10 to 14 Day Andalusia Itinerary: The Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip

Andalusia, Spain is well known for its sunny skies, picturesque villages, colorful cities, and long list of historical landmarks. This Andalusia itinerary is perfect for those who want to explore this beautiful part of Spain, getting to know its small towns, big cities, plus a few hidden gems.

We spent several weeks in Andalusia and this itinerary combines our favorite experiences into a memorable trip through southern Spain.

Your intro to Andalusia is sunny Seville, a small city famous for its cathedral, alcazar, and amazing Plaza de España. From Seville, travel east to Córdoba, tour the Alhambra in Granada, and spend a day in Ronda, photographing its bridges and strolling through its picturesque city center, with the option to add on the Caminito del Rey.

Those with 10 days will return to Seville for a flight home. If you can add on a few days, this gives you enough time to journey farther south to Tarifa, where you can day trip to Gibraltar and day trip to Tangier, Morocco.

This southern Spain itinerary is written as a 10-day itinerary, with the option to add on four more days to visit Tarifa, Gibraltar, and Tangier, Morocco.

Things to Know About this Andalusia Itinerary

This itinerary (both the 10 day and the 14 day) is done as a loop, starting and ending in Seville. That makes it easy when booking flights and a rental car.

When researching flights, you most likely will have to take a connecting flight into Seville. Other airports to consider are Malaga, a larger city in Andalusia which may have a few more flight options, or even Madrid (a high-speed train connects Madrid to Seville in 2.5 hours).

For this itinerary, a rental car is ideal since it gives you more flexibility when traveling from city to city and makes it much easier to add on the Caminito del Rey and to visit the white villages. It is also challenging to get to Tarifa by train (there is no train station in Tarifa, so if you are interested in the 14-day version of this Andalusia itinerary, we recommend renting a car).

Throughout this itinerary, we provide details on how get around by public transportation, if you do not plan to rent a car.

10 Day Andalusia Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seville

Arrive in Seville, ideally as early in the day as possible. This gives you almost two full days to explore the city.

If you plan to travel by rental car for this itinerary, we recommend picking up your car at the airport when you arrive. You won’t need it on day 2 (it is much easier and convenient to get around Seville on foot than with a car), but it will save you some time on day 3, when you drive to Córdoba.

There are three big sights to see in Seville: the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar of Seville, and Plaza de España. Both the Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar require a timed entry ticket purchased in advance.

If you are arriving from the USA, Canada, Oceania, or another location outside of Europe, I recommend saving these for your second day in Seville, just in case you have travel delays or a bad case of jetlag.

However, if you know that you will have two full days in Seville, follow our 2 Day Seville Itinerary. It’s the best way to see the highlights plus a few hidden gems.

If you are arriving from outside Europe, I recommend keeping this first day relatively light. Spend the afternoon visiting the amazing Plaza de España, an iconic square that is lined with beautifully tiled benches. It’s free to visit and open 24 hours. Depending on how much time you have in the afternoon, you could also visit one of Seville’s historic palaces (we loved Palacio de las Dueñas), gaze across the city from a rooftop bar, or walk the series of walkways on Setas de Sevilla.

Where to Stay in Seville

We stayed at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Magdalena Plaza. This is a 5-star hotel and we had an excellent experience here. We picked this hotel because it is located just outside of the city center and located near a parking garage.

For mid-range travelers, we recommend Puerta Catedral Suites (check out the view of the Seville Cathedral…it’s amazing!), Joya del Casco Boutique Hotel (great location with rooftop views of Seville), and Casa Alhaja (excellent location plus a pool with rooftop views of Seville).

A few more notable properties include Hotel Casa Palacio Don Ramón (a 5-star hotel located inside a historic house), Apartamento Living By Cathedral (a great pick for families who want a central location in Seville), and Torre Homenaje Historical Suites (beautifully decorated rooms located next to the Royal Alcazar and Cathedral).

If you are traveling on a budget, we recommend La Banda Rooftop Hostel and Toc Hostel. Both get fantastic review scores and are located in the city center.

Seville City Guides

Seville Bucket List: 20 Amazing Things to Do in Seville, Spain

Seville is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, culinary delights, and lively traditions. Strolling the streets of the historic old town, visiting the Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar, dining on tapas, watching a flamenco show, and photographing the amazing Plaza de España all make the list of the best things to do in Seville. With […]

One Day in Seville | Best of Seville in 24 Hours

Planning a trip to Spain and only have one day in Seville? With a well-planned day, you can visit Seville’s must-see sights, including Plaza de España, the Royal Alcazar, and the Seville Cathedral. Stroll through the very picturesque city center, dine on tapas, see a flamenco show, and even enjoy the view of the city […]

2 Days in Seville: Best Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Explore the Royal Alcazar and its lush gardens, enjoy the view of Seville from the top of Giralda Tower, photograph the colorful tiled benches in Plaza de España, watch a flamenco show, feast on tapas, and visit a historic palace…if you have 2 days in Seville, you can do all of these things and more. […]

Day 2: Seville

If you have a full 2 days in Seville, follow day 2 of our 2 Day Seville Itinerary.

However, if you arrived from outside of Europe, today I recommend following our One Day in Seville Itinerary. This itinerary starts with Plaza de España, but since you saw it yesterday, skip it. That allows you some extra time to sleep in or you can use that extra time to add on another site, such as a historic home, Setas de Sevilla, or Torre del Oro.

The Royal Alcazar opens at 9:30 am. You could shift this itinerary earlier by one hour, but keep in mind that most restaurants do not open for lunch until 12:00 pm, so you will have to visit the cathedral right after the Alcazar, and then have lunch at around 1:00 pm. That would give you most of the afternoon, which is plenty of time to visit the city center, visit Palacio de las Dueńas and/or Setas de Sevilla, and also have time for a rooftop bar before dinner.

Royal Alcazar gardens

Seville Cathedral

Setas de Sevilla

In the evening, have dinner and you have the option to watch a flamenco show. Córdoba and Granada are also great places to watch a flamenco show, so keep this in mind when deciding what to do tonight. We watched a flamenco show in Córdoba and had a great experience.

We cover the full details on how to do this, plus many restaurant recommendations, in our One Day Seville Itinerary.

Day 3: Travel to Córdoba

Córdoba is a small city that is filled with historical treasures and picturesque neighborhoods to visit. However, there are two places you have the option to visit, on the drive between Seville and Córdoba. These can be visited if you rented a car for your trip. If you are traveling by train, go directly to Córdoba.

Morning: Castle of Almodóvar del Río and/or Medina Azahara

The Castle of Almodóvar del Río

This hilltop castle, which dates back to the Arab Umayyad dynasty, is a lot of fun to explore, and a must-visit if you are doing this trip with kids. Plus, it’s a Game of Thrones filming site (season 7) so many GOT fans may recognize this castle.

Things to Do: On a visit here, walk the castle walls, climb the towers for a view over the castle and surrounding countryside, and tour the rooms of the castle.

Medina Azahara

This site, also called Madinat al-Zahra, sits just outside of the Córdoba city center. This small city was built in the 10^th century during the Umayyad dynasty. It was the capital of the Caliphate of Cordoba and the Versailles of the Middle Ages.

This fortified palace-city is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s worth the visit if you have an interest in history or archaeological sites.

If you plan to visit the Castle of Almodóvar del Río, it is a 25-minute drive to get to Medina Azahara.

There are two parts to a visit: the museum and the archaeological site. The archaeological site is located several kilometers from the museum, and you can only get here by shuttle (you are not allowed to drive and park at the site).

In total, a visit to Medina Azahara takes 2 to 3 hours, which includes time for the bus rides to and from the museum. Get hours and pricing on the official website. This is also the perfect place to take a guided tour, to learn more about the site’s important history.

WHAT WE DID: We visited both the castle and Medina Azahara on the drive between Seville and Córdoba, arriving in Córdoba in the early afternoon. That doesn’t give you much time in Córdoba on this first day, but you have a full day tomorrow, which is plenty of time to see the most important sites.

TRAVELING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: If you do not plan to rent a car, the best way to get from Seville to Córdoba is to take the high-speed train. This takes roughly 40 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. However, you will have to skip the castle and Medina Azahara, but you will have almost a full day in Córdoba today, depending on how early you leave Seville. Medina Azahara is easy to get to from Córdoba by ride share app and by tour, which you can do this afternoon or tomorrow.

Afternoon: Córdoba

Córdoba is famous for its patios, small courtyards decorated with potted flowers. You can tour several patios or see them at Palacio de Viana.

Ruta de Patios

Ruta de Patios has five patios to see in the San Basilio neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket office (which is located at C/San Basilio 14).

It takes between 1 to 2 hours to visit all of the patios. A visit to each patio is rather quick, taking about 5 minutes, although lines can be long to enter. These are small spaces so only a few people are permitted to enter at a time.

On the official website, you can get pricing, hours of operation, and a route map to see the location of all five patios. I also recommend checking the official website to see if the patios will be open during your visit. The best time to visit the patios is from April through June, when the flowers are in bloom, but patios can be open outside of this time frame.

San Basilio

More Places to Visit

If the patios are not open during your visit, it is still a very nice experience to walk around the San Basilio neighborhood.

Another option is to visit Palacio de Viana. Palacio de Viana is a historic palace and a great place to see patios in Córdoba and it is one of Córdoba’s most popular places to visit. A visit here lasts about an hour. It is closed on Monday some months during the year so keep that in mind when planning your time. Get hours and pricing on the official website.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: The Courtyards Festival of Córdoba (aka the Patios Festival of Cordoba) is a 2-week festival held at the beginning of May. Participants decorate their patios and visitors can see the patios for free. It is such an important part of the city’s culture that it is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. So, if you are planning this Andalusia itinerary for early May, you have perfect timing to see these patios.

Evening: Dinner

For dinner, we recommend Bodegas Mezquita, a highly rated restaurant that serves traditional Andalusian cuisine.

Where to Stay in Córdoba

Highly rated mid-range hotels in the city center include Eurostars Maimonides (some rooms have a view of the Mosque-Cathedral), La Trinidad Cordoba (a boutique hotel that gets exceptional reviews), Hotel Pasado de Vallina (a gorgeous hotel with an unbeatable location next to the Mosque-Cathedral…click the link to see photos!), and Casa Turística Patio Cordobes (a great option for families or small groups who want an apartment in the city center).

La Ermita Suites is a budget hotel with a fantastic location near the Mosque-Cathedral.

Casa del Cardenal is a 4-star hotel that gets near perfect reviews. The hotel is a historic building that offers several room types.

For the ultimate in luxury, stay at Hospes Palacio del Bailio. This 5-star hotel is located inside of a 16^th century palace in the city center of Cordoba. The service is impeccable and onsite is a pool, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day 4: Córdoba

With one full day in Cordoba, spend the day in the city center.

Follow our One Day Cordoba Itinerary, with one alteration. On that itinerary, two hours of the afternoon are dedicated to visiting the patios. Since you did that yesterday, visit the Jewish Quarter today.

Here is an overview of the itinerary:

9:00 am: Historic City Center: see the Roman Temple and photograph the Mosque-Cathedral’s bell tower from Calleja de los Flores.

Calleja de los Flores

10:00 am: Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. This awe-inspiring building is a must-see in Cordoba. Purchase your ticket online in advance on the official website.

11:30 am: Climb the Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral. From the top of the bell tower, you get a stunning view of Córdoba. It is on a separate ticket from the Mosque-Cathedral.

12:00 pm: Lunch. We recommend Tea Room (Salón de Té). This tea room is located in the Jewish Quarter. It is decorated with Moorish architecture and the food is great, especially for those who want to try an array of teas, Moroccan foods, plus healthy options like avocado toast, Greek yogurt, and hummus. The pastries are wonderful as well.

1:30 pm: Explore the Jewish Quarter. Spend an hour or two exploring this picturesque part of Cordoba.

3:30 pm: The Alcazar of the Christian Kings. Visit palace, walk the walls, and stroll through the gardens at one of the primary residences of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.

4:30 pm: Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower

5:30 pm: Rooftop Bar. Enjoy the amazing view of Cordoba from the Rooftop Terrace at Hotel Hesperia.

7:00 pm: Dinner & Optional Flamenco Show

In the evening, have dinner. You also have the option to watch a flamenco show.

We watched a Flamenco show at Baños Árabes de Santa María.

Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the performance is held inside ancient Arab baths, which adds a very unique element to the overall experience. Tickets include dinner, which is typical Andalusia cuisine.

Day 5: Travel to Granada

By car, it takes about two and a half hours to drive to Granada. If you are traveling by public transportation, it takes just under 2 hours by train. Once in Granada, check in to your hotel, have lunch, and spend the afternoon visiting a few important places in Granada.

The Granada Cathedral. This is Granada’s largest, grandest cathedral. It is best to purchase your ticket online in advance, which you can do on the official website.

The Royal Chapel of Granada. This chapel is the burial place of Spanish monarchs, with Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand being the famous. It is located next to the cathedral. Purchase your ticket in advance.

La Alcaicería. Called the Grand Bazaar of Granada, this touristy street has shops selling souvenirs, fabrics, and clothing. It’s right around the corner from the Granada Cathedral.

Corral de Carbón. This 14^th century warehouse and inn is located next to the Alcaicería, free to visit, and takes just a few minutes of your time.

Calle Calderería Nueva. Called “Little Morocco,” this narrow street is famous for its teahouse and shops selling souvenirs, lanterns, clothing, and pottery.

Viewpoints of the Alhambra. Climb the hilly streets into the Albaicín neighborhood, a Moorish neighborhood that sits on the hillside across the Darro River from the Alhambra. From here, you get amazing views of the Alhambra, especially from Mirador de San Nicolás.

In the evening, have dinner. In the Albaicín neighborhood we recommend Carmen Mirador de Aixa or Carmen El Agua, two restaurants that have breathtaking views of the Alhambra.

Where to Stay in Granada

For hotel recommendations, refer to our article Best Things to Do in Granada, which also lists restaurants and cocktail bars in Granada.

Day 6: The Alhambra & Granada

Morning: The Alhambra

Today just may be one of the highlights of this Andalusia itinerary. Spend the morning at the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world.

We have a detailed Guide to the Alhambra, which covers ticket options, the best things to do, how to get to the Alhambra, and an ideal walking route. This is a big site to visit, so expect to do some walking.

The Alhambra

Best Way to Visit the Alhambra 2025: Top Things to Do & Photos

Everything you need to know to visit the Alhambra, plus a fast and efficient walking tour to the top sites.

It is also important to know that tickets sell out weeks, sometimes even months in advance, so make purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

Afternoon: Granada

Here are a few more places to visit in Granada. Pick two or three of them.

Carrera del Darro. This shopping street runs along the Darro River. El Bañuelo, a historic hammam, is located on this street.

Sacromonte and the Cave Museum. Sacromonte is another hillside neighborhood. It is home to Granada’s gypsy community and is one of the best places in Granada to watch a flamenco show. Visit the Cave Museum and enjoy some more spectacular views of the Alhambra from these hilly streets.

Watch a flamenco show. One of the best places to watch flamenco in Granada is the Sacromonte district, at Cueva La Rocio or Cueva Maria la Canastera.

Basilica de San Juan de Dios. This basilica is worth the quick visit to see one of the most elaborately gilded naves in Europe. Combine a visit here with the Royal Monastery of St. Jerome, a monastery founded by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, which is located near the Basilica.

Tonight, sleep in Granada.

Day 7: Travel to Ronda

Many southern Spain itineraries visit Ronda as a day trip from Seville or Malaga. However, we loved this town and spent two nights here. Being here in the mornings and evenings, when the town is quiet is wonderful, so on this itinerary, you get to spend several nights in Ronda.

From Granada, it takes two and a half hours to drive to Ronda. By train, it takes the same amount of time. There are a few direct trains traveling from Granada to Ronda each day.

Ronda is a smaller city than Granada or Córdoba. Even so, it is worth planning your arrival midday, to have the full afternoon in Ronda.

Ronda is famous for its bridges that span the Tajo canyon, the most well-known being Puente Nuevo, the “New Bridge.” With its hilltop location, charming cobblestoned streets, and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, this is a fun city to explore.

Spend the afternoon visiting the viewpoints of the bridge and strolling through the historic old town and Jardines de Cuenca. The afternoon is the perfect time to walk the Caminito del Desifiladero del Tajo for views of Puente Nuevo and visiting the viewpoints to the west of the bridge.

For a full list of things to do and a walking tour of the city, take a look at our article One Day in Ronda.

Ronda

How to Visit Ronda: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Where to Eat

In this detailed guide, we have a one day walking tour of the city, plus lots of tips to help you plan your visit.

In the evening, have dinner. We recommend Arrabal Restaurante, a wonderful restaurant with a tiny outdoor terrace that has a view of the New Bridge.

For more restaurant recommendations and hotel recommendations, refer to our article One Day in Ronda.

Day 8: Ronda & the Caminito del Rey

Morning: Caminito del Rey (Optional)

El Caminito del Rey (The King’s Little Path) is a walkway that runs through the Gaitanes Gorge. Boardwalk trails run through this gorge, creating one of the most thrilling, scenic walks in Spain.

The Caminito del Rey is located about an hour drive northeast of Ronda. The entire experience takes 4 to 5 hours, which includes time to do the walk plus time to ride the shuttles. It is best to do this early in the day, especially if you are visiting Spain during the hotter months.

We cover everything you need to know in our Guide to the Caminito del Rey. Purchase your tickets online in advance on the official website (they sell out fast) or through GetYourGuide.

Caminito del Rey

Exactly How to Walk the Caminito del Rey (2025 Guide)

Everything you need to know to walk the Caminito del Rey.

Afternoon: Ronda

Spend the remainder of the day in Ronda, visiting more viewpoints and historical sites. We really liked walking on the rooftop of the Church of Santa María la Mayor and walking the old city walls. The Moorish Baths are also interesting to visit.

For dinner, we recommend Sensur Gastrobar or Restaurante Tropicana. Having a cocktail at Restaurante Panoramico is also very nice, with its view over the bullring.

Day 9: Return to Seville

Today, return to Seville, to complete the loop and to be in town for your flight home tomorrow. If you are flying out of Malaga, travel there instead, of course.

If you are traveling by car, it is a one hour 40-minute drive to Seville. However, you have the option to add on one or two white villages.

The white villages are tiny hilltop towns filled with whitewashed buildings. They are fun to explore and each takes less than an hour to wander through, although budget a bit more time if you also plan to sit down to lunch or dinner.

Several white villages are a short drive from Ronda. These include Setenil de las Bodegas (our #1 pick; it is known for its buildings built on and under giant rock walls and cliffs), Zahara de la Sierra, Júzcar (also called the Smurf village, with its mix of white and blue buildings), and Arcos de la Fronterra (a small, hilltop village with a few historical sites and views over the countryside).

Setenil de las Bodegas

You can spend all day visiting a few of these villages and arrive in Seville in the evening, or travel directly to Seville, if you want to spend more time here.

If you are traveling by train, go directly from Ronda to Seville. Travel times range from 3 to 4.5 hours, with an average of one transfer. Another option is to hire a driver for the day, which allows you to visit one of the white villages as well.

Tonight, sleep in Seville.

Day 10: Fly home

Today, fly home or continue your travels to your next destination.

If you have more travel time, you can extend this itinerary for up to 14 days (we cover this longer itinerary next) or head over to Portugal. From Seville, it takes 2 to 2.5 hours to drive to the Algarve and it makes a great addition to this itinerary.

If you like the idea of adding on Portugal, take a look at our Portugal Travel Guide, which is filled with information, not only about the Algarve but also much of mainland Portugal as well as Madeira.

14 Day Andalusia Itinerary

This itinerary is almost exactly like the one above (it is identical through day 8). With the additional time, day trip to the white villages from Ronda and add on Tarifa, Gibraltar, and Tangier, Morocco.

Days 1 through 8: Seville to Ronda

Follow days 1 through 8 of the 10-day Andalusia itinerary.

Day 9: Ronda Day Trip

Today, spend the day visiting one or two white villages in Andalusia or day tripping out to the coast. This is best done by rental car. If you don’t have a rental car, you can get around by taxi or rideshare app.

Setenil de las Bodegas

This town is located north of Ronda, about a 20-minute drive. We attempted to visit the town in the early afternoon, in April (not peak season) and could not get parking. Tim and I returned the following morning and what a difference! This is one of the more popular villages to visit, so it’s best to visit this one in the morning.

A visit here lasts 1 to 2 hours, to stroll through town, photograph the picturesque streets with the buildings built into the cliff walls, and have a late breakfast or early lunch.

Park at Parking Los Caños, a large underground parking garage. The main streets to see are Calle Cuevas de la Sombra and Calle Cuevas del Sol.

Zahara de la Sierra

This white village is located 40 km northwest of Ronda, about a 40-minute drive. It is a mountaintop village with the remains of a Moorish castle.

Júzcar

This village, which is located 18 km south of Ronda (about a 30-minute drive) is also called the Smurf Village, as it has both white and blue buildings.

Costa del Sol

This coastline is dotted with small towns and beaches. One of the prettiest towns to visit is Marbella. Colomares Castle is unique looking monument that is dedicated to Christopher Columbus.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Tomorrow, you will drive south to Tarifa. You have the option to visit Júzcar or Costa del Sol, during this drive.

Tonight, sleep in Ronda.

Day 10: Travel to Tarifa

It takes 2 hours to drive the 140 km to Tarifa. Part of this drive will take you along Costa del Sol, so it is very easy to add in a visit to Marbella on the drive.

If you are traveling by public transportation, be aware that there is no train station in Tarifa. You will have to travel to Algeciras by train and then travel to Tarifa by taxi, rideshare app, or private driver (a company called BlaBlaCar came up in my search but we have no experience using them). Another option is to stay in Algeciras and use this as a home base, but it will make it more challenging to do the day trip to Tangier, Morocco, since the ferry leaves from Tarifa.

Today is a light day, which comes as a great time, as you have now had a rather busy schedule for the past nine days. Go for a stroll through Tarifa, visit Castillo de Guzman el Bueno, or go to the beach.

Rooftop terrace of La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa

In Tarifa, we stayed at La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa. It has a great location within walking distance of the ferry terminal, an underground parking garage, rooftop pool and restaurant, and nicely decorated rooms.

For dinner, we recommend Restaurante La Morena, Restaurante Raizes, and El Patio Restaurante Tarifa (located inside La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa).

You will spend three nights in Tarifa.

Day 11: Tangier Day Trip

Today, you say goodbye to Andalusia and Europe, at least for a few hours, and cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa. For those who have never been to Morocco, or Africa, this is an easy, exciting way to see a new country, and maybe even a new continent.

Tangier is a small city that sites on the northern coast of Morocco. For those who plan to visit Tangier from Spain, Tarifa is the gateway city, with its abundance of ferry sailings throughout the day. In just one hour, you can cross the Strait of Gibraltar, which makes it extremely easy to visit Tangier on a day trip from Spain.

Four to six hours is about how much time you need in Tangier. On a visit here, explore the medina and kasbah (the city center and fortress), go shopping, visit a few interesting museums, and have lunch. You also have the option to join a tour, which takes you to a few coastal sites and beaches.

In our How to Plan a Day Trip to Tangier guide, we cover everything you need to plan your day trip, from booking ferry tickets to a walking route through Tangier, where to eat, and tour options, if you prefer to visit Tangier with a guide.

Tangier

One Day in Tangier, Morocco: How to Plan a Day Trip from Tarifa, Spain

How to plan your day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, Spain.

Tonight, sleep in Tarifa.

Day 12: Gibraltar Day Trip

Again, say goodbye to Andalusia for a few hours. Gibraltar is a British overseas territory that is located about an hour’s drive from Tarifa.

Spend the day visiting the Rock of Gibraltar, an immense limestone promontory. Tim and I loved this experience, even more so than visiting Tangier. With its hiking and walking trails, nature preserve, extraordinary views from its highest points, macaques, St. Michael’s Cave, a skywalk, and siege and war tunnels, and there is something here for everyone.

A visit here will take most of the day. We cover everything you need to know in our Guide to the Rock of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Rock of Gibraltar: Things to Do, One Day Itinerary & Interesting Facts

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Rock of Gibraltar.

Tonight, sleep in Tarifa.

Day 13: Return to Seville

Today, drive or take the train to Seville. If you have a rental car, we recommend visiting Arcos de la Frontera on the drive. This is a beautiful, hilltop white village that takes just an hour or two to explore.

Tonight, sleep in Seville.

Day 14: Fly home

Today, fly home or continue onto your next destination. If you have more time, from Seville you can head west to Portugal or go north to Madrid.

Best Time to Visit Andalusia, Spain

This itinerary can be done all year, but the best time is from April through May and mid-September through October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Here is an overview of the weather in Andalusia.

WINTER: December, January, and February remain relatively mild, at least compared with the rest of Europe. The average high temperature is 16°C (61°F) with the average low getting down to 6°C (43°F). Winter is the wettest time to visit southern Spain.

SPRING: Andalusia warms up quickly in the spring. In April, expect high temperatures between 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F) and these climb to 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F) by June. As summer approaches, rainfall chances diminish.

SUMMER: Andalusia, and in particular the cities of Seville and Córdoba, is one of the hottest places to visit in Europe. The average daily high hovers just below 37°C (100°F) but can easily soar well beyond this during a heat wave. Rainfall is almost nonexistent. Tarifa stays cooler, with highs averaging 24°C (75°F) but heat waves can push the temperatures as high as 35°C (96°F).

FALL: Fall brings a return to cooler temperatures but also an increase in rainfall. October is a very nice time to visit Andalusia, with average high temperatures of 21°C (71°F) in Seville and 23°C (74°F) in Granada.

VERDICT: Spring and fall are the best times to visit Andalusia, to avoid the extremely hot summer weather.

WHAT WE DID: We visited southern Spain from mid-April through mid-May and the weather was just about perfect. We spent two weeks exploring Andalusia and temperatures ranged from 24°C/75°F to 26°C/80°F for most it. We did have a few days of rain which affected our travel plans (we had to reschedule our walk through the Caminito del Rey and we saw some wicked thunderstorms in Córdoba), but to have warm weather and to see the patios in bloom in Córdoba was wonderful.

Average Trip Costs

Here are some estimated costs per person (all prices are in USD during peak travel times).

Hotel Costs:

Budget Hotel, double room with two people: $50 – $150
Mid-Range Hotel, double room with two people: $150 – $300
Luxury Hotel, double room with two people: $350+

These are the prices for standard double rooms for each hotel class. Many hotels offer suites, rooms with a view, or apartments, and these will be more expensive than the price for a double room.

More Trip Costs

Train Travel: To travel from city to city, train fares range from $25 to $150, depending on the distance traveled and the speed of the train. Regional trains can take twice the length of time to cover the same distance as a high-speed train, and cost half as much, but you will be sacrificing sightseeing time.

Rental Car: Rental car fees can range from $60 to $150 per day, depending on demand. If you pick the rental car up from one location (for example, Seville) and drop it in a different location (for example, Faro), then there will be an additional drop fee, which could be several hundred more dollars.

Meals: Meals cost $8 to $25 per dish, depending on the restaurant. To save money, stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, put together picnic lunches, and skip the drinks at dinner.

Miscellaneous: Factor in approximately $50 USD per day per person for miscellaneous fees, such as a short taxi ride, souvenirs, etc.

Designing Your Own Itinerary?

This Andalusia itinerary is a great starting point for designing your own custom itinerary. For more tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect trip, consider reading this article:

First Trip to Europe

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

Important things to know if you are planning your first trip to Europe.

We also have a similar itinerary that includes Portugal: 14 Day Southern Spain & Portugal Itinerary

You can see all of our articles about Spain in our Spain Travel Guide. For more great itineraries in Europe and around the world, visit our Travel Itineraries page.

If you have any questions about how to plan an Andalusia itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

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