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10 Days in Andalucia: The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip Itinerary [2024]

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Read how to take a perfect Andalucia road trip for 10 days in Andalucia in southern Spain. Find out where to go in Andalucia, what to see in Andalucia in 10 days & how to go around Andalucia in 10 days.

Visiting pueblo blancos is one of the best things to do in Seville area
Iznajar in Andalusia on my Andalusia road trip © World Travel Connector

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 

If you are looking for a well-balanced and not fast-packed southern Spain itinerary you have found the right post.
While I have spent a month traveling south of Spain, many people have only several days of their vacation to spend on a trip. That’s why I have tailored a perfect itinerary for southern Spain for first-time visitors covering the highlights of southern Spain and at the same time giving much time to leisurely enjoy the best of Andalusia.
In this post, you’ll find the perfect Andalucia road trip itinerary regardless of if you are planning to rent a car or use public transport.
The best way to explore the south of Spain is by renting a car as it gives you the freedom to see the countryside at leisure without depending on trains and buses, although the public transport system in Spain is great if you would prefer not to drive.
You can do this Southern Spain trip in 7 days, but I recommend 10 days in Andalucia. Otherwise, you will be spending more time traveling (moving from one place to another) and less enjoying your Southern Spain trip.
I recommend renting a car at Malaga airport (Malaga airport is the busiest airport in southern Spain!) for an Andalucia road trip and simply following the next Andalucia road trip itinerary.

Andalucia itinerary 10 days

Jerez de la Frontera should be on any southern Spain itinerary
Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia on my Andalusia road trip © World Travel Connector

ANDALUCIA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: How to spend the perfect 10 days in Andalucia on a fabulous Andalucia road trip

Southern Spain Itinerary 10 days (Andalucia road trip itinerary):

This 10 days Andalucia road trip is a round trip that starts and finishes in Malaga.
This southern Spain itinerary covers 3 ultimate southern Spain destinations (Seville, Granada, Cordoba), Jerez de la Frontera (the heart of Andalusia),  exquisite and genuine Andalusian ‘pueblos blancos‘ (Iznajar, Arcos de la Frontera, Ubrique), stunning seaside town of Cadiz, spectacular Ronda and Malaga (the capital of Costa del Sol).
In this Andalusia road trip itinerary, you will get detailed itineraries for each place in Andalusia you visit.
This Andalusia road trip covers some hidden gems in Andalusia like Iznajar and Ubrique (gorgeous and nontouristy places in Andalusia).
I’d suggest taking this Andalusia road trip in May because some of the most amazing events happen in May in Andalusia (like Feria de Abril de Sevilla, Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera, Fiesta de Los Patios in Cordoba).
But, let’s start with the southern Spain itinerary!

Perfect Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Andalucia road trip itinerary:

Day 1: MALAGA

Start your Andalucia Road Trip in Malaga
The Malagueta beach in Malaga in Southern Spain © World Travel Connector

Sunny Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol. It has the biggest airport in southern Spain.

Malaga Airport is the 4th busiest airport in Spain (following only Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Barcelona El Prat Airport, and Palma de Mallorca Airport by traffic).
Thus, logistics-wise, the best is to start and finish a southern Spain trip in Malaga. In other words, most likely you will find the most affordable plane tickets to Malaga.

Malaga should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Malaga © World Travel Connector

Things to do in Malaga

Start your visit to Malaga by having a cup of coffee and a glass of fresh juice at Mercado Central de Atarazans before the official start of sightseeing Malaga. 
Vibrant Mercado Central de Atarazans is one of the top places to see in Malaga. It is a fabulous food market filled with great produce, small restaurants, and cafes. Another popular place in Malaga for sipping morning coffee is Café Central Málaga.

After a cup of morning joe head up to Castillo Gibralfaro, the famous Malaga hilltop castle, for the spectacular views of Malaga. After admiring the views of Malaga from the hill, go down the hill to Alcazaba (a fantastic medieval Moorish palace with amazing sea views).

After visiting Alcazaba, head to Malaga Cathedral (called, also One-Arm Lady) and Picasso Museum Malaga.

To remind you, Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the all-time most famous painters. So, please take the time to visit the amazing Picasso Museum.

When you finish visiting the Picasso Museum, it will be already lunchtime.

I recommend having lunch at the iconic El Pimpi tapas bar. After lunch, enjoy your Spanish siesta time.

In the late afternoon have some beach time on sandy Malagueta beach. After all, you are on the famous Costa del Sol in Spain and Malaga is the capital of Costa del Sol.

Locals especially love Malagueta Beach. It’s the nearest beach to Malaga downtown and one of the best beaches in Malaga. The area is one of the best areas to stay in Malaga for beach lovers. (Read my complete guide to Where to Stay in Malaga).

Reserve your hot Malaga evening for refreshing cocktails, sangria, and delicious local tapas.

If you wonder what to eat in Spain and you want to eat authentic famous Spanish food on your trip, read about The Most Popular Spanish Food Everyone Needs to Try

Seafood paella is a popular food in Spain
Seafood paella in Spain

Malaga Itinerary

Here is a summary of the recommended MALAGA ITINERARY:

  • Morning: coffee at Mercado Central de Ataranzas, visit Castillo Gibralfaro and Alcazaba, Malaga Cathedral, and Picasso Museum
  • Lunch: El Pimpi & afternoon siesta
  • Late afternoon: Malaga beach
  • Evening: cocktails and tapas bars (check out Mañana Cocktail Bar Malaga) or take an Evening Wine and Tapas Tour in Malaga

Where to stay in Malaga

LUXURY: Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
BUDGET: The Lights Hostel
MID-RANGE: Soho Boutique Museo

Plan your Andalucia road trip – Day 1: Malaga

Fly to Malaga and check out rental cars at Malaga Airport

Book your stay in Malaga
The Lights Hostel (budget)
Soho Boutique Museo (mid-range)
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Malaga:
Malaga: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava (the most popular tour in Malaga)
Málaga: Flamenco Show at Tablao Alegría (the most popular entry-ticket)
From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus (the most popular day trip from Malaga)

Day 2: GRANADA

In the early morning on the second day, head to Granada. The distance between Malaga and Granada is only about 30 km (19 mi).

  • From Malaga to Granada by car:  an hour and 45 min drive.
  • From Malaga to Granada by bus: There are about 8 daily buses from Malaga to Granada. A one-way Malaga to Granada bus ticket is about 12 €.
  • From Malaga to Granada by train: If you want to travel more comfortably from Malaga to Granada, consider taking a train from Malaga to Granada. But in that case, the train route goes from Malaga to Antequera (about 30 30-minute train ride), and from Antequera to Granada (an hour-and-a-half train ride). A train ride from Malaga to Granada is from 20 € and up.
Albaycin in Granada is should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Albaycin, the Old Arab quarter in Granada © World Travel Connector
Granada should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Donkey in Granada © World Travel Connector

Things to do in Granada Spain

  • visit Alhambra Palace (the most visited site in Spain), 
  • stroll Carrera del Darro (the most beautiful street in Granada),
  • wander Albaicín quarter (a UNESCO site),
  • tour Sacromonte (Granada’s gypsy quarter),
  • visit Granada’s Arabic Baths (Granada’s Banuelos is the oldest surviving Arabic baths in Spain),
  • check out Granada Cathedral (built in the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles; still not finished)

Granada itinerary

  • Early in the morning: Alhambra (book your ticket in advance! and go as early as possible), visit Granada Cathedral (built-in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque style)
  • Afternoon: have tapas lunch at Bar Los Diamantes (Granada’s most famous tapas bar for fried fish) at Plaza Nuevosiesta and visit authentic Arabic Baths (Granada’s Banuelos is the oldest surviving Arabic baths in Spain). Or, opt for an afternoon spa time in Hammam Al Andalus (in the center of Granada near Plaza Nueva)
  • Late afternoon: stroll Carrera del Darro (the most beautiful street in Granada) which starts from Plaza Nuevo and goes to the famous Albaicin quarter and head to Albaicin for the sunset.
  • Evening: go to Sacromonte (Granada’s gypsy quarter) for a flamenco show and dinner

Related read: 15 Essential Tips and Tricks on How to Visit Alhambra Palace
Tip: For roaming Alhambra palace, cobbled stone streets of Granada, and hilly Albaicin, you will need comfortable walking shoes. If traveling in summer, check out my list of top comfort women’s sandals for walking.

Where to stay in Granada Spain

LUXURY: Palacio Cabrera – Lillo, or Luxury Alhambra Penthouse Collection
MID-RANGE: Palacio Cabrera – Lillo
BUDGET: Lemon Rock Hostel

Plan your Andalucia road trip itinerary

Day 2 Granada

Book your stay in Granada
Lemon Rock Hostel (budget)
Palacio Cabrera – Lillo (mid-range)
Palacio Cabrera – Lillo, or Luxury Alhambra Penthouse Collection (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Granada:
Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket (the most popular entry ticket)
Granada: Flamenco Show in La Alboreá (a popular entry ticket)
Granada: Hammam Al Ándalus with Optional Massage (a popular ticket)

Day 3: IZNAJAR AND CORDOBA

On the third day, head from Granada to Cordoba and make a stop in Iznajar.

Iznajar

Iznajar in Andalucia should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Iznajar is a picturesque white village in Andalusia © World Travel Connector

Iznajar is one of the most beautiful white villages in southern Spain with an outstanding hilltop setting overlooking Iznajar Lake. If you want to see an authentic Andalusian village, this is a place in Andalusia to visit.

The distance between Granada and Iznajar is about 90 km.

  • From Granada to Iznajar by car: an hour and 10 min
  • From Granada to Iznajar by bus: an hour and 30 min from Estación de Autobuses de Granada. A one-way Granada to Iznajar bus ticket goes from 8 € and up.

The next stop on this south of Spain itinerary is Cordoba.

Cordoba

Cordoba is one of the best places to visit in Southern Spain
Cordoba © World Travel Connector

After visiting Iznajar head to Cordoba. The distance from Iznajar to Cordoba is about 130 km.

  • From Iznajar to Cordoba by car: an hour-and-a-half drive
  • From Iznajar to Cordoba by bus: 2 hours and a half drive. A one-way Iznajar to Cordoba ticket is about 12 €.

Cordoba was once the capital of Muslim Spain and a major center of medieval Europe. A mix of the beautiful setting on the river Guadalquivir and some extraordinary historic treasures gives a special romantic vibe to Cordoba. La Mezquita (the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba) is one of the most fascinating architectural masterpieces.

Best things to do in Cordoba

  • tour Mosque of Cordoba (the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba),
  • visit Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (the Royal Palace of Catholic Monarchs),
  • get around Juderia de Cordoba (the Jewish Quarter),
  • head to Puente Romano (the Roman Bridge),
  • enjoy Moorish tea rooms (teterías) in Cordoba,
  • admire Los Patios de Cordoba (the beautiful old-time vibe patios full of flowers).
Cordoba should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Mezquita in Cordoba © World Travel Connector

When you reach Cordoba, most likely noon will be already.

Check-in at your stay and head to the picturesque Old Jewish Quarter (el Barrio de la Juderia de Cordoba) for lunch and stroll around world-famous Corodobese patios and afterward visit Alcazar Palace of Cordoba (one of the main residential palaces of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon).

Salmorejo is one of the most popular food in Spain
Salmorejo with ham © World Travel Connector

Cordoba itinerary

  • Lunchtime: Juderia de Cordoba (Jewish Quarter), Alcazar of the Christian Monarch (the royal palace of Cordoba)
  • Afternoon: tea time in a Moorish tea room Salon de Te in Barrio Judería (in the Jewish Quarter)
  • Evening: leisure stroll around romantic Cordoba – walk the Roman Bridge and have dinner
  • Next day in the morning: visit La Mezquita in Cordoba (it opens at 8.30 am) before you head to Seville

Where to stay in Cordoba

BUDGET: Mayflowers Hostel
MID-RANGE: Hacienda Posada de Vallina
LUXURY: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba

Plan your Andalucia road trip itinerary

Day 3: Iznajar & Cordoba

Book your stay in Cordoba
Mayflowers Hostel (budget)
Hacienda Posada de Vallina (mid-range)
Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Cordoba:
Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour (the most popular tour)
Cordoba Mosque, Synagogue & Jewish Quarter Tour with Tickets (a best-selling tour)
Córdoba: Guided Tour of the Patios (a popular tour)

Day 4-5: SEVILLE

Seville Cathedral should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Seville Cathedral © World Travel Connector
Plaza de Espana in Seville should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Plaza de Espana in Seville © World Travel Connector

Seville is the next stop on this South Spain itinerary.

The distance from Cordoba to Seville is about 145 km.

  • From Cordoba to Seville by car: an hour and 50 min drive.
  • From Cordoba to Seville by bus: 2 hours and 15 min ride. A one-way Corodab to Seville bus ticket costs about 12 €.
  • From Cordoba to Seville by train: It is a 45-minute train ride. There are about 25 trains a day from Cordoba to Seville. A one-way Cordoba to Seville train ticket goes from 7.50 € to 30 €.

The best things to do in Seville

2 Days in Seville itinerary

1st day in Seville:

  • Late morning:  Seville Cathedral (with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and climb to La Giralda tower), El Divino Salvador church, Casa de Pilatos (a palace in Renaissance and Mudèjar style with a collection of azulejos and Goya paintings)
  • Lunchtime: recommended places to eat in Seville: Cocome (healthy, vegetarian), Al Wadi (Moroccan, vegetarian), Az-Zait (Mediterranean, European, Spanish)
  • Afternoon: Parque de María Luisa, Plaza de Espana (Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones were filmed there), Museo de Bellas Artes (with a collection of religious art)
  • Evening: tapas dinner at Santa Cruz quarter and a flamenco show at the Museo del Baile

2nd day in Seville:

  • Morning: Real Alcazar Palace with gardens (Alcazar Gardens are the Water Gardens of Dorne in Game of Thrones), Hospital Los Venerables (a 17th-century baroque building with the Diego Velázquez Center)
  • Lunchtime
  • Afternoon: walk the Guadalquivir riverfront and climb the historic Toro del Oro tower, visit Real Maestranza Bullring, and go to the Metropol Parasol for sunset panoramic views of Seville (3€ ticket)
  • Evening: head to Triana quarter for a leisure walk and have a tapas dinner
Royal Alcazar in Seville a must on Andalucia road trip itinerary
Intricate tiles in Alcazar Palace in Seville © World Travel Connector

Where to Stay in Seville Spain

BUDGET: For You Hostel Sevilla
MID-RANGE: Welldone Metropol
LUXURY: Hotel Ateneo Sevilla , or Hotel Casa Del Poeta

Plan your Andalucia road trip

Day 4-5: Seville

Book your stay in Seville
For You Hostel Sevilla (budget)
Welldone Metropol (mid-range)
Hotel Ateneo Sevilla , or Hotel Casa Del Poeta (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Seville:
Seville Cathedral and Giralda: Skip-the-Line Ticket (the best-selling entry ticket)
Seville: Alcazar & Cathedral Guided Tour with Giralda Entry (the best-selling tour)
Seville: Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show (a popular ticket)

Day 6-7: CADIZ

Cadiz should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Cadiz in Andalucia in the south of Spain
Cadiz should be on any southern Spain itinerary
Cadiz in southern Spain on my Andalusia road trip © World Travel Connector

After Seville, Cadiz is coming next in your Andalusia itinerary.

The distance from Seville to Cadiz is about 120 km.

  • From Seville to Cadiz by car:  an hour and 40 min
  • From Seville to Cadiz by bus: about a 3-hour bus ride. A one-way Seville to Cadiz bust ticket costs about 14 €
  • From Seville to Cadiz by train: an hour and 40 min. A one-way Seville to Cadiz train ticket goes from 10 € and up

Cadiz is my favorite place in Andalucia.

Why? Because of the people. Simple as that.

You will meet the friendliest people of southern Spain in Cadiz.

The more I travel, the more places with welcoming and open-hearted people capture my heart. Architectural masterpieces and fascinating nature are always on my itinerary. But what keeps me longer in one place are good-hearted people.

And Cadiz is one of the places like that. In Cadiz, you will meet cheerful and easygoing people, smiling, chatting loudly, laughing spontaneously, and always ready to help a stranger in need. ‘Joie de vivre’ of Cadiz is unparalleled!

But don’t get me wrong, Cadiz is not only about friendly people. Cadiz is also about great beaches and exceptional seafood.

Related read: Best Seafood in Spain 

If you travel to Andalucia during the snail season, try caracoles tapas in Cadiz.

Most likely you will be surprised by how tasty they can be. I was! You can read more about it here Eating Snails in Spain.

Caracoles tapa is a populaar food in Spain
Caracoles tapas in Bar Los Caracoles, Calle Sporanis 4, Cadiz, Spain © World Travel Connector

Because of the friendly people, great food, and excellent beaches, I would suggest planning to stay at least 2 days in Cadiz.

Things to do in Cadiz

  • head to the Castle of San Sebastián,
  • see Santa Catalina Castle,
  • visit Cádiz Cathedral,
  • go to Mercado Central,
  • wander Barrio del Pópulo, the oldest quarter in Cadiz stretching from the Town Hall to the Cathedral,
  • climb up Torre Tavira, an observation tower with great views of Cadiz,
  • enjoy first-class seafood restaurants in Cadiz,
  • relax on the Blue Flag beaches of Cadiz like Playa La Caleta, Playa De La Cortadura, Playa de la Victoria, Playa de Santa María del Mar

2 days in Cadiz itinerary

1st Day

  • Morning: visit Cadiz Cathedral, Castle of San Sebastián, Santa Catalina Castle
  • Afternoon: walk Cadiz waterfront promenade, head for sunset to Torre Tavira
  • Evening: Go to La Vina quarter and have dinner at Casa Manteca (my favorite taberna in all of southern Spain for a great atmosphere and excellent food!)

2nd Day:

  • Morning: Head to Mercado Central to enjoy your Spanish breakfast and hang out with local people
  • Rest of the day: Beach time and seafood time. Swim, sunbathe, and eat. You are on vacation in Spain!

Where to stay in Cadiz

BUDGET: Summer Cádiz
MID-RANGE: La Posada del Mercado
LUXURY: El Armador Casa Palacio, or Parador de Cádiz

Plan your Andalucia road trip itinerary:

Day 6-7: Cadiz

Book your stay in Cadiz
Summer Cádiz (budget)
La Posada del Mercado (mid-range)
El Armador Casa Palacio, or Parador de Cádiz (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Cadiz:
Cadiz: Medieval Tour (a popular tour)
Cadiz: Guided City Tour

Day 8: JEREZ, ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA & UBRIQUE

Jerez de la Frontera should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia © World Travel Connector
Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Me at Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia © World Travel Connector

After some seaside time, you are heading to the inland south of Spain. Typical Andalusian white villages are next on your Andalucia itinerary.

The distance from Cadiz to Jerez is about 37 km.

  • From Cadiz to Jerez by car: about 35 min drive
  • From Cadiz to Jerez by bus: from an hour up to a two-hour bus drive A one-way Cadiz to Jerez bus ticket goes from about 1,5 €.
  • From Cadiz to Jerez by train: about 35 min train ride. A one-way Cadiz to Jerez train ticket goes from 7 €.

On the 8th day early in the morning, you are heading to the heart of Andalusia: Jerez, Arcos de la Frontera, and optionally Ubrique. Andalusia is about sherry, horses, and flamenco. And Jerez is the true home of sherry wine, Andalusian horses, and flamenco. Andalusian horses are one of the most famous equestrian breeds in the world.

Things to do in Jerez

One day in Jerez itinerary

If you’re traveling to Andalucia in May, then the Feria del Caballo (the Horse Fair) is a must-see! There you will get a feeling of stepping back in time and you will see Andalusia at its best: Andalusian women wearing traditional flameco dresses – colorful ‘rajes gitanas’ or ‘gypsy dresses’, flamenco singing and dancing in noisy public ‘casetas’, Andalusian horses parade …

Arcos de la Frontera should be on every Southern Spain itinerary
Arcos de la Frontera is one of the most beautiful white towns in Andalucia

The distance from Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera is 35 km.

  • From Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera by car: a 30 min drive.
  • From Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera by bus: about 35 min ride. One bus per hour a day. A one-way bus ticket goes from about 4 €.
  • From Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera by train: No train line.

The best things do to in Arcos de la Frontera

  • stroll the narrow picturesque streets of this breathtaking Andalusia white town,
  • head to the viewpoint of Mirador of the New Rock for striking views,
  • visit Casa del Conde del Aguila built in the late Gotic and Mudejar style.

Where to stay in Arcos de la Frontera

BUDGET: CASA MONTAÑA
MID-RANGE: La Casa Grande

However, if you travel by car, I suggest visiting Ubrique also. There’s no direct bus line from Arcos de la Frontera to Ubrique. Ubrique is a typical whitewashed Andalusian town situated between two nature parks. If you are a nature lover, the Ubrique area is a place to see in southern Spain.
If you are traveling by car you can enjoy scenic views on your way from Arcos de la Frontera to Ubrique.

Distance from Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera to Ubrique is about 43 km

  • From Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera to Ubrique by car: about 45 min drive.

Where to stay in Ubrique (optionally)

MID-RANGE: Hotel Sierra de Ubrique

  • If you are traveling by bus go straight from Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda and make late check-in in Ronda.

Plan your Andalucia road trip

Day 8: Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera, and Ubrique

Book your stay in Arcos de la Frontera
CASA MONTAÑA (budget)
La Casa Grande (mid-range)

Or, book your stay in Ubrique
Hotel Sierra de Ubrique (mid-range)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Jerez de la Frontera:
Jerez de la Frontera: How the Andalusian Horses Dance (the best-selling tour)

Day 9: RONDA

Ronda should be on any Andalucia road trip itinerary
Ronda in Andalusia

The distance from Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda is about 90 km.

  • From Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda by car: an hour and 10 min drive.
  • From Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda by bus: a 2-hour bus ride. A one-way ticket is about 10 €. 2 buses a day run on the route.

Things to do in Ronda

  • visit Puente Nuevo bridge,
  • head to the terraces of Jardines De Cuenca,
  • see Plaza Del Toros, the famous bullring in Ronda,
  • go to Banos Arabes

The next stop on your Andalucia trip itinerary is Ronda, one of the most spectacular towns in Southern Spain. Ronda might be a small town by size, but the atmosphere is world-class. If you like small towns with a spectacular countryside setting, most likely you will fall in love with Ronda. Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells did. Even more, cremated remains of Orson Welles and his beloved Paola Mori have dispersed down a well on a small country estate on the outskirts of Ronda.

There is one town that would be better than Aranjuez to see your first bullfight in if you are only going to see one and that is Ronda. That is where you should go if you ever go to Spain on a honeymoon or if you ever bolt with anyone. The entire town and as far as you can see in any direction is romantic background..” – Ernest Hemingway noted about Ronda.

Ronda itinerary

  • Morning: go for breathtaking views of Puente Nuevo Bridge, head to La Casa del Rey Moro to visit the bottom of El Tajo gorge, walk another two bridges in Ronda – Puente Viejo and Puente Arabe, visit the Mondragón Palace (a Moorish, Renaissance, and Gothic style palace),
  • Lunchtime: Restaurante Bardal (a Michelin-star restaurant)
  • Afternoon: visit Ronda’s Bullring, stroll the Alameda del Tajo Park just behind the bullring, visit La Casa Del Rey Moro (the House of the Moorish King), go to the Mirador de Ronda (the viewpoint of Ronda) for sunset
  • Evening: tour some of the bodegas in the countryside around Ronda

Where to stay in Ronda

MID-RANGE: Hotel Colón
LUXURY: Hotel Boutique Molino del Arco

Plan your Andalusia road trip

Day 9: Ronda


Book your stay in Ronda
Hotel Colón (mid-range)
Hotel Boutique Molino del Arco (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tours in Ronda:
Ronda: Sightseeing Walking Tour (the most popular tour)
Ronda: Organic Olive Oil Tour and Tasting (a popular tour)

DAY 10: MALAGA 

Visiting Gibraltar on a day trip from Malaga is one of the best things to do in Malaga
Gibraltar Rock

Depending on your flight time, you can go directly to Malaga Airport, stay on the last day in Malaga, or even take a day trip from Malaga to Gibraltar. (Read more here: Best things to do in Malaga, Spain)

The distance from Ronda to Malaga is about 103 km.

  • From Ronda to Malaga by car: an hour and 30 min drive.
  • From Ronda to Malaga by bus: 3-hour bus ride. A one-way ticket is about 15 €.
  • From Ronda to Malaga by train: from an hour and a half to a 2-hour ride. A one-way ticket is about 15 €.

Plan your Andalusia road trip

Day 10: Malaga

Book your stay in Malaga
The Lights Hostel (budget)
Soho Boutique Museo (mid-range)
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio (luxury)

Check out the best-selling tickets and tours in Malaga:
Malaga: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava (the most popular tour in Malaga)
Málaga: Flamenco Show at Tablao Alegría (the most popular entry-ticket)
From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus (the most popular day trip from Malaga)

Join a tour to Gibratar
From Malaga and Costa del Sol: Gibraltar Tour

ANDALUCIA ROAD TRIP ROUTE

Andalucia road trip by car: stops + driving distances + driving times

Stops on Andalucia road tripDriving distanceDriving time
Malaga to Granada19 mi (30 km)1 h 45 min
Granada to Iznajar  56 mi (90 km)1 h 10 min
Iznajar to Cordoba 81 mi (130 km)1 h 30 min
Cordoba to Seville90 mi (145 km)1 h 50 min
Seville to Cadiz75 mi (120 km)1 h 40 min
Cadiz to Jerez de la Frontera23 mi (37 km)35 min
Jerez de la Frontera to Arcos de la Frontera 22 mi (35 km)30 min
Jerez to Arcos de la Frontera to Ubrique27 mi (43 km)45 min
Arcos de la Frontera to Ronda56 mi (90 km)1 h 10 min
Ronda to Malaga64 mi (103 km)1 h 30 min
10 day Andalucia Itinerary

MAP OF THE SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY

Andalucia road trip: south of Spain map

10 Day Andalucia Road Trip Itinerary

BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTHERN SPAIN 

The best time to visit Andalucia is spring and autumn. In the summer months (June, July, August) temperatures in Andalucia go above 40ºC with hardly bearable heat. Pleasant temperatures to travel southern Spain are from February to May. May is a great month to go to Andalucia as some great festivals happen then. And Holy Week in Andalucia is another level.

The best months to take the Andalucia road trip are the spring months (March, April, May) and autumn months (September, October, and November).

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Best 10 Day Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Milijana
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Massimo

Wednesday 10th of March 2021

I really suggest spending more time in Cadiz province. It deserves for sure. I love the Sierra of Grazalema and its pueblos blancos. Nature is stunning all year round, and people are lovable. In particular I enjoy Arcos de la Frontera. In this small white village, everybody should spend at least one night. It's lovely and it's a real "pueblo blanco gaditano". When we will be able to travel again it's a lovely place to recover from all this bad period.

james

Tuesday 23rd of July 2019

Wow great Itinerary shared by i have been spain two times but after read your post i am thinking i have left many things to do & enjoy surely i will add it in my next journey thanks for sharing this lovely images & places with your lovely pics thanks

Shreya Saha

Friday 19th of July 2019

The places you have listed about Southern Spain are really beautiful. I am so intrigued by the Alcazar of Seville, Alhambra of Granada, and those beautiful white villages of Cadiz and Arcos de la Frontera. I would love to spend a week here.

Amy

Thursday 18th of July 2019

I am such a quality over quantity person, so always appreciate a great itinerary that focuses on a small area over a decent length of time. I love how unique each of these stops are, and there is something about Cadiz and Ronda that call to me. Really hope to get to these places in person!

Michael Hodgson

Thursday 18th of July 2019

LOVE your photos. The seafood paella ... lord have mercy, I am drooling on my computer keyboard. Sadly, I have not yet been to Spain. Therese has, but many years ago. We will be passing through this region quickly on our way to Morocco. Clearly we need to plan a visit to the region, and seeing that bridge (Ronda was it?) will be a must. Spectacular.