11 days – Explore Andalucia by car

Arrive at Málaga airport and transfer to your resort in the seaside town of Marbella, known for the luxurious life style it offers (60 kms/55 mins). Spend the next 2 days relaxing on the beach, exploring its charming old town or visit the famous marina of Puerto Banús (located around 15 mins outside of Marbella town), full of luxury yachts, haute cuisine restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques. Overnight in Marbella.

Today, after picking up the rent a car, visit the typical Andalucian town of Ronda (64 kms/1 hr 15 mins) and take a walk along its cobbled streets and the stunning New Bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge. Just 5 kms outside the city is the Reservatauro, a breeding farm of fighting bulls and pure Andalusian horses, where you may wish to stop for a guided visit.

Head further north to the striking white town of Setenil de las Bodegas (18 kms/30 mins). Its most unique feature are the homes built into the rock such that it appears like rows of houses supporting the rock from which they have been dug – a sight to capture!  Head back to Marbella (75 kms/1 hr 20 mins). Overnight in Marbella.

Head out to the famous beach resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, or Estepona that make up the most visited coastline in Spain – the Costa del Sol. Enroute, stop at the quintessentiall Andalucian white village of Mijas (Marbella – Mijas (34 kms/30 min) – Benalmadena (15 kms/25 mins)). Or if headed to Estepona, don’t forget to visit another lovely white village - Casares (Marbella – Estepona (33kms/30mins) – Casares (16 kms/25 mins)). Overnight in Marbella.

Drive along the coast to Tarifa, the southern most tip of Europe and where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic Ocean (103 kms/1 hr 20 mins). Explore this small Arabic laid-back town with miles of sandy beaches offering excellent whale-watching opportunities. Continue to the ancient port city of Cádiz (104 kms/1.5 hrs). Visit Plaza de San Juan de Dios and El Pópulo, one of the most beautiful old quarters in Andalucia, the colourful Central market and the famous beaches of La Caleta and Victoria. Overnight in Cádiz.

Leave the seaside town of Cadiz and visit Jerez de la Frontera/Jerez (36 kms/30 mins), the home of the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art and Flamenco. Wander the meandering the streets of its Old Town and if visiting on certain days of the week, enjoy the ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’ show at the School. Continue to the capital of Andalusia, Seville (92 kms/1 hr 10 mins). In the evening, don’t forget to take in an exhilarating Flamenco performance. Overnight in Seville.

Spend the day exploring Seville. Home to a multitude of cultures over centuries, one can visit its Cathedral and admire its lovely bell tower, the Giralda, or the stunning palace complex of the Reales Alcázares or get lost in the charming Santa Cruz district, a maze of little streets and whitewashed houses. Overnight in Seville.

Visit the World Heritage city of Cordoba today (145 kms/1 hr 45 mins). Once the capital of the Umayyad caliphate, Cordoba is home to the stunning Great Mosque of Cordoba. Step back in history, as you walk around the old Jewish quarter, stop for a picture on the Roman bridge, offering splendid views of the city, discover the colourful patios/courtyards full of flowering plants or enjoy an equestrian show at the Royal Stables. Overnight in Seville.   

Drive to Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and an hour from the sea (208 kms/2 hrs 20 mins). In the evening, visit the gypsy quarter, the Sacramonte district, known for its cave houses and flamenco dancing. Known for the UNESCO World Heritage site of the beautiful Alhambra Palace & Generalife gardens and the Albaicin district, Granada is a rich cultural city with a wonderful and lively atmosphere, full of tapas bars and Arab inspired tea rooms. Overnight in Granada

Today, drive to the capital of the Costa del Sol, Málaga, a lovely port city that is brimming with history and culture from the Alcazaba to the Roman theatre and the Picasso museum (124 kms/1 hr 30 mins). Don’t forget to hit the shops offering everything from Andalusian handicrafts to high end fashion and enjoy the lively nightlife the city offers! Overnight in Málaga.

Drop of the car and take the flight back home from Málaga Airport.