel was actually built before the cathedral.

Tour of the Cathedral and Capilla Real

Albaicín

Just a few streets further north lies the Albaicín neighborhood. Albaicín is the most beautiful district in Granada: winding lanes, charming old buildings with decorated balconies, small boutiques, and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada rising behind it all make this neighborhood utterly captivating.

Albaicín is a melting pot of different cultures, and the Arabic heritage is especially palpable. But you’ll also find several churches here, such as the Iglesia de San Cristóbal.

Just let yourself wander through the streets to get a feel for the neighborhood.

Mirador de San Nicolás

We’re staying in the beautiful Albaicín neighborhood for now, heading to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in all of Granada: the Mirador de San Nicolás.

The overlook sits in front of the church of the same name at the highest point of Albaicín and offers a fantastic view of the Alhambra directly across. In the afternoon, the Alhambra shimmers orange and red in the sunlight — so make sure you have plenty of space on your memory card.

It borders on magical when street performers at the Plaza de San Nicolás play the perfect soundtrack to it all.

Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte

Just a 15-minute walk away, you’ll reach the next Granada sight: the Sacromonte Cave Museum.

Sacromonte is known as Granada’s gypsy quarter. Where passionate flamenco is danced in the lively streets today, the residents once lived simply in cave dwellings. Some of the original caves from back then can be visited today.

We recommend taking a stroll through Sacromonte afterward. Especially in the evenings there’s a lot going on, and the density of bars and hangouts is probably higher than the number of residents.

Ticket for the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte

Day 9: Guadix, Tabernas Desert, and Nerja

Your last real vacation day on your Andalusia road trip is once again a day with several stops.

From Granada you’ll head east into a more remote and sparsely populated region of Andalusia. In this dry, rocky landscape you’ll find the quirky town of Guadix, where people live in caves, and the only true desert in Europe: the Tabernas Desert.

You can comfortably visit both highlights in the morning before heading back to the coast in the afternoon to the lively beach resort of Nerja.

Nerja is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Málaga, where your Andalusia road trip comes to an end.

Depending on when your return flight departs on day 10, you can either spend one more night in Málaga’s old town, or at the Hotel Málaga Picasso, which is only 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the airport.

Guadix

Drive time Granada – Guadix: 45 minutes

Your first stop today is the town of Guadix — and it’s anything but an ordinary village, since it consists of about 2,000 cave dwellings. The chimneys of the homes simply jut out of the rock, creating a truly surreal scene.

You already got a glimpse of cave dwellings in Sacromonte in Granada, but not in this number — and what makes it even more interesting: more than 4,000 people still live in the caves of Guadix today.

There’s also a museum dedicated to the cave dwellings, the Centro de Interpretación Cuevas de Guadix. Here you can learn all about the traditional way of life of the cave dwellers and how life today differs from it.

Tabernas Desert

Drive time Guadix – Tabernas Desert: 45 minutes

At your next stop, you’ll feel like you’ve fallen into an old Western from the 1960s — and you wouldn’t be far off.

The Tabernas Desert is the only desert on the European mainland, and as such, this spectacular landscape has appeared in blockbusters like Once Upon a Time in the West and Indiana Jones.

You should definitely start by exploring the area by car, making plenty of stops along the way to take great photos in front of this extraordinary backdrop.

But there’s even more to see — because so many Westerns were filmed in the Tabernas Desert, there are several by-now-quite-dilapidated Western towns that have since outlived their usefulness as film sets.

Two of them have found a new lease on life as theme parks, though. At Mini-Hollywood you can feel like a cowboy with a horseback ride or a staged shootout. A great excursion destination in Andalusia, especially for kids.

Ticket for Mini-Hollywood in the Tabernas Desert
Possible stop: There are no restaurants in the desert, but on the way to Nerja you can stop at Restaurante Casa Rafael Rincón Almería. It’s right along the road heading toward the coast.

Nerja

Drive time Tabernas Desert – Nerja: 2 hours

Your road trip takes you along the beautiful Andalusian coast, and the views of the sea and the cliffs alone are an attraction in their own right. You’ll probably want to pull over for a photo or two. But don’t take too long — we’ve got more planned for you.

Your next stop is the town of Nerja. What was once one of the typical White Villages — small and quiet — has today become one of the most popular resort towns in Andalusia.

Nerja is particularly known for a stalactite cave a few kilometers outside of town. If you have enough time for a visit, you should definitely check out the cave.

Otherwise, we recommend heading straight into Nerja’s old town, where you can stroll down to the beach between whitewashed houses.

If you follow the promenade, you’ll arrive at Nerja’s top attraction: the Balcón de Europa viewpoint. From here you enjoy an incredible panorama over the sea — especially beautiful at sunset or during the golden hour.

Return to Málaga

Drive time Nerja – Málaga: 45 minutes

The circle closes and you arrive back in Málaga, the final stop on your Andalusia road trip.

If you’re not arriving too late in the evening and want to cap off your last night in Andalusia with a real highlight, we’d recommend a food and wine tour through Málaga. Treat yourself to the best Spanish tapas one last time. Yum!

Evening Wine and Tapas Tour Through Málaga

Day 10: Departure from Málaga

The last day of your Andalusia trip has arrived, and now it’s time to pack up and head back to the airport. Since you still need to drive to the airport, return your rental car, and check in, we haven’t planned anything for the morning.

Enjoy your last cup of coffee in Andalusia and let the best moments of your Andalusia road trip wash over you one more time.