In this blog post, we share all the highlights, recommendations and insider tips so you can make the best out of your Southern Spain vacation. Use this travel itinerary as a guide and customize the length to your travel style or choose your own starting point of the Andalucia road trip to fit your unforgettable bucket list trip.
Overview of Southern Spain road trip itinerary
You set your eyes on this beautiful region in Southern Spain and are looking for ideas to see all of the region’s most spectacular sights? The ultimate high-value travel itinerary to Andalucia, Spain, features 14 days of carefully selected points of interest and adventures in all the famous cities as well as not so touristy sights. It’s perfect for first-time travellers.
The order of Southern Spain cities visited considers that you will be travelling by car.
So, which places you should visit in Southern Spain in 2 weeks?
Day 1: Malaga
Day 2: Olvera, Ronda
Day 3: Malaga, Nerja
Day 4: Estepona, Gibraltar
Day 5-6: Cadiz
Day 7: Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla
Day 8-9: Sevilla
Day 10-11: Cordoba
Day 12-13: Granada
Day 14: Malaga
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Day 1 of Andalucia road trip: Malaga
Recommended stay: 2 days
There is no better way to start your Southern Spain itinerary than in the city that combines history and tradition with near-perfect weather and beaches – Malaga.
Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, is a city with a long and exciting history. To this fact speak all the different places in Malaga you can visit such as Archaeological Museum of Andalusia, Museo de Malaga, Flamenco Art Museum, Automobile Museum Malaga and Carmen Thyssen Museum. For all of you interested in art, the Picasso Birthplace Museum, where he grew up, and Picasso Museum with more than 200 artworks from the artist should be among your Malaga points of interest.
The Travel Momento Tip: To save some money, check out the museums and other Malaga attractions that open their door for free on certain days and/or hours.
Take a walk through the picturesque old town until you reach the Roman theatre dating back to the 1950s. It is located right next to its 11th century Alcazaba offering great views over the city. For an even better bird’s-eye view of Malaga city and the sea, continue up the hill to Castillo de Gibralfaro. Another great viewpoint is from the tower of the Cathedral of la Encarnacion.
Foodies make sure to check the Mercado Central de Atarazanas with plenty of choices to try authentic Andalucia food. And for all looking for some relaxation, head down to Mequata beach located just a few minutes from the city centre.
When in Malaga, a must thing to see or do is to finish your day is a dinner or cocktail at one of several rooftop bars offering incredible views of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle.
Possible Day Trips From Malaga
- Caminito del Rey
- Montes de Malaga Natural park
- Ronda
- White villages
Day 2 of Andalucia road trip: Day trip to Olvera, Ronda
Distance from Malaga: Olvera (107 km; 1h 30 min), Ronda (102 km; 1h 25 min)
Distance from Cadiz: Olvera (127 km; 1h 30 min), Ronda (145 km; 1h 45 min)
Distance between Olvera and Ronda: 53 km; 1h
The next stop on your Andalucia road trip itinerary should be Olvera, one of the white villages in Southern Spain that managed to preserve its authentic touch.
Village located at the crossroad of Cadiz, Seville and Malaga is famous for its location. The narrow winding street, Calle Calzada, leads up to the neoclassical Church Of Nuestra Señora De La Encarnación and castle high on a hilltop. The Moorish castle from the 12th century offers splendid views over the town and surrounding area. To enter the must-see landmark in Olvera, cross the square next to the church, where you will find a small tourist office sign. The town is small and easy to explore, so set aside a couple of hours for the main sights of Olvera.
Continue your drive towards the must-visit destination in Andalucia and a bucket list destination for many. Ronda is a small town with awe-inspiring scenery. However, the most iconic sight is the famous old bridge or Puente Nuevo connecting the old Moorish quarter (La Ciudad) and the new part of the city (El Mercadillo). The bridge part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site looks over 100 meters deep El Tajo gorge.
The Travel Momento Tip: Hike down the cobbled path from the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora to view the Puente Nuevo from below – just don’t think about the fact that you have to walk back up it afterwards!
After taking in this beautiful view, wander through the old town. Here you can admire Moorish architecture such as the most preserved Arab baths in Spain, Palacio de Mondragon, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, La Casa del Rey Moro and the Mina of Agua, Puerta de Almocabar, Plaza del Socorro. Ronda is also known for bullfighting, with its Plaza dos Toros one of the main sights to visit. Finally, make sure to stop by Alameda de Tajo, an outdoor square with splendid views over El Tajo gorge.
The Travel Momento Tip 2: Visit the attractions in Ronda in the afternoon when the sun lights the bridge.
Day 3 of Andalucia road trip: Day trip to Nerja, Frigiliana
Distance from Malaga to Nerja: 58 km; 50 min
Distance from Malaga to Frigiliana: 59 km, 55 min
Nerja is a relatively small coastal town in Andalucia known for its white-sand beaches and proximity to hiking gems. We decided to take in some vitamin D at Almunecar beach and explore the Nerja city centre in the afternoon. In the centre of the old town, you can enjoy an incredible view over the Southern Spain coastline. Palm trees promenade will lead you to the Balcony of Europe. Around it, you can find plenty of restaurants.
On the way to or back from the city stop at the remains of the aqueduct. The Aqueduct Eagle stands out with its red brick structure and height of four storeys. There is a possibility to climb the viaduct for free as it’s a public building.
At the time of our visit, the famous Nerja caves were closed, but we recommend squeezing some time on your Southern Spain itinerary to see it. You can also combine the visit of Nerja with a stop at Instagram famous Frigiliana town or hike up the Rio Chillar canyon.
Day 4 of Andalucia road trip: Estepona, Gibraltar
It’s time to continue down the Andalusian coast towards the next destination on your Southern Spain trip, Cadiz. But before arriving, you need to make a stop at one of the best places to visit in Andalucia. Estepona is a true hidden gem.
Estepona
Usually not on many Andalucian itineraries, this city located in the province of Málaga offers an experience to enjoy a real urban garden. The network of white cobbled streets features colourful flower pots, and the facade of houses are covered with blossoming plants. Take your time to wander through the streets leading to the old centre square, the Plaza de las Flores.
But it’s not only flowers that make Estepona worth the visit. Here you can find the largest wall painting covering six buildings, countless beautiful murals and dozens of poetry plaques with inspirational verses. Estepona’s other top attractions you can add to your list are the modern Puerto Deportivo marina with its lighthouse and 15th century Castillo de San Luis.
Gibraltar
Right next door is Gibraltar, a British overseas territory that has been under UK rule since 1713. We booked a few hours and ended up spending in Gibraltar city the entire day. You can opt for an adventure with a cable car or take a taxi, which drives you to all the highlights of the Rock of Gibraltar. Visiting this high point is a must thing to do in Gibraltar and on your tour of Southern Spain as it offers spectacular views over Andalucia and Northern Africa. It’s also the place where you will find all the main attractions in Gibraltar: The Great Siege Tunnels, Moorish Castle, St Michael’s Cave, O’Hara’s Battery, Upper Rock Natural Reserve.
And don’t forget to indulge in some traditional fish and chips whilst being there.
Day 5 & 6 of Andalucia road trip: Cadiz
Recommended stay: 2 days
The coastal city of Cadiz in Southern Spain is an ancient port and former naval fortress in Europe. It’s also a point from which Christopher Colombus started his journey around the world. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, it has an attractive historical centre with many attractions, such as Plaza de Mina square, Cathedral San Salvador church, Santa Catalina and San Sebastian castle. Stroll along the Paseo Maritimo and enjoy the magnificent sunset over the endless sea for a perfect ending to your day in Cadiz. To witness the iconic postcard view of Cadiz, climb up the Torre de Tavira offering a panoramic view of the city. If you are short on time, this is a must-see landmark. It should find a place on your Andalucia itinerary.
Cadiz is a great stop on your Southern Spain road trip if you are looking for a few days of resting, sunbathing and enjoying the sand. Just a few steps from the historical centre, you can find a spot on the beach. For more remote and not so populated beaches you can drive or take a bus towards the entry into the city. Alongside the bridge, you can find a calm spot on a white sand beach.
Day 7 of Andalucia road trip: Jerez, Sevilla
After exploring the Southern Spain coastline, it’s time to explore Andalucia from the inside out. One of the most exciting cities on your drive to Seville is Jerez de la Frontera – a city of sherry, horses and flamenco. The combination of excellent cuisine, beautiful historic centre and one of the best wines we drank should make Jerez a must-stop on your Southern Spain road trip. Take a stroll through the centre and visit the Alcazar, the cathedral and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Finish your visit with a wine tasting at one of the famous local wineries.
The Travel Momento Tip: If you are a wine lover or interested in getting to know the production of sherry wine, we suggest exploring the regions that, together with Jerez, form the Sherry triangle – El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
After indulging in wine with some tapas, it’s time to visit the bucket list city of Seville.
Day 8 & 9 of Andalucia road trip: Seville
Recommended stay: 2 days
No Southern Spain trip is complete without a stop in the most beautiful city in Spain, Seville. The old town is filled with lovely plazas, parks and squares that will make your trip worthwhile. The most impressive landmark in the city of Seville is the third-largest church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral de Santa Maria is considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Southern Spain and is home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb. After seeing the interior, climb the cathedral’s tower, La Giralda, for 360 views of the city.
Beside the Seville Cathedral, you will find the Royal Alcazar of Seville, which the King of Spain is still using as his residence in Seville. The palace is one of the most outstanding Mudéjar Architecture, a style developed by Muslim artisans under Christian rule. Wandering around different rooms and gardens will take your entire morning. For history and literature fans, head over to the General Archive of the Indies (the entrance is free).
The Travel Momento Tip: If you plan on visiting both Seville attractions, the cathedral and the Royal Alcazar, it’s best to purchase Seville Super Combi Pass, enabling you to skip the lines, use hop-on/hop-off bus and downloadable audio guides.
Take a walk through the cobbled streets of Seville’s old Jewish quarter, Santa Cruz neighbourhood just around the cathedral, where you can visit the beautiful patio of the Casa de Pilatos. We decided to continue exploring Seville by a ride with the horse carriage. It led us to pass Torre del Oro‘s maritime museum with a panoramic terrace, through Maria Luisa park with the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of popular Arts and Traditions to Plaza de España. Oh, my friend, this must be the pretties square we have seen! An absolute must-see attraction in Andalucia and on your 14 days Southern Spain road trip.
To have Seville at your feet, head to an attractive modern architectural sight known as Las stepas or mushrooms. It’s s a wooden structure that extends into the sky, and it’s one of the top things to do in Seville. An excellent way of seeing Southern Spain from above.
Day 10 & 11 of Andalucia road trip: Cordoba
Recommended stay: 2 days
The next stop on your Southern Spain road trip should be Cordoba. Once an Islamic city is today a place where history meets architecture. No wonder it’s a true gem for lovers of culture and history. This town will let you peek into the rich past that Andalucia has to offer! Cordoba is well known for its impressive Mezquita cathedral. The city must-see attraction is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, built on top of a former mosque.
Cordoba has several other must-see attractions, including an old Jewish quarter (La Juderis), Plaza de la Corredera with Roman Temple of Cordoba, the Royal Stables, and the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos. For the best views of Cordoba and the cathedral, cross the Guadalquivir river through the Roman bridge.
Before leaving Cordoba, there’s one other must thing you need to do – book a tour of famous colourful and flowery patios that form the city character.
For all of the gourmands out there, you cannot visit Corodba without trying a local speciality. The cold tomato soup topped with egg and ham known as Salmorejo should find its way on your menu.
Day 12 & 13 of Andalucia road trip: Granada
Recommended stay: 2 days
For the last part of your two-week road trip to Andalucia, you will visit another famous Spanish city, Granada. One of the must-see places to visit is also one of Spain’s main tourist attractions. The Alhambra is located at the city’s highest point, consisting of extensive gardens known as Generalife, a complex of palaces with the most known the Nasrid palaces, Alcazaba, and spacious gardens and patios. To explore it, you should put aside the whole morning.
To get the authentic taste of Andalucia, continue by wandering through the old Gipsy district of Sacramonte with the Cuevas del Sacramonte and former Arabic district of Albaicin. In the historical part of Granada, visit the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, stop by the ancient Arab baths (El Bañuelo), enjoy tapas at the Paseo de Los Tristes, and finish your stay by admiring the sunset from a viewpoint over Alhambra (Mirador de San Miguel, Mirador de San Cristobal).
The Travel Momento tip: Make sure to book your tickets to Alhambra in advance. Don’t take your eyes off the official Alhambra website if you forget to book it in advance. At midnight they release the returned tickets for the same day.
Possible Day Trips From Granada
- Authentic village of Ubeda (1,5 hour driving from Cordoba)
- Baeza
- Sierra Nevada mountains
Day 14: Granada and back to Malaga
Take a slow morning to discover the remaining sights of Granada, or just enjoy a brunch before driving back to Malaga to catch up your flight.
Summary of 14 days Southern Spain road trip
If you are looking for a different and exciting destination, then the Andalucia region in Southern Spain is the place to go! With its culture, history, unique sights and delicious food, it’s a perfect combination for 2 weeks Southern Spain road trip. You’ll be able to see and experience all that this region has to offer. From the architectural wonders in Cordoba, Granada, and Seville, the beaches at Cadiz and Malaga enter the British territory of Gibraltar and admire the natural beauty.
This detailed Andalucia itinerary includes all of the must-see attractions in Southern Spain, as well as hidden gems that will make your road trip to Andalucia the best experience possible. The guide also includes helpful information on transportation, food, accommodation and more. With our expert advice at your fingertips, it will help you feel like a local when travelling through Andalucia!
We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!