Southern Spain Itinerary: 7 Days
Woven with a wealth of whitewashed villages, cross-cultural architectural gems and cobalt-blue beaches, Andalucía caters to all types of travellers. Carved with colourful culture, delectable tapas scene and flirtatious flamenco, save this 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary for your next trip!
Dios mio. When they say that the south has something special, they're not lying.
Spain's Andalucía region renders an eclectic array of emotions. You can feel the heart, soul and history oozing throughout its culture, its monuments and its people.
Threaded with time-old ruins, teeming traditions and an intriguing mix of cultural influences, Southern Spain really is something else.
From the mouth-watering food and passionate flamenco to the crashing coast and legendary landscape, Andalucía is a feast for the senses.
Whether you wander through the Alhambra in Granada, sip on sangria in Seville, meander around the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba or soak up the sun in the Costa del Sol, this 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary has it all. ¡Vamanos!
Southern Spain Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days
Melded with a myriad of pleasurable pursuits, Southern Spain is a ubiquitous utopia. Dowsed with a dynamic depth of scenery, deep-rooted culture, impressive landmarks and hefty highlights, there’s also plenty of room to get off the beaten track.
If you’re wondering how to spend a week in the south of Spain, the planning process can feel like a burden. Don’t dance in a daze any longer and loosen up with this itinerary. I’ve taken care of the tedious details so that you can kick back, relax and revel in the rapture of Andalucía.
In this Southern Spain Itinerary, we’ll cover the following:
Day 1 Seville
Day 2: Cordoba
Day 3: Granada
Day 4: Malaga
Day 5: Costa del Sol
Day 6: Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas
Day 7: Cadiz
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 1 Seville
Kicking things off in Andalucía’s capital city, Seville is a sight that’s sure to set your expectations high. Brimming with baffling bullfighting, traditional cuisine and spinetingling architectural gems, this city deserves your full attention. Carved with colossal edifices, colourful homes and labyrinth-like streets, Seville is home to a world of opportunities.
Whether you want to watch an authentic flamenco performance in a cave or uncover the history in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, it is sure are a lot of things to do in Seville, Spain.
Straddling famous sights like the Plaza de España and Real Alcazar, Seville could be best enjoyed in two to three days.
If you’re able to wiggle in some extra room, you could spend 10 days in Andalucía, with Seville serving as the base for your road trip.
Things to do in Seville:
Discover the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar
Eat tapas at a 300-year-old restaurant, El Rinconcillo
Stroll around the vibrant Plaza de España
Watch an awe-inspiring local flamenco show in Triana
Take a tour of the Seville Cathedral, Giralda and Alcazar
Get artsy at the Seville Museum of Fine Arts.
Hit the heights at Las Setas de Sevilla
Squeeze it all in on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Seville:
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 2 Córdoba
Segue into your second day in style! After frolicking around in an array of UNESCO sites in Seville, it’s time to keep things running on a high note. And Córdoba is a pristine place to do so. This 1 week in Southern Spain itinerary invites you into the heart of Andalucía.
As a historic hot spot, Córdoba encapsulates a multicultural mix of architectural sites. Rich in Moorish, Gothic and Hispanic influences, this place is downright intriguing. If you’re speculating about how to spend a week in the south of Spain, don’t miss the chance to visit Córdoba! From the UNESCO-listed Mosque-Cathedral and the ancient Jewish Quarter, all the way to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, this city is steeped deep in opportunities.
And better yet, Córdoba is easily accessible by train. If you’re unable to rent a hire, this part of the 7-day southern Spain itinerary is more than feasible.
Things to do in Córdoba:
Be enchanted by the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Meander through the Azahara Medina
Take a bike tour around the city
Admire the colourful plant-draped patios
Visit the fairytale-like Almódovar Castle
Get a dose of greenery at the Viana Palace Gardens
See it all in one shot on the hop-on hop-off bus
Stroll around the Jewish Quarter
Where to Stay in Córdoba:
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 3 Granada
Get the ball rolling on your third day of this 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary! After indulging in the inventory of activities in Seville and Córdoba, it’s time to shake things up in glorious Granada. This is a destination from godsend, and you’re about to find out why.
Framed by the mountain-perched Alhambra complex, opulent Nasrid Palaces and lush Generalife Gardens, this place is a serious show-stopper.
Relish in the flavoursome tapas scene, explore the historic Sacromonte neighbourhood and soak up the artsy ambience in this multicultural melting pot.
Waltz down to the city’s ancient Arab Quarter, the Albacín area and get immersed in the city’s intriguing Islamic roots.
Frolic around the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, peer up to time-worn castles and appreciate how time has sculpted with site into a mesmerising masterpiece.
In your one week in Southern Spain, there’s no doubt you’ll fall head over heels for Granada. For the full scoop, save this guide on the Best Things to do in Granada, Spain.
If you’re wondering if southern Spain is worth visiting, places like Granada hold the answer to your questions. If you’re able to extend to 2 weeks in Southern Spain, spending more time in Granada is highly recommended.
Things to do in Granada:
Discover the Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces
Relax in a traditional hammam Al Ándalus with a massage
See the highlights on a hop-on hop-off train
Where to Stay in Granada:
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 4 Málaga
Anchoring the south of Spain, Málaga is melded with mystical monuments, history-ridden landmarks, myriad museums and a captivating Mediterranean coastline. As the birthplace of the notorious Pablo Picasso, this city is just as inspiring as it is illustrious.
Painted with a palm-lined promenade, trendy Andaluz tapas bars and the time-sculpted Alcazaba, Málaga poses plenty of pleasurable pursuits. Among the huge haul of historic gems, don’t miss the soaring Gibralfaro Castle, the ancient Roman Theatre, the eye-catching Cathedral and the bustling Atarazanas Market.
Wizz past the Picasso Museum, go modern in the Centre for Contemporary Art or step outside the city buzz and discover the fairytale-like castle, the Colomares Monument. This slice of the Southern Spain itinerary can easily be done by train, as Málaga is well-connected to many of the other major cities.
If you’re strung to a tight time schedule and are looking for a Southern Spain itinerary for 5 days, make sure you’ve added Málaga to your list.
Things to do in Málaga:
Feel the breeze on a sunset sail on a catamaran
Discover the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre
Dive into the world-famous Museo Picasso
Bathe in a traditional Al-Andalus hammam
Relish in all the highlights on a walking tour
Enjoy an evening wine and tapas tour
Hike the famous Caminito del Rey
Appreciate the Andalusian art in a flamenco show
Get comfy on an electric tuk-tuk tour
Take a tour of Gibraltar
Jump on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Málaga:
€€: Barceló Málaga
€€€: Palacio Solecio
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 5 Costa del Sol
Crowned with a crashing coastline, picturesque towns and a mouth-watering seafood scene, the Costa del Sol lives up to all the hype. After the steady sightseeing in Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga, now’s the time to unwind and disconnect. Un poco!
And what better way to unplug than on the Costa del Sol?! Also known as the Sunny Coast, this sun-drenched scenery caters to all types of travellers. In this part of your 7-day road trip through Andalucía, you’ll take your pick between luxe-loving Marbella, rugged Nerja, centrally-located Benalmadena or the clear waters of Torremolinos.
You could also stick around the beaches in Málaga, soak up the scenes from Nerja’s Balcony of Europe or get off the beaten track in Estepona. Whatever your style, you're sure to find something for you.
This part of the South of Spain itinerary is perfect for soaking up some serious rays! ¡Que gloria!
Things to do in Costa del Sol:
Get your adrenaline pumping on a parasailing adventure
Feel the breeze on a jet ski
Set out on a sunset catamaran trip
Go snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding at the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs
Where to Stay in Costa del Sol:
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 6 Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas
Straddling the south of Andalucía, Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas pose perplexing landscapes that are sure to leave an imprint. This part of the Southern Spain road trip itinerary invites you to investigate the charismatic cave towns and cliff-perched villages.
Not only is this part of Spain steeped deep in history, but the character-packed personality merits a more authentic insight away from the coast. If you’re looking to mix things up, be sure to save this part of the 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary. Sitting on the cusp of a plummeting canyon, Ronda is replete with maze-like streets, an ancient bullring and an emblematic bridge, el Puente Nuevo.
Dowsed with deep-rooted traditions, a cobbled Old Quarter, centuries-old Arab Baths and a Moorish King’s Palace, this mountain hideaway makes for a stellar sojourn. Pop into Mondragon Palace, soak up the ambience in Plaza Durquesa de Parcent and sip on some fresh gazpacho soup in the old town.
After dabbling in the delights of Ronda, it’s time to get the ball rolling. For your second stop of the day, drive around the curving countryside roads until you reach Setenil de las Bodegas.
Carved into the towering cliffs, this quaint village is a sight that’ll ignite the flame within. Dive into the spirit of exploration as you scale the whitewashed houses, hilltop castles and verdant vineyards.
Get your history hat on as you uncover the Ruins of Acinipo & Torreón del Homenaje. If you’re spending 1 week in Southern Spain, a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas is a must.
Things to do in Ronda:
Take a sightseeing walking tour
Indulge in an organic olive oil tour and tasting
Enjoy a Spanish guitar concert
Visit the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Reservatauro Ronda
Take a guided climbing tour
Where to Stay in Ronda:
€€: Hotel Montelirio
€€€: Catalonia Ronda
Southern Spain Itinerary: Day 7 Cádiz
Spanning the southwestern corner of Andalucía, Cádiz cradles colourful towns, bliss-inducing beaches, appetite-quenching cuisine and untouched natural splendour. Whether you’re a foodie, a beach bum or a culture vulture, this city will not disappoint.
Fostering a flourishing natural enclave, Cádiz is home to multi-coloured mountainous scenery. Swing by the winding trails of Los Alcornocales, climb the Sierra de Grazalema or see wildlife at the Doñana Nature Park.
Brimming with blue water beaches, hidden coves and saline-white sand, Cádiz is a beach lover’s haven. Soak up some sun at the plundering cliffs of Los Caños de Meca, the undulating dunes of Bolonia and the charming coves of Conil.
This part of the 7-Day Southern Spain is really yours for the taking.
Whether you want to hang around the whitewashing seaside city, sample the flavours of the gastronomy scene or get active on a cultural route, it’s all up to you!
This region is woven with a wealth of seaside villages and mountain hideaways, and if you’re spending 14 days in Southern Spain, there is a lot more on offer than just the main city. Don't miss Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Tarifa and Vejer de la Frontera.
Things to do in Cádiz:
Soak up the sun on a catamaran cruise
Taste the cuisine on a tapas tour
Be amazed by an Andalusian horses and bull show
Soak up the history on a medieval tour
Get your adrenaline pumping on a bike tour
Squeeze everything in on a hop-on-hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Cádiz:
€€€: Parador de Cádiz
Incredible Destinations in Southern Spain
Sun-soaked Andalucía is adorned with a lengthy list of idyllic destinations. Whether it’s a bucolic village, a whitewashed fishing town or a seaside city that captures your attention, you’ll find something satisfying here.
If you’re speculating over how to spend a week in Southern Spain, you might be feeling swamped with the countless attractions on offer. This itinerary winds you through all the highlights, but if you’ve got some extra time up your sleeve, you could wriggle a bit more in.
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Here are some of Spain's most beautiful cities and rural towns to add to your Spain itinerary:
If you head out to the east coast, you could add Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Cartagena and Benidorm to your Spain itinerary.
I'd recommend spending at least another week along the east coast, and for itinerary suggestions, you can check out this Valencia to Alicante road trip.
Best Time to Visit Southern Spain
There’s no doubt that Southern Spain is a year-round destination, what with its continental-Mediterranean climate.
The summertime in Andalucía is scorching hot, with July and August stealing the show. During the peak season, you can expect expensive flights, accommodation, activities and transport. If the aim of your holiday is to waltz around the beaches day after day, the summer season is a stellar pick.
The best time to visit Andalucía is between April and June or September and October. These months are considered the off-peak seasons, so you’ll find fewer crowds and more affordable prices. With pleasant weather, you can enjoy the outdoor splendour without being suffocated by the summer heat.
For your 7-day Southern Spain Itinerary, I’d highly recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons. The off-season in Southern Spain takes place from November to March and boasts the best prices for budget travellers. Dowsed with dirt-cheap deals on accommodation, activities, flights and food, plus hardly any crowds, you’ll gather an entirely different perspective on Southern Spain.
How to Get Around Southern Spain
Here’s the big question. If you’re wondering how to get around Andalucía, you’re probably tossing and turning over one thing. With or without a car?
As a general rule of thumb, renting a car is the best way to travel around Southern Spain. Hiring a car allows you to see smaller towns, change up the itinerary and be more flexible. You'll wind through sublime scenery, from curving clifftops and dusty dirt tracks to verdant mountains and the azure blue coastline.
If you’re planning a 7-day road trip through Andalucía, you also have the option of taking public transport. You can book your train tickets directly through Renfe, or you can compare various forms of transport through Omio.
In Andalucía, most trains connect the major cities, but you’ll most likely have to hop on a bus to reach the city centre. Trains are generally the best time-saving option, whereas buses tend to be more budget-friendly.
The further ahead you book your tickets, the more affordable they will be. And in peak periods, this is essential. By booking at least 3 months in advance, we travelled from Barcelona to Madrid for €9! Andalucía is arrayed with top-notch attractions, and the only problem can be figuring out where to begin. If you're wondering where to fly, the best-located airports are in Seville (SQV) or Málaga (AGP).
This 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary begins in Seville, but feel free to mix it up and start where you want. Convenience is key, so if it’s more favourable for you to start in Málaga, by all means, do so!
How Many Days do You Need for Southern Spain?
That depends highlight on your interests, your budget and your personal travel style. Spain’s Andalucía regions in replete in rapture, and the longer you spend here, the deeper you fall in love. While you can tick off all the big highlights in around 5 days, I’d suggest hanging around for a bit longer.
7 days in Southern Spain offers you a slice of what’s on offer, with a little room for some lesser-known gems too. 1 week here is ideal if you’re planning on spending time in Barcelona and Madrid, or other parts of Spain.
14 days are suitable for travellers who want to take a deep dive into the region. With two weeks at your own pace, you can discover all of the diversity on offer. And who knows, you might even stumble upon a new favourite!
Southern Spain & Portugal Itinerary
Sandwiched right alongside one another, Spain and Portugal make for the perfect European road trip. For the ultimate combination, set aside at least 14 days to explore these two European hot spots. While it’s ideal to have a car, a chunk of it can be done by high-speed trains and buses.
For a getaway from godsend, merge this 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary with this 7-Day Portugal Itinerary.
You’ll road trip through pristine Porto, the vineyards of Duoro Valley and the bustling streets of Lisbon. Then, you'll escape to the enchanting palaces of Sintra, before kicking back seaside in Cascais.
Finally, you'll wind up your trip on the crashing coastline of the Algarve. Alternatively, you could set your sights on the south on a 7-Day Algarve Itinerary. Obrigada!
FAQS
How many days do I need in Southern Spain?
Although you could see places like Seville, Granada and Malaga in 7 days, there is a lot more beyond the surface. To dive deep into Andalusian culture, set aside at least 10 to 14 days for your Southern Spain itinerary.
How do I spend a week in Southern Spain?
Andalusia is full of popular travel destinations like Seville, Ronda, Granada and Cadiz. Whether you want to sunbathe on the beach, explore centuries-old ruins or visit whitewashed towns, there’s something special here for you. Start your Southern Spain itinerary in Seville, then move on to Cordoba. Begin day 3 in Granada, then head down the coast to Malaga. Spend day 5 in the Costa del Sol, before moving on to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. Finish day 7 of your Southern Spain itinerary in Cadiz.
Are 7 days enough for Spain?
7 days in Spain offers a quick slice of what’s on offer. From Southern Spain to the country’s capital Madrid, there’s plenty of diversity to discover. Although you won’t be able to see it all, you could tick off all the bucket list items like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Plaza de España in Seville and the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Which is better Cordoba or Granada?
Both Cordoba and Granada are worth visiting, but if you have limited time and have to pick one, opt for Granada. While Cordoba boasts the Mosque-Cathedral, Alcazar and Roman Bridge, you really can’t compete with Granada’s killer list of attractions.
Why Visit Southern Spain?
So, is Southern Spain worth visiting? Si, señor!
Framed by flourishing landscapes, flirtatious flamenco, cutting-edge architecture and captivating culture, Southern Spain is truly one of a kind. Whether you want to dabble in the delectable dining scene, dive into history-drenched towns or set your sights on the sun-soaked coast, Andalucía makes for a fantastic foray.
Before you jet down to this Mediterranean mecca, save this 7-Day Southern Spain Itinerary!
Mountain-perched palaces, sweeping blue beaches and crispy pastel de nata paint the scene in Europe’s western end. If you’re planning a trip to the land of Port wine and Fado music, save this 14-day Portugal Itinerary.