Andalusia 7-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Best things to do & places to stay:
Andalusia, Spain
One of Europe’s most popular year-round holiday destinations, Andalusia has it all: long sandy beaches, spectacular mountains, national parks of extraordinary biodiversity, and fascinating cities that more than recall the centuries when Andalusia was the wealthy, sophisticated capital of Moorish Spain.
After decades in the doldrums, it’s found its mojo again: alongside its World Heritage Sites, pretty White Villages and passion for traditional fiestas, flamenco, sherry and horses, you’ll find a dazzling array of new contemporary art museums, boutique hotels and restaurants. Lively invigorating and full of sunshine, Andalusia promises you’ll never be bored.
Our writer’s recommended itineraries for this destination
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Malaga to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Seville to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
Granada, Andalusia, Spain
Spain’s most visited attraction is the stuff of dreams, filled with intricate mosaics and carvings, magical gardens and breathtaking views.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12
Seville, Andalusia, Spain
A Moorish Christian architectural gem, Europe’s oldest royal palace (recently seen in Game of Thrones) dates from 1360, with gardens of pure delight.
Best for ages: 13+ | £11
Andalusia, Spain
Madrid may have the biggest stars, but Andalusia was its birthplace, and the tradition of Flamenco pulses through Andalusia’s blood. Book in for a passionate night of guitars, singing, stamping steps and colourful, swirling dresses.
Best for ages: 5+ | £15 | 90 minutes
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain
One of the world’s greatest buildings: a thousand-year-old love letter from the glory days of Moorish al-Andalus.
Best for ages: 13+ | £8
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
Almeria, Andalusia, Spain
The biggest citadel ever built by the Arabs in Spain, begun in 955, was remodelled by Ferdinand and Isabella; its impressive walls, gardens and views featured in Game of Thrones, Indiana Jones, and Wonder Woman 1984.
Best for ages: 6+ | £2
Malaga, Andalusia, Spain
A well-preserved Moorish city fortress, built 11th century on a hill in the city centre. Adjacent to the entrance are the remains of a Roman theatre, dating back to the 1st century AD.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Malaga, Andalusia, Spain
Malaga’s Arab shipyards were adapted in the 19th century to create this wonderland of fresh fruit and veg, meat and seafood. In fact, the entire neighbourhood is devoted to food – it’s a great place for a tapas crawl.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Malaga, Andalusia, Spain
A quirky museum housing the private collection of Joao Magalhaes, home to over 80 vintage and modern cars and displays of fashionable travel memorabilia.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Madrid
€695 | Rating 4.08 / 5 [256 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Madrid
€1,080 | Rating 4.05 / 5 [19 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Madrid
€640 | Rating 4.26 / 5 [26 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Madrid
€1,220 | Rating 4.07 / 5 [28 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain
An atmospheric boutique hotel in a 17th-century convent, in easy walking distance of the sights and beaches of Cadiz.
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Ronda, Andalusia, Spain
In gorgeous countryside near Ronda, this charming hotel in a former mill comes with a lovely pool and superb restaurant.
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Sierra de Nevada, Andalusia, Spain
A delightful rustic-chic boutique hotel in the Sierra Nevada, perfect for hiking or skiing – and only ten minutes from Granada.
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Granada, Andalusia, Spain
Overlooking the Alhambra, Granada’s most evocative boutique hotel occupies a superbly restored 15th-century mansion, full of romance and charm.
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Peak season is spring, with Semana Santa and other fiestas: Christmas is another busy time. The cities (especially Seville and Cordoba) often roast in July and August; if you go then, take a long afternoon siesta.
Autumn is lovely and warm; January and February are quiet, and can be rainy, but offer a good chance to feel like a local.
Malaga, with Spain’s fourth busiest airport is the main international gateway to Andalusia. Seville comes second, with numerous European flights, while the region’s smaller airports in Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, and Almeria take in mainly domestic flights.
If you fly into Madrid, the AVE high speed trains can whisk you into the centre of Cordoba, Seville and Malaga in under three hours.
Getting between Andalusia’s main hubs is quick and easy, whether you want to hire a car, take the train, or visit smaller towns and villages on the extensive bus network.
AVE High speed trains link Malaga with Seville and Cordoba, with slower regional trains going on to Granada and Jerez. Reserve ahead for AVE trains. The reliable bus network goes to even the smallest villages at least once a day.
Cycling is a good option, especially in the spring and autumn and there are plenty of country roads without much traffic, but only try the mountain roads in the Sierra Nevada if you’re very, very fit.
Other guides relevant to this destination
Andalusia, Spain
A fascinating city of labyrinthine lanes and Roman and Moorish monuments, including one of the world’s greatest buildings: the Mezquita.
Andalusia, Spain
Crowned by the dreamlike Alhambra, this vibrant Spanish-Arab culture capital combines fascinating sights and lively nightlife with the Sierra Nevada on the doorstep.
Andalusia, Spain
A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.
Andalusia, Spain
Extravagant and sensuous, Spain’s fourth city entices with brilliant monuments, gardens, tapas bars, flamenco shows and full-on nightlife.