Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days In Andalusia [2024]

Southern Spain offers some of Spain’s highlights that every visitor has to experience. Andalusia is one of the larger regions in Spain, covering most of southern Spain. 

From sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and festivals to mouthwatering cuisine and diverse landscapes, this place offers some of the most notable attractions. And, of course, how can we forget that it’s also the land of the enthralling flamenco and bullfighting? 

I lived in Spain for 2 years, was road-tripping around Andalusia, and fell in love with the region. So, I’ve created this itinerary out of my experience so that you can have the same amazing trip.

So here you have the best of southern Spain itinerary for 10 days. Let’s get into it.

Overview Of The Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days & Map

Here is an overview of this Andalusia itinerary 10 days, including a map:

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Sevilla
2.	Day Trip To Oil Farm & Tasting
3.	Sevilla ⇒ Córdoba
4.	Córdoba ⇒ Granada
5.	Granada
6.	Granada ⇒ Málaga
7.	Day trips from Málaga (Caminito del Rey, Marbella, Ronda)
8.	Málaga ⇒ Tarifa
9.	Tarifa ⇒ Cádiz
10.	Cádiz

How Many Days Do You Need In Southern Spain?

The perfect time in southern Spain is 10 days. You’ll have enough time to explore its charming cities, spend some time in wonderful nature and its beaches, and make some day trips.

If you want extra time in Andalusian cities, you can spend 14 days in southern Spain.

The minimum time in Andalusia is 7 days, just enough to explore the major cities at least and immerse in their history.

Quick Guide For Andalusia

Spain is divided into so-called autonomous communities (small states). Each of them has a separate politics and regime. Altogether, there are 17 autonomous communities in entire Spain.

Andalusia is one of them, Spain’s second-largest community by area (after Castile and Leon). It’s also quite different from the rest of Spain, thanks to its diverse cultures, architecture, and unique art. It’s one of the most beautiful communities in Spain and deserves special attention.

Interesting Facts About Andalusia

1. Has the second-highest life expectancy in the world after Japan.
2. It’s home to the largest arid desert in Europe called Tabernas.
3. The Sierra Nevada Mountain range is the highest peak in mainland Spain. It’s in the Granada province and lies at 3478 meters above sea level.
4. Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba make the Golden Triangle in Andalusia.
5. You can reach Morocco from Andalusia by ferry in only 70 minutes.
6. Tarifa is a surfer’s and windsurfer’s paradise.
7. The Málaga airport has the lowest rates for car hire in Europe.
8. With more than 110 golf courses, it has the highest concentration of golf courses in all of Europe.

History Of Andalusia

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 ➡ The name Andalusia is derived from the Arabic name Al-Andalus; territory under Muslim control in the Iberian Peninsula. Andalusia was under Moorish rule for close to 800 years. ➡ Christopher Columbus departed for America from Huelva city.

Food & Drinks Of Andalusia

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 ➡ It’s the largest producer of Olive oil in the world. Jaen is the olive oil-producing capital of Spain. ➡ It’s the birthplace of ‘Tapas,’ which means cover or a lid in the local language. These are small snacks with drinks even today. ➡ One of the most favorite wines, Sherry, is made with white grapes that locals grow near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. The word Sherry is an anglicized version of the word Jerez. ➡ Chestnut is the traditional crop in the region. ➡ Jabugo is known for producing the best quality ham.

Famous Personalities From Andalusia

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 ➡ The world-renowned Spanish painter Pablo Picasso was a native of Málaga. ➡ Antonia Bandera, the famous Hollywood actor, is a native of Andalusia.

Andalusian Culture

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 ➡ It’s the birthplace of the famous art and dance form Flamenco. ➡  The Osborne Bull is well-known as the symbol of Spanish culture. Bullfighting is a very popular sport in the region. There are more than 70 bullrings here; the most important one is in Sevilla Real Maestranza.

How To Get To Southern Spain

You can get to southern Spain in 3 different ways: by plane, bus, or train. We’ll start our southern Spain itinerary in Sevilla, the major city in Andalusia.

Flying To Southern Spain

Sevilla has an international airport. So, you can look for flight tickets to Sevilla. If you’re flying from other cities in Europe like Milan, Paris, Prague, or Barcelona, you can look for cheap tickets from budget airlines.

Just be aware of the luggage allowance. Flight tickets are crazy cheap (sometimes only $10), but they charge a lot for extra baggage.

➡ Get the best flight deals on Skyscanner by clicking this link.

Getting To Spain By Bus

If you’re already in Spain or Portugal and want to get to Sevilla by bus, I suggest booking Flixbus or Alsa. Flixbus is an affordable bus company with great connections and deals. Alsa is a Spanish bus company that runs between major Spanish cities.

The only disadvantage is that getting to Sevilla by bus will take a lot of time. The advantage is the price and no luggage restrictions.

➡ Check out Busbud for the fastest and best bus connections here.

Getting To Spain By Train

Alternatively, you can take a train from other parts of Spain. The national railway is called RENFE. You can also take a speed AVE train to Sevilla from other major cities like Barcelona, Valencia, or Madrid.

➡ Book your train tickets via Trainline for the best deals here.

How To Get Around Southern Spain & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around southern Spain is to rent a car. It’ll give you much flexibility and convenience.

Buses are running between major cities and other places, but you would lose a lot of time and have to stick to their schedule.

Andalusia doesn’t have a well-developed train system, so don’t count on trains here.

So rent a car for 8 days to make this southern Spain itinerary. You’ll rent a car on day 3. in the morning in Sevilla and return it on day 10, in the evening again in Sevilla.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN SEVILLA

Welcome to Sevilla, one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia and Spain. We’ll start our southern Spain road trip itinerary here. But before anything else, I’ll leave you some time to relax after your journey, get into your hotel, and get the first insights into the city.

In the evening, you walk alongside the River Guadalquivir and even hop on a cruise as your first activity in Sevilla. If not, chill and go to a tapas bar. You’re in the birthplace of tapas.

Where To Stay In Sevilla: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

atLUMBRERAS 16
UMA SUITES PARADA DEL MARQUES
HOTEL ALFONZO XIII LUXURY COLLECTION

1. DAY: SEVILLA

Let’s explore Sevilla today with its brimming with cobblestone pathways, bustling neighborhoods, lively festivals, distinctive local culture, and elegant plazas.

It’s the capital city of Andalusia and the largest in the region. Today, we’ll explore some famous attractions, including the Cathedral of Sevilla, the Alcazar (Moorish Castle), the Barrio Santa Cruz, and the marvelous city square Plaza de España.

Sightseeing In Sevilla

🔅 Cathedral of Sevilla
🔅 Giralda Tower
🔅 Real Alcazar (Moorish Castle)
🔅 Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish Quarter)
🔅 Plaza España (Spanish Square)

NOTE: It’s necessary to book skip-the-line tickets in advance for visiting the Cathedral, Giralda, and Real Alcazar. Otherwise, they’ll be sold out. So click on the links below and get your tickets asap:

➡ SEVILLA CATHEDRAL + GIRALDA: Get skip-the-line tickets here and secure your spot.

➡ REAL ALCAZAR: Book the skip-the-line tickets by clicking here.

Suggested Walking Tour Of Sevilla

Sevilla combines 3 distinct ethnic groups that used to live together in one city. Nowadays, you’ll be impressed by its Moorish, Jewish, and Catholic style architecture.

First, I recommend visiting the Cathedral of Sevilla, where you can see Christoph Colombus’s tomb. After, head up to Giralda, which offers the best views of the entire city. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world (top 3).

After, head to the Real Alcazar to explore the Moorish culture. See how they used to live in the past, admire the stunning architecture inside and the beautiful patio. Nowadays, the building is used by the Spanish Royal family.

Then, take a little break and have a coffee in the Jewish quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz). It’s an entirely different world, worth strolling through the streets. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere and shop.

Plaza España is my favorite place in Sevilla. It displays all autonomous communities from Spain using beautiful tiles on the ground. It’s one way to learn more about Spain and its regions.

Tapas Crawl In The Evening

Sevilla is the birthplace of tapas, so in the evening, you need to sit down in one of the bars and enjoy a tapas experience.

The best way to immerse into the tapas culture of Sevilla is by participating in a tapas crawl. Join a group with a local and have fun while trying different tapas and walking through the city.

➡ Book a Tapas Crawl in Sevilla with a local guide by clicking here.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? 💡 TAPAS – means to ‘cover or to top.’ Sevilla’s legend says that tapas were created when Sevillans took a slice of bread topped with ham and put it onto their glass of wine or any other drink to prevent flies from dipping into it. That is how tapas culture started here in Sevilla and was spread to other parts of Spain.

2. DAY: EXPERIENCE OLIVE OIL FARM

How would it be being in Andalucia and not visiting one of the amazing olive oil farms out here?

This itinerary won’t let you leave Andalusia without having a proper experience on an olive farm, seeing and learning how olive oil is produced, and tasting some of the best samples of olive oil in the world.

Ultimately, Andalusia is the largest producer of olive oil globally, so it’s time to experience olive oil production in reality.

Experience Olive Oil Farm & Tasting

Today, you’ll enjoy a day trip from Sevilla to an authentic olive oil farm 20 minutes away. They’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the morning.

The owner of the farm will explain to you everything about growing olives and producing olive oil. Afterward, you’ll visit their factory and see how they make the oil traditionally and in a traditional Andalusian way. In addition, you’ll taste various types of olive oil, including sweet, spicy, and bitter flavors, with local bread.

In the afternoon, they’ll drive you back to Sevilla, where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

Book the tour to an oil farm and tasting by clicking on the image box below:

Famous Spanish Festivals In Sevilla

Sevilla is also home to 2 famous Spanish festivals: Semana Santa and Feria de Abril. These festivals perfectly reflect Spanish culture. So you can plan your itinerary for the months when these Spanish festivals are organized.

It’s usually in late March, April, or early May. Check the exact dates in my article by clicking on the image below:

✅ NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Check out Safety Wings: Cheap & Flexible Insurance For Travelers

3. DAY: SEVILLA ⇒ CÓRDOBA

It’s time to set off for our big southern Spain adventure. We’ll drive to another city, Córdoba.

In the morning, rent a car in Sevilla for 8 days. You’ll return it in Sevilla after this road trip. Once you have the car, let’s go to Córdoba.

Distance Sevilla ⇒ Córdoba by car: 1 hour & 40 minutes (141km/87miles)

Córdoba has a rich history, as many kingdoms occupied it. It has many photographic spots and Insta-worthy places due to its beautiful streets with colorful flowers and pots.

A key highlight of this place is the UNESCO World Heritage site Mezquita of Córdoba, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba. This imposing structure symbolizes Muslim architecture with Byzantine-style mosaics, a gilded prayer nook, impressive domes, marble columns, and arches.

The Jewish Quarter and Puente Romano (an ancient Roman bridge) are other highlights of this place. Today, you’ll explore the city.

Sightseeing In Córdoba

🔅 Mezquita of Córdoba – Great Mosque of Córdoba
🔅 Jewish Quarter
🔅 Puente Romano – ancient Roman bridge

Today, take the time to explore the city from the outside. Walk around the Great Mosque and Puente Romano and take some photos.

After, visit the Jewish quarter and admire Cordoba’s cute tiny streets full of flowers. I love this city and its atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Andalusian culture.

I recommend visiting the Great Mosque tomorrow morning before traveling to Granada. So book your tickets for day 4. of this itinerary.

Where To Stay In Córdoba: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PATIOS DEL ORFERBE – budget-friendly
HOTEL BOUTIQUE SUITE GENERIS – mid-range hotel
H10 PALACIO COLOMERA – luxury hotel

Famous Spanish Festivals In Córdoba

Córdoba is also home to a famous Spanish festival called Festival de Patios. Locals decorate their patios (courtyards) and compete for the most beautiful ones. The city’s streets are lively; everyone sings, dances, drinks, and eats delicious food.

So you can plan your visit to experience this festival.

4. DAY: CÓRDOBA ⇒ GRANADA

Today, we’ll visit one of the most famous and important landmarks of Andalusian and Spanish history, the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

The Great Mosque Of Córdoba

Would you believe the mosque’s official name is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption? Confused? Don’t worry, I was too. That’s because this mosque reflects many religious changes in Córdoba over the past centuries. 

This sight was initially built as a Catholic church until, in the 700s, the Moors conquered the city and occupied it for a long time. Back then, the complex was divided into Muslim and Christian parts. Soon, Muslims built the Great Mosque, one of the Islamic world’s biggest buildings.

In 1236, thanks to the Reconquista, Christians defeated the Muslim reign over Córdoba, and the building converted into a Roman Catholic Church.

Nowadays, you can admire its stunning arches and the entire complex with a park and courtyard.

NOTE: As with the sights in Sevilla, booking your tickets to the Great Mosque in advance is necessary. Otherwise, they’ll be sold out.

Afternoon Drive To Granada

In the afternoon, pack your bags and make the way down to Granada.

Distance Córdoba ⇒ Granada by car: 2 hours and 15 minutes (204km/127miles)

After you arrive in Granada, check in to your accommodation and relax for a while. Then, head to Granada’s streets for drinks and free tapas. Granada has many bars where you’ll get free tapas if you order a beer or a drink. So go ahead and enjoy local culture.

Where To Stay In Granada: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

FLORENTIA HOMES – budget-friendly
U-SENSE GRANADA CATHEDRAL – mid-range hotel
ALHAMBRA PALACE HOTEL – luxury hotel

5. DAY: GRANADA

Granada has a great blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a complete family-friendly destination.

Well-known for the magnificent Alhambra, incredible tapas culture, fascinating history, and delightful neighborhoods. Granada is one of the most visited places in Spain.

A few things that must make it to your itinerary are the UNESCO-listed Albaicín neighborhood, the exotic cave dwellings of Sacromonte, the Granada Cathedral, and the traditional Arab quarter.

You can also see a lot of Moorish, Jewish, Christian, and Roman influences in the city. Today, we’ll get to explore it all on this itinerary.

Sightseeing In Granada

🔅 Alhambra
🔅 Cathedral of Granada
🔅 Royal Chapel – burial places of Spanish Monarchs, Queen Isabella I. and King Ferdinand (who started Reconquista against the Muslim rule in Spain)
🔅 Alcaiceria – Great Bazaar of Granada
🔅 Albaicín –  Arab Quarter
🔅 St. Nicolas Square – best views of Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountain
🔅 Sacromonte – birthplace of flamenco (best spot to see the show)

Visit Alhambra In The Morning

Today, I recommend you start sightseeing with the most popular site of all time: Alhambra.

Alhambra complex was built back in the 1200s during the Muslim reign in Andalusia. The Nasrid dynasty lived in Alhambra for many years until the Spanish Monarchs conquered and expelled Moors from Andalusia and Spain.

It then became the royal residence of the Spanish Catholic Monarchs. Nowadays, it’s a top attraction to visit in Europe and serves mainly as a museum with incredible Moorish architecture.

Again, you’ll need to plan, as getting tickets for Alhambra is impossible on the spot. They are usually fully booked, even 3 months in advance.

This is one of the most important sights on our southern Spain itinerary. Therefore, I highly recommend you book the skip-the-line tickets before your trip.

➡ Book this guided tour of Alhambra incl. skip-the-line tickets (best deals).

Explore Granada In The Afternoon

In the afternoon, explore Granada and other sites such as the Cathedral with the Royal Chapel, Sacromonte, Albaicín neighborhood, and get lost in the Great Bazaar (Alcaiceria).

Walk up to the Mirador de San Nicolas (viewpoint) for the best sunset views and spectacular views of Alhambra.

You can explore the city by yourself or join this guided tour to learn more about the history of the Inquisition and the Spanish Monarchs.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Granada Cathedral + Royal Chapel here.

➡ Join this guided tour of Granada’s Cathedral & Roayl Chapel.

Flamenco Show In The Evening

Granada is the birthplace of flamenco. The best place to see it is the Sacromonte neighborhood, home to gypsies.

They made it the best place to see an authentic flamenco show. This is one of the best flamenco shows you can get in Granada, so check it out by clicking on the image below:

6. DAY: GRANADA ⇒ MÁLAGA

Good morning to Granada. Have a nice breakfast and pack your bags because another destination awaits us today. We’re heading to Málaga.

Distance Granada ⇒ Málaga by car: 1 hour and 40 minutes (132km/82miles)

The second-largest city in Andalucia is well known for its bevy of resorts and spotless beaches. While most tourists flock to Málaga for sun, sand, and surf, it’s also home to major historical sites.

Besides, you can experience authentic Spanish Christmas markets here.

These include the Alcazaba Moorish palace, the remarkable Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga, the Roman Amphitheatre, and Málaga’s Picasso Museum, a delight to art and history buff. 

If you are a foodie, stop by the Atarazanas market for fresh local produce and yummy snacks and explore their tapas bars and fresco-dining terraces. You can also join a food tour.

Sightseeing In Málaga

🔅 Castilo de Gibralfaro
🔅 Alcazaba Moorish Palace
🔅 Málaga Cathedral
🔅 Roman Theatre
🔅 Ataranzas Market
🔅 Picasso Museum
🔅 Picasso’s house

Enjoy your time in Málaga visiting some or all of the sites from the list above. Don’t forget to check out Picasso’s House and museum and get the city’s best views from the Castilo de Gibralfaro.

Málaga is a great place for day trips around Andalusia, so you can stay in the same accommodation for a few nights now.

Tomorrow, you can make some of the best day trips from Málaga. Whether you like adrenaline, history, or just relaxing, there is something for you.

Where To Stay In Málaga: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

We are staying in Málaga for 2 nights, so you can stay in one of these beautiful boutique resorts and enjoy the atmosphere of la Costa del Sol:

BEACHFRONT VILLA TORROX COSTA
HOTEL BOUTIQUE VILLA LORENA BY CHARMING STAY

If you still want to stay in the centre of Málaga, here are my recommendations and top accommodation tips:

HOTEL PALACETE DE ALAMOS
ROOM MATE VALERIA

7. DAY: DAY TRIPS FROM MÁLAGA (Caminito del Rey, Marbella, Ronda)

Today, I’ve got some exciting day trips from Málaga for you. Choose one based on your interests and feelings. If you want to do more, extend your road trip and add one more day trip to your itinerary.

1. Caminito Del Rey

The first day trip I have for you is the amazing and thrilling pathway, Caminito del Rey. It’s in the Gorge Desfiladero, just 40 minutes drive from Málaga. This pathway was built to provide access to the hydroelectric plant on the Gorge. 

Nowadays, it’s a famous attraction known as the Caminito del Rey: The King’s Little Pathway. It’s 7.7km long, and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Gorge and surrounding nature.

You’ll need to book tickets in advance. You can do so by clicking on the link below:

➡ Get skip-the-line ticket for Caminito del Rey here.

➡ Join this organized guided tour to Caminito del Rey from Malaga.

2. Marbella

The elegant town of Marbella is your second option for a day trip. It boasts pristine beaches, trendy boutiques, high-end restaurants, and lively nightclubs. The majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range forms a stunning background for this coastal town. 

Marbella is one of Spain’s most famous beach resorts. However, there is another less-explored artistic side to this lovely town that is fun to visit, too.

Head to the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), where you can see peaceful courtyards, winding cobblestone lanes, historic churches, sidewalk cafés, and excellent boutiques.

So if you like to explore another beautiful town in southern Spain and need some relaxation on one of the most beautiful beaches, this day trip is for you.

➡ Join this Sailing & Dolphin watching tour from Marbella.

3. Ronda

Ronda’s dramatic location has attracted millions of visitors every year. Perched on both sides of the El Tajo Gorge in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, this picturesque historic town has inspired several writers and poets. 

Ronda is known for inventing modern bullfighting and the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. It’s one of the most visited in Andalucia. The city has two areas- the old one has many Islamic landmarks, such as The Moorish Palace and the Arab Baths.

In contrast, the new area is the hub for shopping and dining. You can visit it on your own by car or join the guided tour from Málaga to Ronda if you don’t want to plan anything:

➡ Join this guided tour from Malaga to Ronda by bus.

➡ Book a walking tour in Ronda here.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary 14 Days – for more day trips from Málaga

8. DAY: MÁLAGA ⇒ TARIFA

Let’s head to the surfers’ paradise. Even if you’re not a surfer or a windsurfer, you’ll love Tarifa. Not to mention that it’s one of the most southern points of Europe and you can already see Morocco and Africa from it.

So, let’s drive down south to explore another beautiful Andalusian place.

Distance Málaga ⇒ Tarifa by car: 2 hours (160km/99miles)

Tarifa is the European capital of kite surfing. It also has a great beach to chill on, and its perfect coffee culture and tiny little streets will be a great point to take some time off road-tripping for now.

Its laid-back atmosphere will give you the time to relax. So spend some time on the beach, or stroll through its city streets and go shopping.

Sightseeing In Tarifa

🔅 Moorish Fort – the first place from where the Moorish invasion of Spain started
🔅 Playa de Los Lances – beach time & relax
🔅 Tarifa Beach – beach for kite-surfing
🔅 Tarifa centre
🔅 Great nightlife – Surf Bar Tomatito, Aloha Tarifa, Hotel Arte Vida Tarifa

Take your time to relax, drink a good cup of coffee, and head to a tapas bar for dinner. Enjoy your time in Tarifa.

I think it’s better to enjoy beach time here in Tarifa than any other city in Andalusia. Beaches around Málaga and Marbella are usually very crowded (they’re better for sightseeing).

Tarifa is special as not many people go here. It has an amazing beach, and you’ll enjoy tranquility and remoteness. That’s why I’ve brought you to Tarifa on this itinerary: to have a great beach time and enjoy this cute little time. And for half of the price than you would in bigger cities.

Best Tapas Bars In Tarifa

• No. 6 Cocina Sencilla
• Bar El Tapeo
• Bar Ola Ola
• El Lola

👉 READ ALSO: How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide

Where To Stay In Tarifa: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

ARTE VIDA – beachfront apartments
ALMENDA HOSTAL BOUTIQUE – city center
DUNAS LUXURY BEACH RESORT TARIFA – away from the center, but beachfront

9. DAY: TARIFA ⇒ CÁDIZ

As our last destination on this southern Spain itinerary, we’ll explore Europe’s oldest inhabited city, Cádiz. In the morning, drive from Tarifa and check in to your accommodation in Cádiz. After, head to the city and explore.

Distance Tarifa ⇒ Cádiz by car: 1 hour & 20 minutes (104km/64miles)

Cádiz is Europe’s oldest inhabited city and is famous for its white houses surrounded by sea. Tourists often overlook this coastal city for more popular cities in the region. Still, a trip here is worth your time. 

This charming city is on the Atlantic Ocean and offers splendid beaches, delicious food, majestic castles, and fabulous beaches. Don’t miss out on sweeping views of the city from the top of the Tavira Tower.

Another highlight is the La Caleta beach, famous for the castle of San Sebastián on the left and the castle of Santa Catalina on the right (facing the ocean).

Sightseeing In Cádiz

🔅 Cathedral of Cádiz
🔅 Roman Theatre
🔅 Plaza de San Juan de Dios
🔅 Tavira Tower
🔅 Cádiz Market
🔅 San Sebastian Castle
🔅 Santa Catalina Castle
🔅 La Caleta Beach

Where To Stay In Cádiz: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

SOHO BOUTIQUE CADIZ
AUREA CASA PALACIO

10. DAY: CÁDIZ ⇒ SEVILLA

Today marks the last day of our southern Spain itinerary for 10 days. Enjoy the last moment in Cádiz before returning to Sevilla, where we started our road trip.

You can use this day to explore more of Cádiz or just chill and walk alongside the ocean before returning to Sevilla to return your rental car.

Alternatively, you can stay in Tarifa for 2 nights (day 8. and day 9.) to enjoy more beach time or kite-surfing. Come to Cádiz on day 10, of this itinerary to see it on the way back to Sevilla.

Distance Cádiz ⇒ Sevilla by car: 1 hour & 20 minutes (121km/75miles)

This is my southern Spain itinerary for you guys. Feel free to extend it if you need more time in one of the cities or make more day trips from Málaga. It’s undoubtedly the most exciting part of Spain, offering authentic culture and some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.

After, you can head to Portugal and visit the Algarve beaches, its beautiful beaches and sandstone rock formations.

Practical Tips For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

I’ve got some more travel tips to help you plan your itinerary in more detail. See when the best time to visit is, what budget you’ll need, and how to pack.

Best Time To Visit Southern Spain (Andalusia)

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Andalusia, southern Spain. I recommend this road trip in April, May, September, October, or December.

During spring and autumn, there are fewer tourists fewer crowds, and the temperatures are perfect for sightseeing. It’s also a great time to go swimming on the beach.

You can also visit southern Spain in the summer (June, July, and August). However, be prepared for many crowds, so it might be less enjoyable overall. Also, temperatures can rise to 40°C/104°F in summer, which is a lot.

What To Pack For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

It’s usually very hot in southern Spain. The temperatures in spring and autumn range from around 22°C/71°F to 27°C/80°F. In the summertime, it can be more than 40°C/104°F.

I visited southern Spain in December, and the weather was mild, yet I needed a light jacket. Temperatures in the winter are around 17°C/62°F.

So it depends on the time you’ll visit Andalusia. But generally, I recommend packing the following things:

• swimming suit
• hat
• sunscream
• flipflops
• beach bag
• good walking shoes
• shorts and dresses
• T-Shirts
• small backpack for sightseeing
• Light jacket (if it’s windy or colder)
• sunglasses
• warmer jacket in the wintertime
• long-sleeve clothes in the wintertime

Budget For Your Southern Spain Itinerary

The budget for this itinerary for 10 days per person (mid-range traveler) is $875. This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car to travel conveniently, and enjoy each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category:

➡ Accommodation: $50 per night p.p. (on average) in a nice mid-range hotel = $500 per person ➡ Rental Car: $150 for 8 days (Day 3. – 10.) = $150 (couple) ➡ Food & Drinks: $15 per day p.p. = $150 per person ➡ Activities & Attractions: approx $150 per person

So the total budget for a 10-day trip to Andalusia, without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $875 per person.

Southern Spain is quite cheap, so you can lower the budget significantly.

Budget Breakdwon For Each Traveler Type

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $400
➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers: $875
➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers: up to $1900

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my trip to southern Spain. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences.

Is Southern Spain Safe?

Yes, southern Spain is safe. I spent 2 weeks traveling around Andalusia with a group of my girlfriends, and we always felt safe. We even walked alone at night in Sevilla, which was safe.

You should only be aware of pickpockets in bigger cities such as Sevilla and Málaga. Other cities are quite small, and people are super friendly and helpful.

Use your common sense, and it’ll always keep you safe.

How To Speak Spanish When Traveling Spain

I’m a big believer that knowing a few words of a local language will give you much better travel experiences. If you know at least the basics, you’ll connect with locals easily, get to know the culture and the places better, and have a great travel experience.

That’s why I also teach you how to learn a language for travel in fun and effective ways. One of them is to take my Spanish sheets and learn how to order food in Spanish.

So get this Spanish food guide and learn basic vocabulary. You’ll see how it’ll enhance your trip experience:

👉 READ ALSO: Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

FAQs

To help you plan your trip to Andalusia even more, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions for you. Check the answers below.

Is Southern Spain Worth Visiting?

Southern Spain is well worth visiting. I always tell my clients that if they don’t have much time to see Spain, they should at least explore southern Spain.

Andalusia is my favorite Spanish region. It’s mainly because of its traditional cuisine, rich history, stunning architecture, and authentic culture. It has a special vibe, and when you visit Spain, spending a few days in southern Spain is a must.

How Many Days Do You Need In Southern Spain?

10 days is the perfect time to explore southern Spain. Of course, you can also explore its highlights in 7 days, but you would be a bit in a rush.

If you want to extend your trip and see more things, such as Gibraltar, relax on the beaches of Costa del Sol, and do a cooking class, you can easily spend 14 days in southern Spain.

How Do I Spend A Week In Southern Spain?

If you only have a week in southern Spain, I recommend visiting major cities such as Sevilla, Granada, and Cordoba. Then allocate 2 days for some day trips to Ronda, Caminito del Rey, Gibraltar, or visiting an olive oil farm.

Skip Cadiz and Tarifa if you only have 7 days. And focus on the 3 major cities with these day trips.

Is 2000 EUR Enough For 2 Weeks In Spain?

Yes, 2000 EURs are enough for 2 weeks in Spain. I’ve also designed a detailed Spain itinerary for 14 days with a budget overview, so check it out. The mid-range budget for 2 weeks in Spain is between 1800 EUR and 2400 EUR, depending on your activities and the hotels you stay at.

Having 2000 EURs for 2 weeks in Spain is a perfect budget to explore everything and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

WRAP-UP: Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days

This is my southern Spain itinerary for 10 days for you. I hope you’ll get the most out of Andalusia and enjoy its stunning architecture and beautiful places. It’s my favorite part of Spain, and you’ll see unique places in this region. If you can’t decide where to go to Spain, Andalusia is the winner.

If you need additional help planning your itinerary, don’t hesitate to contact me on Instagram or email me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!