4x the ultimate southern Spain itineraries

Southern Spain is where the country's stereotypes come to life – and then surprise you. Yes, there's flamenco and bullfighting, but there's also so much more.  We’ll show you how to make the most of your time with these Southern Spain itineraries, which will take you right into the heart of Andalusia, from the stunning Alhambra to the sherry bodegas of Jerez. This is Southern Spain done right.

Trip #1: Weekend getaway to Malaga

Málaga is a coastal city in Andalusia, right on the famous Costa del Sol. It's perfect for a weekend getaway, where you can explore the city itself and visit nearby spots like Ronda and Marbella. You'll find yellow-sand beaches, interesting museums, and delicious food ready for you to enjoy.

Itinerary overview

The first day of this southern Spain itinerary starts with your arrival and a visit to some of Málaga’s top spots like the Plaza de la Constitución, the impressive Manquita cathedral, and the ancient Alcazaba. The second day is spent with a visit to the Picasso Birthplace Museum and the Central Market, wrapping up with a fun evening tapas tour.

On the third day, you’ll take a day trip to Ronda to see the famous Puente Nuevo and wine tasting. The fourth day brings you to Marbella, where you’ll explore the charming Old Town, check out Salvador Dalí’s sculptures, have lunch at a beachfront chiringuito, and visit the stylish Puerto Banús.

Your trip wraps up on the fifth day with a morning visit to Málaga's beautiful Botanical Garden before heading home, with some time for last-minute shopping or relaxing. 

Trip tip: book a Malaga weekend getaway with our local travel experts to save yourself hours of research. 

Day 1

• Arrival in Málaga
• Transfer to your hotel
• Explore Málaga's key sites: Plaza de la Constitución, The Manquita (Cathedral), Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, and Larios Street

Day 2

• Visit the Picasso Birthplace Museum
• Explore the Central Market (Atarazanas) and taste a glass of "Dulce de Málaga" at Bodega Casa de la Guardia
• Afternoon visit to Castillo de Gibralfaro
• Enjoy panoramic views of Málaga from this hilltop castle
• Learn about the Moorish history of the region
• Evening tapas tour
• Experience local cuisine with a guided tour of Málaga's best tapas bars

Day 3

• Day trip to Ronda
• Puente Nuevo and the bullring museum
• Visit the Casa del Rey Moro and its water mine
• Wine tasting at a local bodega
• Return to Málaga in the evening

Day 4

• Drive to Marbella and explore its charming Old Town
• Visit the Salvador Dalí sculptures along the Avenida del Mar
• Lunch reservation at a beachfront chiringuito
• Explore Puerto Banús and its exclusive amenities
• Evening return to Málaga

Day 5

• Departure from Spain
• Morning visit to Málaga's Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción)
• Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation

Looking for more inspiration for your trip? Check out our Spanish itineraries.

Trip #2: Culinary trip in Seville

Explore the food and surroundings of Seville in Andalusia on this culinary trip. From Iberian ham to sherry wines and the secrets of olive oil production, this tour makes for a great weekend escape. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Andalusian classics like churros, tapas, sherry, and olive oil, while experiencing the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Itinerary overview

Your week-long culinary adventure through Andalusia begins in Seville with a traditional dinner to taste some local Iberian ham on the first day. On the second day, you’ll head to Sanlúcar de Barrameda to sample sherry and fresh seafood, then make your way to Jerez de la Frontera for even more sherry experiences.

The third day is all about exploring Seville's iconic sights, enjoying local tapas, and catching a flamenco show. The fourth day shifts the focus to olive oil, with a tasting and educational session, while the fifth day takes you on a day trip to Córdoba to see the stunning Mezquita and try some local sweets.

As the trip winds down, you’ll return to Seville. On the sixth day, you’ll visit the beautiful Plaza de España and María Luisa Park, grab lunch at a food market, and relax on a river cruise with wine and cheese. On the final day, you'll enjoy one last Spanish breakfast before heading home. 

Tip trip: ready to see Spain? Skip the hassle of planning and let our local travel experts design a trip for you.

Day 1

• Arrival in Seville
• Transfer to your hotel
• Enjoy a dinner featuring traditional Andalusian cuisine
• Discover the secrets of the best Iberian ham with an exclusive wine selection

Day 2

• After breakfast of churros con chocolate, a classic Spanish morning treat, drive to Sanlúcar de Barrameda
• Visit a sherry winery and museum in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, tasting Manzanilla, a local variety of fino sherry
• Lunch featuring tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) and other local seafood specialties
• Travel to Jerez de la Frontera for another sherry winery visit
• Explore vineyards, courtyards, and taste authentic sherry wines, including Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez varieties

Day 3

• Seville City Tour
• Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville
• Explore the Seville Cathedral and climb La Giralda tower
• Lunch of various tapas, including local favorites like salmorejo (cold tomato soup), carrillada (braised pork cheeks), and berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey)
• Enjoy an authentic flamenco performance with dinner

Day 4

• Olive oil tasting and lunch featuring dishes prepared with different local olive oils
• Discover the history and production of olive oil, from ancient times to modern methods
• Learn to identify features and quality of extra virgin olive oil
• Free afternoon at leisure

Day 5

• Early morning train to Córdoba (about 45 minutes)
• Visit the famous Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral)
• Explore the charming Jewish Quarter and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
• Taste Córdoba's unique pastel cordobés (sweet pumpkin pie)
• Return to Seville in the evening

Day 6

• Visit the iconic Plaza de España
• Stroll through the beautiful María Luisa Park
• Lunch at a local food market, sampling a variety of Spanish cheeses, cured meats, and olives
• Afternoon River Cruise: enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Guadalquivir River with wine and cheese tasting
• Farewell dinner featuring a range of tapas and raciones (larger sharing plates), including classics like patatas bravas, croquetas, and albóndigas (meatballs)

Day 7

• Breakfast of tostadas with various toppings (tomato, olive oil, jamón)
• Departure from Seville

You'll find even more ideas for your week-long vacation in Spain in our 7-day itineraries.

Trip #3: Gems of Southern Spain

This Gems of Southern Spain trip takes you through our favorite parts of this part of the country. Starting and ending in Seville, you’ll get to explore some of the region’s most iconic spots like Córdoba, Granada, Ronda, Nerja, Málaga, and the stunning Costa del Sol.

Itinerary overview

This week-long adventure through Andalusia kicks off in Seville. On day one, you'll arrive at Seville Airport, settle into your hotel, and explore the historic city center. In the evening, enjoy a dinner of traditional tapas.

Day two is all about Seville’s top attractions: start your morning with visits to the Royal Alcázar and Cathedral, then spend the afternoon strolling through the Santa Cruz quarter. End the day with a flamenco show and dinner.

On day three, you’ll take a high-speed train to Córdoba for a day trip, where you'll explore the Jewish Quarter and the stunning Grand Mosque-Cathedral before returning to Seville. Day four gives you some free time in Seville before an afternoon train takes you to Granada, where you’ll kick off the evening with a tapas tour.

Day five is all about Granada. Start with a visit to the Albaicín neighborhood, then explore the iconic Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. In the evening, visit the unique Sacromonte area. Day six begins with a stop at Granada’s Science Park Museum, followed by a bus ride to Málaga. Spend the evening walking along the waterfront and dining at a beachside chiringuito.

On your final day in Málaga, you'll visit the Old Quarter, Cathedral, Alcazaba, and Picasso Museum. End your Andalusian journey with a farewell dinner featuring local dishes and wines before departing from Málaga.

Trip tip: let our local travel experts handle the details so you can enjoy your Gems of Southern Spain trip fully.

Day 1

• Arrive at Seville Airport (SVQ)
• Transfer to Jerez de la Frontera for sherry wine tour
• Learn about the sherry-making process and its history
• High-speed train from Seville to Cordoba
• Enjoy scenic views of Andalusian countryside during the 45-minute journey
• Arrive at Córdoba

Day 2

• Explore the Jewish Quarter, Chapel of St. Bartholomew, Cordoba Synagogue, and Caliphate Baths
• Explore the fortress gardens and Roman mosaics at the Alcázar
• Visit to Medina Azahara archaeological site

Day 3

• Train ride from Cordoba to Granada through olive groves and mountains
• Arrive in Granada
• Stroll down Calle Navas for tapas bars and restaurants
• Visit the Plaza Bib-Rambla, known for its flower stalls and cafes

Day 4

• Guided city tour of Granada, exploring its Moorish heritage
• Visit the Royal Chapel, burial place of Ferdinand and Isabella
• Explore the Granada Cathedral
• Discover Albaicín
• Visit the Mirador de San Nicolás for stunning views of the Alhambra

Day 5

• Tour Alhambra
• Explore the Nasrid Palaces, with their intricate Islamic architecture
• Visit the Generalife Gardens
• Visit the Palace of Charles V, a Renaissance building within the Moorish fortress

Day 6

• Take a bus from Granada to Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol
• Enjoy a scenic 2-hour journey through the Andalusian landscape
• Arrive in Malaga and check into your accommodation
• Take a stroll along the palm-lined Paseo del Parque
• Visit the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, a 19th-century market hall
• End the day with a sunset walk on La Malagueta beach

Day 7

• Visit Malaga's old quarter, cathedral, Roman theater, and Alcazaba
• Explore historic landmarks such as Gibralfaro Castle and Plaza de la Merced
• Transfer to Malaga Airport (AGP) for departure

Have the capacity for a longer trip? Explore our 10-day itineraries in Spain.

Trip #4:  Andalucia Explored

Get ready for 10 sunny days exploring southern Spain on the Andalucía Explored itinerary. You'll visit beautiful palaces, historic churches, museums, and vineyards while traveling through charming white villages, mountains, and all along the glittering Mediterrarian coast. The trip takes you to Granada, Seville, Ronda, and Jerez de la Frontera.

Itinerary Overview

This 10-day southern Spain itinerary begins in Malaga, where you'll transfer to Ronda to explore its charming old town. On day one, you’ll visit Ronda’s must-see sights, including the Puente Nuevo Bridge and Plaza de Toros. Day two leads you to Jerez de la Frontera, with a scenic stop at Arcos de la Frontera. In Jerez, enjoy equestrian shows and dive into the local sherry culture.

On day three, delve into Jerez's rich heritage with a city tour, showcasing its architectural diversity, wine traditions, and flamenco scene. Day four takes you to Seville, where a flamenco performance and an evening river cruise set the tone. The fifth and sixth days are dedicated to Seville’s cultural treasures, including visits to the Alcázar, La Giralda, and Seville Cathedral, along with indulgent culinary experiences in traditional neighborhoods. 

On day seven, you’ll journey to Granada to explore the Albaicín quarter and unwind in Arab baths. Day eight is devoted to the magnificent Alhambra Palace complex. The itinerary concludes on day nine with a scenic drive back to Malaga, where you’ll explore the Picasso Museum and Alcazaba before heading home on day ten.

Tip trip: don't sweat the details and book this trip today.

Day 1

• Arrival at Malaga Airport, transport to Ronda.
• Enjoy scenic coastal and mountain views along the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
• Check-in at the hotel.
• Free time to explore Ronda at your leisure.

Day 2

• Visit Puente Nuevo bridge connecting old and new city areas.
• Explore Casa Don Bosco and Mondragon Palace.
• Visit Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings.
• Free time in the evening.

Day 3

• Transfer from Ronda to Jerez de la Frontera.
• Stop at Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalusia's famous white-washed villages.
• Attend a performance at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art ("How Andalusian horses dance").
• Evening at leisure in Jerez.

Day 4

• Half-day city tour of Jerez de la Frontera.
• Explore the city's churches and the cathedral (mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles).
• Option to focus the tour on wine, equestrian art, or flamenco themes.
• Visit a bodega to learn about sherry production and enjoy a tasting session.
• Evening free to explore Jerez.

Day 5

• Transfer from Jerez to Seville (approx. 1-hour drive).
• Visit the Museum of Flamenco in Seville.
• Attend a flamenco performance from 7-8 pm.
• Evening free in Seville.

Day 6

• Visit the Alcázar
• Explore La Giralda and Torre de Oro.
• Lunch in a traditional Andalusian restaurant.
• Afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Seville 

Day 7

• Visit Plaza España and Seville Cathedral.
• Tour the Museo de Bellas Artes.
• Afternoon for shopping.
• Evening at leisure.

Day 8

• Transfer from Seville to Granada.
• Explore Granada's old Arab quarter, Albaicín.
• View the Alhambra from a lookout point.
• Evening free to explore Granada.

Day 9

• Half-day visit to the Alhambra.
• Explore the Nasrid Palaces, Palacio de Carlos V, and Alcazaba citadel.
• Visit the Palacio Generalife gardens.
• Evening at leisure in Granada.

Day 10

• Transfer from Granada to Malaga.
• Enjoy scenic views along the Sierra Nevada en route to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Afternoon at leisure to explore Malaga, including the Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and seaside.

Trip tip: our tailor made trip service makes traveling easy by taking care of the planning and booking.