Hello all --

I'm trying to decide on an itinerary for an upcoming trip, but can't seem to figure out if a car is a necessity in Andalusia like it is in Tuscany. It looks like it's possible to bus around a bit, but since I'm most familiar with travel in Italy, I'm hesitant to trust the reliability of this. I'd be interested in visiting Ronda and Arcos primarily.

Apologies if this is a question you see frequently (but it didn't turn up in the search results for me).

Thanks in advance!
Heather.

Hello Heather,

From where will you start your trip? From any of the airports in Andalucia?
I wouldn't say you desperately need a car (many reports of people being perfectly happy w/ buses and trains to explore Andalucia) - but I always liked to have one (unless I was only traveling between Cordoba, Sevilla, and Granada, for example)

I think another perspective would be useful in deciding. They are vastly different in topography, sites, and available transportation where otherwise Tuscany and Southern Spain would not be mentioned together.

One is not better than the other, just different.

Best strategy, if you are combining exploring rural areas (e.g. white villages) with stay in cities (Seville, Granada etc), is to rely on public transport within and between cities, and only rent a car for the time you are touring smaller places. You definitely don't want a car for exploring Granada or Seville - you'll probably have to leave it in an expensive parking lot, charging 15 to 20 euro (or more) per day, including those owned by hotels.

you need a car - no two ways about it. in both arcos and ronda bus stations are a long slog from main town - not recommended. and the distances in between differents parts of andalucia are so vast and the landscapes so beautiful and varied you would kick yourself if you were travelling by bus and not able to stop and explore things you see en route, not to mention venturing off beaten track. try auriga crown, europa car hire or holidayautos for good deals from any andalucian airport. you can also drop off and pick up at different destinations eg come in to say, malaga, do the villages, drive to granada, drop off there, stay in the city, use public transport to sevillav then rent again to see more of the countryside from sevilla sta justa rail station or the airport and drop off in malaga airport or wherever

Thanks for everyone's help. I greatly appreciate your responses, and think I have the answer I was looking for. =)

While I agree a car is worthwhile in this area I don't believe it's a necessity particularly if you're planning on visiting Arcos and Ronda.

I've visiting Arcos twice and Ronda by public transport (bus). The bus station in Arcos in not in the old town but there are some decent hotels within walking distance. It's not difficult to get a taxi if you prefer to stay in the old town (at the top or the hill). In Ronda the bus station is further out from the city center but it's easy to get a cab to your hotel.

I've also visited Vejer de la Frontera and Medina Sidonia from Cadiz - it's an easy daytrip or you could take the bus in and spend the night.

Antequera is also easy by bus or train as is Osuna & Carmona. And don't even get me started on Priego de Cordoba - easy by bus from Cordoba or Granada - it's an absolute gem.