Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary
Andalusia is one of the greatest places to road trip. The drives are beautiful, crossing a diverse range of landscapes—between canyons, under viaducts, and on coastal roads. Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to see all the charming white villages of Andalusia that sit among the hilltops, as well as the most famous cities and beaches in Spain.
Whether it’s action or relaxation, there’s something for every type of traveler on this 2-week road trip itinerary (best done by car for ultimate freedom).
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Day 1 – 2: Seville
On day 1 of your Andalusia road trip, begin in one of the most stunning cities in Spain: Seville. This city is famous for the Alcazar, an incredible Moorish palace with the most intricate details and beautiful gardens.
This is your first glimpse of the Moorish history in Spain, an Islamic reign that lasted hundreds of years from the 8th until the 15th century before the country was reconquered by the Christians. This part of history lives on in the architecture seen all around Spanish cities, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia.
You’ll also notice this architecture at Seville Cathedral, which still looks more like a mosque than a church. It’s also possible to climb the bell tower (minaret) for the most beautiful panoramic views over the city.
Aside from learning about the rich history of Seville, it’s a beautiful city to wander and explore. Everywhere you go, you’ll smell the strong scent of Sevillan oranges among the trees, hear the sound of flamenco dancing, and see the traditional Andalusian courtyards with their gorgeous tilework and fountains.
Where to Stay in Seville
If you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend booking a hotel with a rooftop pool and aircon to escape the heat in the afternoons when temperatures can reach upwards of 40°C (104°F). The more modern hotels with these amenities are just outside of the center.
If a pool isn’t essential for you, look for a traditional boutique hotel in the historic center of Seville, which normally have the traditional inner courtyards and Moorish architectural details.
Day 3: Cordoba
Wonderful Cordoba: the city of flowers! This city might be small, but it’s perfect as a stopover on your Andalusia road trip. One day is the ideal amount of time to wander the beautiful streets, admiring the many patios (courtyards) filled with vibrant-colored flowers and blue ceramic pots.
If you’re visiting in May, watch the city come alive during the Festival de los Patios, a competition for the best florally-decorated courtyard in the city! In fact, this festival is so important that it’s been classified as an ‘intangible heritage’ by UNESCO.
Read: Best Things to do in Cordoba (The City of Flowers)
There are many beautiful buildings to see in Cordoba, but the most famous is the Mezquita (the cathedral of Cordoba). This is one of the most incredible cathedrals we’ve ever seen! What was once a mosque during Moorish times is now a cathedral.
Where to Stay in Cordoba
Cordoba is home to lots of beautiful boutique hotels, which can be found in the historic center. Make sure to book well in advance if you’re planning on traveling to the city during May, as the festival means that accommodation gets booked up fast and is far more expensive than usual.
Another good time to visit is April, when the patios will nearly be ready for the fiesta, but it won’t be as busy.
Day 4 + 5: Granada (Must-do on your Andalusia Road Trip)
Arrive on day 4 in Granada, the most magical city in Spain. Not many cities can boast this kind of scenery; the ancient city is surrounded by snow-topped mountains and has a beautiful river that trickles down into the town.
In the background, sitting on top of the cliffside, and shadowed by the mountains, is the majestic Alhambra Palace (one of the most famous sites in all of Spain).
After your time sightseeing, get lost in the maze-like streets of the old town, paddle in the river off the hillside Albaicin neighborhood, or eat free tapas (in Granada, you get a free plate of tapas with every drink you purchase).
Where to Stay in Granada
Stay in the historical center close to the cathedral to easily access the city’s shops, restaurants, and most ancient buildings.
Albaicin is also a lovely neighborhood to stay in, particularly as it has excellent views of the city below and across the river to Alhambra.
Potential Day Trips from Granada: Iznajar + Montefrio
Iznajar and Montefrio are two of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and must-sees on your Andalusia road trip itinerary! Both lie close to Granada and can be visited as half-day trips. We recommend Iznajar as a top priority and Montefrio at sunset if you have time.
This tiny village is mainly home to elderly local people, so the pace of life is slow (it’s the perfect place to wander for a few hours and soak up the atmosphere of Spanish life!). Best of all, Iznajar is just over 1-hour drive from Granada, so it is the ideal half-day trip from the city.
Click here to read all about the things to do in Iznajar.
Montefrio
Montefrio is a hilltop town home to the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle. The views from here are unparalleled, so much so that National Geographic voted Montefrio as one of the top 10 views in the world! Visit the fortress to reach the highest point of the village, followed by a walk to the National Geographic viewpoint, where you can see a direct view of Montefrio sprawled across the hillside. It’s truly one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and the perfect place to visit at sunset.
We stayed in this lovely hotel looking onto the castle.
Nerja
Nerja sits on a clifftop overlooking the sea, with fantastic views of the coves and coastline below. It’s the perfect place to stay for the night, with many lovely hotels, restaurants, and shops.
You could spend a few hours just getting lost in the streets, taking photos of each beautiful entranceway, and shopping in all the cute ceramic shops. We recommend booking dinner here one evening as many restaurants have terraces where you can sit and enjoy fantastic views of the valley below.
Where to Stay
There are more accommodation options in Nerja, and you can easily access the beaches if you’d like to swim or sunbathe. If you want to stay in a villa, Frigiliana has many pool options, but you’ll need to book ahead as it’s very popular.
Day 8 – 9: Malaga (Half-Way on Your Andalusia Road Trip)
Welcome to dynamic Malaga, a beachside city with a picture-perfect old town. You can find almost everything in Malaga, whether it’s castles, museums, galleries (Malaga was the birthplace of Picasso), or street art. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in Andalusia!
Exploring the sights of the old town is a must-do on your 2-week Andalusia road trip, for example, the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro, which are both historical monuments with beautiful views of the city. If you have time, we also recommend taking a half-day trip to the Caminito del Rey, one of Spain’s most thrilling hikes.
Where to Stay in Malaga
Stay in the old town to be near some of Malaga’s most historic and beautiful buildings.
Alternatively, if you want more of a beach break, there are plenty of great hotels next to the sea, which are still within walking distance of the city center.
There are several viewpoints to see the bridge (Puente Neuvo) at its finest: either from below, the lovely Jardines de Cuenca, or the Mirador de Aldehuela. Grab your camera and take some incredible photos from these locations.
In the late afternoon/evening, take some time to explore the town of Ronda, whether it’s the main street with its boutique shops or the pretty churches and ancient Arab baths. Ronda is magical and will steal your heart!
Where to Stay in Ronda
The main draw to Ronda is the incredible views from the top of the Tajo Gorge. For this reason, many hotels sit on top of the gorge looking out over the valley, so you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation.
Day 12: Setenil de las Bodegas
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unusual white villages of Andalusia and is a fascinating stop on your Andalusia road trip. This pretty town has houses wedged between and under the gorge rock, looking as if they’re almost growing out of the stone itself.
It’s a popular visit for those who want to visit Calle Cuevas del Sol, a street filled with cave bars and restaurants—one of the most unique experiences on your Spain trip!
Where to Stay in Setenil
Setenil is small, but there are some great accommodation options, particularly the cave houses, which have been turned into apartments or hotels.
Alternatively, stay in any of the white villages of Andalusia and visit Setenil de las Bodegas on a day trip.
Day 13: Villaluenga del Rosario or Zahara de la Sierra
Villaluenga del Rosario and Zahara de la Sierra are another 2 of the white villages of Andalusia. This is a group of 19 whitewashed pueblos (small towns) in the region that are known for their charm and beauty.
Villaluenga del Rosario
Villaluenga del Rosario, meaning ‘town of the rosary,’ is unusual in that it hugs the side of the mountain and doesn’t have any hilltop viewpoints, unlike some of the other white villages in the area. However, it’s actually the highest, sitting at 900 meters above sea level! Many great hiking trails lead up into the mountains from here, and there are some beautiful, ancient sites within the town itself, from the old bull ring to the cemetery (one of the most picturesque we’ve ever seen).
Zahara de la Sierra
If you have some time, drive to Zahara de la Sierra for some of the most spectacular views you’ll find on your Andalusia road trip itinerary. Discover one of the most important fortresses in the area that sits high up on the mountaintop, providing incredible views over the bright blue lake below. If you want, you can also take a boat trip across the lake to see the town from a different angle.
Where to Stay
Stay in a rustic bed and breakfast or hotel in the countryside to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. There are also a few accommodation options within the towns themselves but book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Day 14 + 15: Cadiz
Cadiz has really different energy compared to many other places in Spain. Not only is it one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, but its southernmost nature makes it feel very raw, wild, and rugged.
The coastline has long sandy beaches, with plenty of wind for watersports, backed by the city’s ancient maze of streets and beautiful historic buildings. It’s also a port town, so you’ll see plenty of fishing boats bobbing on the water, giving it a village atmosphere even though it’s a reasonably sized city.
As it’s so far away from many of the bigger cities in Spain, like Barcelona or Madrid, it still has a very traditional Spanish feel (most restaurants only serve the traditional tapas menu and drinks). Two days is a great amount of time to explore the old city, climb the cathedral tower (incredible views), enjoy the nearby beaches, and shop in the local food markets.
Where to Stay in Cadiz
Stay in the historical center closest to the oldest sites in the city and enjoy the evening atmosphere when everyone congregates at the little bars among the narrow streets.
Day 16: Seville (End of your Andalusia Road Trip)
Day 16 is the final day of your Andalusia road trip itinerary, and what a trip it’s been! From charming white villages nestled among the hilltops to beautiful coastal towns and Moorish cities, you’ve seen some of the most beautiful places in Spain. Drive back to Seville (1 hour 20 minutes) to drop your hire car and head home. You might even have time to squeeze in one last Spanish meal before your train or flight!
How to visit Andalusia in 2 weeks
Andalusia is a massive region in southern Spain, with countless beautiful villages, hikes, and cities to explore. You could easily spend a month or more slowly working your way around the region. However, 2 weeks is the ideal amount of time to see the majority of Andalusia’s highlights. This Andalusia road trip itinerary (2 weeks) is designed to be done by car, although it is possible to use public transport (with a bit more planning).
Getting to Andalusia
There are a few airports in Andalusia. However, Malaga is the biggest, with flights arriving from all over Europe as well as internal flights from other bigger cities in Spain.
If you’re flying into Barcelona or Madrid, consider taking the train to Andalusia. There are many high-speed, direct options that will get you to Malaga, Granada, or Seville in a matter of hours.
Getting Around Andalusia on your 2-week Road Trip
By Car
The best way to experience Andalusia is by car. The region is vast and very remote, meaning you’ll have greater freedom to reach the small villages and rural nature if you can drive.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Bus
It is possible to travel by bus in Andalusia, but not all the destinations on this itinerary have public transport connections. You might have to make changes or take taxis to reach the more remote parts of Andalusia.
Buses move between the major cities and towns in Andalusia and are usually very cheap and comfortable. Make sure to do your research in advance as to whether you need to pre-book or can pay by cash on arrival.
By Train
Trains link major cities in Andalusia, as well as some towns. For example, Seville, Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba. However, you won’t be able to reach any of the white villages by train.
Our Favorite Accommodation in Andalusia
There are many beautiful accommodation options in Andalusia, whether it’s a charming old town hotel tucked down a narrow street in Seville, a cave apartment in Setenil, or a bed and breakfast overlooking the Alhambra in Granada. Below are some of our favorites for a 2-week itinerary in Andalusia.
- Seville: Hotel Gravina 51, Lukanda Hospec, Hotel Dona Maria, Oboe Sevilla Catedral
- Cordoba: H10 Palacio Cordoba, Hotel Boutique Suite Generis, La Ermita Suites, Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero
- Granada: Casa de la Catedral, Casa Bombo, BiBo Real Chancilleria, Häxaris Casa Boutique
- Nerja: Apartamentos NUEVA 22, Casa Eva
- Frigiliana: Bed and Breakfast Villa Corte Azul, Casa Calle Real 87
- Malaga: Be Mate Hotel, Vincci Larios Diez, iloftmalaga, ICON Malabar
- Ronda: Apartamentos Circulo De Artistas, Salvatierra Guest House, La Escondida, Romántica Lofts
- Setenil: Casa Cueva un Rincon, Apartamentos Cantareria Jazmin, Casa Rural El Tajo, Casa Cueva Las Calcetas
- Villaluenga del Rosario: Casa de los Cuadros, Conjunto Rural Casa Victoria
- Zahara de la Sierra: Cuesta la Ermita, Alojamiento Rural El Pinsapo
- Cadiz: Boutique Hotel Casa Cánovas, Candelaria10, El Armador Casa Palacio, La Casa del Consul
Best Time to Visit Andalusia
The most popular time to visit Andalusia is during the summer when you can make the most of the beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean Sea. However, be aware that the summer months are very busy and can be more expensive (particularly in August when the Spanish take their holidays). These are also the hottest months when temperatures in places like Cadiz and Seville can exceed 40°C (104°F). Because of this, it’s not the best time for city sightseeing.
Travel Insurance for your Andalusia Road Trip
It’s always a good idea to purchase single-trip travel insurance, even if you’re only traveling for 2 weeks in Andalusia. This covers the potential for any accidents or loss, for example, theft of baggage, canceled flights, or a road accident.
We use Heymondo for all our trips, as they have very responsive customer service and a 24-hour online chat where you can speak with medical professionals.
Travel Insurance
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Things to Know About Andalusia
There are a few things you can learn about Andalusia that will make your trip run a little more smoothly:
- Tap water is safe to drink in Andalusia. It is quite chlorinated, which can make it taste a little different from what you’re used to. However, drinking is safe, so bring your reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free!
- Siesta time. During the summer, all shops and restaurants close for siesta (typically somewhere between 4 PM – 8 PM). On Sundays, most conveniences are also shut.
- Public holidays. Spain is a country with some of the highest number of public holidays in the world! This means there is always a fiesta somewhere, so make sure to check ahead for shop, restaurant, and road closures.
- Hot summer temperatures. In August, temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). Make sure to plan your sightseeing in the early mornings or evenings to avoid being in the sun (the hottest time of day is usually around 4 PM). Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- Always carry cash, especially in small villages where sometimes card is not accepted.
- Bring extra layers if you’re traveling in the mountains, as it can get cooler in the evenings.
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