My husband and I are traveling to southern Spain for two weeks at the end of August...it will be our first trip...our plans are roughly as follows, any advice would be most appreciated:

3 nights in Seville

Next, drive through Cadiz and the White Towns to Ronda. Stay in Ronda 3 or 4 nights. I know this might sound like an unusual choice for that many nights, but we will have a car and would like to plant ourselves someplace and do day trips. I'm thinking that places like Tarifa, Malaga, Marabella, the beach etc. will all be accessible for day trips from Ronda? Can anyone advise on the Parador in Ronda? Rooms, costs, views, amenities etc? Or other hotel recommendations?

Then onto Granada for two nights (thinking about staying at the Alhambra Palace - any thoughts?)...one night in Cordoba and then finishing with two or three nights in Madrid. I would GREATLY appreciate advice from those who have travel experience in Andalusia...Can't wait! Thanks so much. Carma

As for the beach liked Nerja a lot. If you go there, don't miss a lunch visit at Ayo's Beach Bar and watch the folks making Paella right in front of you on the beach. It's about 2hrs. from Ronda and about an hour from Granada. It could be too far for a day trip. May be more suitable for stop on the way to Granada with a little detour.

Just returned from two weeks in Madrid/Andalucia. Stayed for two nights in Ronda at the Parador for 116 Euro + 7% VAT without breakfast. It was a great place to stay and would advise others to stay there.
In August I think you should have a good selection of rooms. Choose either the gorge facing side or the valley side (the aftrenoon sun exposure on this side may be too hot in August).

stayed in Ronda a few weeks ago - did not stay at the parador but went in to have alook for possible stay in sept - it looked great and has the best location - if its booked up try www.andalucia.com and look under accomodation and then rural/inland country hotels as it lists a few hotels in ronda - we stayed at la fuente de higuera, great hotel but is about 5 mins drive outside of ronda ( which is main reason would like to stay at parador as you can just walk everywhere)

amandac,
What was your opinion of the Fuente de la Higuera? Did you enjoy it?

Really like the hotel as its got really spacious rooms, great bathrooms and a massive american fidge thing stacked with all drinks imaginable (honesty bar system) in the dining area. Stayed there last year for a few nights in the Artist suite but this time stayed in a suite (rm 10) which was nicer as our terrace overlooked the valley and the gardens rather than the olive grove at the back. Nice sized pool and sit outside for dinner in the evening for gorgeous views and breeze !
Downside? - evening food did not seem as good this time, still good but perhaps trying to be more clever than necessary. Lunches are always good and staff are the friendliest.
Fancy the parador this time but boyfriend wants to try El Juncal . . .

amanda,
The manager of Tragabuches gave us a brochure for the Juncal, as it's the same ownership. We thought, hmm, Ian Schrager and Phillip Starck do Ronda! Very minimalist cool! We didn't have time to go see it.
(I think we're too old

Thanks for the rec of La Era, and I shall definitely book the Fuente de la Higuera
for our next Ronda stay. During Holy Week we stayed at the parador and have also enjoyed the cute little San Gabriel.

Thanks!

Maribel

Never too old to enjoy yourself ! We also got leaflet about el juncal from tragabuches visit !
Amanda