How about heading to a region where you can still have summer temperatures in autumn and spring temperatures in winter? Where you can go hiking between wild thyme, stroll through magical towns, and enjoy delicious tapas all day long. And after that, can let the ocean foam soft white patterns around you, while you’re taking in the sun-salt smell as the perfect ending to your south of Spain road trip.
Heading on an Andalucia road trip can be the greatest adventure.
There’s no way denying that the Andalusian cities’ beauty beats everything. They are home to an architecture that’s unique in Europe and thus has its own name. The Mudéjar style buildings stem from the time when Muslims still lived on the Iberian peninsula after it was “reconquered” by the Christians. And this cultural mix can be seen in countless gorgeous buildings – of which the Alhambra is probably the most famous one.
But besides the cities, nature is home to the true gems of Andalucia. With its incredible natural parks, river gorges and fine sandy beaches where you can surf and enjoy tropical fruits.
And then there’s the food: Sitting in an alley with a Sangría or Tinto de Verano and some tapas on your table is the embodiment of La vida Andaluz – the Andalusian lifestyle. Life happens outside in Spain. Everyone is outside at any time of the day (or night). So you can’t only absorb culture, beautiful architecture and stunning nature in the south of Spain, but also spoil your taste buds.
In this Andalucia itinerary, you can experience the best that the country has to offer. I gathered all the best travel tips and best places to visit in Andalucia in this post. So let’s get excited and start planning your south of Spain road trip, full of highlights in nature, culture, history explorations and fun.
Table of contents
Stops on your Andalucia road trip
Andalucia itineraries
Good to know for your south of Spain road trip
Stops on your Andalucia road trip
Granada | In the footsteps of Arab history
Steep cobbled alleys, Arabic arches, colorful tiles and one of the most iconic sites of Spain. Tapas and Flamenco bars, tea houses and oriental restaurants.
Even though the Christians have wiped out the majority of Muslims and Jews (they transformed numerous mosques into churches), Granada is for sure still a cultural hub.
Due to its history and proximity to North Africa, you can feel the traces of Arab influences and Moorish times in every corner, a time when the city was populated mostly by Muslims.
Gorgeous Granada is everything but a hidden gem in any Andalucia itinerary. But it’s just such a beautiful city that you shouldn’t miss it on your south of Spain road trip.
ToDo in Granada:
- Stroll through the historic Albaicín quarter & admire the “Carmens” – The beautiful little vineyards hidden behind impressive gates (by the way, they’re not all owned by some mysterious Carmen, but the name comes from the Arabic term “Karm” – vineyard)
- Take a closer look at the churches – as there are 27 mosques that have been converted into churches (you’ll notice by the water source outside next to the entrance)
- Buy cookies at Monasterio Santa Isabel la Real – A convent where nuns sell freshly baked cookies every day (you have to ring the bell next to the wooden door)
- Join a free walking tour of Albaicín & Monte Sacramento – we had an amazing morning with Daniel, a super nice and fun tour guide
- Visit the Monumentos Andalusias – wonderful historic buildings such as El Bañuelo (the ancient hammam), Casa Árabe de Horno del Oro (an old Arabic house), and the Palacio Dar al-Horra (an old Nasrid palace) which are often overlooked as all the tourists only flock to the Alhambra
- Visit the Alhambra on your own or take a guided tour – it’s one of the most famous monuments all over Spain, so make sure to reserve your tickets a few weeks before (yes, even in the off season)
- Relax in the Hammam – We visited the Hammam in Córdoba, but they also have one in Granada and it’s such a magical, relaxing experience with a hot bath & massage as a short break from the city
Impressions of Granada
Eat & drink in Granada:
- Restaurante Hicuri – an amazing all vegan restaurant (try the Croquetas – they were one of our favorites on our south of Spain road trip!)
- La Tabernilla del Darro – for Tapas or drinks & you have to try their homemade Vermuth
- Restaurants Raíces – the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Andalusia ( they have crazy local stuff like vegetarian chorizo)
- Cafe 4 Gatos – for the best Pan con Tomate in town ( a typical Spanish breakfast)
- Bar La Fragua – a very authentic tapas bar with vegetarian options
- El Bar de Nino – great Tapas bar with vegetarian options (recommended by a local)
- Papas de Elvira – for a yummy & cheap vegetarian lunch in a simple but honest location (try the Couscous)
- El Piano – a great vegan restaurant (with a cheap lunch menu)
- Try Pionono (a little cake out of filo dough) – you can get it at any Pasteleria
Stay in Granada:
- Hotel/Apartment: Morente sueña La Alhambra – Beautiful apartment with a terrace and a stunning view across Granada’s old town and the Alhambra
- Hostel: Oripandó – Perfectly located in a historic building of the Albaicín quarter with a pool (a huge plus in summer!)
Hotel recommendation for Granada: Morente Sueña La Alhambra
Like the name suggests, this location is a dream. In Albaicín you’re in the heart of Granada’s most beautiful quarter and have a stunning view of the famous Alhambra. On a clear day, you can see the Sierra Nevada behind the Alhambra from your terrace at Morente Sueña La Alhambra. The house and the gardens are just so beautiful that you want to stay here forever, sipping wine in the mild evenings and enjoying the view.
Parking in Granada:
Parking in Granada is tricky. But in Calle Andarax on the way up towards Mirador de San Miguel you can park for free. It’s just a 10-15 minute walk to Albaicín, so perfect if you’re staying in this area.
La Alhambra, Granada
Sierra Nevada & Las Alpujarras | A paradise for hiking (& skiing)
Snow in Spain? Yep, that’s possible in the Sierra Nevada – Spain’s highest mountain range.
But it’s also a wonderful area to go hiking, enjoy nature on your Andalucia road trip, and visit some cute mountain villages. The “Alpujarras” such as Bubión or Capileira are white mountain villages that are less crowded by tourists than the famous “Pueblos Blancos”.
From Granada, it’s just around an hour by car to Las Alpujarras. When hiking, you get spectacular views of the villages and the mountain landscape.
We did a short hike starting in the village Bubión (as a stop on our way from Cartagena to Granada). The short round is called Monte Pecho “La Tala” and is a (partly steep) but easy hike with spectacular views.
Our hike took us through shale gravel paths framed by wild thyme and chestnut trees up to a beautiful viewpoint.
During our hike, we had a spectacular and quite unique view of mountains covered with snow on one side and the glimmering sea on the other side.
If you’ve got some time on your Andalucia itinerary, consider spending a night in this unique landscape and enjoy the early mornings and late afternoons in Las Alpujarras without the day trippers.
Stay in Sierra Nevada:
- Hotel/Apartment: Cortijo Catifalarga Alpujarra – This incredibly beautiful stone house is just outside of Capileira right in the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park.
- Hostel: Fundalucia – Just 20 minutes outside of Granada, this is a wonderful hostel to enjoy both the city as well as some walks in Sierra Nevada.
Hotel recommendation for Sierra Nevada: Cortijo Catifalarga Alpujarra
Anne & Enrique welcome you at this incredibly beautiful stone house, just outside of Capileira, right in the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park. From here you can have a view of Canyon Poquiera and the mountains of Sierra Lújar. That’s the kind of stay you won’t forget.
If you’re short on time on your south of Spain road trip, there are some amazing activities in the Sierra Nevada that you can book in advance, starting from Granada:
- Los Cahorros de Monachil Canyon Hiking Tour – A half-day tour across suspension bridges, waterfalls, natural pools and incredible views
- High Sierra Nevada Hiking Experience – Get up to over 2500 meters where you can marvel at ancient glacier valleys
- Rio Verde Canyoning Tour – A true canyoning experience where you jump, rappel, swim & slide through the amazing Rio Verde
- Sierra Nevada Small Group E-Bike Tour – A downhill experience from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada National Park
Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
Málaga & its surroundings | Wonders of nature
With a beautiful old town, the old fortress Alcazaba and countless tapas bars, in Málaga you can dive into La Vida Andaluz (the Andalusian lifestyle). Aaaand: you’re right by the sea. So enjoy the sun, take a siesta at the beach and munch yummy tapas all day.
While Málaga is by the beach, the city beach isn’t the most beautiful (like city beaches usually are). But there are some really nice ones around, e.g. close to Nerja.
But what is even more amazing is the nature around the area of Málaga. There are breathtaking gorges, national parks and lakes you wouldn’t imagine finding in the dry south of Spain.
ToDo around Málaga
- Caminito del Rey – What used to be one of the most dangerous paths in the world can nowadays be safely visited. Originally built for the workers of the dam in the early 1900s, there is a new path since 2015 with spectacular views of the gorge. You have to buy the ticket a few days (or better weeks) in advance, as there is a limited amount of daily visitors.
- El Torcal – Stone formations that are over 200 million years old make the national park of El Torcal so unique. They were formed over millions of years while the area was still underwater. For sure worth a visit & it’s even for free. There are two easy hikes: the yellow route of only 1.5 km & the green route of 2.7 km. And of course, many more that can be found in common hiking apps.
- Visit an organic Mango farm – One of the coolest experiences during our Andalusia road trip was visiting the Salgado Family farm, where we got to know how organic mangos grow and of course bought some to take home with us
- Sierra de Las Nieves – There are some wonderful hiking routes in this national park, such as the Ruta de las Cascadas, where you pass by three waterfalls.
- Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos – A beautiful route along white villages and scenic roads. It’s close to Málaga so you can drive along the route on your way to or from Málaga (more on los Pueblos Blancos in a bit).
- Visit Ronda – Spectacularly built on a steep rock, the old town of Ronda is not just worth seeing because of the famous bridge Ponte Nueva.
- Admire the Alcazaba castle and the ancient theater – Take a journey back into the days of the Romans and Moors, e.g. with a guided tour.
- Visit the Picasso Museum – Enjoy a visit to the museum at the birthplace of the famous artist.
Eat in Málaga:
- La Vegana – Authentic but vegan Tapas! One of the best vegan restaurants I’ve been to, with incredible dishes such as vegan pil pil prawns and the craziest vegan Calamares. If you only have one night in Málaga, you have to try this tapas bar. I’d recommend reserving a table.
Málaga by night | Restaurant La Vegana | Mango farm visit
Stay in Málaga
Hotels/Apartments:
- Be Mate – Extremely beautiful apartments in a central, but quiet area so you can walk everywhere in Málaga
- Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina – A gorgeous historic house with beautifully renovated rooms that still keep the charm of the place and have unbeatable views of Málaga Bay. There’s also free parking which is rare in Málaga.
Hostels
- The Urban Jungle Rooftop Hostel – By far the coolest hostel in town with a roof top terrace, beautiful dorms and double rooms and a perfectly central location in Málaga.
Hotel recommendation for Málaga: Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina
A wonderful experience with unbeatable views of Málaga Bay. Located in a beautifully renovated historic house, here you can dive into a fairy tale setting. The gardens, the pool, the view – they will all take your breath. Plus: You can park for free which gives you a great flexibility to visit all the gems in the area of Málaga.
El Torcal | Caminito del Rey
Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos | Driving through a fairy tale
Driving along the scenic, winding roads, you can already spot white villages from afar. Stop here and there for a snack or a stroll through any of the cute towns, and along the roads for spectacular views.
This gorgeous route along white villages and scenic roads can’t be missed during any south of Spain road trip.
There are many many villages that belong to los Pueblos Blancos and the complete route is around 200 km long. But you can also decide to do just a small part of it.
We visited Setenil de las Bodegas, Olvera and Zahara de la Sierra on our way from Málaga, over Ronda to Tarifa. The road between Setenil and Olvera is especially spectacular with its many olive groves and the wonderful views of the white villages.
And Setenil de las Bodegas is one of a kind, as numerous houses are built into the caves – a unique view for sure.
Stay in Ronda / Los Pueblos Blancos
Hotels/Apartments:
- Cortijo La Organic – The perfect hideaway outside of Ronda in a rural house with a wonderful garden and a pool to cool down
- Ronda City Wall Apartments with Private Pool – Yes, you’ve read correctly. Here you have your own little private pool in a super beautiful boho-style apartment in Ronda
Hotel recommendation for Ronda: Ronda City Wall Apartments with Private Pool
Located not far from the best viewpoints in Ronda, this apartment is perfect for relaxing and recharging. You have your own private pool on the terrace of your super beautiful boho-style apartment. What a hidden gem!
Ronda | Los Pueblos Blancos | Setenil de las Bodegas
Tarifa | Surf & relax
Who doesn’t love surfer towns? A relaxed vibe, nice cafés and bars, and of course the sea. Any frenzy of the larger cities seems far, far away. And this is exactly what makes Tarifa so adorable.
In comparison to many other parts of the Spanish coasts that are covered with buildings, the Costa de la Luz has the nicest natural beaches in my opinion.
Here you can find dunes and long natural strips of sand, like we’ve seen nowhere else on our south of Spain road trip.
Tarifa itself is super popular among kite surfers, due to its amazing winds. But you can also just spend a relaxed day by the fine sandy beach.
Besides, it’s the southernmost point of the European mainland and you can see Morocco from here, as it’s just 14 km across the sea.
ToDo in Tarifa:
- Stroll through the maze of alleys – dive into the town’s laid-back vibe
- Head to Bolonia beach – A huge natural beach surrounded by dunes. If you’re lucky, you may see one of the cows and bulls regularly roaming around the beach. There are also Roman ruins right next to the beach.
- Learn kite surfing – If you’ve ever been curious about kite surfing, this is the place to learn. Tarifa is a kite surfing paradise.
- Have a drink at Plaza San Martin – Listen to street music while sipping your Vermuth or Tinto de Verano on this small square
Eat in Tarifa:
- Chilimosa – a fantastic vegetarian restaurant with a family atmosphere
- Helena’s Kitchen – for amazing brunch
- Casa del Gelato – the best homemade ice cream in town
Stay in Tarifa:
Hotels/Guest houses
- Hotel: The Riad – An adults-only hotel inspired by Moroccan-style with the most beautiful rooftop terrace
- Apartment: El Patio de Comendador – A super cosy apartment with a lovely little patio in the old town
- Guest house: Eco Spirit – The name says it all: A lovely little haven in the countryside close to Tarifa hosted by wonderful Giuseppe who offers delicious organic food
Hostels
- Wild House – A beautiful surfhouse in nature close to the beach where you can relax, meet other travelers and go surfing together
Impressions of Tarifa
Hotel recommendation in Tarifa: The Riad
In a wonderfully renovated 17th-century building with Moorish architecture, this Riad brings you the ultimate Morrocan experience. And the open-air rooftop will blow your mind with its beautiful view of Tarifa.
Parking in Tarifa
There are many options to park for free in Tarifa, e.g. around Calle Jacinto Benamente or Avenida de la Constitucion (just beware of the yellow markings where it’s not allowed to park).
With a Camper, you can choose to park near the beach at Aparcamento Piscinas. I saw several ones standing there but it was in the off-season, so it could be different in the high season.
Beach time in Tarifa & the dunes of Bolonia
Sevilla | The birthplace of Tapas
Sevilla – the birthplace of tapas, and in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
“Quien no ha visto Sevilla, no ha visto maravilla”, as the Spanish like to say – “Who hasn’t seen Sevilla, hasn’t seen a thing”.
Strolling through Sevilla you can randomly pick any building and marvel at its beauty. And the lively streets are full of amazing tapas bars (of course!) and restaurants. This city has such as special vibe spreading vitality, the love of going out, enjoying life and great food and drinks.
Well, such a gem cannot be hidden from tourism of course. However, tourism has exploded in the last few years, so I highly recommend going in the off-season, otherwise you’ll barely be able to walk through the alleys or enjoy the plazas.
The first time I’ve visited was in 2011 (in September) and again in 2023 (in late October) during our south of Spain road trip — and the number of tourists has increased crazily.
With many tourists come touristy attractions. I was shocked to see how many tourists still take a tour through Sevilla in horse-drawn carriages. Please do not support any activities involving animal harm, such as the horse carriages in Sevilla. You have to consider that those horses stand the heat and pull often overloaded carriages all year in all weather conditions. And we’re talking about one of the hottest cities in Europe, with easily 40 – 50 °C in summer.
There have been repeated incidents of horses collapsing and dying on the streets. No wonder, as those horses are forced to work 12-hour shifts and many get no rest in the shade even at boiling temperatures. And I haven’t seen a single water bucket or food close to the horses.
Also, according to PETA, they can develop respiratory problems because they constantly breathe in exhaust fumes while walking between traffic. And they often get leg issues from walking hours and hours on hard surfaces. Day after day. Year after year. All that, just for the fun of tourists.
More and more cities are banning those horse-drawn carriages, and I dearly hope that Sevilla and the other Spanish cities will follow soon.
By boycotting activities like that, you set a clear sign against animal cruelty.
ToDo in Sevilla:
- Jewish Quarter – Get lost in the most beautiful quarter in Sevilla.
- Free Walking Tour – There are tons of walking tours in Sevilla but Miguel’s tour is really fun and gives you a good overview of the city.
- Alcázar – The castle and its gorgeous gardens full of arches and tropical plants are for sure worth a visit. Book your tickets online at least a few days in advance, otherwise you can’t enter! With this ticket, you even get a guided tour through Alcázar, Giralda and the cathedral.
- La Giralda – Sevilla’s landmark and a wonderful view from the top. To avoid queuing in the heat, you can skip the line by booking a ticket in advance or directly book a guided tour.
- Plaza de España – One of the most beautiful squares all over Spain.
- Tapas, tapas, tapas – Sevilla is the birthplace of Tapas (which were invented to cover the drink, that’s why drinks are usually accompanied by a tapa (“cap”)), so you have to try as many tapas bars as you can.
- Beach trip – Check out the best beaches near Sevilla if you’d like a relaxed day in between all the sightseeing.
Jewish quarter | Torre del Oro | Plaza de España in Sevilla
Eat in Sevilla:
- La Bartola – An institution! Very traditional tapas restaurant with modern twists to tapas and lovely vegetarian variations (be ready to queue for around half an hour)
- Arabesca – We had the most amazing Middle Eastern Dinner here, literally every dish was so delicious.
- PETRA – A small family restaurant with amazing tapas (and lots of veggie options)
- Naturalmente Real Food – When you’re craving some nutrients after all the fried stuff
- Vegan Rock – a super authentic tapas bar that serves vegan versions of original tapas
Stay in Sevilla
Hotels / Apartments:
- Hotel: Plácido y Grata – Located in the heart of Sevilla with lovely breakfast in their wonderful courtyard
- Apartments: Casa Señorial del Siglo XVIII – Modern apartments close to so many nice restaurants and sqares to enjoy Sevilla
Hostels
- Oasis Backpackers & Coworking – With a rooftop pool and coworking spaces a true gem for backpackers
Hotel recommendation in Sevilla: Plácido y Grata
Imagine waking up in a modern, but simplistic hotel in one of the nicest areas of Sevilla, enjoying your morning coffee in their shaded courtyard and then starting to explore this beautiful city. Plácido y Grata is for sure one of its kind. And their own cáfe is the cherry on top.
Parking in Sevilla
We were lucky to find a free parking lot in Calle José María Moreno Galván on our south of Spain road trip. I’ve heard that you can also find a free parking lot in Avenida Torneo or Isla de la Cartuja. But in general, you have to be lucky to find free parking in Sevilla.
La Giralda & more impressions of Sevilla
Córdoba | Andalucia at its best
The last stop on our Andalucia itinerary takes us to gorgeous Córdoba – a small city but rich in history.
Walk through the alleys and peak into the magical courtyards through their gates. Behind each door, there is a hidden gem or a secret surprise.
But what guards over all these little courtyards and narrow alleys is Córdoba’s actual landmark.
La Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral like you won’t see anywhere else.
ToDo in Córdoba:
- Enter La Mezquita – Usually, I’m not a church visitor but this building has been so fascinating. It’s a mosque in which a cathedral was built. Kind of weird, interesting and also a reminder of religious wars. Pro tip: Between 8:30 & 9:15 a.m. the entrance is for free, but if you want to learn more about its fascinating history, I can highly recommend booking a tour with a guide.
- Stroll through the Jewish Quarter – Just like in Sevilla, this is the most beautiful quarter in town
- Get pampered in the Hammam – Especially if the weather isn’t that good, a hot bath and massage in a traditional Hammam is the best experience! And the one in Córdoba is exceptionally beautiful inside.
- Visit the Azahara Medina – Just a short trip from Córdoba, you can find this historic palace from the 10th century
- Try Salmorejo – The cold tomato soup that’s originally from Córdoba (there are also several restaurants serving a vegan version, as the original is with egg and sometimes even bacon)
La Mezquita & more impressions of Córdoba
Eat in Córdoba:
- Restaurant Umaueyon – For the best Arab food in town with a beautiful courtyard
- Amaltea – A lovely fusion restaurant with thoughtful dishes that will make the hearts of vegans, fish lovers and meat lovers jump
Stay in Córdoba:
- Casa Sirfantas – This lovely gem with their stunning courtyard in the middle has been one of our favorite accommodations on our south of Spain road trip
Hotel recommendation in Córdoba: Casa Sirfantas
When you this place you feel like you’ve just landed in a fairy tale. Its beautifully decorated apartments all have their own little terraces in the courtyard of the typical Andalusian house. You can feel that this place has been renovated with love. Might be our favorite accommodation in Andalucia!
Andalucia itineraries
How many days do you need for a South of Spain road trip?
Spain is quite big, so even to discover its south during an Andalucia road trip, you should plan at least 2 weeks in Andalucia. Two weeks are great in order to explore the region’s diverse cities, spend time in nature (hiking, visiting natural parks), and relax by the beach for a few days.
The more time you have, the better you can dive into Spanish culture, calm down and relax a bit. This also gives you a better feeling for life in Spain.
How to get to Andalucia?
If you plan to do your Andalucia itinerary with your own car or a rental camper from Central Europe, you can drive all the way down, passing through France.
That can be an adventure in itself.
We drove in our own car from southern Germany and stopped in northern Spain on our way to Andalucia. And on our way back we included two stops – one in northern Spain and one in France. Driving time was around 22 hours, which is totally doable spread over 2-3 driving days. The route passes along the Costa Brava which offers some nice spots for a stop every now and then.
Another option is to fly to Andalucia and pick up a rental car at your first stops. You can fly to Granada, Málaga or Sevilla, spend the first few days exploring your arrival city and then start your south of Spain road trip.
Andalucia road trip vibes
How to get around Andalucia?
In my opinion, driving around Andalucia in a car or camper is a highlight itself.
There are so many panoramic roads, such as the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos which you can hardly see if you’re only traveling by public transport. A car gives you the freedom to stop in any of the cute villages along the way and also drive much deeper into the Sierra Nevada.
I also love riding along the coast and taking a beach stop or a lunch break whenever I pass by a nice place.
You can also travel through Andalucia by public transport, as there’s quite a good bus and train network. And neither trains nor buses are expensive in Spain.
I once took a high-speed train from Barcelona to Sevilla with a stopover in Madrid and it was quite affordable (around 25 € from Barcelona to Madrid in 2.5h | around 60 € from Madrid to Sevilla for another 2.5h).
Concerning buses, you should check out Alsa (the biggest Spanish coach company) and Flixbus or get an app like Omio to compare fares and connections. The major cities like Granada, Sevilla and Málaga are well connected. For activities that are a bit further from any cities, such as the Sierra Nevada, Caminito del Rey or El Torcal you have to book a tour with transport in order to visit.
Concerning buses, you should check out Alsa (the biggest Spanish coach company) and Flixbus or get an app like Omio to compare fares and connections. The major cities like Granada, Sevilla and Málaga are well connected. For activities that are a bit further from any cities, such as the Sierra Nevada, Caminito del Rey or El Torcal you have to book a tour with transport in order to visit.
By the way:
In case you’re traveling by train, I’ve got a nice recommendation for the most beautiful train ride: Take the train from Málaga to Sevilla (important: not the high-speed train, but the one that takes 3.5 hours). It passes through the same gorge as the Caminito del Rey. So you can catch some stunning views on the train ride.
Do you have to pay tolls/buy a vignette in Spain?
You don’t have to get a vignette to drive to Spain and there are only a few highways in Spain where you have to pay tolls. In Andalucia, there are only two motorways where you have to pay tolls (in 2023).
- AP-7 Mediterranean Motorway between La Junquera and Tarragona (close to Málaga)
- AP 46 between Alto de la Pedrizas and Málaga
However, I read, that Spain is planning to extend the network of motorways where you have to pay tolls, so check the website of the Gobierno de España before you start your Andalucia adventure.
When you drive around on a motorbike, I heard that you have to pay a fee (distance-based) but I have no experience with that, so make sure you inform yourself before entering Spain.
Besides, fuel was a bit cheaper than in Central Europe, and we never had any issues finding accommodation with free parking or parking our car a bit outside of one of the cities.
Andalucia road trip vibes & railway next to Caminito del Rey
Railway next to Caminito del Rey
Suggested Andalucia itineraries
2 weeks Andalucia itinerary
Two weeks are a great time to explore Andalucia and travel around by car. We had around two weeks in Andalucia and chose the following route:
- Granada (3 days)
- Either 3 days based in Granada with a day trip into the Sierra Nevada
- Or 2 days in Granada & then drive from Granada ⇨ stop in Sierra Nevada (Capileira) ⇨ Málaga (3.5h / 200km)
- Málaga area (3 days)
- With day trips to El Torcal & Caminito del Rey
- drive Málaga ⇨ stops in Ronda & along the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos ⇨ Tarifa (4h / 270km)
- Tarifa (3 days)
- drive Tarifa ⇨ Sevilla (2h / 200km)
- Sevilla (3 days)
- drive Sevilla ⇨ Córdoba (1.5h / 150 km)
- Córdoba (2 days)
Consider, that this is only the time spent in Andalucia, so you have to calculate your time getting there and back home as additional days.
2 weeks Andalucia itinerary (click for interactive map)
1 week Andalucia itinerary
If you have only one week, I’d recommend you pick two of the stops mentioned above and combine them. One week is quite short but gives you a nice taste of Andalucia. However, if you can spare some more days, I highly recommend spending at least two weeks in order to explore the region properly on your Andalucia road trip.
Good to know for your Andalucia road trip
When is the best time to visit Andalucia?
I’m a huge fan of the low season, as there are fewer tourists around which means better choices for accommodations, often better prices, and fewer crowds in sights, tours and other activities.
In Andalucia, the high season is April and May (especially around the Easter holidays it gets extremely crowded and everything is twice as expensive). So I highly recommend avoiding these times. Sometimes, the Easter holidays are already in March, so keep that in mind.
Additionally, the months of July and August are European vacation time, so it feels like everyone in Europe is traveling and Spain gets very crowded as well. Plus – it gets unbearably hot. In Andalucia temperatures can easily reach 40–45 °C in summer (104 – 113 °F). I can only speak for myself, but even though I love summer and can handle heat quite well, I really don’t want to stroll through Sevilla at 45 °C.
Sooo we thought the end of October – beginning of November would be the perfect time for an Andalucia itinerary. Still nice and warm but not too crowded. And weatherwise it was great. We were even able to spend a few days by the sea in Tarifa and could walk around the cities in t-shirts when the sun came out and we had a wonderful 22°C during the daytime.
But I was quite surprised about how many tourists were still around. You still had to prebook tickets for the Alhambra in Granada at least 1-2 weeks in advance and for the Caminito del Rey and the Alcazar in Sevilla tickets were also sold out 3-4 days in advance.
So I’d say the winter months are even better for a south of Spain road trip.
Where to sleep on your Andalucia road trip?
While it’s not allowed to wild camp in Spain, there are plenty of parking places where you can stay with a camper overnight. Many of them are even for free. And there are many nice campsites as well, if you prefer having all facilities close by.
But you can also plan your Andalucia itinerary with a car and stay in guesthouses, apartments or hotels, just as we did. We only booked our first nights in Granada in advance and didn’t have any issues booking our accommodation just 2–3 nights before heading to our next stop. This way, we were super flexible and were able to stay in one place as long as we liked.
Accommodation in Andalucia
How expensive is traveling in Andalucia?
Traveling in Spain is a bit cheaper than in Central Europe, but if you prefer fancy dinners and boutique hotels, you can easily spend an expensive vacation.
We mostly stayed in apartments or guesthouses for around 80-100 Euros per night for two people in a nice double room. But be aware, that we were traveling at the end of October / beginning of November. In most other months prices are higher.
Food is also affordable, especially in local tapas bars where you only pay for a drink and get some tapas with it. For a proper dinner, you will usually pay a few Euros less than in Central Europe.
All banks charge a fee for withdrawing money from any ATM. So rather withdraw a larger amount instead of paying fees again and again.
Food in Andalucia
While Tapas are popular and widely spread all over Spain, Andalucia (Sevilla to be precise) is the birthplace of Tapas. So this is the number one food you must try on your Andalucia itinerary.
Eating Tapas is the best way to experience the Spanish lifestyle – meeting friends in a tapas bar, and sharing small portions while sipping a glass of cold beer or wine. Instead of focusing on a huge meal in front of you, this way of eating and sharing small servings automatically stimulates conversations and a shared experience.
Many tapas are heavy on meat (or fish), but you can find many delicious vegetarian options as well:
- Patatas Bravas – fried potatoes with a yummy tomato sauce
- Croquetas – there are also versions without ham, such as mushroom filling or spinach
- Pimientos – fried green peppers with sea salt
- Gazpacho – cold tomato soup
- Tortilla – the Spanish omelet with potatoes, sometimes you also get a Bocadillo (sandwich) with Tortilla
- Setas a la plancha – pan-fried mushrooms
- Empanadas – yes, there are also some with vegetarian filling
But the best experience is eating in a vegetarian/vegan tapas bar, where you can also find a meat-free version of some Spanish classics such as Chorizo (spicy sausage) or Gambas a la plancha (pan-fried prawns).
Here are some more traditional Spanish dishes (not typically from Andalucia but still yummy):
- Paella – a rice plate originally with seafood from Valencia, but you can also find vegetable paella
- Pisto – a dish originally from the Murcia region with grilled vegetables in a tomato sauce
- Churros – the delicious Spanish sweet treat: fried dough with a chocolate sauce
Besides the famous Sangría, try some other drinks the Spanish love, like a Tinto de Verano (a mix of red wine & lemon soda), a caña (small draft beer), or a clara (a caña mixed with lemon soda).
One thing you need to know about dinner in Spain is that the Spanish love to eat late. Most restaurants or tapas bars don’t open before 8 pm / 8:30 pm. And I would recommend eating in those places.
If a restaurant opens at 6 pm you can tell it’s a touristy place and won’t serve authentic food.
Pimientos de padrón | Veggie croquetas | Vegetable Paella
Sustainable travel on your Andalucia road trip
With more and more extreme weather conditions, especially fires and extreme heat in summer, Andalucia is one of the European regions where the effects of climate change already hit hard.
This should also make it clear, that this region needs protection. Large numbers of tourists only make it worse, with an increase in water consumption where it’s already scarce.
Besides, mass tourism adds further problems such as tons of trash, coastal areas covered with buildings, fewer natural areas and high pollution caused by airplanes, cruises and also cars.
A good thing is that ecotourism is evolving in Andalucia, with network organizations such as ANDECO that have been encouraging more eco-friendly, sustainable and respectful tourism since 1999.
Besides, a Sustainable Tourism General Plan was implemented. This plan provides a roadmap aiming to balance the tourist sector in Andalucia and enable a sustainable tourist point considering social, environmental and economic aspects.
It’s great that the region is working on a concept like that and putting more effort into sustainable tourism. But this all won’t work unless we, as tourists, also do our bit on our south of Spain road trip.
What can we do as travelers?
We as travelers can make a change by responsible and conscious decisions during our south of Spain road trip. Eventually, we want to enjoy our destination, right? And the way we treat the destination significantly influences, whether future travelers can still enjoy it the way we did.
And of course, we have to make sure that inhabitants, animals, and the environment won’t suffer from our visit.
Try to stick to a few rules to avoid waste:
- Avoid any plastic packaging (say no to any plastic bags but bring your own tote bag instead)
- Buy fresh fruit or freshly prepared snacks instead of packed snacks like chips or cookies
- Bring your own cosmetics instead of using the shampoo samples in any accommodation
- Say no to plastic straws, plastic cups etc.
- Bring a water filter bottle, so you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles
Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid waste, so
- Try to recycle and separate your trash whenever possible (I noticed that many accommodations in Andalucia still don’t separate their trash, so if they don’t – make a suggestion & help them to be more sustainable)
- Pick accommodation that separates trash and operates as sustainable as possible
Keep the beaches clean by reducing waste!
Besides, with the following recommendations you can also make a difference so your destination won’t suffer as much from tourism:
- Travel in the low-season
- Save water & energy in your accommodation
- Support locals (eat in local restaurants, buy in local shops, stay with locals), so your money goes to the locals instead of international companies
When you’re cruising around in a camper, make sure to only use biodegradable products for showering and washing your dishes. This way you can make sure to leave as few harmful substances as possible in the environment.
As mentioned earlier, please don’t support any activities that harm animals, such as the horse-drawn carriages that are sadly still in use in many Andalucian cities.
And give some love to stray animals! Many dogs and cats yearn for some cuddles more than for food. If you give them some water or a bit of food, you can make them even happier. In case you see an injured animal, bring it to the closest vet!
Don’t support horse-drawn carriages, like these in Sevilla!
Helpful Spanish basics
I don’t understand travelers who visit a foreign country and only stick to English (or even worse, to their own native language). Of course, no one can expect you to learn any language. But learning a few basic phrases in the local language is not only fun and helpful in many situations, but also a way to show respect to the locals.
So here are a few basic Spanish phrases that can help you to improve your time during your Andalucia road trip:
- Hello – Hola
- Good Morning – Buenos dias
- Bye – Adiós
- Excuse me – Perdón
- Thanks – Gracias
- I don’t understand – No entiendo
- Please – Por favor
- Sorry – Lo siento
- Help me! – Ayudame!
- Cheers! – Salud!
- Here – aquí
- Toll – peaje
- Fuel / petrol station – gasoline / gasolinera
- How much is it? – Cuánto cuesta?
- Where is the toilet? – Donde está el baño?
- The bill, please – La cuenta, por favor.
- Where does the bus leave? – Donde parte el bus?
- No plastic bag – Sin bolsa de plastico
- No straw – No paja
- No plastic cutlery – No cubiertos de plástico
The Andalusian dialect (called Andaluz) is sometimes hard to understand, as they tend to swallow letters (especially the “s”, e.g. “gracia” instead of “gracias” or the “d” at the end of a word, e.g. “salu” instead of “salud”). But it’s beautiful to listen to in my opinion.
I also love that they use the diminutive all the time (e.g. “casita” = instead of “casa” for a house).
We fell in love with Andalucia on our south of Spain road trip
Andalucia road trip – a wrap-up
Andalucia in three words: Mudéjar | Tapas | Orange trees
Did you know? No one actually knows where Flamenco was born. Some say Granada, some Sevilla, but there is no proof of either story.
Favorite photo spot: Parque Natural El Torcal
Favorite food: Pimientos de Padrón
Can’t miss: Sipping a cold Tinto de Verano in a tapas bar that’s squeezed into a small alley in Sevilla or Granada
Did you enjoy these tips for your south of Spain road trip? Which was your favorite place on your Andalucia itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
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