Great Itinerary: 7 Days in Andalusia

Head south to a land of fiery flamenco passion, unique Moorish treasures, impossibly white villages, and delicious sherry and tapas. As you make your way from Córdoba to Granada via Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, and Málaga, prepare yourself to see some of Europe's finest monuments, prettiest villages, and loveliest—albeit most sweltering—landscapes.

Day 1: Córdoba

Córdoba’s breathtaking Mezquita (mosque), now a cathedral, is an Andalusian highlight, and the medieval Jewish Quarter is lovely to explore. If you’re here during May, visit the Festival de los Patios (Patio Festival).

Days 2–3: Seville

The city that launched Christopher Columbus to the New World, Seville is a treasure trove of sights. Start with the cathedral and climb La Giralda for great views of the city. Move on to the richly decorated alcázar (fortress), still an official royal residence, with its many beautiful patios, and where, more recently, much of the Game of Thrones epic was filmed. The Jewish Quarter in Santa Cruz is a charming labyrinth of alleyways and squares. In the afternoon, cross to Triana over the Guadalquivir River and lose yourself in the quiet streets, which are the birthplace of many a flamenco artist.

Logistics: Take the high-speed train (AVE) to Seville from Córdoba (45 minutes). Seville is a compact city and easy to navigate so it’s best to explore on foot—or pick up a municipal bicycle at one of the hundreds of Sevici bike stations spread out across the city

Day 4: Jerez de la Frontera and Ronda via Arcos de la Frontera

Jerez de la Frontera is the world’s sherry headquarters and home to some of the greatest bodegas (wineries). Visit Domecq, Harvey, or Sandeman, and, if you have time, watch the world’s finest dancing horses at the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. The lovely cliff-top village of Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalusia’s prettiest pueblos blancos (white villages), makes a great stop on the way to Ronda. One of the oldest towns in Spain, Ronda is famed for its spectacular position and views; get the best photo from the Juan Peña El Lebrijano Bridge.

Logistics: Rent a car in Seville and take the highway to Jerez de la Frontera before making your way to Ronda via Arcos de la Frontera. If you have time, stop off in the lovely village of Grazalema.

Day 5: Málaga

Start your exploration of the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga, with the Roman theater, Moorish alcazaba (citadel), and Gothic cathedral. Stroll down to the Muelle Uno on the port for views of the city skyline and Gibralfaro castle before returning to the center to visit the Museo Picasso and browse the shops in Larios and surrounding streets.

Logistics: Leave Ronda early and enjoy the scenic drive to Málaga via the A367 and A357. In Málaga, explore on foot, leaving your car in a central lot or at your hotel.

Days 6–7: Granada

Allow a good half day to visit the hilltop Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens. From there, walk down to the city center to the cathedral and Capilla Real, the shrine of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragón. Finish your day with some tapas at one of the many famous tapas bars. On Day 7, walk up to the Albayzín, the ancient Moorish quarter, for a leisurely wander around the narrow streets. Take your time in the Plaza de San Nicolás and admire the magnificent views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada before you leave.

Logistics: The drive to Granada from Málaga takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Granada is best explored on foot, so leave your car at the hotel.