Two Weeks in Southern Spain: Road Trip Itinerary

After settling in at your hotel, take a walking tour to get oriented to the city’s layout and your surroundings. (This is my favorite way to stay awake until bedtime when battling jetlag!) Stops include the city’s cathedral—the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, although Girona (outside Barcelona) tries to claim otherwise due to having a larger nave; the Torre Giralda—taller than Big Ben, with a base dating back to Roman times; and the Alcazar—still the official residence for the Spanish royal family when they visit the city.

Today is your day to get out and about to really explore the city. Don’t miss the Setas de Sevilla, an architectural marvel in the old city that offers a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views and an immersive audiovisual show, as well as a market and museum with Roman ruins. Also check out the Museo de Bellas Artes where an extensive Spanish art collection spanning from medieval to modern times is displayed in a historic convent setting. At Palacio de las Dueñas—a 15th-century palace that mixes Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architectural styles—browse the art collection (with more than 1,400 pieces) and stroll the gardens, which combine Renaissance and Islamic styles. Food (and specifically cooking with fresh local ingredients) is a huge part of Spanish culture; experience this for yourself by booking a cooking class led by a local (either in your host’s home or in a cooking workshop), starting with food shopping at the Triana Market.

Today is all about flamenco! Visit the Flamenco Museum (built on the foundations of an old Roman temple) to step inside the magical world of this art form combining dancing, singing, and guitars—layered with improvisation such that the talented performers take their cues from one another to adapt the rhythm and energy of the music. In the evening, take in a live flamenco performance over dinner.

Your driving time today from Sevilla to Córdoba is only an hour and a half. If you prefer to take a detour along the way, you can visit the white villages of Andalusia to experience their picturesque charm; visit Las Aguzaderas, a medieval castle that once straddled the border between Spain’s Catholic kingdom and the Moorish empire; sample olive oil in Zahara de la Sierra; stop in Ronda to marvel at the village’s cliffside location on the edge of a gorge; or take a hike including a suspension bridge at Caminito del Rey.

On your day in Córdoba, tour a onetime mosque that was converted into a cathedral in 1236, when Córdoba was captured by Christian forces. Explore the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, with its Moorish motif mosaics. Visit Casa de Sefarad, a private, secular project that seeks to recover the lost memory of Jewish culture and history in Córdoba, tracing the story of how 15 centuries of Jewish presence was violently erased after 1492, creating a society that denied religious and cultural diversity.

Your drive time today from Córdoba to Granada is about two hours. Stop along the way at Lucena, a historic town known for its Jewish quarter, or Iznájar, a “white village” with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. After you arrive in Granada, take a walking tour of Albaicín, the city’s Moorish quarter with narrow streets, flower-filled squares, and spectacular views of the Alhambra complex.

It’s time for your tour of the majestic Alhambra palace to see its intricate Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens up close. Marvel at the exquisite details within the Nasrid Palaces, savor the peaceful environment of the Generalife Gardens, and take in the famous panoramic Sierra Nevada views from Mirador de San Nicolás. For a more intimate experience, book an early morning or evening tour with special access outside of visiting hours for the general public.

Today you’re heading down to the coast—again about an hour and a half drive from Granada to Málaga. This afternoon, head off on another walking tour to get oriented to your new surroundings. Take in panoramic views from the cathedral, admire Moorish architecture at the historic fortress of Alcazaba, find serenity in the botanical gardens, browse restaurants and shops on Calle Larios, and visit two small museums with character: Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Málaga (Glass and Crystal Museum) and Museo Carmen Thyssen (focusing on 19th-century Spanish painting).

Start your day with a visit to the Picasso Museum, located in the historic heart of the city, where the artist spent his early life. The collection showcases Picasso’s artistic development by highlighting works from various periods of his career. Afterward, unwind with a visit to Hammam al Andalus, a thermal bath and pool complex that allows you to experience a slice of Moorish culture. Book a massage and sample the thermal baths of various temperatures; admire the details of the 13th-century building as you sip on mint tea in between sessions in the jacuzzi and the steam room.

This morning bid goodbye to Málaga and head onward to Cádiz, a 2.5-hour drive in all. Along the way, I recommend stopping at the Straits of Gibraltar. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of this British overseas territory. Admire views of the Spanish coastline; on a clear day, you can see across to Morocco.

Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, Cádiz is said to be the most ancient city in the Western world. On your walking tour of this fascinating city, keep an eye out in the historic neighborhood of El Pópulo for the archways the mark the entrance to the medieval city. For breathtaking views, climb up the Tavira tower, built by merchants who wanted to keep an eye on their cargo as it approached. Visit the Central Market on the site of an old convent; take a swim, or just appreciate the views at La Caleta, the only beach in the city center.

Located just 30 minutes from Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera is known as the sherry capital of the world—and is a great destination for a day trip. Choose from a variety of bodegas offering tours and tasting experiences. The city’s history is also interesting and is worth learning about on a walking tour; it encapsulates the multicultural heritage of Andalusia, from the 11th-century Moorish palace to the 17th-century Gothic cathedral.

Enjoy one last beach day before making the drive (just over an hour) back to Sevilla to spend one final night there before flying out.