The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (7 to 14 Day Itinerary Included!)
Are you planning an Andalucia road trip?
First, I want to say that there are many reasons why you should visit Andalucia – its beautiful coasts, impressive buildings, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, among other reasons.
These road trips include what cities you must visit, unmissable things you need to do in each town, and restaurant and accommodation recommendations so you don’t need to worry about planning much.
On top of this, I’ll give you my local insight as an Andalusian who has been travelling around the region for over 25 years and tips to make the most of your trip.
Let’s dive into this 7 to 14 days in Andalucia adventure!
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7 day itinerary to Andalucia
If you only have 7 days to explore Andalucia, follow this itinerary:
- Day 1 – Malaga
- Day 2 – Nerja and Frigiliana
- Day 3 and 4 – Granada
- Day 5 and 6 – Sevilla
- Day 7 – Cadiz
10 day itinerary to Andalucia
- Day 1 and 2 – Malaga
- Day 3 – Nerja (optional: visit Frigiliana too)
- Day 4 and 5 – Granada
- Day 6 – Cordoba
- Day 7 and 8 – Sevilla
- Day 9 – Cadiz
- Day 10 – Tarifa
14 day itinerary to Andalucia
If you want to make your trip longer, then follow this Southern Spain itinerary:
- Day 1 and 2 – Malaga
- Day 3 – Nerja (optional: visit the nearby town of Frigiliana)
- Day 4 – Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas
- Day 5 and 6 – Granada
- Day 7 – Cordoba
- Day 8 and 9 – Sevilla
- Day 9 and 10 – Cadiz
- Day 11 – Conil de la Frontera
- Day 12 and 13 – Tarifa
- Day 14 – Estepona or Marbella
Detailed Andalucia road trip for 10 days
How many days do you recommend in Andalucia?
Personally, I think 10 days is perfect for exploring a good part of Andalucia.
However, more is always better because you can explore destinations off the beaten path.
The following is a detailed 10-day itinerary, which you can adapt to 7 days, or even 14, by adding the destinations I mentioned above.
Malaga (2 days)
Malaga is the perfect destination to start your road trip in Andalucia.
Malaga airport (AGP) is one of Spain’s top 10 biggest airports, which means you’re very likely to find a flight to Malaga from your origin destination.
Malaga province is known for its fantastic beaches. Still, the city also has many cultural activities – from visiting museums like Picasso Museum Malaga to learning about the Moorish influence in the town while exploring historical buildings like Alcazaba or Gibralfaro Castle.
There are incredible things to do in Malaga in one or two days, and here are my recommendations for what to do during those two days.
Day 1 in Malaga
Prepare yourself for a day packed with activities in the city centre of Malaga.
First, enjoy traditional churros con chocolate at Casa Aranda, a cafe that locals like me and tourists approve of.
Then head to La Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress-palace that takes you back to the Muslim period in the city. Wander the beautiful patios filled with scented jasmines, walk on the walls for breathtaking views of Malaga’s port and city centre, and contemplate the detailed Nasrid architecture.
From La Alcazaba go to Castillo de Gibralfaro. This castle is at the top of the hill, so you have two options: walk or take the bus. I always choose to walk to the castle because you can walk through beautiful gardens and stop by Gibralfaro’s viewpoint – the best viewpoint in the city.
After you visit the castle, eat Malaga’s traditional food at El Pimpi, which serves delicious dishes. If you choose to sit on their terrace, you can get a lovely view of La Alcazaba. I recommend ordering the fried fish platter. It’s my favourite.
Spend the rest of your day visiting Malaga Cathedral or Picasso Museum Malaga, wandering Larios Street and watching the sunset at Muelle Uno, Malaga’s port.
Day 2 in Malaga
If you have a sweet tooth, have breakfast at La Bella Julieta. It’s one of the best cafes in Malaga! They have a good selection of sandwiches as well as cakes and pastries.
You can do different activities depending on the time of the year you visit Malaga.
If you visit Malaga in summer, spend the second day at one of the best beaches in Malaga. If you don’t want to go too far, visit La Malagueta beach, which is located a few footsteps from the city centre.
Have tapas at Atarazanas market or a meal at Muelle Uno if you fancy international food.
If you visit Malaga in winter, go to Los Montes de Málaga for a hiking adventure or visit Jardín Botánico La Concepción. This botanic garden has a good range of plants from all over the world and panoramic views of the city.
When opting for Los Montes de Malaga, you can try Plato de Los Montes, a traditional dish that consists of marinated pork loin, chips, fried green peppers, an egg, chorizo, and morcilla (similar to black pudding).
Alternatively, you can relax at Hamman Malaga baths and get a massage.
Where to stay in Malaga
Room Mate Valeria is my top choice. This 4-star boutique hotel is centrally located just a few minutes walk from Calle Larios and the port.
It offers modern and comfortable rooms decorated with elements that represent the nature and city of Malaga.
The hotel also has amazing communal areas, including an Andalusian-style rooftop bar that overlooks the city centre.
It’s the perfect accommodation for 2 days in Malaga.
🏨 Check out Room Mate Valeria availability and rates here
Nerja (1 day)
Less than an hour’s drive from Malaga, you’ll find the beautiful whitewashed town of Nerja.
Nerja is one of the most popular and best day trips from Malaga, and there is no doubt why – the beaches with crystal clear water, lively atmosphere and sights make this town unique.
Start your day in Nerja by visiting Nerja Caves. They have outstanding stalactites and other natural elements you won’t find anywhere else in Spain.
Then head to the town centre to explore its lovely streets filled with local independent shops and bars that will lead you to the famous Balcón de Europa.
Balcón de Europa is my favourite viewpoint in Costa del Sol. The views you get from this viewpoint are magical, as you can see the contrast between the beach and mountain landscapes while enjoying the noise of the waves.
On both sides of the viewpoint, there are two small beaches: Playa el Salón and Playa Calahonda. These beaches are cosy and beautiful but can get very busy during summer.
If you want a more tranquil beach to spend the rest of your day in Nerja, I recommend visiting Playa de Maro, which is 10 minutes by car from Nerja.
Aren’t you a big fan of lying at the beach? After Balcón de Europa, go to the nearby town of Frigiliana. Although there aren’t many attractions in Frigiliana, it’s considered one of the prettiest towns in Southern Spain.
Where to stay in Nerja
Hotel Balcón de Europa is a good option to stay central and enjoy a comfortable room with sea views and direct access to the beach.
If you prefer a more affordable accommodation, I recommend Hostal Boutique Plaza Cantarero. It’s cosy and the owner is very friendly. My partner and I were impressed with the room and how budget-friendly it was.
🏨 Check out Hotel Balcón de Europa availability and rates here
Granada (2 days)
Granada is a must-see destination in Andalucia because of the Alhambra and other architectural buildings, tapas culture, and lively atmosphere.
You want to spend more than a day in Granada to discover all the incredible things that the city has to offer. Two days is the ideal time to see Granada’s main attractions.
Day 1 in Granada
Start your day by having breakfast in the beautiful quarter of Albacín.
After breakfast, head to Granada’s main attraction, La Alhambra, an impressive Moorish palace complex that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Alhambra has three main parts: the Alcazaba, the palatial zone and the Medina. All these areas are surrounded by beautiful patios and gardens that you can explore at your own pace, so don’t rush your visit.
Regardless of the area you’re visiting, you’ll be surprised by the detailed and unique Nasrid architecture, sculptures, and arches.
Most visits last approximately 3 to 4 hours; however, you can spend less or more time depending on your interests. I’ve been a few times to the Alhambra and spent at least 3 hours each time.
No matter what time of the year you visit it, make sure to book your Alhambra tickets in advance.
After the Alhambra visit, have a tranquil meal and go to Carrera del Darro, the most beautiful cobblestone street in Granada, which also offers lovely views of the Alhambra.
To finish your day, you can’t miss visiting Mirador de San Nicolás. This magical viewpoint is the perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Granada. You can see locals playing flamenco.
If you want to have dinner in a unique restaurant, I highly recommend Carmen de Aben Humeya Restaurant. It has direct views to the Alhambra and the food is top-notch.
Day 2 in Granada
Get ready for another day packed with activities by having breakfast at Casa Ysla, which offers the best piononos, Granada’s traditional small cakes, delicious cakes and pastries. I absolutely loved having breakfast at this cake shop.
Go to The Cathedral of Granada to see the former Great Mosque of Granada. The interior of the cathedral is incredibly beautiful, and next to it is The Royal Chapel, which is the burial place of the Catholic Kings.
Another place worth visiting is Corral del Carbón, which is only a 3-minute walk from the cathedral. It’s the most preserved Andalusian citadel in Spain.
After these visits, you can have some tapas at many of the bars you can find in the area or book a food tour with a local guide to take you to the best places.
Spend the rest of the day at Hammam Al Ándalus Turkish baths, visiting Sacromonte (famous for its caves) or attending a flamenco show.
Where to stay in Granada
Hotel Casa 1800 is my top choice of accommodation in Granada. This 3-star boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Granada.
It has comfortable and modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a safe, among other amenities.
I loved my stay at Hotel Casa 1800! The staff was very attentive, the room was perfect, and I enjoyed the complimentary afternoon tea.
If you’re after a special stay, you need to book the Deluxe Room, which offers cosy terraces where you can enjoy breakfast with an incredible view of the Alhambra. I’d love to get that room next time I visit Granada.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best boutique hotels in Granada.
🏨 Check out Hotel Casa 1800 availability and rates here
Cordoba (1 day)
Two hours drive from Granada is the beautiful city of Cordoba.
You’ll love the city if you’re passionate about art and history, as there are must-see attractions with exquisite architecture.
One day in Cordoba may not be enough to visit all the places in the city and its surroundings, but it’s perfect for exploring its main sights.
The most known building in Cordoba is La Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first thing to do in Cordoba is to visit La Mezquita. The earlier you go, the more chances you have to explore this beautiful architectural gem with fewer crowds, especially if you want to take photos. The full visit will take you around 2 and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
You can also add the Bell Tower to your itinerary, but just be aware that the entrance is every 30 minutes, and the fee is 2 euros.
Then, wander around La Judería, the Jewish Quarter. Her,e you can visit Casa Andalusí, a house/museum that will transport you to Morocco. This is also the perfect place to window shop and buy a souvenir.
Go to Taberna Casa Pedro Ximénez for lunch, where you can taste traditional dishes in Cordoba like flamenquines, salmorejo or rabo de toro.
Finally, there is no visit to Cordoba without going to Palacio de Viana, a 15th-century palace also home to 12 beautiful patios. Wandering around the palace and patios is an experience – the scent of orange and jasmine and the beautiful mosaics and architecture. It’s one of my favourite places in Cordoba!
If you have spare time, walk across Puente Romano, and explore Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs or Patios San Basilio.
Where to stay in Cordoba
Hotel Soho Boutique Capuchinos & Spa is one of the best accommodation options. It’s only a 13-minute walk from La Mezquita and other Cordoba attractions, and the facilities and rooms are incredible.
The rooms have all the amenities you need – comfortable beds, a mini-fridge, air conditioning, TV, safe and Wi-Fi.
The hotel also includes a modern Spa, parking, a terrace bar and a café.
🏨 Check out Hotel Soho Boutique Capuchinos & Spa availability and rates here
Sevilla (2 days)
Sevilla, Andalusia’s capital, must be included in your Andalusia road trip. This charming city is packed with breathtaking architectural buildings and culture.
It’s the largest city in the county, so you must spend a minimum of two days in Sevilla to be able to explore the unmissable attractions.
Day 1 in Sevilla
Commence your day by having a delicious breakfast at Bar Alfalfa. Then, head to Seville Cathedral, the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Explore all the unique parts of the cathedral, including the Giralda Tower and the Orange Tree courtyard. However, don’t go to the tower if you don’t like heights or suffer from claustrophobia. The path to go up is very narrow.
Another must-see attraction is Real Alcázar, where you can spend 2 hours exploring the impressive areas of this palace – including its spacious gardens. The Moorish architecture inside Alcazar is something to admire!
Have lunch at Bar Antojo, an incredible tapas restaurant not very far from the city centre. They serve delicious and generous tapas. Their patatas bravas is one of my favourite dishes!
Finally, go to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa (Maria Luisa Park). This is the most beautiful square in Southern Spain, with about 50,000 square metres in which you’ll find beautiful features like towers, bridges, a small canal, and impressive Andalusian tiles.
One of its unique things is the 48 small spots with benches, one for each province of Spain. Tourists love taking photos of themselves with friends and or family on the benches.
Other popular activities in the plaza are riding horses and renting a small boat to row in the canal.
Alternatively, you can also book a cruise through the Guadalquivir River. This is a fun way to discover Seville and see the city differently. Many of these cruises also welcome you with snacks and drinks. What else could you ask for? I loved going on a Guadalquivir River cruise with my friend.
Day 2 in Sevilla
Have a more relaxing second day in Sevilla. Start by having breakfast at La Mala Brunch, one of the best cafes in Seville, which has mouthwatering savoury and sweet dishes like pancakes and bagels.
Then head to Setas de Sevilla, which consists of an impressive sculptural wooden structure where you can visit an archaeological museum and walk through the rooftop to get incredible views of the capital.
For this attraction, you can choose either the morning or evening session, but you can spend as much time there as you want.
Later, spend some time exploring the unique neighbourhood of Triana. This neighbourhood has plenty of things to see and do. You can visit Triana Ceramic Centre, see Capilla del Carmen, wander its streets and walk through Isabel II Bridge.
When visiting Triana, Calle Betis is a must. This street is surrounded by a good selection of restaurants and bars, as well as venues that host live flamenco music.
Another unmissable spot in this area is the colourful Mercado de Triana (Triana Market), where you can enjoy some tapas in the bars or experience the atmosphere of a Spanish market.
Where to stay in Sevilla
I really enjoyed my stay at One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón.
The rooms are spacious and have plenty of storage for your clothes, a desk, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.
The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, which looks good, but I always prefer to try the local cafes.
My favourite part of the hotel was the rooftop pool. It isn’t very big, but it was perfect for cooling down.
🏨 Check out One Shot Palacio Conde de Torrejón
Cadiz (1 day)
Cadiz is considered the oldest city in Europe because of numerous archaeological discoveries, and it’s one of the most vibrant coastal destinations in Andalucia.
Start your day by visiting the city’s most popular attraction, Catedral de Cádiz. This cathedral took over 100 years to build, and it’s unique because you can appreciate the mixture of architecture.
Not very far from the cathedral, you can also visit the Roman Theatre if you love archaeology.
After this, head to Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, a church that can’t be missed during your day trip to Cadiz.
For lunch, there is no better place than Cadiz Central Market, which has a gastronomy section where you can taste Cadiz’s traditional dishes and products. You can’t leave the market without trying tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters).
Later, go to Torre Tavira and climb 173 steps to reach the highest point, where you can experience the Camera Obscura and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Cadiz.
Spend the rest of the day wandering Cadiz city centre, walking along El Malecón and watching the sunset at the beach.
Where to stay in Cadiz
Are you looking for a central hotel in Cadiz? Hotel Spa Cádiz Plaza is an excellent choice. The hotel is close to the beach and main attractions.
It’s a boutique family hotel, so expect a welcoming and warm experience.
They offer rooms for all types of stays – family, couples, and friends. No matter what room you choose, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, and other amenities.
🏨 Check out Hotel Spa Cadiz Plaza availability and rates here
Tarifa (1 day)
One hour and 30 minutes from Cadiz, Tarifa is the perfect destination to finish your road trip.
The city is popular among kitesurfers due to the perfect wind condition of the beaches. It’s considered one of the best places for kitesurfing in Europe!
However, it’s also a charming place to discover many prehistoric remains.
Start your day by visiting Baelo Claudia, an ancient Roman city worth visiting. You can learn more about the old city and see its incredible ruins, which are almost intact.
After this, get lost in the beautiful and narrow streets of Tarifa. Visit the San Mateo Eliza Church and have delicious tapas at Bar Ola Ola Tarifa.
Walk the promenade to the Isla de las Palomas, an island opposite Tarifa, and finally, spend some time relaxing at the beach.
Where to stay in Tarifa
The Riad Tarifa is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Tarifa. This hotel is unique because it was built in a 17th-century building.
By staying at The Riad, you’ll get the essence of the Moroccan riads. Its bedrooms are decorated with ancient elements and have everything you need for your short stay.
The hotel also has two courts to relax, a fountain and a rooftop with views of the city.
🏨 Check out The Riad Tarifa availability and rates here
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When to visit Andalucia
You can visit Andalucia all year round because every season has something to offer.
Some destinations, such as Malaga, Cadiz and Almeria, are popular during the summer because of the beaches and warm temperatures.
However, if you want to explore places, avoid the summer months (July to September), as temperatures are very high and make it challenging to sightsee.
The best times to visit Andalucia are late spring and early autumn, with fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.
Winter months are cooler but relatively warm compared to other European destinations. If you want a different Christmas, you’ll want to visit Southern Spain.
During late November, December, and early January, you can enjoy the Christmas lights and attend the Three Kings parade on the 5th of January, a unique experience for children and adults.
If you love winter outdoor activities, Sierra Nevada is the best place to go skiing. But you can also visit incredible national parks across Andalucia, like Doñana and Sierra de las Nieves.
Tips for driving in Southern Spain
The best way to get around Southern Spain is by car as it’s faster than public transport, gives you more freedom, and can access more places.
Road-tripping in Spain is an experience (seeing beautiful landscapes and exploring smaller towns, among other things!), but first, let’s cover the basics!
Here are a few things you need to know about driving in Spain:
- Spanish people drive on the right side of the road like many European countries except the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.
- If you have a European or international driving license, you can drive in Spain without any problems. However, international driving licenses are only valid for a year; after that, you’ll have to get a Spanish one.
- Don’t forget to get driving insurance. It’s very important to be covered in case of a car accident or technical issue.
- If you’re bringing your car to Spain, you must ask for a temporary circulation permit at Customs. This permit is only valid for six months; after that, you need to register your car in Spain.
- If you’re renting a car in Spain, you must know that the minimum age is 21, and many car rental companies want you to have a driving licence for 1 or 2 years. Also, if you’re under 25, expect higher rates.
In addition to all these tips, I would avoid going on a road trip in August, as this is the busiest month in Andalucia.
Locals often get their holidays in August, and tourists who look for the sun come to Spain in August. This means that roads are busier and finding a parking space is more difficult. Traffic is even worse in coastal towns!
🚗 Check out the best rental car deals with Discover Cars!
What to pack for a Southern Spain road trip
Your packing list will be different according to the season you visit Andalucia.
If you plan to visit Andalucia in summer, you should pack very light clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sandals and trainers for sightseeing or for going on a hiking trail. Temperatures in Andalucia can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Are you visiting Andalucia in winter instead? You’ll need to pack light jumpers and a coat for destinations like Granada, Cordoba, and Seville, but you probably won’t need a coat in Malaga.
Generally, temperatures are low in the morning and evening but high in the afternoon. For example, it can be 18 degrees in the afternoon but 9 degrees Celsius in the evening.
For autumn and spring, pack light clothes and a jacket for the evenings or a rainy day.
It’s also important that you take high-quality sun cream with you regardless of the season. Andalucia enjoys plenty of beautiful sunny days, so you want to take care of your skin.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Andalucia
Where should I base myself in Andalucia?
Málaga is a good base from which to start your road trip. Málaga has one of the largest airports in Spain, and it’s quite easy to travel to other Andalusian cities.
Malaga is connected to other cities by train and bus if you aren’t renting a car.
Do I need a car in Andalucia?
You don’t need a car to travel around Andalucía, but renting one does make things easier. You aren’t restricted to specific times and have more freedom to travel to less accessible or remote locations.
What is the most visited place in Andalucia?
Sevilla is the most visited destination in Southern Spain, but Granada and Málaga are also at the top of the list.
Is Andalucia expensive?
Andalucía is very affordable compared to other regions and cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Conclusion on going on an Andalusian road trip
Is going on an Andalusian road trip worth it? Absolutely!
Andalucia is a very diverse region with plenty of things for all travellers to do. Whether you love visiting historic places, tasting the local food, or discovering unique natural spots, Andalucia is for you.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
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This looks absolutely magical! I loved Spain more than I thought I would – so a road trip would really get me out of the big cities for my next visit. Definitely saving!
I love this! Totally pinning to add on my bucket list of places to visit. It’s detailed and has all I would need to know once I start planning a visit. 🤗
Great itinerary! I’ve yet to visit Spain but would love to one day! Those beaches look beautiful and the architecture looks incredible. I’ll definitely have to refer back to this before planning a trip here! Xx Sara
I can’t wait to visit Andalucia after reading your post.
Loved this detailed guide – I’ve always steered away from Spain as the “lager and ships” beach resorts are just not me, but you’ve made Andalucia shoot right up my bucket list!
This all looks amazing, but especially Cordoba! I am now regretting only visiting Barca and Madrid on my last visit to Spain – I shall have to go back ASAP!
This looks like a magical part of Spain to visit. I can’t wait to get there one day! Thanks for the inspiration.
This Andalucia road trip looks dreamy!! Each one of your stops is so beautiful!
We haven’t been out of the country in so long and all of your Andalucia photos are giving major wanderlust! Thanks for sharing.