Ready for an unforgettable adventure through Southern Spain? The province of Andalusia, is a treasure trove of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. I’ve put together an example seven-day itinerary of Southern Spain, starting and ending in Seville. We suggest having three separate “home bases” – spending three days in Seville, two days in Granada, and two days in Málaga, with plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences and day trips to charming villages. Let’s dive into this adventure together!
Days 1-3: Seville – Your Southern Spain Itinerary Starting Point
Day 1: Arrival in Seville
Welcome to Seville, the heart and soul of Andalusia! This city is brimming with energy and charm, and there’s no better place to start your journey. Here are some ideas of things to see in the historical city center.
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower: This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and climbing the Giralda Tower offers breathtaking views of the city. It’s an excellent introduction to Seville’s rich history.
- Real Alcázar: A stunning palace with lush gardens that will transport you to another era. The mix of Moorish and Christian architecture is simply mesmerizing.
- Plaza de España: Wander around this grand plaza with its beautiful tiled alcoves representing different Spanish provinces. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride in the canal. And for Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia buffs, you will definitely recognize it from scenes in both of those films.
Off the Beaten Path: Wander through the charming Barrio Santa Cruz with its narrow streets and hidden plazas. For a local experience, visit the Mercado de Triana, a bustling market where you can taste fresh produce and local delicacies.
Dining: Head to El Rinconcillo, one of the oldest tapas bars in Seville, for authentic Andalusian flavors. Try the espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and jamón ibérico.
Getting Around: Seville’s city center is best explored on foot as it’s not very large and there are so many things to see on the streets. However, for longer distances, taxis are plentiful and well priced or catch a public bus or tram.
Day 2: Day Trip to Córdoba
Hop on a morning train to Córdoba – it’s a smooth ride of about 45 minutes. Córdoba is home to the magnificent Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that’s truly a sight to behold. Visit it with skip the line entrance tickets or a guided tour.
Some other key sights you won’t want to miss in Córdoba are:
- Roman Bridge and Jewish Quarter: Stroll across the Roman Bridge and explore the quaint Jewish Quarter with its picturesque streets and flower-filled patios.
- Palacio de Viana: Check out this beautiful palace with twelve stunning courtyards. It’s a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist spots.
Dining: For lunch, stop by Taberna Salinas, a traditional tavern offering hearty Andalusian dishes. The salmorejo (a thicker version of gazpacho) is a must-try.
Return to Seville in the evening for a relaxed dinner and perhaps a stroll along the Guadalquivir River.
Day 3: Day Trip to Cádiz
Spend the entire day exploring Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. This charming coastal city is just a 1.5-hour train ride from Seville and offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions.
- Historic Center: Start your day by wandering through the narrow streets of the old town. Visit the Cádiz Cathedral, a stunning baroque and neoclassical structure with a bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- Tavira Tower: Climb to the top for breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the city. The camera obscura at the top provides a fascinating live projection of Cádiz.
- La Caleta Beach: Spend some time relaxing at this beautiful urban beach, surrounded by historic fortresses. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim.
- Roman Theatre: Discover this ancient site, which is one of the largest Roman theaters in Spain. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Roman past.
Off the Beaten Path: Explore the Parque Genovés, a lovely botanical garden with a wide variety of plants and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Dining: For lunch, head to El Faro, a renowned restaurant offering delicious seafood dishes and traditional Andalusian cuisine. The tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) are a must-try. For a more casual option, visit Taberna La Manzanilla for tasty tapas and sherry.
Return to Seville in the evening for your final night in the city. Enjoy a flamenco show and tapas tour for an authentic cultural experience.
Days 4-5: Granada – History and Romance
Day 4: Travel to Granada and Explore
For your next base during your Southern Spain vacation, head to Granada, which is about a 2.5-hour train journey from Seville. The Alhambra is the star attraction here, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.
- Alhambra: Spend the afternoon exploring this stunning palace and its gardens. The intricate architecture and beautiful Generalife gardens are simply unforgettable.
- Albaicín: Venture into this historic neighborhood, a maze of narrow streets with white-washed houses and spectacular views of the Alhambra. Visit the Mirador de San Nicolás for an unforgettable sunset view.
- Dining: Dine at La Cuchara de Carmela, where you can enjoy traditional tapas and a lively atmosphere. Their platters are perfect for sharing.
- Getting Around: Granada’s public buses are convenient, especially for getting to the Alhambra. The city is also very walkable and there are also plenty of taxis that won’t break the bank.
Day 5: Day Trip to Las Alpujarras
Take a day trip to the Las Alpujarras region, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Granada, and it’s worth renting a car for the flexibility.
- Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira: These three picturesque villages are known for their unique architecture, artisan crafts, and stunning mountain views. Take your time exploring the narrow streets and enjoying the tranquility.
- Local Hikes: If you’re up for it, there are several scenic hikes in the area. The Ruta de los Secaderos (Dryer Route) offers beautiful views of the Poqueira Gorge.
Dining: Have lunch at Ruta del Mulhacen, where you can enjoy hearty cuisine on a beautiful outdoor terrace with views of the Sierra Nevada. Their plato alpujarreño (Alpujarra plate) with meats, potatoes, and local vegetables is delicious.
Return to Granada in the evening, perhaps stopping by a tetería (tea house) in the Albaicín for a relaxing end to your day.
Days 6-7: Málaga – Coastal Charm
Day 6: Travel to Málaga and Explore
From Granada, make your way to your final base of Málaga, either by bus or train, which takes about 1.5-2 hours. Málaga is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to offer.
- Alcazaba and Roman Theatre: Start with these historical sites. The Alcazaba is a well-preserved Moorish fortress, and the Roman Theatre below adds a fascinating layer of history.
- Picasso Museum: Málaga is the birthplace of Picasso, and this museum houses an extensive collection of his works.
- Soho Neighborhood: Check out this artsy district with cool street art, galleries, and trendy cafes.
Dining: Enjoy dinner at El Taller de Larios 10, with its stunning views of the old town below and a rooftop terrace where we recommend enjoying a cocktail either before or after your meal.
Getting Around: Málaga’s public transport includes buses and a metro line, but the city center is easily walkable.
Day 7: Day Trip to Ronda
On your final day, take a trip to Ronda, which is about a 2-hour train journey from Málaga. Ronda is known for its dramatic cliffs and historic bridges.
- Puente Nuevo: Start with this iconic bridge that offers breathtaking views of the gorge below.
- Baños Arabes: Explore these less-visited Arab Baths, which provide insight into Ronda’s Moorish past.
- Mondragon Palace: Visit this beautiful palace for its lovely gardens and museum.
Dining: Have lunch at Puerta Grande – a cozy restaurant known for its friendly service and delicious, locally-sourced dishes. We love their wine list with many local wines featured.
Return to Málaga in the evening, enjoying the coastal breeze. Perhaps take a leisurely boat ride along the coast or enjoy a final meal at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants.
Day 8: Return to Seville
On your final day, head back to Seville, either by train (about 2.5 hours) or by car. Spend your last few hours revisiting your favorite spots or exploring anything you missed earlier.
Final Activities in Seville:
- Casa de Pilatos House: Visit this 16th-century palace that offers stunning courtyards, beautiful gardens, and an impressive collection of Roman antiquities.
- Guadalquivir River: Take a relaxing boat ride along the river to soak in the last of Seville’s vibrant atmosphere.
Dining: End your trip with a bang at El Traga, a modern restaurant that offers a creative twist on traditional Andalusian dishes. The oxtail risotto is incredible.
Tips for making the most of your Southern Spain Itinerary
- Monuments and Touristic Sights: If you want to go inside monuments and touristic sights (example the Seville Cathedral, Real Alcázar, Alhambra), we strongly recommend purchasing your entrances ahead of time as lines can get very long and sometimes sell out for certain times. Both have options for skip-the-line entrances or small group and private guided tours.
- Public Transport: Spain’s train network, Renfe, is reliable and comfortable for traveling between major cities. The bus network of Andalusia is also excellent and a great option for shorter distances or reaching smaller towns.
- By Car: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for visiting off-the-beaten-path locations. However, parking can be challenging in city centers, so plan accordingly.
- Accommodation: Consider staying in locally-owned boutique hotels, paradors or guesthouses for a more authentic experience.
Ready to Embark on a Trip to Southern Spain or another part of the country?
Feeling excited but a bit daunted by the planning? Let Susan Williams at Best of Spain Travel Planners be your guide. With her expertise, planning your trip to Andalusia or another part of Spain will be as enjoyable as the journey itself. Get in touch with Susan and start crafting your own custom Spain itinerary!
