Need help with Andalucia itinerary
 

We're planning a 10 day trip to Andalucia for my 30th birthday in October 2008. I've been to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as San Sebastian and Pamplona, which is why we're heading to the south this time. We're flying from San Diego into Madrid, and then connecting to Malaga. I've laid out an itinerary that I hope allows enough time to relax and not be too rushed, while also seeing as much as we can in 10 days. We are planning to drive, and don't want to drive more than a few hours on each driving leg of the itinerary. Here is the preliminary plan:

Arrive in Malaga, rent a car, drive to Nerja, spend two nights in Nerja unwinding after the long trip
Drive to Granada, two nights in Granada
Drive to Grazalema, three nights in Grazalema @ http://www.fuertehoteles.com/Album/R...ilities_en.asp , this would be our base for the white towns, Ronda, Arcos, Zahara, etc. as well as relaxing and doing some hiking
Drive to Seville, 3 nights in Seville, possible day trip to either Cordoba or Cadiz
Fly Seville to Barcelona to US

Is Cadiz worth a visit, and if so, do we spend a night there or make it a day trip? If spending a night, where do we cut another night? Is Cordoba worth a day trip if we only have 3 nights in Seville? I know 3 nights may seem like a lot in Grazalema, but I think with Ronda, Arcos, and the other white towns, some hikng, and some relaxing, I think we'll be able to fill the time. Any input into anything we should revise, or if it looks good would be appreciated. Thanks!

The road from Malaga to Nerja is motorway in full, and an easy drive.
The Grazalema hotel is not in town but in the surroundings, in a beautiful location. I drove the area some weeks ago, did you read my report here? If not, I can re-post.
You won't need the car once in Seville, and the daytrip to Cordoba is highly recommended. You can take an early AVE, visit the Mezquita and be back for lunch, some people in the forum did it. Check the Mezquita-Catedral opening hours.

If I had to choose, I would opt for Cordoba instead of Cadiz for a day trip. I usually stay in the vicinity of Cadiz, and I simply do not like the city a lot. Others have found it great, so it's more personal preferences than factual reasons.

Other day trips (besides Cordoba) from Sevilla could be:

Jerez and environs, if you are interested in winemaking and cellars. I think the tourism department of the Junta de Andalucia has several suggestions for self-guided road trips on its website, e.g. Ruta de Vinos, or Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, etc.

Doñana National Park southeast of Sevilla, with El Rocio as an impressive village on its edge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do%C3%B1ana_National_Park

Going from Malaga airport to Nerja is easy, as josele described it.

Airport layouts may change, but last time I arrived at Malaga, the rental car desks were still one level below baggage claim with a ramp going down. So you do not use the exit to arrival hall (as in most other airports), but take that ramp one level down, and leave the security area AFTER you rented your car.

Hi my father lives 15 minutes from malaga and i have visited many times,Cadiz is a nice city but out of Cadiz and Cordoba,Cordoba is in my opinion better with more to do and look at.The beaches in Cadiz provence are lovely if you want to relax a while.

I also recommend Cordoba over Cadiz. Give yourself time to enjoy Sevilla. Sounds like you enjoy walks, nature, etc. you will want to enjoy the lovely Murillo Gardens and Parque Maria Luisa in Seville, as well as the plazas in the Barrio Santa Cruz. We found Ronda completely enchanting, beautiful scenery. In Granada, leave the Alhambra via the Cuesta de chino, a cobblestone road that runs behind the Alhambra down to the city and the river Darro. Very nice.

Benny hi there.

I personally like your itinerary and the pace. You have allowed time after the flight which as you know you will need just to catch up from the jet lag. I like the choices you have made and the combinations for sightseeing & R & R.
Cordoba, yes I agree doable as day trip.

I have always walted to go to Cadiz too , maybe next time.

Please let us know how you like the hotel in Grazalema I would be interested in that info too.

I just returned from Andalucia and when I read Grazalema in your itinerary it took all I got to not start crying deseperately! :-D Love your itinerary. Cadiz: definitely. As a day trip from Seville, good idea. A car in Seville is a nightmare. Stay in Barrio de Santa Cruz; ditch the car as soon as you get to Seville. Drop at Estacion Santa Justa (HERTZ is highly recommended; BEWARE Auto Europe; hidden charges galore, it is no wonder their original quotes look so good). Use public transport to get to Cordova, etc...The drive Granada-Grazalema is a long one, start early. Keep the 3 days in Grazalema; it is THE BEST PART. DO NOT MISS Vejer de la Frontera. Ronda deserves the whole day, say Hola to Lola at El Telar (amazing ceramics and linens; store is to the left once you go over the new bridge (17th Century!) heading out to the old section; same street as the bullfighting ring; Martin will be the Spanish Grandma Moses, I predict, get something NOW; ask me if you are curious :-\). If you get the chance to go to Merida, definitely a MUST SEE if you are into Roman history. Merida blew me away. What are you doing for lodging?

Anybody ever heard from bennyboy again?....

Thanks for the input!
I think we might keep this itinerary and just play it by ear and see if we want to do a Cordoba day trip, or just stay in Sevilla.

So after researching some hotels and making reservations, our itinerary has changed slightly:

2 nights Nerja @ Hotel Carabeo
2 nights Granada @ Room Mate Migueletas
3 nights Ronda @ Hotel la Fuente de la Higuera
3 nights Seville @ Hotel Alminar

Ronda will be our base to drive around the pueblos blancos, with stops at Zahara, Grazalema, Olvera, Arcos, etc. We may also consider a trip to Marbella if we want a change of scenery. Is Marbella worth a trip from Ronda?

While keeping some time to relax, can we see Ronda and the white towns in the few days we have there? Can we make Arcos a day trip with some other towns, or would it be best to stop at on the way to Seville?

Thanks for any help!

Just got back from there here is just a thought. Cut a day at Ronda or Seville and add a day at Cordoba.

Stay at this hotel in Cordoba. It was a highlight of my trip. It was the nicest place I have ever stayed.

It's worth going there just to stay in the hotel. It's so nice!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...Andalusia.html

As a note, I thought Hotel la Fuente de la Higuera was overated and overpriced. I did not write a review, but it was not worth the money at all I though.

Happy B-day.

Oh and make sure to go to the Arab baths. they are in Cordoba or Granada. http://www.hammamspain.com/

I spent two nights and one day in Cordoba and went to the baths too since Cordoba is really 3/4 of a day.

I forgot to mention that we would consider making a day trip to Cordoba on the train from Seville, but won't stay the night. We'll wait until we're there to decide if we want another day in Seville or want to see Cordoba.

If we make a trip to Marbella from Ronda, we'll probably incluede Casares. Any thoughts on this idea?

The sad truth is that you cannot see Andalucia in 10 days. Fear not, your itinerary looks fine. There's always next time. You are certainly not spending <b>too much</b> time in any one location and the balance is just right.

Here is a trip report of our attempt to see Andalucia in 10 days.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35089285

Would it be better to spend three nights in the Ronda area and stop for lunch in Arcos on the way to Seville, or is Arcos worth a night at the expense of losing a night in Ronda area?

You need to get your map of Andalucia out - I've gotten a little fuzzy as to where all these towns are located.

I <b>do</b> remember that 2 hours seemed adequate to walk through and see Arcos de la Frontera - add an hour if you plan to lunch there.

Again, look at your map, and figure out the driving times (don't drive after dark!) to help you decide whether to see Arco from Ronda or en route to Seville.

We did this exact trip two years ago in September with the same stops for the same amount of time. It was a wonderful trip. My only suggestion would be to make sure you have 3 full days in Seville - I could have stayed longer so wouldn't recommend day trips with only 3 days.
Nerja was very beautiful and relaxing and a good way to start the trip. We didn't find much of interest in Granada except of course for the Alhambra which was incredible.
Three days exploring the white villages is about right. We enjoyed the change of pace from the cities and the opportunity to hike.
Have a wonderful time. While it may be true you can't see Andalucia in 10 days, you have a great start.

one more vote for Seville and Cordoba. We spent 4 days in Seville + 1 day for a trip to Cordoba and absolutely loved both places. The Mezquita and the Jewish quarter in Cordoba were enchanting. We had lunch at an amazing place in Cordoba - i forget the name. Will check my journal for this one.
Seville is beautiful. If you are interested in Flamenco, there are a couple of good places as well. enjoy!!