If you’re looking for the ultimate travel itinerary for your holiday in Andalusia in Spain, then you’ve come to the right place! This incredible region in the southern part of Spain is perfect for a self-drive holiday and I am 100% sure you’ll have the best time exploring these drop dead gorgeous places.
Andalusia is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in Europe and a region rich in culture and history. It is the largest autonomous community in Spain and is famed for its vibrant traditions, including flamenco music and dance, bullfighting, and spectacular festivals.
Andalusia has a profound historical legacy, having been influenced by various cultures over the millennia, including Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians. This mix has left a lasting imprint on the architecture and urban planning, with notable examples like the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar.
This 7 day Andalusia itinerary is perfect for the efficient traveler who loves to visit as many places as possible during their holiday!
How to get to Andalusia
Getting to Andalusia, located in the southern part of Spain, is straightforward, thanks to its well-developed transport infrastructure. Here are the main ways to reach this vibrant region:
By Air
- International and Domestic Flights – Andalusia is served by several airports, with the main hubs being Seville Airport (SVQ), Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), and Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX).
Málaga is the busiest, offering numerous international and domestic flights, making it a convenient entry point for travelers coming from both within Spain and abroad.
💡 TIP – We chose the international airport in Malaga as point of entry since often these flight tickets are cheaper compared to flying to Sevilla.
How to get around Andalusia
By Train:
- High-Speed Rail – Spain’s high-speed train network, AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), connects Madrid to major Andalusian cities like Seville, Málaga, and Córdoba with fast and efficient service.
- Regional Trains – For those traveling from other regions of Spain, regular trains provide good connectivity to various parts of Andalusia.
By Car:
- Major Highways – Andalusia is well-connected by a network of major highways. The A-4 motorway runs from Madrid through Córdoba to Seville, while the A-7 and E-15 connect along the Mediterranean coast through Málaga and onward to Algeciras.
- Scenic Routes – Driving to Andalusia offers the flexibility to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and picturesque “white villages.”
🚘 I always use SunnyCars when booking a rental car cause their company policy makes me feel the most at ease.
The Best 7 Day Andalusia Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Like I said before we chose to fly into the international airport of Malaga and made the decision to skip Sevilla for now and keep it for a future city trip.
We arrived in Malaga late in the evening, so after picking up our rental car we headed straight to our hotel Hotel La Bobadilla in Villanueave de Tapia.
When mapping out our itinerary I decided to stick to maximum two different places to stay. Since we were traveling with our 7 month old baby I didn’t want to unpack and pack every 2 days.
So for the first half of the trip we stayed at Hotel La Bobadilla in Villanueave de Tapia. In my opinion the perfect base to visit Cordoba, Granada and the surrounding pueblos blancos.
Day 2 – Cordoba
The city of Cordoba is a historic gem in the heart of Andalusia, where ancient streets whisper secrets of Roman and Moorish pasts. As you wander through the city, prepare to be dazzled by the star attraction: the Mezquita, a colossal mosque-turned-cathedral that boasts a forest of columns and arches in candy-cane hues.
Don’t miss the chance to lose yourself in the charming patios of Córdoba, flower-adorned sanctuaries that burst into a kaleidoscope of colors during the famous Patio Festival. Stroll next to the river and admire the Roman bridge from Cordoba.
📖 READ MORE – 9 Very Best Things To Do In Cordoba, Spain
And make sure not to forget visiting Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos! This majestic fortress-palace, once the residence of Christian Kings, is a testament to the city’s historical significance, with its imposing walls, regal towers, and exquisite Moorish-inspired gardens.
🅿️ PARKING – If you’re visiting Cordoba by car you can park at Parking la Mezquita de Córdoba or at Parking Centro Histórico.
💡 TIP – Only 30 minutes driving from Cordoba, you’ll find one of the most epic castle in entire Spain! Castillo Almodovar del Rio, also known as Highgarden in Game Of Thrones!
Day 3 – Iznajar & Antequera
Both Iznajar and Antequera are some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and must-sees on your Andalusia travel itinerary. Both villages are close to Villanueva de Tapia and only 30 minutes driving from Hotel La Bobadilla.
I recommend starting with Iznajar since it’s on the smaller side. The highlights here are centered around the Patio De Las Comedias where you’ll find over 700 beautifully decorated flower pots hanging from the white washed walls.
Antequera is a picturesque town that serves as a living museum, where every street and building tells a story. The crown jewel of Antequera is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolmens—megalithic burial sites that are among the largest and most complex in Europe.
Beyond the ancient stones, the town’s skyline is dominated by the imposing Alcazaba of Antequera, a Moorish fortress that offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby, the Renaissance-style Collegiate Church rises majestically, showcasing Antequera’s religious and architectural grandeur.
🅿️ PARKING – Park your car at Carpark Antequera Centro S. L.
Day 4 – Granada
The city of Granada is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a treasure trove of historical gems and vibrant Andalusian culture. Start your adventure by stepping back in time at the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex that epitomizes Moorish art and architecture.
Wander through the aromatic streets of the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter, with its white-washed houses and hidden courtyards. Make sure not to miss the Mirador de San Nicolás for the best views over Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
📖 READ MORE – 9 Very Best Things To Do In Granada, Spain
Other important landmarks not to miss are the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel, Plaza Nueva, El Bañuelo and Palacio Dar al-Horra.
💡 TIP – If you’re visiting Alhambra as part of a day trip like we did I recommend visiting the palace in the early morning so you have the rest of the day to explore the centre of Granada. Plus you can also leave your car at the Alhambra parking lot and simply walk down to the city center.
When driving back to Hotel La Bobadilla you should make a stop at Montefrio to watch the sunset. This stunning white village in Andalusia is home to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region and can be easily accessed as well! Simply drive to Mirador del Paseo and you’re there.
Day 5 – Colomares Castle
Today we’ll drive from Villanueva de Tapia to Estepona, our second hotel location in our Andalusia travel itinerary. For this area I chose to stay at the wonderful Kempinski Le Bahia, an amazing 5⭐️ luxury resort that is ideally located.
But before checking in you’ll drive by the spectacular Colomares Castle near Malaga. This isn’t your typical medieval fortress; it’s a fantastical tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, complete with fairytale turrets, intricate mosaics, and hidden nooks that spark the imagination.
Nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Benalmádena, Colomares Castle is like a page from a storybook, inviting you to explore its unique blend of architectural styles that celebrate Spain’s rich heritage.
📖 READ MORE – Colomares Castle, Spain – All you need to know when visiting
DAY 6 – Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegas, Olvera & Juzcar
Today involves a lot of driving but this way you can check off some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia in a single day.
Ronda is without a doubt one of the most iconic villages in entire Andalusia thanks to the Puente Nuevo bridge, elegantly perched above the dramatic El Tajo gorge. After a 50 minute drive from Estepona you’ll arrive in the historic city center.
If you’re wandering through Ronda, make sure not to miss the Jardines de Cuenca, the Arco de Felipe V, Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor and La Ciudad District.
📖 READ MORE – 10 Very Best Things To Do In Ronda, Spain.
🅿️ IN RONDA – Park your car at Parking La Merced. If you’re visiting Ronda on a day trip make sure to arrive on time otherwise all of the public parkings will be full. We arrived in Ronda on a regular weekday around 9.30am and had no problem finding a parking spot. But by the time we left around 1pm all of them were full.
Only 20 minutes driving from Ronda, you’ll find another peculiar pueblo blanco in Andalusia – Setenil de las Bodegas.
This town is known for its distinctive architecture where houses are built directly into the rock overhangs above the Rio Trejo. Setenil offers a striking contrast with its homes seamlessly integrated into the natural rock formations, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape.
The most visually striking part of Setenil can be found along the streets Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra, where the buildings are either bathed in sunlight or shaded, respectively.
The next town is also only 15 minutes driving. You’ll drive through the stunning Andalusian countryside and soon you’ll already see the church and castle of Olvera looming in the distance.
Make sure to pay a visit to Castillo de Olvera and to the Museo La Frontera y los Castillos. For €3 you get access to both attractions. You can buy your ticket at the visitor centre which is located next to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.
The last stop of the day is one of the most unique places in Andalusia and a really special place in this Andalusia travel itinerary.
Juzcar used to be another white washed village, but not anymore. The inhabitants of Juzcar actually painted all of their houses bright blue as part of a marketing stunt for “The Smurfs” movie in 2011.
Part of the deal was that their houses would be restored in their original state but they saw such an influx of tourism that they decided to simply leave them blue. And not just that, since then they’ve added a ton of colorful murals.
💡 TIP – Follow the Cartoon Trail to find all of the murals – The map is located at the beginning of town.
Day 7 – Departure
Today it’s time for check out! Depending on the time of your flight you can relax a little longer at your hotel before you make your way to the international airport of Malaga.
The car rental return process went very smooth and I’ld say you need to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight leaves.
I hope this Andalusia travel itinerary gives you the inspiration you need to explore this incredible region yourself, and not just lay on the beach in Marbella.
The best time to visit Andalusia
The best time to visit Andalusia largely depends on what you’re looking to experience, but generally, the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months are ideal. During these times, the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring cities, enjoying the beaches, and participating in outdoor activities without the intense heat of the summer.
Spring brings vibrant festivals like Feria de Abril in Seville and blooming landscapes, while fall offers the grape harvest and beautiful autumn colors, especially in the northern regions.
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Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings.
She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
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