Andalucía is my favourite region of Spain which is why I’ve put together this Andalucía road trip itinerary. Andalucía is the perfect region for a road trip as it is full with many amazing places to visit. Enjoy beaches, mountains, architecture, sunshine and delicious food. In addition, the distances between each stop is never more than 2 hours drive.
The road trip can be started anywhere along the route, however, I suggest flying to either Seville or Malaga, as these destinations normally have the best flight deals (from the UK). Alternatively, Malaga could be a good start/finish destination if you want to end the trip at the beach. I always check out skyscanner.net for the best flight deals
I’m often guilty of trying to fit too much into a road trip, and this results in rushing from place to place. Therefore I would suggest two weeks is a perfect time to complete this itinerary. This allows long enough to enjoy each place without always having one eye on the clock.
I would suggest Spring or Autumn as the best time to do this road trip, as the weather will be a little cooler and pleasant. I would avoid the height of summer as the region gets very hot. The heat can make sightseeing a tough ask and is not much fun.
If you want to travel further than Andalucía, Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Spain. Head east along the coast and follow this 4-day Barcelona Itinerary to experience the very best this iconic city has to offer.
Map of Andalucía Road Trip
1. Seville
Let’s start the perfect Andalucía Road Trip in Seville, the capital city of Andalucía, and a wonderful city. Just thinking about it makes me want to return. Seville was voted Lonely Planet’s best city to visit in 2018 (in the world!), so what better place to start your road trip.
Seville is home to flamenco dancing, and its architecture is influenced by Arabian and Roman settlers, boasting the largest gothic cathedral in the world. It is also the sunniest city in Europe, and gets very hot in summer (35c+ beware), not to mention the most delicious Tapas.
Top 3 things to do in Seville
First stop in Seville should be arguably the most beautiful plaza in Europe. The plaza is located inside Maria Luisa Park. There is a huge semi-circular renaissance style building that sweeps around a canal where you can rent small boats.
Also, there are 4 ornate bridges crossing the canal, and all offer a different photo opportunity. As a result you’ll want to spend a few hours here (and in the rest of the park), taking in the amazing surrounds, and trying to get that perfect insta-worthy photo.
Bullfighting is a long-held tradition throughout Andalucía, and I highly recommend a visit to the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (to quote its full name!). You can only visit the arena as part of a guided tour, costing €8. The guide is very interesting, talking about the history of bullfighting, the legendary matadors, and its place in Spanish culture today.
The Metropol Parasol is the largest wooden structure in the world, at 28.5 metres high, and construction was completed in 2011. You can climb it to enjoy the best views of the city on top of the structure as well as walking all around it, entry is only €3. A visit is particularly pleasant as the sun sets over the city, with shimmering red skies.
2. Cadiz
The 2nd stop on the Andalucía road trip is Cadiz, known as “the city that smiles”, and for good reason. The locals are very friendly, and make you feel welcome. Cadiz has a lovely old town, and relaxed beaches.
The town is small enough to walk around and doesn’t get the same number of visitors than other coastal areas, therefore giving a more laid back and genuine Spanish experience.
Top 3 things to do in Cadiz
The Castle of San Sebastian is located on a small peninsula, accessed from the southern end of Playa La Caleta. The site originally housed a 17th century lighthouse but was eventually replaced with the castle it is today in 1908. Entry is free and well worth visiting.
Cadiz is originally an important port village, it is also blessed with some great beaches too. One of the best beaches is La Celeta. It is also the closest beach to the old town, sandwiched between Castillo de San Sebastian to the south and Castillo de Santa Catalia in the north.
Parque Genoves is a green escape right next to the centre of town. Th park borders the coast, and is my favourite place to relax, and feel the fresh sea breeze when visiting Cadiz.
3. Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a UK overseas territory on the southern tip of Spain. If you have time, it’s a worthwhile little detour on this road trip and a little different to everything else on the itinerary.
Gibraltar accommodation is limited and as a result can be expensive. So I recommend to only go for a day trip and spend the night back in Spain (Ronda). There are lots of public car parks in Spain next to the border. I parked at ‘Parking Sta. Barbara’ and paid €12.50 for the day.
Once parked, walk across the border. This option is usually much quicker than driving as there is often a lot of traffic, and parking in Gibraltar is more expensive than Spain. You will need your passport and the currency in Gibraltar in the British Pound (GBP). Exchanging cash isn’t necessary as you can use your contactless card in most places.
Top 3 things to do in Gibraltar
Ride the cable car and visit the ‘Top of the Rock’ Nature reserve to experience the famous Rock of Gibraltar. There is many things to see here so you can spend most of the day here without any problem.
The cost for the cable car and entry to the reserve is £30. There are well marked trails to walk around with many scenic lookouts and activities to keep you busy. The views here are amazing and on a clear day you can see as far as Morocco.
One of the must do’s once you are in the nature reserve is visit St Michaels Cave. The cave is full of stalagmites and stalactites and is lit in a hue of yellows, purples and greens to really make a great experience. It is also a venue for concerts and other events and at the end of the tour there is a light and music show to enjoy.
Meet the local residents of the rock – the macaque monkeys. As soon as you leave the cable car you will be welcomed by tens of monkeys. They aren’t shy and they want your food!
As a result, you really need to look after your belongings or else they will be taken. At various places on the Rock, you will encounter more families of monkeys. Be sensible, don’t feed them, and try to get some good snaps.
4. Ronda
Ronda is a mountaintop town sitting atop a deep ravine, surrounded by green river valleys as far as you can see, offering amazing views and photo opportunities. It is one of the oldest occupied towns in Europe, offering something different to anywhere else in the region.
It’s incredibly unique, filled with Moorish architecture, using materials local to the region and a must-see on the itinerary. I didn’t know too much about the town before I arrived, and now it is one of my most recommended places to visit in Spain.
Top 3 things to do in Ronda
Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) spans the 328 feet El Tajo gorge, linking the old town (La Cuidad) and new town (El Mercadillo (Market Quarter)) together. It is Ronda’s most famous landmark.
Although called New Bridge, construction was completed in the 18th century, so not quite new nowadays. The dramatic sheer cliff offers breath-taking views all around.
Stroll through the old town area, in the evening if possible, once the horde of day tourists have departed. There is a certain magic about the place as the plaza’s come to life as locals sit down for their evenings meals. There is a real buzz and there is plenty of great options to choose from.
Walking down to the El Tajo canyon offers the best view of the Puente Nuevo. Appreciate the sheer size and magnificence of this engineering feat that was accomplished hundreds of years ago.
There are multiple paths from the top of the bridge you can follow to take you down to the ravine (about 30 minutes’ walk one way). The easiest paths start from the newer part of town.
5. Marbella
Stop number 5 on the Andalucía road trip is Marbella. When you think of Marbella, you might think of the glitz and glamour of superyachts, super models, and sports stars. This is only half the story.
Marbella is much more than that, it’s a great place to live and visit for everyone. Marbella is on Spain’s Costa del Sol, enjoying 320 days of sunshine a year. It also has its own micro-climate, thanks to the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca Mountain range.
Whereas nearby Seville may be 35c+ in the summer, Marbella is a more consistent and enjoyable 30c on average.
Top 3 things to do in Marbella
Marbella has 30km of pristine blue flag beaches stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. After travelling from Ronda, you should be ready for a bit of relaxation, and Marbella is the ideal place to sit back and relax.
Enjoy wide beaches, lovely promenades (Paseo Maritimo), beach bars (Chiringuitos) and massages whilst cooling down in the Mediterranean.
Puerto Banus is a famous marina, where you may well see super yachts, super models, and the odd celebrity or two. You shouldn’t come to Marbella and not visit this part of the town. The marina is located about 10km to the west of the old town so best to cycle, drive or catch a bus.
Marbella is known internationally for its nightlife, so it must make the top 3 list. There are numerous clubs that are open to 6 or 7 in the morning. Therefore, get dressed up and head to the marina to visit one of the luxury clubs. Or if you prefer a more chilled out evening, go to the old town and enjoy one of the smaller intimate venues.
BONUS STOP: En-route to Malaga, make sure you pay a visit to Colomares Monument which is a fairy-tale like stone-built castle in the town of Benalmadena.
It was built in the 1980’s in honour of the explorer Christopher Columbus. It only costs €3.00 and is a worthy stop on the way to Malaga.
6. Malaga
Malaga is the last stop on the coast on this Andalucía road trip, therefore more time to enjoy the amazing Mediterranean Sea. It’s a cultural hub (Picasso was born here after all), with many galleries and museums worth visiting. Its port has a modern feel to it, being completely redeveloped in the last 20 years.
Top 3 things to do in Malaga
The Alcazaba of Malaga is a fortified palace built by the Arabic rulers in the 11th Century. It’s built at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill. Enjoy the Roman Theatre, and the beautiful courtyards, gardens, and fountains. Entry is only €3.50, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
The Gibralfaro Castle dates to the 10th century and sits on top of Gibralfaro hill, with great views overlooking the city. It’s a steep climb to the summit, but well worth it, with opportunities to stop on the way up and enjoy the views at different heights.
The Waterfront Promenade, in typical Spanish style is clean and tidy, with marble-like tiled floors glistening in the sunshine and palm trees offering protection from the sun. Malagueta Beach is the nearest to the city centre and offers soft white sand, water sports and plenty of dining options on the waterfront.
7. Granada
The Andalucía road trip now moves inland to Granada, which is one of my favourite places to visit in Spain. Set on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it has been influenced by Moorish, Arabic and Christians in the past which has resulted in a wonderfully diverse city.
Top 3 things to do in Granada
The mighty Alhambra must be number one on the list. The Alhambra is a Moorish palace built in the 13th century. It’s a large complex, so set aside half a day to visit.
Daily admission is limited, so I strongly advise to book in advance online here to avoid disappointment. It’s truly stunning to walk around this ancient palace and will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Spend time going walkabout around the medieval neighbourhood of Albaicin, a UNESCO world Heritage site. This district of Granada retains its narrow winding stone path streets. Head for the Mirador de San Nicholas for great views of the Alhambra, particularly amazing at sunset.
Walk along Carrera del Darro which runs north of the Alhambra complex. The street follows the Darro River and is one of the oldest streets in Granada. As you walk the cobbled streets enjoy some of the most impressive bridges and buildings in the city. Make sure you walk as far as Paseo de Los Tristes to enjoy the full length of the street.
8. Cordoba
Cordoba is another Moorish-Christian inspired town that is perfect to just stroll around. It boasts the largest old town in Spain and the old Jewish quarter is fascinating to walk around and enjoy the display of wall flowers and potted plants everywhere.
The town has plenty of cute cafés to sit down and enjoy your surroundings.
Top 3 things to do in Cordoba
Visit the most famous site in Cordoba, the beautiful Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral. The building is beautiful on the outside and especially on the inside. There are many pillars inside that are painted gold and red and is a must see when in Cordoba.
Cordoba is filled with many courtyards dotted around the town. Visit as many as you can to compare the various potted and hanging plants and flowers. The colours are beautiful against the white-washed buildings. A couple I visited on my trip that I recommend are called Patio de la Capilla and Patio del Pozo.
Visit the Roman Bridge of Cordoba near sunset and enjoy the views of the skyline south of the river. The bridge was originally built in the 1st century and restored in the 8th century. Access is for pedestrians and bicycles only making this more enjoyable and relaxing.
For even more suggestions and inspiration of things to do in Cordoba, Spain check out this article from Wander Era – Things to do in Cordoba
Andalucía Road Trip is Completed
Congratulations, this is the last leg of the journey and you are back in Seville. I would recommend spending 2 nights in each destination and adjust if need be based on your exact time frame and your holiday preferences.
I hope you enjoy this Andalucía road trip itinerary, please let me know what you think in the comments below.
Check out my other article about travel in Spain in Alicante. Alicante is in the Valencia region of Spain and is great for a weekend get away or longer.
