Just to add my two cents in... Given the list of cities you first mentioned, Granada and Sevilla are the best two places to spend your time. If you haven't booked accommodations in Sevilla yet, I would look into Hotel Murillo.

http://www.hotelmurillo.com/en/

It is located in the Jewish quarter, pedestrian only district. Absolutely beautiful and unique. It's a short 5 minute walk to the Cathedral and Mezquita.

A couple of articles about wonderful and genuine Malaga city:

"The emerging fine food scene in Malaga and around" http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-tapas

"Secret Spanish pleasures":
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalis...pleasures.html

"Picasso's city of hidden treasures": http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...-breaks-travel

I'm in Malaga a week or so before you come down here, and I can't wait for a night at Dom Vinos: http://www.azahar-sevilla.com/vivala.../01/dom-vinos/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html

Decided to get a car the morning we are leaving seville and drive to Cordoba for the day and then onto Granada for 2 nights dropping the car in Granada and flying back to Barcelona in the evening.
in seville we are staying at the Apartamentos Conde de Torrejón for 3 nights
any tips for side trips on the way to cordoba or granada?
muchas gracias