Southern Spain Road Trip

EuropeSpain
Written By Jessica Bergin

Winding coastal roads and whitewashed villages set the scene for your next adventure. This Southern Spain road trip dives deep into the huge haul of historical, cultural and culinary experiences, from flamenco to fiestas.

Andalusia’s Moorish and colonial history collide with its natural beauty, offering travellers a truly unique experience. This Southern Spain road trip invites you into local landmarks and lyrical landscapes that are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

blonde girl in southern spain

I’ve lived in Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital city, for more than seven years. My time has been filled with beach fiestas, evening espresso shots and midday siestas. Couple that with my spinning classes and working three different jobs.

Aside from the day-to-day, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed travelling around the country. Day trips to places like Girona, Tarragona or the Costa Brava have helped to keep daily life exciting. From the Balearic Islands to the Canary Islands, every corner of this country has something unique to offer.

I first visited Andalusia in 2022 when I went on a road trip with my mum. We drove down from Spain’s capital, Madrid, and began our two-week trip in Granada. This itinerary led us to buzzing cities, quaint villages and rural coastal towns.

The days were spent hiking the trails, swimming at the beaches and exploring the most beautiful villages in Andalusia. And all these years later, I can still say that Southern Spain is one of my favourite travel destinations in Europe.

If you want the full rundown on the best places to visit, check out this guide on where to stay in Southern Spain.

I created this 10-day Southern Spain itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. Pack your suitcase (and your appetite) because here’s everything you need to know. Vamanos!

 

Road Trip in Southern Spain: A Summary of the Top Travel Destinations

seville in andalusia

This itinerary explores the legacy of the Moors, Romans and Catholic Monarchs.

You’ll visit UNESCO-listed sites, wander around historic hot spots and soak in the stunning natural splendour.

If you haven’t got 10 days to spare, check out this 7-day Southern Spain itinerary.

Here’s a summary of the route:

  • Day 1: Malaga

  • Day 2: Ronda

  • Day 3: Cadiz

  • Day 4: Jerez de la Frontera

  • Day 5 - 6: Seville

  • Day 7: Cordoba

  • Day 8 - 9: Granada

  • Day 10: Nerja

How to Spend 10 Days in Southern Spain

  • Start and End Destination: Málaga

  • Total Distance: Approximately 1,200 km

  • Road Trip Duration: 10 Days

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November).

 

Day 1: Málaga

Kick off your Andalusia road trip in Malaga. Fringed with fun-packed festivals, thriving cultural traditions and popular beaches, this is the best place to begin your road trip.

Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe. This buzzing beachside city was founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, before it was passed on to Roman, Moorish and then Catholic rule. Thanks to its mix of cultural influences, it’s brimming with a unique feel.

Malaga is famed as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and you can get a taste of his legacy in the myriad museums and art galleries. When you’ve got your art fix, roam the palm-lined promenade and indulge in authentic cuisine in the Andaluz tapas bars. Try the famous espeto de sardinas (grilled sardines) at a local spot!

See the best city views from the Gibralfaro Castle, marvel at the Cathedral and visit the lesser-known Colomares Monument. Keep the kids entertained at the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, marvel at Museo Picasso and unwind at La Malagueta Beach. Calle Larios is a lively shopping street lined with boutique stores and restaurants, and most of the city centre is very walkable.

caminito del rey is a place near malaga

If you’re tight on time, see the highlights on an electric tuk-tuk tour or on a hop-on hop-off bus.

Things to do in Málaga

Best Places to Stay in Málaga

 

Distance from Malaga to Ronda: 100 km, 1.5 hour drive

 

Day 2: Ronda

Getting off the beaten track is easy on your road trip in Southern Spain, especially in a place like Ronda.

Ronda is a charming, cliff-hanging village that’s known for its deep-rooted cultural traditions. Sitting on the cusp of El Tajo Gorge, it’s home to an age-old bullring and the emblematic Puente Nuevo bridge.

This Andalusian town is woven with maze-like streets and a cobbled Old Quarter. Get pampered in the Arab Baths (Baños Árabes) and explore the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. Marvel at the countryside from Mirador de Aldehuela and don’t miss the Moorish King’s Palace and Mondragon Palace.

Spend the evening indulging in local tapas in Plaza Durquesa de Parcent. Don’t leave without tasting fresh gazpacho soup, an Andalusian delicacy that’s served cold and made with raw, blended vegetables. This is a staple dish during the scorching hot summer months.

Things to do in Ronda

Best Places to Stay in Ronda

 

Distance from Ronda to Cadiz: 120 km, 2 hour drive

 

Day 3: Cádiz

In this next leg of your Southern Spain road trip, you’ll travel down to Cadiz.

Located in southwestern Andalucía, Cádiz attracts beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. The crystal-clear waters, traditional gastronomy and Old Town’s cobbled streets make for a fantastic stay in Southern Spain.

Cádiz is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This hot spot was founded by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC and it played a major role during Spain’s Golden Age.

Highlights include the Baroque and Neoclassical architecture at the Cádiz Cathedral & Cathedral Square, as well as the panoramic views from Torre Tavira. The Casco Antiguo is fairly compact, making it very easy to walk around. Discover hidden plazas, local restaurants and quirky boutiques before heading down to the beach.

Spend your day in Cadiz swimming in the hidden coves and sunbathing on the saline-white sand. Playa de la Caleta is a standout (it was even featured in James Bond’s ‘Die Another Day’. Strapped for time? Fit all the highlights into one trip on a hop-on-hop-off bus.

cadiz in southern spain

Soak up the romance in Conil de la Frontera, hike the trails in Los Alcornocales and watch the sunset from Sierra de Grazalema. If you have extra time, spot wildlife at Doñana Nature Park and slide down the sand dunes in Bolonia.

Things to do in Cádiz

Best Places to Stay in Cádiz

 

Distance from Cadiz to Jerez de la Frontera: 35 km, 40 min drive

 

Day 4: Jerez de la Frontera

Kick off day four in the birthplace of sherry wine!

Jerez de la Frontera acts as a centre for Andalusian horse culture, and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art showcases the region’s teeming traditions. This town is steeped deep in Moorish and Christian influences, and you can admire the cultural clashes in the grand palaces and historic cellars.

Admire the mix of Moorish and Baroque styles inside the Jerez Cathedral and Alcázar of Jerez. Sip local wine in Bodegas Tío Pepe, one of Spain’s most famous sherry wineries. Wind up your day watching a flamenco performance in one of the many venues.

Things to do in Jerez de la Frontera

Where to Stay in Jerez de la Frontera

 

Distance from Jerez de la Frontera to Seville: 90 km, 1.5 hour drive

 

Day 5-6: Seville

No road trip in Southern Spain is complete without spending time in Seville.

Seville encompasses all the best of Andalusia; its flamenco shows, bullfighting history and Hispano-Moorish architectural influence draw in millions of visitors every year.

Before it became the centre of Spain’s colonial empire, Seville was once a Moorish capital. This colourful city is well-known for its Mudejar palaces, Gothic cathedrals and vibrant street life.

This is one of the best places to visit in Spain for first-timers and there are many things to do in Seville. Begin your day in Plaza de España before heading inside the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcázar.

Meander around the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, indulge in a treatment in the Arab Baths and finish the day drinking a local cerveza (beer) on the Guadalquivir River. More highlights include María Luisa Park and the Metropol Parasol, a contemporary landmark with epic city views. If you’re on a tight itinerary, visit the top sites on the hop-on hop-off bus.

jess bergin in seville in southern spain

Mix up your sightseeing with a day trip from Seville. Wander around the Nasrid Palaces in Granada, taste local seafood in Cadiz and marvel at the iconic Puente Nuevo in Ronda.

Things to do in Seville

Best Places to Stay in Seville

 

Distance from Seville to Cordoba: 140 km, 1.5 hour drive

 

Day 7: Córdoba

Level up your Andalusia road trip in the beating heart of Southern Spain.

Cordoba’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural influences make it one of the most unique places to stay in Spain. This ancient Roman city was an important Islamic centre during the Middle Ages, and you’ll find an intriguing inventory of attractions.

La Mezquita dates back to 784 A.D. and features a columned prayer hall with Byzantine mosaics. Step inside the UNESCO-listed Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba before heading out to the ancient Jewish Quarter.

Last but not least, visit the Roman Bridge of Cordoba and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress used by the Catholic Monarchs.

Things to do in Córdoba

Best Places to Stay in Córdoba

 

Distance from Cordoba to Granada: 200 km, 2.5 hour drive

 

Day 8-9: Granada

This leg of your Southern Spain road trip takes you into Granada, famed for its ancient Nasrid palaces and flamenco shows.

Granada was the last defence of Moorish Spain before it fell under Catholic rule in 1492. Its Islamic heritage can be found mostly in the Alhambra Palace, which was originally designed as a military zone. The Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens are a must-see.

Visit the Arab Quarter and learn about the history on a sunset walking tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte. After you’ve got a taste of Granada’s Islamic roots, escape to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

granada in andalusia

Don’t miss out on a thing with this guide on the Best Things to do in Granada, Spain.

Things to do in Granada

Where to Stay in Granada

 

Distance from Granada to Nerja: 100 km, 1.5 hour drive

 

Day 10: Nerja & Return to Málaga

Now’s the time to wind up your road trip in Southern Spain. Nerja, a whitewashed beach town on the Costa del Sol, is the perfect place to bring your 10-day itinerary to a close.

Located at the eastern tip of the Costa del Sol, Nerja boasts over 16 kilometres of powdery beaches. Dig your toes in the sand and get ready for water sports like scuba diving and sailing. Soak up the sunshine as you explore the Nerja Caves, prehistoric grottoes with ancient paintings.

Squeeze in one last trip to Frigiliana, a famous white village in Southern Spain that’s known for its Moorish architecture. End your trip with a glass of local wine, tapas in a seaside restaurant and a sunset sail on the coastline.

 

Best Time to Visit Southern Spain

Let’s get into some of the logistics before you go on your Southern Spain road trip.

Spain is widely considered a year-round destination, but each season offers something different. The best time to visit Andalusia is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

These off-peak seasons boast budget rates on accommodation, airfares and activities. Late April, May, late September and early-October have fewer tourists and decent weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

July and August have the hottest temperatures for a beach vacation in Spain. If you’re comfortable with big tourist crowds, avoid sightseeing in the big cities during this time.

 

How to Get Around Southern Spain

Master the art of getting around on your Andalusia road trip with this travel guide. Southern Spain is well-connected with buses, trains and driving routes. Here’s a summary of everything you need to know.

Train

Spain’s train network has fast and frequent options that link major cities.

High-speed trains run in places like Seville, Barcelona, Madrid and Granada by the national train service, Renfe. If you’re planning a Southern Spain road trip, there are a couple of hacks to help make your multi-destination trip better (and more budget-friendly).

European residents can purchase an Interrail pass and non-European residents can purchase a Eurail pass. Before you book your train tickets, compare prices using Omio and Trainline.

Bus

Buses in Spain are the best mode of transport for budget-conscious travellers and backpackers.

It’s not the most time-effective way to get around, but you can see big cities and smaller towns for a more affordable price. Flixbus and ALSA are two great options, but you can compare alternatives with Busbud.

Aeroplane

Flights are the fastest way of getting around, but before you book your tickets, compare times and prices using Skyscanner.

If you’re a budget-wary traveller or backpacker, book at least two to four months in advance. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, you can use Compensair to claim money back.

Car

Renting a car in Andalusia allows you the full freedom to set your own route and travel at your own pace.

With your own vehicle, you can visit big cities and rural towns while uncovering hidden gems along the way. Driving in Southern Spain invites you into stunning landscapes, especially in the Pueblos Blancos and coastal regions of Andalusia.

 

FAQs

What is the nicest part of Spain to visit?

Barcelona is ideal for Modernism and architecture, but Madrid is best for museums and art galleries. Seville has great culture and food, while Granada is a hot spot for its palaces, castles and gardens.

How to decide where to go in Spain?

The Balearic Islands have some of the best beaches in Spain, while the Canary Islands offer pleasant weather year-round. Families can enjoy the Costa Dorada in Catalonia, and foodies and wine lovers should explore the Basque region.

Where is the best place in Spain for a beach holiday?

If you want to take a road trip in Southern Spain, you’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and quaint fishing villages. The Costa del Sol is a popular place to visit in Spain, especially for a summer vacation.

What part of Spain is best for first-time visitors?

Kickstart your first trip to Spain in Barcelona and Madrid. You’ll explore the museums, visit the landmarks and get off-the-grid on day trips to places like Toledo and Tarragona. If you have a flexible itinerary, visit destinations like Granada, Malaga and Seville.

Why Visit Southern Spain?

This part of southwestern Europe is coined with cultural, culinary and historical pursuits on every corner. Whether you want to hike through the national parks, sip cocktails at beachside bars or sail around the islands, you won’t be disappointed.

Before you venture off into the land of fiestas, flamenco and bull-fighting, save this Southern Spain road trip itinerary.

Jessica Bergin https://www.jessbergin.com
Next

Crete Itinerary: 5 Days