An Andalusia road trip (or Andalucia as it’s written in Spanish) is a must-have experience in Spain. I was ecstatic just planning it (well, trip planning always gets me excited), and this region was worth it and did not disappoint.
With such a rich Jewish, Christian, and Muslim history, incredibly beautiful places to see (including cities, villages, and nature), and an enticing atmosphere, it is one of the most interesting and captivating destinations I’ve visited.
Although 7 days in Andalucia are not enough to see everything this region has to offer, you can still experience some of its highlights.
To help you make the most of one of the best road trips in Europe, here is my full 7-day southern Spain road trip itinerary (that you need to steal right now!).
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
ANDALUSIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY – SUMMARY & HIGHLIGHTS
Itinerary Summary and Map
If you’re wondering how many days you need in Andalucia, know that I could have easily spent a month (or more) in this region.
10-14 days here will be great, but if you only have a week, here’s how you can make the most of it:
Day 1: Granada (suggested hotel: Casa de Reyes or Smart Suites Albaicin in Granada).
Day 2: Granada (suggested hotel: Cordoba Carpe Diem or Apartamentos Casa del Aceite in Cordoba).
Day 3: Cordoba (suggested hotel: Adriano Boutique or Hotel Fernando III in Seville).
Day 4: Seville (suggested hotel: Adriano Boutique or Hotel Fernando III in Seville).
Day 5: Seville (suggested hotel: Las Cortes de Cadiz or Casa Palacio Cádiz in Cadiz).
Day 6: Cadiz, Zahara de la Sierra (suggested hotel: Hotel Berlanga or Hotel Colon in Ronda).
Day 7: Ronda, Marbella (suggested hotel: Marbella Inn in Marbella).
Click here to see the MyMaps maps of this route.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
If you want to extend or change this 7-day Andalucia road trip itinerary, you can add 1-2 days in Malaga, visit many more white-washed villages (pueblos blancos), unwind at some beach towns, take a day trip to Gibraltar from Malaga or Seville, visit some national parks, and the list goes on.
Itinerary Highlights – Top Must-Visit Landmarks
You can dive right into this massive itinerary, but if you’re just looking for the highlights, here are a few must-visit attractions that you should book in advance:
Alhambra
Set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, this complex of Moorish palaces and gardens is Granada’s biggest landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I 100% recommend purchasing your ticket in advance as daily visits are limited, whether you want to reserve your spot and visit it on your own or book a guided tour.
Cordoba’s Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral)
This is one of Andalusia’s most recognizable medieval landmarks, thanks to its striped arches. Get your ticket here or book a guided tour.
Seville’s Cathedral, Giralda (Bell Tower), and Alcazar (Palace)
Want to visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the oldest royal palace in Europe that is still in use? Don’t miss these 3 must-see UNESCO sites in southern Spain!
Book a combined guided tour of all three of them or purchase your Alcazar ticket and Cathedral & Giralda ticket to visit them on your own.
Southern Spain Itinerary – Days 1 and 2 – Granada
Granada is an incredible starting point for 1 week in Andalucia. I was inspired to visit it after reading the amazing novel – ‘The Return’ by Victoria Hislop.
The city’s most iconic attraction may be the Alhambra palace complex, but there are plenty of things to do in Granada.
You can feel the Moorish and Christian influence in every corner and aspect, which is exactly what makes Granada so fascinating.
Where to Stay in Granada
We stayed at Hotel Los Jeronimos which had a great location in Granada’s old town and a private parking lot 100 meters (0.06 miles) away.
However, the overall stay was just okay – nothing especially good or bad. So I suggest finding higher-rated accommodation such as:
Casa de Reyes: Offering uniquely decorated standard, superior, and deluxe double rooms, this hotel is centrally located near Granada’s Cathedral. Browse its latest prices here.
Smart Suites Albaicin: Located in the Moorish quarter of Albaicin, this aparthotel offers spacious, modern apartments for up to 7 people, as well as private parking and an open-air restaurant. Check out its latest prices here.
You can browse all the accommodation options in Granada here.
What to Do in Granada
If you want to explore Granada with a guide, take this free walking tour.
1. Alhambra
Let’s start with the obvious because this landmark is Granada’s crowning glory.
Depending on what time you’re getting to the city, I recommend dedicating the second day’s morning to visiting it. So what exactly is the Alhambra?
It’s a stunning complex of Moorish palaces and gardens from the 9th, 13th, and 14th centuries that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its captivating history and intricate Arab architecture are what make it one of Spain’s most visited attractions.
On Your Visit, You Can Access Three Areas:
Alcazaba: A military fortress and one of Alhambra’s oldest buildings.
Nasrid Palaces: A complex of three palaces that was the residence of the kings of Granada.
Generalife: A palace and gardens that served as a recreational area.
The Types of Tickets You Can Purchase:
General (recommended): Gives you access to all 3 areas – purchase it here or book a guided tour.
Gardens, Generalife, and Alcazaba: Gives you access to all areas of the complex open to the public, except the Nasrid Palaces – purchase it here or book a guided tour.
A night visit: Browse all night tours here.
Alhambra Experiences: Combines a daytime visit to the Generalife and Alcazaba and a night visit to the Nasrid Palaces.
An Important Tip:
Since the number of visitors is limited to 6000 per day and you need to pick a specific timeslot if you’re not visiting with a guide, I recommend booking your tickets in advance online as soon as you can.
For a slightly less crowded visit, I also recommend booking a morning ticket or tour in the middle of the week.
How to Purchase Your Tickets – Option 1 – Book a Guided Tour:
The first option is to take a guided tour as I did (this is the full tour with the Nasrid Palaces).
It’s about 3 hours long which sounds like a lot, but the complex is so huge that I wish I had a bit more time to wander around freely.
That said, I did enjoy learning about this place from my amazing guide and I truly recommend visiting the Alhambra with a guide.
Read more reviews and purchase your Alhambra guided-tour tickets here.
How to Purchase Your Tickets – Option 2 – An Independent Visit:
If you want to tour the complex on your own, purchase your entry tickets in advance.
You can also buy them at the ticket office at the main entrance or the ticket machines in the city, but I highly recommend an online purchase.
Note that you need to pick a specific time slot for your ticket. That is the time when you need to access the Nasrid Palaces. You can access the other areas with no time limitations.
How to Purchase Your Tickets Option 3 – Granada City Card:
You can also purchase one of several types of Granada City Card. It already includes a visit to the Alhambra (without a guide) as well as other landmarks in the city, so it can be a big money saver.
When purchasing your city card, you’ll also have to pick a time slot to visit the Alhambra. Check what the Granada Card includes, and purchase it here.
2. San Jeronimo Monastery
This stunning Renaissance monastery was founded by the Spanish monarchs during the reconquest of Granada from the Moors.
Even though I don’t have any religious connection to churches and monasteries, I can’t ignore historical buildings with such unique architecture.
Address: Rector López Argueta, 9.
Cost: 4 euros.
3. Granada’s Cathedral and Royal Chapel
Dating back to the 16th century, both the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel are must-see sights in the city.
The Royal Chapel is actually the burial place of the Catholic monarchs who asked to be buried there specifically. Apart from its historical importance, its Gothic-style architecture is also extremely beautiful.
Address: Gran Via de Colon 5.
Cost: 5 euros including an audio guide.
Want to learn more about the Cathedral and Royal Chapel? Book this guided tour.
4. Carrera Del Daro and Paseo de Los Tristes
There’s nothing I love more than charming cobbled streets, so it’s clear why I was won over by Carrera del Daro, one of Granada’s oldest and most scenic streets.
It passes alongside the Daro River and some of Granada’s oldest bridges and buildings.
It’s also connected to Paseo de los Tristes, another picturesque street in the city that offers incredible views of the Alhambra.
For pure magic, I highly recommend walking alongside Paseo de los Tristes at night to witness the Alhambra when it’s illuminated.
5. Alcaiceria Bazaar
This is the place to experience some of Granada’s Arab history and do some shopping. It used to be a significantly bigger bazaar where people could buy things like spices and silk.
Nowadays, it’s mostly home to souvenir stalls selling items like clothing, ceramics, lamps, and other knickknacks.
Address: Alcaiceria, 1.
6. Albayzin and Sacromonte
For me, a huge part of traveling to a city is exploring its different neighborhoods. And if you really want to experience Granada, you have to take some time to wander both Albayzin and Sacromonte.
While Albayzin is the old Arab Quarter where you’ll mostly find narrow streets and mosques, Sacromonte is known for its gypsy caves and diverse ethnic history.
Didn’t I tell you Granada was fascinating?
Want to explore these neighborhoods with a guide? Book this guided walking tour!
You can also book this flamenco show in Sacromonte’s caves.
7. Highly-Rated Tours in Granada
I love themed tours that uncover a different side of the city, and here are a few highly-rated tours you can take in Granada:
After 2 fantastic days in Granada, we were headed to our hotel in Cordoba.
Southern Spain Itinerary – Day 3 – Cordoba
I have to say that the must-visit Cordoba was one of my top favorite places on this Andalusia travel itinerary.
It’s another city with both Moorish and Christian history, but the highlight for me was exploring its Jewish history. Cordoba was home to a large, thriving Jewish community, and it was incredible to see its preserved heritage.
Where to Stay in Cordoba
My hotel is not available to book at the moment, so check out these highly-rated places instead:
Cordoba Carpe Diem: Offering a central location, private parking, and rooms for up to four people, this hotel gets a score of 9+ in every category, from cleanliness to value for money. Browse its latest prices here.
Apartamentos Casa del Aceite: Housed in an 18th-century building and centrally located in the old town, this hotel offers modern apartments for up to 4 people (some overlook a beautiful patio), nearby parking, and access to a shared roof terrace. See its latest prices here.
Alternatively, browse all the accommodation options in Cordoba here.
What to Do in Cordoba
Since we only had one day, we decided to pass on visiting three main sights – Alcazar of Cordoba, Viana Palace, and Medina Azahara – and focus more on Cordoba’s Jewish landmarks.
To explore this city with a guide, take a free walking tour.
1. Almodovar Gate
This is the only city gate (out of nine) from Moorish times that has survived.
It has gone through several changes and restorations over the years, and today it’s an access point to Cordoba’s gorgeous old Jewish Quarter.
2. Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba)
Showcasing spectacular Islamic architecture, the Mezquita is such a unique building to see.
The iconic red and white striped arches spread all over its interior are what make it such a memorable sight and a Spanish landmark you don’t want to miss.
It’s also impossible to overlook the mosque’s beautiful courtyard, Patio de los Naranjos.
Address: Cardenal Herrero, 1.
Get your ticket in advance to reserve your spot or book a tour to visit the Mezquita with a guide!
3. Mercado Victoria
Although it isn’t big, this gourmet food market is a really nice spot to grab a bite in Cordoba. It includes about 20 different food stalls and more than 5 terraces.
Address: Paseo de la Victoria, 3.
4. Jewish Quarter
Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter is charmingly irresistible – Andalucian white houses flavored with pops of color, cobble-stone streets, colorful flower pots, and an authentic atmosphere.
Take some time and just stroll around the quarter. While sightseeing is nice, the real magic happens when you lose yourself in a maze of beautiful streets and alleyways.
To explore the quarter with a guide, you can take a combined Jewish quarter and Mezquita tour.
5. Calleja de Las Flores
Calleja de las Flores or ‘Alley of the Flowers’ is a picturesque little street in the Jewish Quarter.
Flowers embellish the narrow alley that leads to a small patio, and the patio’s walls and balconies are also decorated with flowers, which makes the whole scenery extra colorful and lively.
Bonus tip: The small patio at the end of Calleja de las Flores is just a taste of what Cordoba’s patios can look like. In May, the festival ‘Patios de Cordoba‘ (which is still on my bucket list) takes place. During the festival, the city’s patios come to life, forming giant carpets of flowers and exploding colors all over the city center.
6. Cordoba Synagogue
The 14th-century Synagogue of Cordoba is one of the best-preserved synagogues in Spain and the only one in Cordoba that has survived complete destruction.
Sadly, during my visit to Cordoba, it was under restoration, so this one is still on my bucket list.
Fun fact: Oddly enough, some of the building’s decorations were influenced by the Mudéjar architectural style which is a cultural mix of Muslim and Christian architecture.
Address: Judios, 20.
Check out this combined tour of the Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, and Synagogue!
7. Casa de Sefarad
In reference to the Jewish diaspora, Sephardic Jews are a Jewish population that lived in the Iberian Peninsula, as opposed to Ashkenazi Jews that lived in eastern and central Europe (I’m half Sephardic and half Ashkenazi).
‘Casa de Sefarad’ is a great place to learn about Sephardic culture and history (yes, even if you’re Jewish like me).
It’s a beautifully designed museum and cultural center located in an old Jewish house in the heart of Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter.
At ‘Casa de Sefarad’ you can explore the different aspects of Sephardic heritage like domestic life, holidays, and music.
Address: On the corner of Judios Street and Averroes Street.
8. Rub Maimonides Foot at Plaza de Tiberiades
If you visit ‘Casa de Sefarad,’ you’ll see an exhibition room dedicated to Maimonides.
Maimonides or Moses ben Maimon was a Cordoban philosopher, physician, and rabbi in the Middle Ages. He is also one of the most important and influential people in the history of Judaism.
Head over to Plaza de Tiberiades or Square of Tiberias, and you’ll find a bronze statue of his.
If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Cordoba, try this quirky tradition of rubbing his foot; a story says that if you rub Maimonides’ foot, some of his wisdom will rub off on you.
Address: Judios street next to Cordoba Synagogue.
9. Highly-Rated Tours in Cordoba
Here are a few other highly-rated tours you can take in Cordoba:
If you want to change this itinerary a bit, you can also spend 2 days in Cordoba.
We continued our journey and got to our hotel in Seville for 2 nights (you can spend one day in Seville, but I highly suggest dedicating at least two).
Southern Spain Itinerary – Days 4 and 5 – Seville
Have you ever fallen in love with a place even before visiting it? That’s what happened to me with Seville, one of the best cities in Andalucia.
Combining the traditional and the modern so well together, it’s a must-see city that you can also visit as a European weekend getaway.
Where to Stay in Seville
The hotel where we stayed is no longer working. Here are a few highly-rated options to consider instead:
Adriano Boutique: Housed in an 18th-century building, this boutique hotel offers beautiful double rooms, private parking, and a central location near Seville’s cathedral. Read reviews and browse the latest prices.
Hotel Fernando III: This modern 4-star hotel offers double and triple rooms as well as suite-style apartments for 4-6 people, private parking, a highly rated optional breakfast, a great location in Seville’s old town, and much more. Check the latest prices and availability here.
You can also browse other accommodation options in Seville here.
What to Do in Seville
There’s A LOT to see and experience in Seville, so unfortunately I had to skip out on visiting some landmarks.
These include the Roman ruins of Italica, the 15th-century Palacio de las Dueñas and Casa de Pilatos (two famous palaces in the city), and the Seville Museum of Fine Arts.
To explore this city with a guide, take one (or more) of these free walking tours of Seville.
1. Seville Cathedral and the Giralda
I was in awe when I first saw Seville’s 15th-century cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its size and intricate architectural details are so incredibly impressive that you need a moment to take it all in.
You can also visit the Giralda, the cathedral’s bell tower, and enjoy the views over the city. Fun fact about the Giralda – when it was first built in the Middle Ages, it was the tallest tower in the world!
Address: Avenida de la Constitución.
To skip the lines, get your ticket here or book a guided tour.
2. Real Alcázar de Sevilla
Can you believe that the Alcazar of Seville is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe? I know I wouldn’t mind living in such a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site (that was also a Game of Thrones filming location!).
The jaw-dropping Spanish landmark consists of buildings from different eras, so you can see a mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. Along with the gardens, this complex is HUGE, so take enough time to explore it.
Pro tip: You can also book a combo guided tour to visit the Alcazar, Cathedral, and Giralda with a guide.
Address: Patio de Banderas.
Since the alcazar has become a major attraction, be sure to get your ticket in advance or book a guided tour.
For more information, read this guide to visiting Seville’s Alcazar!
3. Barrio de Triana
Crossing the GuadalquivRiverver, you’ll get to the former gypsy neighborhood.
This neighborhood is not about sightseeing but more about a local vibe, beautiful streets, ceramic shops, tapas bars, and flamenco theatres. You can also take a free walking tour of Triana.
4. Plaza de España
I can promise you that this is one of the most stunning European city squares you’ll ever see in your life. The genius architect who designed it in 1928 mixed several architectural styles to create this mesmerizing complex.
It includes towers, bridges, a fountain, and even a canal (where you can rent a boat and row!). One of my favorite elements about it is the tiled walls that represent Spain’s 48 provinces.
Seriously, this square is so beautiful I almost cried.
5. Maria Luisa Park
Plaza de España is actually located in this park, and you should definitely explore more of it.
Apart from trees and flowers, it’s filled with ponds, fountains, decorated benches, and unique buildings, which means that it’s not just another public park.
6. Barrio Santa Cruz
I was excited to know that in the Middle Ages, this neighborhood was Seville’s Jewish quarter and home to a thriving Jewish community.
Currently, it’s a colorful maze of narrow streets and alleys you have to stroll through. It’s also where both the Cathedral and Alcazar are located, and it’s a great place to grab a bite.
To learn more about it, you can also explore it with a guide.
7. Cruise on the Guadalquivir River
While I don’t think this one is a must, taking a cruise on the river was a nice evening activity. There was something charming about seeing the city illuminated after the sun had set.
We bought the tickets at our hotel which gave us a small discount, but you can also book them in advance online.
8. Flamenco Show – El Palacio Andaluz
Flamenco (AKA one of the most beautiful traditional Spanish dances) is one of my favorite things about Spanish culture.
The sound of Spanish guitar and rough singing voice, gorgeous outfits, and dance moves filled with emotions soften my heart every time. And since Flamenco was born in Andalucia, watching a live show in Seville is a must-have experience.
El Palacio Andaluz couldn’t have been a more incredible show, and I will forever remember it. You should know that the prices of flamenco shows in Andalucia usually start at 35-40 euros.
Also, notice that the basic ticket includes the show and a drink, and if you also want to have tapas or dinner, the prices are a lot higher.
We purchased the tickets at our hotel, but you can buy them in advance here or check out other flamenco shows in Seville.
Address: María Auxiliadora, 18A.
9. Metropol Parasol
This multi-functional building is a unique architectural gem that you must visit in Seville. It’s also called ‘Las Setas’ (‘The Mushrooms’) because it looks like it consists of six giant wooden mushrooms.
Inside the building, you’ll find an archaeological museum and a market, but the highlight for me was getting up to the roof terrace and enjoying incredible views of the city.
Address: Plaza de la Encarnación.
Cost: 3 euros to get to the roof terrace.
10. Highly-Rated Tours in Seville
Here are a few other highly-rated tours you can take in Seville:
- Free tour of Seville
- Free tour of the neighborhood of Triana
- Free river banks tour
- Triana market tour with tastings
- Tapas crawl
- Night tour
We continued our journey towards our hotel in Cadiz.
Southern Spain Itinerary – Day 6 – Cadiz and Zahara de la Sierra
When I was planning my Andalucia trip itinerary, it came down to choosing between taking a day trip to Gibraltar or visiting Cadiz.
Honestly, I’m so happy I haven’t missed Cadiz. It is the oldest city in Europe and one of the most charming and full-of-life places I’ve ever visited.
Where to Stay in Cadiz
We stayed at Las Cortes de Cadiz. Although the parking lot near it was a bit challenging to find, I loved the hotel’s location, elegant decor, and staff. Check its latest prices and availability here.
Another highly-rated place to stay in Cadiz is the apartment hotel Casa Palacio Cádiz, but you can browse other accommodation options in Cadiz here.
Things to Do in Cadiz
To wander around Cadiz with a guide, take this free walking tour.
1. Go to the Beach
Unlike other coastal cities and towns in Andalucia, Cadiz sits on the Atlantic Ocean and not on the Mediterranean.
It offers a few beaches for you to enjoy, and the most popular ones are La Caleta and La Victoria. I was more interested in exploring the city itself, so I only took a walk along the coastline.
2. Wander the Streets of El Populo Quarter and Admire the Cathedral
It’s not just another labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. It’s the oldest neighborhood in Europe!
Visit streets and squares like Plaza San Juan de Dios, Plaza de la Catedral, and Calle Meson, but be sure to take your time and explore the entire quarter.
In Plaza de la Catedral, you can also find Cadiz’s cathedral which took 116 years to build. To learn more about Cadiz, book this medieval tour or this free tour.
3. Mercado Central
Wherever I travel, I always love visiting local markets, so Cadiz’s Central Market had to be on my itinerary.
With a buzzing atmosphere and more than 150 stalls selling fresh produce, to me, it was one of the highlights of Cadiz.
Address: Plaza de la Libertad.
4. Torre Tavira
For 360° views of Cadiz, head to Torre Tavira, a former watchtower and the highest point in the old city.
One of the biggest attractions it houses is the Camera Obscura which is an optical effect that allows you to see Cadiz and its development in the 21st century.
Currently, you need to reserve your spot in advance. You can also take a guided tour of the tower and the cathedral.
Address: Marqués del Real Tesoro, 10.
5. Castillo de Santa Catalina
What would the oldest city in Europe be without an old fortress?
The star-shaped Castillo de Santa Catalina was built in the 17th century, and today it’s used for cultural events. It’s also free to visit except for when it hosts an event.
Continue your road trip and get to Zahara de la Sierra.
Zahara de la Sierra
No road trip in Andalucia would be complete without visiting some white-washed villages, one of the region’s most dominant symbols.
You can see some of them while you’re on the road, but you have to give a proper visit to at least one or two.
Zahara de la Sierra is a white-washed village with an extremely picturesque setting. Surrounded by a turquoise lake, it sits on top of a rocky hill where you can also see the remains of a Moorish castle.
Honestly, it doesn’t get more magical than that.
Although the village itself is not big, it has a few main sights like Plaza Mayor, the castle and its lookout tower, and a few churches.
We continued our journey towards our hotel in Ronda.
Looking for more European road trip routes? Check out:
- Best road trips in Spain
- A one-week northern Italy road trip
- Northwest Italy road trip itinerary
- Best Italian road trips
- Road trips from Milan
- The best road trip from Lisbon to Porto
- Northern Portugal road trip itinerary
- Best road trips in Portugal
- Must-have stops on a road trip through northern Spain
Southern Spain Itinerary – Day 7 – Ronda and Marbella
Where to Stay in Ronda
We stayed at Hotel Berlanga, a humble and cozy hotel that made us feel at home and that I absolutely loved. It also has a nice restaurant and offers private parking (at a relatively reasonable price).
Browse prices and availability here or check out another highly rated hotel with private parking and a great location – Hotel Colon. Alternatively, browse other accommodations in Ronda.
Things to Do in Ronda
With picture-perfect and unique views, Ronda has won my heart. As in most Andalucian villages, towns, and cities, you can spend hours just wandering through its old town streets.
However, it’s home to a few sights that will make your jaw drop, so you have to include it on your Andalucia travel itinerary. Learn more about Ronda with this free tour.
1. Puerta de Almocabar
Dating back to the 13th century (to the Moorish era) and restructured in the 16th century, this medieval gate was one of the main defensive entrances to the walled city of Ronda, consisting of three gates joined by two semicircular towers.
2. Cuenca Gardens
Terraces of gardens with spectacular views of Ronda and El Tajo gorge? Yes, please! Cuenca is actually Ronda’s twin city, and the gardens are dedicated to it.
Address: Escolleras, 1.
3. Puente Nuevo
This bridge was built in the 18th century to join the two parts of Ronda separated by the El Tajo gorge.
Crossing the bridge, the views of the gorge and the white houses sitting on the edge of the cliff will take your breath away.
If you feel like doing something a bit more active, you can also walk down into the El Tajo gorge itself.
We continued our journey and got to Marbella for the last half-day of our Andalusia road trip.
Where to Stay in Marbella
We stayed at the modern Marbella Inn Hotel. It doesn’t have a private parking lot, but we didn’t struggle to find a place to park the car right next to it. It’s very well-located, clean, and comfortable.
Check the hotel’s latest prices and availability here or find another place to stay in Marbella.
Things to Do in Marbella
I added Marbella to my one-week Andalucia itinerary because I was looking for a relaxing way to spend our last half day.
This city is considered a luxurious summer holiday destination, but it has a lot more to it. Take a free walking tour to explore it with a guide.
1. Old Town
You’ve probably already figured out how much I love strolling through old towns, and Marbella’s old quarter was no exception.
With gorgeous squares like Plaza de los Naranjos and charming winding streets, it has to be the city’s most beautiful part.
If you want to explore the old town with a guide, book this tour (that also includes tapas and wine tastings) or take this free tour.
2. Puerto Banus
To experience some of Marbella’s glitz and glamour side, head to Puerto Banus, a luxurious marina near the city.
Apart from strolling next to all the impressive yachts, here you’ll also find boutique shops, restaurants, and bars.
I don’t think Puerto Banus is a must-visit, but it was a nice add-on to this trip. To get there, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi.
3. Paseo Maritimo
Walking alongside Marbella’s promenade as the sun sets is an excellent way to end your trip.
You don’t need much more than sandy beaches, palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and bars to have a relaxing afternoon and evening.
If you’re lucky, you might come across some open-air bars with live music.
If you have more than one week in southern Spain or you want to spend more time in Marbella, here are a few other things you can do.
After our last night in Marbella, we were headed to Malaga to catch our flight back home. You can definitely also spend 1-3 days in Malaga itself.
Andalucia Road Trip Itinerary – Tips and Notes
Changing This Itinerary
There’s a lot more to see in this region, so here are a few places I wish I could have included in my southern Spain travel itinerary.
If you’re looking to add some active activities, there are plenty of hikes in this area, including the famous Caminito del Rey.
Accommodations
I normally recommend finding accommodation in small villages when going on a road trip like this one. Usually, it’s cheaper and easier to park your car than at a big city hotel’s parking lot.
However, most of our Andalucia road trip itinerary included cities, so we had to stay in most of them and pay for parking.
Note that city hotel parking in southern Spain can cost up to 20 euros per day and can be small and tricky to access.
You can also try to find accommodations on the outskirts of these cities (where hotel parking might be cheaper) and use public transportation to get to the city centers.
Also, know that not every hotel has an elevator, so be sure to check that in advance.
When to Visit
This region is definitely one of the best fall destinations in Europe.
Our south of Spain road trip took place in September when the temperatures were a lot milder than in plain summer and it wasn’t too overcrowded with tourists.
For those reasons, spring would also be a good time to spend a week in Andalucia. With relatively warm temperatures even in winter, some people consider this region a great European winter destination.
How to Get to Andalucia
We landed in Malaga, picked up our car at the airport, and started our journey towards the first stop, Granada, right away.
We chose to book a flight to Malaga because it was faster and more economical than a flight to Granada.
In addition, it might be easier to find a non-stop flight to Malaga, depending on the city you are flying from.
Getting to both cities by train from Madrid is also possible and might be more convenient. You can compare flight and train rates in one place on Omio (former GoEuro).
Read more about Madrid:
- Where to stay in Madrid
- Famous landmarks in Madrid
- Fun facts about Madrid
- Madrid travel tips
- 2 days in Madrid
- 4 days in Madrid
- Free museums in Madrid
- Alternative things to do in Madrid
- Breakfast and brunch spots in Madrid
- Madrid packing list
Car Rental
Every great Andalusian road trip begins with a proper car. We found a good car rental deal on Europcar (I started by comparing prices on Rentalcars, and going for manual gear definitely helped save some more money).
Luckily, everything from picking up the car to returning it went smoothly.
Even if you’re not visiting during the high season (summer), be sure to make your reservation a few months in advance. Compare Europcar and other companies’ rates on Rentalcars.com to find the best deal.
In terms of driving, getting inside the city centers of the region’s cities is not the most convenient (as it is in other regions and countries), but other than that, it’s fairly easy to drive around Andalusia.
Important tip: City hotel parking lots are not very spacious, so I wouldn’t recommend renting a big car.
Other Tips and Notes
– This Andalusia itinerary includes 7 full days and 7 nights.
– Don’t pay for a hotel breakfast in advance. It can be pretty pricey and not worth it, so be sure to read reviews or check it out when you arrive at your hotel. Instead, you can get coffee, juice, and a croissant or a toast with tomato and olive oil (a Spanish classic) for 2-3 euros at a cafe.
– Have spare change for toll roads and don’t forget to pack these road trip essentials.
– Here are the best road trip apps that will help you plan the perfect trip.
– For more things to know before planning your trip, check out my 55 Spain travel tips.
Did you like this itinerary for one week in Andalucia? Read more:
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- Spain themed gifts
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Such a beautiful country! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!
Saved your post for the future 🙂
Thank you for the sweet words! I’m always happy to be writing something helpful 🙂