What is the best route between Granada/Córdoba/Malaga/Seville/Tangier
 

Hello! I'm in the early stages of planning a trip to Granada, Malaga, Cordova, Seville (a side trip to Tangier, Morocco) before heading to Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, and possibly Porto, Portugal. It will be my first time in these countries and I would like to see as much but on a more leisurely pace. The trip will be from Sept 25 thru Oct 28 (23 days).
I have done a little research but I am having trouble with the train to and from Granada and Malaga. I am hoping I don't have to backtrack to Cordova and Seville just to get to these two cities and save time.
Based on my research (so far), this is what seem to be the most logical route.
Fly into Granada (3 nights), train to Cordova (2 nights), train to Malaga (2 nights), ferry to Morocco (2 nights and back), train to Seville (4 nights), fly to Lisbon, explore Sintra, Fatima, and possibly a night in Porto, then fly home.
I would rather pay extra to save on travel time that's why I'm traveling mostly by train, and flying to Lisbon. Is this the most reasonable route or is there a better itinerary you would recommend? How are the trains? Are they reliable? I'm planning to get the Eurorail pass for 5 travel days. Is tgat a good idea? Please share any tips/recommendation/ideas you have. What are the must-see, do and eat in these cities other than the usual tourist sites, and things I can forego.
Also what city/port is it best to take the ferry to Tangier and how do I get to that port? Preferably one that is closest to Malaga since tha'st where I'll be coming from for the Morocco leg of my itinerary.
Thank you for your advice in advance.

I think your trip plan is good. From Malaga take the bus (Malaga Bus Station) to Tarifa where you catch the ferry. On your return to Tarifa from Tangier, take the bus directly to Seville. Hope this helps.

Before you decide on a Eurorail Pass, you need to price out individual tickets for each of your train journeys.

What is your reason for going to Fatima? Are you not staying in Lisbon? I loved Porto, but with your itn I think I would skip it.

Thanks Bedar for your advice.
Do you think taking the bus from Tarifa to Seville is better than taking the bus to Antequera first, then take the train to Seville? Is there a big difference in travel time?
Is the bus a more scenic ride along the coast via Cadiz to Seville?

Thanks Yestravel for your input. I really appreciate your advice.
Makes sense about the Eurail pass. Initially I had planned for a longer trip with many backtracking, so I thought having the pass might be more economical Now that, this itn is more fluid, I might not need it after all. Do you recommend a particular train company and bus?

We're actually going to Fatima to attend the Fatima Apparition Centennial events. We'll be there from Oct 11-14, the 13th being the last day of the celebration. We have a total of 9 days in Portugal. Yes, we are going to Lisbon and I think we'll have time to stay in Porto. Why would you skip Porto? Do you have other suggestions of places or things to do in Portugal instead?
We don't have an itn for Portugal yet except for Fatima which is pretty much set, so I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance.

Check out the maninseat61 who gives great info on trains. https://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm#Altaria

I love Porto and wasn't sure how much time you had there and if you are going to Lisbon. If you have 9 days in Portugal with 3 at Fatima, that gives you 6 days left, right? You could spend 3 in Lisbon with a day trip to Sintra and 3 days in Porto. Or 4 in Lisbon which has lots to see, more than Porto.

Is it possible to fly into Malaga? If so, then Malaga, Tangiers, 2 hour bus to Granada, train/bus to Cordoba, train to Sevilla and on to Portugal.
This makes a circle and avoids the backtracking.
Alternatively, are there flights from Malaga to Lisbon? Then you can circle Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla, Malaga, Tangiers (look into flights from here to Lisbon as well).

Thank you Quiltingmama for you suggestions. I will look into it. I just need to adjust my itinerary but it's a possibility.