Southern Spain Travel Itinerary
I have been living in Spain since 2011, and although I love the entire country, I must confess: it’s the south that I prefer!
With its pleasant climate all year round, its exceptional heritage, wonderful architecture, the warmth of its people, and its delicious culinary specialties, this is the region that has won me over.
I can only recommend it to you, and if you’re tempted to discover it during your next vacation, here are all my tips for a successful southern Spain travel itinerary!
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Organize your Southern Spain Travel Itinerary
- Unmissable experiences
- Why visit Andalusia?
- When to visit Andalusia?
- How to get around Andalusia?
- Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 7 days
- Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 10 days
- Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 14 days
- Where to stay in Andalusia?
- What to eat in Andalusia?
- Websites to help organize your itinerary
Unmissable experiences
Honestly, southern Spain is amazing, and the list of places to discover is endless, but here are the experiences you absolutely can’t miss.
1. Explore the Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra is, for me, the symbol of Andalusia and a must-see without any hesitation. This masterpiece of Moorish architecture is a series of magnificent palaces and lush gardens, with the added bonus of breathtaking views of the city. Be sure to book your tickets in advance!
2. Get lost in the Alcázar of Seville
The Alcázar is my favorite monument, and yet, many tourists often overlook this enchanting palace. A blend of Moorish and Christian influences, it’s a magical place to explore, with stunning courtyards and lush gardens. You can purchase your guided tour here!
3. Attend a flamenco show
When it comes to culture, flamenco is synonymous with Andalusia! So, take advantage of your trip to the birthplace of flamenco to attend a show that will leave you speechless! For an authentic experience, opt for a small traditional tablao. You can also book a show in advance to make sure you don’t miss this magical moment.
4. Admire the Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba fascinated me so much that I couldn’t bring myself to leave. Immerse yourself in this blend of Islamic and Catholic architecture, famous for its striking red and white columns. Visit the monument without waiting in line!
5. Discover the White Villages
Andalusia is also famous for its stunning White Villages. Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, Zahara de la Sierra… These “pueblos blancos” immerse you in the most authentic Andalusia. The best way to explore them is by taking a road trip through the region. Rent your car now!
6. Cross the Caminito del Rey
For the more adventurous, the Caminito del Rey is a must. This spectacular hike along a walkway suspended on the edge of a cliff offers breathtaking views of the El Chorro Gorge.
7. Enjoy the beaches
Land of culture and heritage, Andalusia is also known as a perfect destination for relaxing in the sun. From Tarifa, a kitesurfing paradise, to the secluded coves of Nerja, the selection of stunning beaches is endless.
8. Savor tapas
The south of Spain is also renowned for its delicious gastronomy, so step into its most authentic bars to discover its dishes. I recommend trying: salmorejo, gambas al ajillo, berenjenas con miel, and of course, jamón ibérico!
Why visit Andalusia?
If Andalusia is one of the most beloved regions in Europe, it is due to the diversity of peoples who have walked its lands.
Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors have left a visible legacy in its dishes, architecture, and ruins.
It was then the Catholic Monarchs who made it the center of Spanish trade with the New World, and unfortunately, they forced the conversion of Muslim and Jewish populations to Christianity or expelled them.
The history of Andalusia has made it incredible, making it an unmissable destination for all lovers of history, heritage, and gastronomy.
When to visit Andalusia?
Honestly, the whole year seems like a good idea to visit Andalusia, but it really depends on your preferences.
If you like pleasant temperatures, spring and autumn are perfect with temperatures ranging from 20-25ºC.
However, during Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, there’s a rise in visitors and, of course, prices, especially accommodation costs.
If heat doesn’t scare you—really, because we’re talking 40ºC…—summer is also an option. Despite the high temperatures, it’s the peak season due to European school holidays, and you’ll mostly struggle to find space to lay your towel on the beach.
Finally, winter is cold but bearable, and the crowds are thinner, which is also a good option. However, I find that Andalusia’s colors are much more charming the rest of the year.
How to get around Andalusia?
I’m a big fan of backpacking on a budget, so I usually take buses when I travel. However, to be honest, if you want to explore Andalucía in depth, I highly recommend renting a car.
By Car
Having a car allows you to travel at your own pace, deciding freely how much time to spend in each place.
Plus, if you want to visit small villages, driving is much easier than relying on buses.
Not to mention the freedom of not depending on bus schedules from different companies.
Road Conditions
Andalucía has well-maintained roads. Most routes are on highways, but even the smaller roads are in great condition and well-signposted.
Distances Between Cities
Even though Andalucía is one of Spain’s largest regions, the distances between major destinations are quite reasonable.
Here are some approximate driving times, though they may vary depending on weather, traffic, and schedules:
🚗 Ronda → Seville: 1h 45m
🚗 Seville → Córdoba: 1h 35m
🚗 Córdoba → Granada: 2h 10m
By public transport
However, if for budget reasons or simply because you don’t want to drive, many cities and villages are accessible by bus or even by train.
There are different companies offering fairly affordable routes.
3 Southern Spain Travel itinerary
Depending on the time you have, here are some itinerary ideas.
Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 7 days
In 7 days, you can discover the essentials of the region.
🔹 Day 1-2: Seville – Start your trip in what is often considered the most beautiful city in Spain! In two days, you can visit its main landmarks: the Alcázar, the Cathedral, the Giralda, and the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a flamenco show.
🔹 Day 3: Córdoba – The city can easily be explored in a day if you start early. Don’t miss the Mezquita, the Jewish Quarter, and the Roman Bridge. Once your visit is over, it’s time to move on to your next destination.
🔹 Day 4-5: Granada – The jewel of Granada is, of course, the Alhambra. To fully explore this breathtaking site, dedicate at least half a day to it. In the evening, take a stroll through the city center. The next day, don’t skip the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods before heading to Málaga.
🔹 Day 6-7: Málaga & Ronda – Málaga’s historic center can be visited in just half a day, leaving you plenty of time to relax on the beach in the afternoon. The following day, set off for Ronda and its famous cliffs.
Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 10 days
In 10 days, you can experience the best of Andalusia while also enjoying its stunning beaches and charming white villages.
🔹 Day 1-2: Seville – Spend two days exploring the city’s top attractions at your own pace, including the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the Santa Cruz neighborhood. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to attend a flamenco show.
🔹 Day 3: Córdoba – Start your day early to see Córdoba’s highlights, such as the Mezquita, the Jewish Quarter, and the Roman Bridge, before heading to Granada.
🔹 Day 4-5: Granada – You’ll need several hours to fully explore the breathtaking Alhambra. The next day, wander through the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts and enjoy a traditional flamenco show inside the caves.
🔹 Day 6: Ronda & the White Villages – Hit the road early to visit Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Zahara de la Sierra before continuing to Málaga for the night.
🔹 Day 7-8: Málaga & Nerja – Stroll through Málaga’s historic center in the morning before relaxing on the beach. The next day, visit Nerja and its famous caves before driving to Cádiz.
🔹 Day 9-10: Cádiz & the Costa de la Luz – Spend a day exploring the beautiful city of Cádiz before ending your trip on the stunning beaches of the Costa de la Luz.
Southern Spain Travel Itinerary: 14 days
14 days is the perfect amount of time to fully explore Andalusia, including some off-the-beaten-path destinations.
🔹 Day 1-2: Seville – Take your time exploring all the must-see sights of the city and immerse yourself in the Andalusian atmosphere with a flamenco show.
🔹 Day 3: Córdoba – Start your day with a visit to the Mezquita, then stroll through the charming old town before heading to Jaén.
🔹 Day 4: Jaén & Úbeda/Baeza – Dedicate the day to discovering these UNESCO-listed Renaissance towns and their fascinating heritage.
🔹 Day 5-6: Granada – Spend several hours exploring the magnificent Alhambra, then visit the city’s historic districts. The next day, take a day trip to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
🔹 Day 7-8: Ronda & the White Villages – Drive to Ronda in the morning, then continue to Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema before spending the night in Málaga.
🔹 Day 9: Málaga – Visit the historic center in the morning, then relax on the beach in the afternoon before heading to Nerja.
🔹 Day 10: Nerja & Frigiliana – Spend the morning enjoying Nerja’s beaches before visiting its famous caves. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque white village of Frigiliana before driving to Cádiz.
🔹 Day 11-12: Costa de la Luz (Cádiz & Tarifa) – Spend the first day exploring Cádiz before heading to the unspoiled beaches and lively atmosphere of the coast.
🔹 Day 13-14: Doñana National Park – End your trip with an immersion in nature at one of Europe’s largest and most diverse national parks.
Where to stay in Andalusia?
Andalusia is a highly popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Here’s a selection of recommended stays in the main cities.
- Seville: La Flamenka Hostel ($$)
- Cordoba: Hostal la Fuente ($$)
- Jaen: Parador de Jaén ($$$)
- Grenade: Hotel Casa Morisca ($$$)
- Ronda: Boabdil Guesthouse ($$)
- Malaga: Terraza del Limonar ($)
- Nerja: Carmen Rooms ($$$)
- Cadix: Pensión Las Cuatro Naciones ($$)
- Tarifa: Ohana Tarifa Hostel ($)
- Doñana: Hostal Rural La Fonda Del Rocio ($$)
What to eat in Andalusia?
Now that you have an idea of an itinerary for your next trip to Andalusia, it’s time to talk about an essential theme in the region: gastronomy!
What are the must-try typical dishes? Here’s my selection of Andalusian specialties you absolutely have to taste:
Andalusia is a paradise for food lovers! Here are 10 must-try specialties:
- Gazpacho – A cold soup made from tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and olive oil, perfect for cooling off.
- Salmorejo – A thicker version of gazpacho, served with hard-boiled eggs and Iberian ham.
- Rabo de toro – A bull tail stew simmered with red wine and spices.
- Pescaíto frito – An assortment of crispy fried fish, typical of the Andalusian coast.
- Espetos de sardinas – Sardines grilled on a skewer over an open flame, a Malaga specialty.
- Tortillitas de camarones – Crispy shrimp fritters, typical of Cadiz.
- Flamenquín – A breaded roll of ham and cheese, originating from Cordoba.
- Mojama de atún – Dried tuna fillet, often served with olive oil and almonds.
- Piononos – Small caramelized cakes from Granada, with a delicate cream and cinnamon flavor.
- Vino de Jerez – Sherry wine, a fortified wine with flavors ranging from dry to very sweet.
Here is my Southern Spain Travel Itinerary! I hope you will love this region as much as I do, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
To help other tourists plan their southern Spain travel itinerary, share this Andalusia itinerary on Pinterest.
