Andalusia is arguably the most beautiful region in Spain, offering rich history, tradition, and culture, exceptional cuisine, iconic roads, postcard-worthy panoramas, dance, music, and an irresistible urge to explore more and more. With all this in mind, we embarked on one of our most memorable vacations. Nothing disappointed us; we found everything as described, perhaps even more beautiful than promised.
Andalusia is an autonomous region that was, for a significant period in history, under Moorish rule, North African nomads who converted to Islam. The Moorish occupation left a strong imprint on the architecture, which is why there are so many Islamic-inspired architectural elements today.
Andalusia comprises eight regions: Almerรญa, Cรกdiz, Cรณrdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaรฉn, Mรกlaga, and Sevilla, each with cities and villages worth visiting. It’s impossible to see everything in one vacation, but this gives you a great reason to return. I managed to visit parts of Granada, Malaga, and Sevilla, and I hope to see Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, and Huelva soon.
With five days at our disposal, it was hard to decide what to visit now and what to leave for another time. After thorough research and some compromises, we drafted a plan that we mostly adhered to.
Malaga Travel Guide โ Recommendations for your trip
Do You Need a Car in Andalusia?
Yes, you need a car if you want to visit multiple places in a short time. Besides not depending on public transport schedules, you can enjoy superb landscapes along the way. We rented a car from Malagacar, paying โฌ140 for a Volkswagen Taigo for five days, including insurance. There are cheaper and more expensive options available. They provided a free shuttle from the airport to their rental center (very close to the airport) and back.
However, if you don’t fancy renting a car, you can get around by train or bus, as there are routes from Malaga to all tourist areas, such as Marbella, Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, Gibraltar, etc. Public transport is available from all major cities to tourist areas. Cost-wise, public transport might be more expensive than renting a car.
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Unde te cazezi in Andaluzia?
Cel mai simplu este sa iti alegi locul de cazare in functie de orasul in care aterizezi, ca sa economisesti timp. Noi am fost cazati in Malaga, insa ulterior ne-am dat seama ca ar fi fost o idee buna sa luam o noapte de cazare si in Sevilla, si sa continuam turul urmatoarea zi de acolo. Insa a fost ok si Malaga, pentru ca oricum aveam la dispozitie masina si nu ne-a fost greu sa ne deplasam.
Recomandari cazare in Malaga (toate au nota 8+ la momentul cautarii):
Apartamente/Studiouri๏ธ
Apartamente/Studiouri
Recomandari cazare in Sevilla (toate au nota 8+ la momentul cautarii):
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Cea mai buna perioada de mers in Andaluzia
In toata Andaluzia este extraordinar de cald pe timpul verii. Asadar, daca nu suportati prea bine caldura, va recomand sa mergeti fie primavara, fie toamna-inceput de iarna. Noi am mers chiar in prima saptamana din luna iunie, si am prins temperaturi de peste 35 de grade.
Day 1 โ Malaga
Malaga is a popular city in Andalusia and a great base for excursions to places like Granada, Marbella, or Gibraltar. The old town is charming, bustling with shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to relax on the beach, Playa la Malagueta is a decent option for a few hours of sunbathing. A day is enough to explore Malaga, as there aren’t many attractions.
What to Visit in Malaga:
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro
- Malaga Cathedral
- Parque de Malaga
- Calle Larios
- Botanical Garden
Day 2 โ Sevilla
Sevilla, the capital of Andalusia, is a must-visit. It’s an enchanting city full of history and tradition, with stunning architecture. We spent a full day here and would definitely revisit. Sevilla is the birthplace of flamenco, a traditional Spanish music and dance style. Souvenir shops are filled with fans, a staple in flamenco shows, and you’re likely to encounter live flamenco performances in the parks.
What to Visit in Sevilla:
- Royal Alcazar
- Sevilla Cathedral
- Plaza Espana
- La Giralda Tower
- Plaza del Cabildo
- Plaza de Toros
- Metropol Parasol
- Avenida de la Constituciรณn
- Santa Cruz District
- Jardines de Murillo
Day 3 โ Granada and Nerja
Granada, home to the Alhambra, a Moorish palace on a hilltop, is one of Spain’s most important tourist attractions. We couldn’t get tickets to the Alhambra (book at least 2-3 weeks in advance), so we visited the old town and other sites instead.
What to Visit in Granada:
- Alhambra
- Nasrid Palace
- Plaza Nueva
- Granada Cathedral
- Moorish Quarter
- Mirador de San Nicolas
- Old Town
After Granada, we headed to Nerja, enjoying the beach and visiting the old town and Balcon de Europa. It took about 2 hours to drive from Malaga to Granada and another hour to Nerja.
What to Visit in Nerja:
- Balcon de Europa
- Nerja Caves
- Playa de Burriana, Playa de Calahonda, and Playa El Salรณn
- Plaza de los Cangrejos
- Old Town
- Nerja Museum
Day 4 โ Gibraltar and Marbella
Our penultimate day was mostly spent in Gibraltar, visiting the Nature Reserve at The Rock of Gibraltar. We bought tickets on-site for โฌ41, including access to all attractions and the cable car. We visited St Michaelโs Cave, Skywalk, Apes Den, OโHaraโs Battery, and Windsor Bridge.
What to Visit in Gibraltar:
- St Michaelโs Cave
- Skywalk
- Great Siege Tunnels
- 100 Ton Gun
- City Under Siege Exhibition
- Apes Den
- Moorish Castle
- Oโ Haraโs Battery
- World War II Tunnels
- Windsor Suspension Bridge
- Upper Rock Foot Paths
After Gibraltar, we spent a few hours in Marbella, enjoying the promenade and old town, especially Plaza de los Naranjos.
What to Visit in Marbella:
- Puerto Banus
- Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
- Plaza de los Naranjos
- Alameda Park
Day 5 โ Caminito del Rey, Ronda, and Setenil de las Bodegas
Our last day was the most challenging but highly anticipated. We bought tickets online in advance for Caminito del Rey (โฌ19.50 per person). The hike can take 2-4 hours, but you can complete it in about 2 hours at a normal pace with photo stops. Sunscreen is a must.
After Caminito del Rey, we headed to Setenil de las Bodegas, a small village famous for its houses built into the rocks.
What to Visit in Setenil de las Bodegas:
- Calle Cuevas del Sol
- Calle Cuevas de la Sombra
- Mirador del Lizon
- Mirador del Carmen
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Our final stop was Ronda, known for its historic bridges and impressive architecture, especially Puente Nuevo.
What to Visit in Ronda:
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- Puente Nuevo
- Plaza de Toros
- Mirador de Ronda
- Casa del Rey Moro
- Jardines de Cuenca
This was our 5-day itinerary in Andalusia. Without a car, it wouldn’t be feasible. The plan allows you to see a bit of everything and can be easily personalized to suit your preferences.
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Happy travels! ๐ฅฐ
