The Best Andalusia Itinerary: A 12-Day Guide To Southern Spain
Read on for the best 12-Day itinerary for Andalusia!
Having a detailed and thorough itinerary for visiting Andalusia is critical to having a smooth and relaxed holiday in the south of Spain.
Whether you want to enjoy the culture of Seville, the beaches of Cadiz, or the history of Cordoba, Andalusia has many extraordinary and beautiful destinations that are best explored over a two week period.
I’ve visited southern Spain many times and have even lived there for several months, so I’ve devised this 12-day Andalusia itinerary, which includes full transportation, accommodation and restaurant recommendations.
⌚ Short on Time? My Hotel Recommendations for Andalusia:
Melia Sevilla (Seville)
Eurostars Conquistador (Cordoba)
Palacio de Santa Inés (Granada)
Andalusia 12-Day Itinerary
Without further ado, let’s dive straight into my 12-day itinerary for Andalusia, starting in one of my favourite places in the whole country, Seville:
Day 1 In Andalusia: Seville
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is the perfect start to your 12-day adventure. It is a beautiful place full of culture and history. In my opinion, it is the best city in Spain, fully capturing the country’s identity.
Here is my itinerary for visiting this beautiful, exceptional city:
Day 1 Morning Activity
The Royal Alcázar (Real Alcázar in Spanish) is Seville’s most visited tourist attraction and one of the most beautiful examples of ancient architecture I’ve ever seen.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the site and book your tickets in advance here.
Day 1 Afternoon Activity
I recommend spending the afternoon at another must-see historical landmark: the Cathedral of Seville.
Located in the city centre, the Seville Cathedral is another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
👉 Book tickets for a Alcazar & Seville Cathedral Tour here
Day 1 Evening Activity
Visit the stunning Plaza de España. This is one of the biggest plazas in Europe, and it is completely free to enter. At night-time, the whole area lights up, making it even more romantic.
This is probably my favourite site to visit in all of Seville: the architecture is simply gorgeous, and strolling around after dark is an absolute treat.
Day 2 In Andalusia: Seville
Day 2 Morning Activity
Also known as the ‘Las Setas‘ (‘the mushrooms’ – because yes, the structure resembles several mushrooms), Metropol Parasol is a really unique piece of modern wooden architecture which is totally unmissable in ‘centro’ – the city centre.
What’s better is that you can take a lift to the top and walk on the structure, which has some unbeatable panoramic views of the city.
👉 Read my Seville 3-Day Itinerary here:
How To Spend 72 Hours In Seville: A Complete Itinerary For 2026
Day 2 Afternoon Activity
La Giralda bell tower is another important historical landmark in the city. It was once the tallest building in Seville and dates back to the 12th century.
It is just a very short walk from the Cathedral and is definitely worth climbing up to enjoy some fantastic panoramic views of the city.
Day 2 Evening Activity
Seville is synonymous with the famous Spanish dance of Flamenco. And a flamenco dance show is the perfect way to end your 2 days in Seville.
There are many flamenco shows in Seville, some of which take place in historical theatre buildings while others are held in smaller clubs.
At a traditional flamenco show in the evening it’s common to order dinner while watching the show as well.
A typical flamenco show can be quite an overwhelming experience; however, the
performers exert a lot of emotion and passion – so get ready for quite a cultural
experience!
Where To Stay In Seville
There are many top-quality accommodation options in Seville. Here is my recommendation:
Hotel Recommendation: Melia Sevilla
This is an excellent 4-star hotel which has everything you could possibly need for a comfortable and outstanding stay in Seville.
Melia Sevilla is based right next to Plaza España and offers stylish modern rooms. It also has some exceptional facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a grand total of 4 restaurants.
➡️ Check for Availability at Melia Sevilla here
Where To Eat In Seville
- El Rinconcillo: The oldest tapas bar in Seville, opened in 1670.
- El Pinton: Known for having the best Sangria in Seville!
- Filo Seville: Great breakfast and brunch options, near Plaza de España.
- Créeme: The best ice cream place in town!
- Abaceria del Postigo: A classic Mediterranean restaurant with a cosy
- atmosphere.
How To Get To Seville
✈️ By Plane: Seville has an international airport, which is located just 10km from the city centre, making it easy to reach from most major cities in Europe.
🚆 By Train: Spain has a relatively good railway system, with high-speed trains connecting Seville to other big cities. It takes just over 2 hours and a half to reach Madrid.
🚘 By Car: If you’re planning a road trip in Spain, then Seville is very well connected to major motorways to and from other cities in Andalusia and the rest of Spain.
Day 3 In Andalusia: Jerez de la Frontera
For Day 3 of your Andalusia itinerary, I recommend a visit to one of the most overlooked gems in Andalusia: Jerez de la Frontera.
With a rich Moorish history and famous for horse shows and sherry wine, Jerez is a delightful city full of culture and, it is not too far south of Seville.
I spent a day exploring Jerez and was very impressed with its charm and beauty. There are many things to do there, and it isn’t overcrowded with tourists.
Start your morning in Jerez de la Frontera with a walking tour.
You’ll learn all about the city’s fascinating Moorish history with a historian, and visit the main tourist attractions, including the beautiful Cathedral of San Salvador and Jerez Alcazar.
👉 Book a 2-hour Jerez Walking Tour here
Afternoon activity in Jerez
For your afternoon activity, I recommend visiting one of the city’s many wineries, known as ‘Bodegas’.
Jerez de la Frontera has a rich winemaking heritage and numerous Bodegas, like the historic Cayetano del Pino Winery.
You can learn about the winemaking process, grape varieties, and the distinct terroir that defines their wines – as well as sampling a few wines too!
Evening activity in Jerez
Horse riding is also synonymous with Jerez de la Frontera, so going to a horse riding show to end your day in this hidden gem city is an ideal finish.
At a horse show in Jerez, you’ll see an operatic equestrian display of Andalusian horses and skilled riders, which is quintessentially Spanish.
👉 Read my guide to Northern Spain here:
Hidden Gems In Northern Spain That You Simply Must Visit In 2026
How To Get There From Seville
🚌 By Train or Bus: You can catch either a train or a bus from Seville. The quickest train takes just 47 minutes.
🚘 By Car: Similarly, a car ride from Seville will take you just over an hour to cover the 90 kilometres.
Where To Stay In Jerez de la Frontera
Here is my top pick for your stay in Jerez de la Frontera:
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Doña Blanca
This reasonably priced 3-star hotel is situated centrally in Jerez de la Frontera, making it the perfect place to stay during your visit.
With modern rooms and balcony views overlooking the city, Hotel Doña Blanca is one of the best-reviewed accommodation options in the region.
➡️ Check for Availability at Hotel Doña Blanca here
Where To Eat In Jerez de la Frontera
- Tabanco Plateros in Jerez de la Frontera: A classic traditional tapas bar with a mix of modern and traditional tapas dishes.
- Restaurante Albalá: Excellent cuisine owned by a 1 Michelin-starred chef.
- La Carboná restaurant: Located in an old sherry wine bodega, unsurprisingly, it has a fantastic selection of wines available.
- Mantúa: Top-rated 1 Michelin-starred restaurant.
Day 4 In Andalusia: Cadiz
For Day 4 of your itinerary, I recommend staying in one of the best beach cities in Andalusia, which is often overlooked by tourists: Cadiz.
A popular destination for Spaniards, it is a lovely place famous for its golden beaches and for being the oldest continuously inhabited city in all of Europe.
How To Get There From Jerez
Getting to Cadiz from Jerez de la Frontera is easy, as there’s only a distance of 22km separating the two cities.
You can catch a train, which will take between 35-45 minutes, or a bus, which will be slightly longer or drive there in no time at all.
My Cadiz Recommendations
Consider your day in Cadiz as an opportunity to relax! I recommend chilling on one of the many beautiful beaches in and near the area:
- Playa de La Caleta: Based very centrally near the city, with plenty of cafes and bars nearby.
- Playa de la Victoria: Considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe and renowned for its cleanliness.
- Playa de Bolonia: Famous for its white sands, this beach is slightly outside of Cadiz but worth going the extra mile to visit. Expect crystal-clear waters, dunes and Roman ruins nearby.
Where To Stay In Cadiz: Hotel Alquimia Cadiz
- Set in a beautiful 11th-century building.
- Exceptional rooftop terrace views of the bay.
- Located in the quiet historic Old Town.
- 24-hour front desk.
➡️ Check for Availability at Hotel Alquimia Cadiz here
Where To Eat In Cadiz: Contraseña Restaurant
- Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Excellent modern and traditional cuisine.
- Make sure to book in advance.
Day 5 In Andalusia: Ronda
For Day 3 of your Andalusia adventure, I recommend a visit to easily one of the most beautiful places in all of Spain: Ronda.
Famous for its Puente Nuevo bridge, Ronda is an extraordinary place, situated on top of a deep gorge. With dramatic views and historical architecture, it is without doubt one of my favourite places to visit in Andalusia.
How To Get There From Cadiz
Getting to Ronda from Cadiz is a bit of a complicated matter if you’re relying on public transport.
You’ll have to travel back to Jerez, and from there expect a long bus journey, the quickest takes around 5 and a half hours.
Driving by car from Cadiz to Ronda is a much faster journey, taking less than 2 hours on average.
👉 Read my Ultimate Guide to Spain here:
30 Bucket List Destinations In Spain That You Simply Must Visit
My Ronda Recommendations
There is, of course, only one main tourist attraction that you simply must see in
Ronda: the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. I was sincerely impressed when I saw it and I’m sure you will be too.
Be sure to climb down the steep path down the gorge for the best photo spot and take your time admiring this amazing construction; it truly is one of the most magnificent sights in all of Spain.
Where To Stay In Ronda: Hotel Don Miguel
- A 4-star hotel.
- Situated right next to the Puente Nuevo Bridge.
- It has a café terrace area with spectacular views.
➡️ Check for Availability at Hotel Don Miguel here
Where To Eat In Ronda: Casa María
- Often voted as one of the best restaurants in Ronda.
- Friendly service, outstanding food and wine.
- Outdoor seating available.
Days 6 & 7 In Andalusia: Malaga
For Days 6 and 7 of your itinerary, I recommend a visit to one of the best cities in Andalusia, Malaga.
This lively and bustling city is popular among Spaniards and international tourists. From historic sites and fantastic beaches, it’s worth spending 2 days to fully explore everything that it has to offer.
How To Get To There From Ronda
The fastest way to get to Malaga from Ronda is obviously by car, taking on average less than 2 hours.
You’ll have to catch a bus if you rely on public transport, and expect a 3-hour journey between the two cities.
Day 6 In Andalusia: Malaga
Explore the city centre of Malaga for your first morning in this exciting city. Stroll through the shopping streets, soak up the atmosphere as well as the beautiful architecture that the city has to offer.
Afternoon activities in Malaga
- Visit the Picasso museum: Malaga is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous artist, and I can personally recommend an hour or two admiring some of his brilliant works at this museum.
- Santa Iglesia Catedral: Be sure you don’t miss this stunning Cathedral, which is an iconic national landmark dating back to the 16th century.
- Malaga Roman Theatre: Discover the ruins of this fascinating open-air amphitheatre that was built by the Romans, based in the centre of the city.
Where To Eat In Malaga
Discover Malaga’s excellent food scene and visit one of these top restaurants:
- Casa Lola – An excellent tapas restaurant based in a traditional taberna, with a wide variety of well-known tapas dishes.
- La Cosmopolita – For a more modern take on Spanish dishes, then this restaurant is a must; expect a memorable dining experience.
- Meson Iberico – A classic Andalusian tapas bar that specialises in Iberico ham.
Day 7 In Andalusia: Malaga
Here are some more top recommendations for your second day in Malaga:
- Mercado Central de Atarazanas – start your morning at this superb food market and sample more tapas.
- Alcazaba – visit Malaga’s amazing medieval fortress and enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and the city.
- Malagueta Beach – relax on Malaga’s most popular beach, located just a short walk from the city centre.
Where To Stay In Malaga: Hotel Eliseos
This gorgeous 3-star hotel is perfect for your stay in Malaga. It is situated centrally (the beach is only 300 yards away), has great views from the rooftop terrace, and it also has an outdoor swimming pool.
➡️ Check for Availability at Hotel Eliseos by clicking here
Day 8 In Andalusia: Caminito del Rey
Day 8 of your itinerary is very much optional and is definitely for you if you fancy an adventure! Caminito del Rey is an amazing 7km walkway pinned to the walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro.
Although it sounds very dangerous, it is possible to take a guided tour through the gorge, which is what I recommend.
How To Get There From Malaga
Caminito del Rey is located north of Malaga and is reachable by car within an hour.
By public transport, it is more complicated. You can catch a train to El Chorro, and then you’ll have a 30-minute walk to the start of the gorge.
However, transportation is included on a guided tour, which makes life a lot easier.
Caminito Del Rey Guided Tour
Here’s what to expect on this 7-hour guided tour of the incredible Caminito del Rey:
- Pick-up and drop-off from a convenient location in Malaga in a premium air-conditioned bus.
- Learn about the natural history of the area from your expert
tour guide. - Traverse above the Guadalhorce River for 2.5 hours and enjoy the spectacular views.
- Safety helmets supplied.
This tour is intended for physically active people; it is not wheelchair accessible and is not allowed for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions or children under 8 years old.
👉 Book a 7-Hour Guided Tour to Caminito del Rey here
Day 9 In Andalusia: Cordoba
For Day 9, you’ll visit one of the most historically interesting places in all of Spain: Cordoba. This UNESCO World Heritage city is full of beautiful monuments and ancient architecture, making it a must-visit for at least one day.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is undoubtedly the main tourist attraction, and I can highly recommend a visit; it is probably the most magnificent building I have ever seen.
How To Get There From Malaga
Reaching Cordoba from Malaga is relatively straight-forward; it is easily reachable either by car, train or bus and takes between 1-2 hours to reach in total.
My Cordoba Recommendations
- Plan at least 2 hours for your visit to the Mosque Cathedral.
- Climb to the top of the Mezquita Bell Tower.
- Explore the historic old quarter of Cordoba.
- Cross Cordoba’s historic Roman bridge.
- Visit the Medina Azahara.
Where To Stay In Cordoba: Eurostars Conquistador
- 4-star hotel.
- Situated in the Old Quarter city centre.
- Features a lovely traditional Andalusian courtyard that is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
➡️ Check for Availability at Eurostars Conquistador here
Where To Eat In Cordoba: Bodegas Campos
- Traditional restaurant housed in a typical Andalusian bodega.
- Well known for their excellent Andalusian dishes.
- Reserve a table in advance here.
Days 10 & 11 In Andalusia: Granada
Following Cordoba, for Day 10, you’ll visit another historically fascinating Andalusian city: Granada. Based high up in the Sierra-Nevada mountain region, Granada is arguably the jewel in Andalusia’s crown.
Without a doubt, it’s a must-visit city, as is the Alhambra Palace and Fortress, the tourist attraction that you simply cannot miss here. I’ve visited this majestic place twice, and I can confirm it is astonishingly beautiful.
How To Get There From Cordoba
Cordoba to Granada is also quite easy, taking just 2 hours by car and a little less time by train.
My Granada Recommendations
For your first day in Granada, of course, I recommend visiting Alhambra Palace
and Fortress.
It is advised to allow anywhere from 3 to 6 hours exploring the grounds (it all
depends on how much time you wish to spend), so make sure you give yourself
plenty of time.
There are always many tourists visiting the site almost every day throughout the
year. I strongly advise booking your entry ticket, ideally a few months in advance of your trip.
👉 Book your Skip The Line ticket for Al Hambra here
Where To Stay In Granada: Palacio de Santa Inés
- 3-star hotel.
- Situated in the Unesco World Heritage Albayzín district.
- Set in a 16th-century building with gorgeous architecture.
- Superior rooms have views overlooking Alhambra.
➡️ Check for Availability at Palacio de Santa Inés here
Where To Eat: Ruta del Azafrán
- Modern restaurant with outdoor seating.
- Incredible views – overlooks the palace!
- Reserve a table in advance here.
Day 11 in Andalusia: Granada
For your second day in Granada, here are some activities to consider:
Morning Activity: Spend the morning wandering through the picturesque streets of the city centre, in particular Carrera del Darro & Paseo de los Tristes.
Afternoon Activity: Head to the historical ancient Moorish quarter of Albaicín and appreciate the historical architecture.
Evening Activity: Head to Mirador de San Nicolás, the perfect spot to see the sunset and enjoy panoramic views of Al Hambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
Day 12 In Andalusia: Nerja
For your last day in Andalusia, I recommend visiting an overlooked, hidden gem beach city: Nerja.
With a lovely historical town and many beautiful sandy beaches, this is the perfect end to a whirlwind 12 days. Put your feet up on the beach or explore the amazingly ancient Nerja Caves.
How To Get There From Granada
From Granada, Nerja is a one-hour drive. However, expect a longer journey if reliant on public transport.
The fastest train from Granada takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, while some trains take over 3 hours, and the same applies to buses.
My Nerja Recommendations
Although Nerja is ideal for relaxing on the beach (and I recommend that activity for sure!), definitely don’t miss out on the Nerja Caves.
These massive caverns stretch underground for 5 km and date back hundreds of millions of years! I visited the Nerja Caves and was absolutely blown away – it’s another must-do activity when in Andalusia.
The entrance to the caves is located inland, about a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the beach, and tickets are relatively cheap.
Where To Stay: Abril Nerja
- 4-star hotel.
- Situated just a short 5-minute walk from Carabeo beach.
- Features a lovely sun terrace that has sunbeds and gardens.
- Rooms feature balconies and exceptional facilities.
➡️ Check for Availability at Abril Nerja here
Where To Eat: Restaurant Pardor de Nerja
- Highly rated restaurant serving traditional and modern tapas dishes.
- Specialises in incredible seafood dishes from the Costa del Sol region.
- Reserve a table in advance here.
Map of Andalusia
Check out this interactive map of Andalusia, featuring pins of all the destinations mentioned in this blog post:
Useful Links For Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to Spain:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in Spain – find trains from Madrid to Barcelona, ferries to the Canary Islands and more.
🏨 Find hotels in Spain – from budget stays in Seoul to beach resorts in Andalusia and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Spain – try tapas in Seville, taste wine in Madrid and more.
🌅 Book a day trip in Spain – take a trip from Barcelona to Montserrat, go on a bike ride in Valencia and more.
12-Day Andalusia Itinerary FAQs
Still not sure about planning a trip to Andalusia? Let me answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this amazing destination:
How many days is ideal for visiting Andalusia?
This is a very subjective question as it really depends on which places you want to visit and what things you want to do in Andalusia.
If you have enough time, 10-14 days is ideal. You will have enough time to visit all of the locations mentioned in this blog post.
What is the best time of year to visit Andalusia?
The spring or autumn months are the best periods of the year to visit Andalusia. Wintertime is also a good option as temperatures are still mild, although they will drop during the night.
I strongly suggest avoiding visiting Andalusia during summer; however, as temperatures now regularly reach over 40 degrees Celsius, which is unbearable.
I lived and worked in Seville during two summer months, and the afternoons were stifling and quite unpleasant.
What are some other destinations worth visiting in Andalusia?
There are many other fantastic areas to visit in Andalusia. So here is a list of other locations to consider for your holiday:
- Alicante – This is a charming coastal area on the east side of Andalusia. It is an interesting mix of glorious beaches, culture and history.
- Almeria – Another beautiful city full of lovely beaches and history. I recommend visiting the Tabernas Desert, where the Spaghetti Western movies were filmed.
- Tarifa – A somewhat hidden gem in Andalusia, Tarifa is popular with kite/windsurfers and is ideal if you fancy a day trip (or longer) to Morocco.
Conclusion: 12-Day Andalusia Itinerary
So, that concludes my 12-day itinerary for Andalusia, which includes, in my opinion, the best destinations worth visiting in this beautiful part of Spain.
There are many outstanding places in Andalusia, from the jaw-dropping Grand Mosque in Cordoba to the gorgeous Alhambra Palace in Granada; the area really does deserve a 12-day visit, if not longer.
I hope you’ve found this itinerary for Andalusia useful, and are now well-equipped with everything you need to know about visiting one of the best destinations in all of Europe.
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about Spain:
➡️ What To Do In Madrid For 3 Days (First Time Visitor’s Guide)
➡️ Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Top 23 Reasons Why You Should Visit
➡️ Best Time To Walk Camino de Santiago (& The Worst!)
➡️ What I Learned From Walking The Camino de Santiago Alone
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
