I have 5 nights in southern spain with my 2 adult children; ages 18 and 20

We have already booked 4 nights in Seville which we plan to do a trip to Cordoba and perhaps Madrid.

where else do you recommend? Do I stay in Malaga for 5 nights and do day trips there: Granada, Nerja caves, Ronda? Or do I spend only 3 nights in Malaga and 2 nights in Granada.
Any other suggestions where to stay? We love the history, food, culture, shopping.
Our last stop is Barcelona before heading home.

Do you have an additional 5 nights besides what you've already booked in Sevilla? Note that Madrid is really not a good day trip from Sevilla, Jerez and Ronda are.

When will you be doing this trip?

You can easily spend a whole week at Madrid, with day trips or 2day trips to Toledo, Avila, Segovia, Salamanca .....
Count a full day for Ronda and the Cueva de Pileta

Robert2533, we are going in January. The 5 nights are not including Seville.

Do I stay longer in Seville to allow for more day trips?

Thanks

If your interest is museums then Madrid is for you. If you wish to see more of Moorish Spain, then you stay in the south. If you wish to see an entirely different Spain, then head up to Barcelona.

January can get nippy in Spain. The snow, however, is USUALLY confined to the various mountains throughout the country.

For southern Spain, I consider Granada a must-see because of the magnificent Alhambra. Seeing that well requires at least 2 nights in Granada so you can visit the Alhambra both during the day and during the evening (do book ahead!) I was glad to have another full day in Granada; others skip that. The Mezquita in Cordoba is also a highlight IMO; I thought Cordoba deserved 2 full days, but others visit as a day trip from Sevilla. I also enjoyed Ronda. I haven't been to Malaga or Nerja yet. So, I think you can easily and very nicely fill all your time in Andalucia.

It really depends on your interests, but you might consider deferring Madrid (and other sites in central Spain) and Barcelona for another trip.

If you decide to visit Madrid do realize that it is on a high plateau in the middle of the country and has a true winter - unlike the areas 're visiting in southern Spain which typically have very moderate temps.

I think you will find it nice to go down to the coast in Málaga in December, some of the best winter climate in Europe down here. Málaga city itself is three thousand years of history and culture, genuine and laid-back Andalusian atmosphere, great food, cafés, bars, theaters, concerts, nightlife etc. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...-breaks-travel
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalis...pleasures.html

The Nerja Caves can be a fine daytrip: http://www.cuevadenerja.es/index.php?lenguaje=en

Some of my favourite lunch spots in Nerja:
Excellent, no fuss, local atmosphere seafood freiduría La Marina: http://www.guideofnerja.com/pages/gu.../marina_en.htm
Even more so and in the heart of the nice old town, La Puntilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html
Or have the famous paella at Ayo's down at the Burriana beach:
http://www.surinenglish.com/20080718...807181411.html

And allow at least one night in Granada.