Our Andalusia itinerary from one week to 10 days

What to do in Andalusia, what to see in Andalusia at a glance?

If you're planning a 7- to 10-day road trip in Andalusia, there are a few must-see stops:

• Visit the cities of Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Málaga and Ronda, a perfect easy loop by car
• Immerse yourself in Arab culture and architecture by visiting the Giralda and Alcazar Palace (Seville), the Mesquita (Cordoba) or the Alhambra (Granada)
• Clap your hands and stomp your feet at a flamenco concert in Seville, Cordoba or Granada
• Eat tapas and drink a glass of wine on a terrace late into the night
• Switch from the mountains to the sea and bask on the beaches of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.

The itinerary below can be completed in seven days (but that's a pity), or in 10 if you want to take your time, enjoy the hotels, the scenery and the incredible historical and artistic wealth of Andalusia.

Day 1 - Arrival in Seville

When you get off the plane, it's best to drive straight to the hotel rather than pick up your rental car at the airport. Unless the hotel has private parking, there's no point in taking your car to visit Seville. At the end of your stay, you can pick it up at the train station, which is much simpler and saves you two days' rental.

11 a.m. - Climb to the top of the Giralda

The best way to get your feet wet and get to grips with Seville is to climb to the top of the Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seat, once a minaret and a carbon copy of the Koutoubia in Marrakech. The view over the city is unforgettable. It's a bit like being on the lookout for the old caravels that set out to discover the world. In fact, Christopher Columbus' tomb is located inside the cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world.

1 p.m. - Market and siesta

For lunch, indulge in the gastronomic stalls of the Mercado Central (Plaza de Las Flores), offering a number of simple dishes based on fresh vegetables, tasty hams and cheeses.

3 pm - A bit of history at the Alcazar Palace

The Alcazar Palace will undoubtedly be the first aesthetic shock of your one- to 10-day Andalusian itinerary. The lacy Moorish architecture is the work of the Catholic king Peter the Cruel. The palace is a labyrinth of richly decorated rooms that encapsulates the entire history of Andalusia. The gardens offer a well-deserved moment of peace.

6 p.m. - A drink with the locals

After a short tour of the pretty palace housing the free Musée des Beaux-Arts, head for the Alameda de Hercules, a square that bustles with activity when the heat is off or after dinner, and where Seville's youth gather on the many terraces. Visiting Andalusia also means discovering a real local atmosphere, sometimes a little chaotic, but so typical of southern European cities.

9 p.m. - Tapas in the Santa Cruz district

Wandering through the winding streets of the Santa Cruz district to find a tapas bar is like a rite of initiation to becoming Andalusian. The choice of bars is vast, but try Antiguëdades (Calle Argote de Molina), Duo Tapas (Calle Calatrava) or Boca a Boca (Plaza Nueva), renowned for the quality and variety of their tapas. Don't forget to accompany this tasting with a glass of fino, the local wine.

11 p.m. - Plaza des España by night

Usually crowded, take advantage of the night to visit the Plaza de España, a neo-baroque extravaganza built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Magnificent azuleros tell the story of Spain. If during the day you can take a short boat ride on the canals, there's something magical, almost supernatural about the completely empty square at night.

Midnight - Back to the hotel

Hotel Las Casas del Rey de Baeza is located in the heart of the Santa Cruz district. This former palace is organized around three white patios where only the murmur of fountains can be heard. Rooms are arranged along open-air passageways. Breakfasts are copious and delicious. Located right in the center of town, it's close to the main monuments and can be reached between two visits for a little siesta! Ideal for a leisurely start to this 7-10 day itinerary in Andalusia.

Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza
From €130
Pl. Jesús de la Redención, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Seville

Day 2: Seville

10 a.m. - Dress in the spotlight

The Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería in Seville is one of the most beautiful and oldest bullrings in Spain (1761). The small museum traces the history of the site and of bullfighting in Spain. Opera fans will be delighted, as it is here, before entering the ring, that the matadors salute the statue of Carmen, the inspiration for Georges Bizet's famous opera.

1 p.m. - Bodegas taurines

After visiting Seville's bullring, why not have lunch at one of the many bodegas in the area. Hams hanging from the ceiling, photos of matadors, bullfighting posters and always a few enthusiasts at the bar to talk about it. We also like the Freiduria El Arenal, for a quick bite of calamari or fried fish.

4 p.m. - Get inspired at the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo

We cross the river to the Isla de la Cartuja, the site of the 1992 Universal Exhibition, for the Centre d'Arte Contemporáneo. In addition to its exhibitions, this former monastery, converted into a prison and then a factory, boasts a fine historical and industrial heritage, as well as a large garden dotted with orange trees.

6 p.m. - Folie contemporaine

The Plaza de la Encarnacion has been completely covered by Metropol Parasol, a futuristic structure installed by Austrian architect Jürgen Mayer in 2011. Enjoy an evening drink on the roof as the sun sets. It's like a great ship ready to set sail. All around, numerous restaurants, bodegas, tapas bars and flamenco clubs are sure to liven up your evening.

Day 3: Road to Cordoba

After picking up your rental car, we take the road to Cordoba (2 hours) before arriving opposite the pedestrianized city center. Be sure to follow the directions given by the hotel, which will probably ask you for the car's registration number to obtain authorization to drive into town.

11 a.m. - White Andalusian villages

On the way to your roadtrip in Andalusia, make a detour to the small village of Carmona, a medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop, renowned for its immaculate houses, flower-filled balconies and churches galore.

2 p.m. - Arrival in Córdoba and check-in at Balcon de Córdoba

This former convent houses very pleasant, spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. Highlights include the terrace overlooking the city, a flamenco guitar concert and extremely friendly staff. Very centrally located, it's easy to visit the whole city, and easy to get back to for a siesta!

Balcon de Córdoba
From €144 per night
C. Encarnación, 8, Centro, 14003 Córdoba

4 pm - La Juderia

Take time to lose yourself in the labyrinth of La Juderia, the old Jewish quarter, with its cobbled, flower-filled streets (calleja de las Flores) and stores selling leather goods, a local specialty.

6 p.m. - Crossing the Guadalquivir

To continue stretching your legs, cross the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir and discover the area around the Calahorra tower. Here, you'll find a host of restaurants and bars with breathtaking views over the city.

Day 4: Cordoba

9 a.m. - The arches of the Mezquita

Take advantage of morning mass to visit the Mezquita. The former mosque of the Umayyad sultans is a labyrinth of columns, from which emerges the cathedral added after the reconquest of Andalusia by the Catholic kings. Over 850 marble and granite columns were imported from Africa, Constantinople and France. A Unesco-listed must-see in Andalusia.

2 pm - On the road to India

The beautiful gardens of the Alcazar conceal the statue of Christopher Columbus meeting Queen Isabella of Castile before his departure for the Indies. The rest of the story is well known, and the Americas soon became Spanish territory.

4 p.m. - Antiques patios

The Romans left a very special mark on Cordoba: the patios. The finest example of this heritage can be found at the Palacio de Viana (Plaza de Don Gome), which offers an artistic-botanical stroll through a dozen enchanting, flower-filled patios.

7:30 p.m. - Flamenco initiation

This is the perfect time to catch a flamenco show at one of the city's many clubs, such as Tablao El Cardenal (Calle Buen Pastor). The show lasts an hour and a half, the atmosphere is always festive and afterwards you'll have plenty of time for dinner. Our favorites include the El Paseo restaurant, renowned for its "ajo blanco", a delicious cold garlic and almond soup (Plaza Cruz del Rastro), and the Bar Santos, which offers nothing less than the best tortilla in Spain (Calle Magistral González Francés).

Day 5: Off to Granada

Visiting Andalusia also means taking the back roads. The truth is, there's no hurry, and eternal Andalusia is also the land of white villages clinging to the hills to catch the sea breeze, of endless alignments of ancient, hieratic olive trees. Lucena, Priego de Cordoba, Baena, Jaen and Baeza are the names of these villages, where not much happens during the day, but it's always a treat to stroll through the narrow streets lined with immaculate houses, their windows protected by beautiful wrought-iron railings. Even the smallest church is overflowing with gold from the Americas. The Parador de Jaen offers the best view of the region.

2 p.m. - Arrival in Granada

After a morning on the road, we check into the Hotel Alhambra Palace. This legendary Palace, built in 1910 in Moorish style, is located right next to the Alhambra. In addition to its magnificent views over the city and its strategic position for visiting the main monuments, it boasts one of Spain's most renowned bars and a fine restaurant. It's not easy to get to by car, so be sure to follow the hotel's directions.

Hotel Alhambra Palace
From €228 per night
Pl. Arquitecto García de Paredes, 1, Centro, 18009 Granada

3 p.m. - Souk and cathedral

The magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation houses the tombs of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, the same men who took Andalusia back from the Muslims. The royal chapel is a real beauty. Next door, the Alcaiceira is the former souk of precious goods and spices, now converted to the tourist economy. Further up, the Albaicin district. Here, alleyways turn into stairways, which in turn become charming squares where a church always takes pride of place. The view of the Alhambra from the bell tower of the Maria de Aurora church is simply superb, much better than that from the famous plaza San Nicolas.

7 p.m. - Aperitif with a view

All around Plaza San Nicolas, restaurants and bars abound. The concept of a free tapas for every drink ordered is said to have originated in Granada. Choose from the Los Mascarones bar (Calle Pagès) or the Bodega Los Tintos (Calle San Isidro).

Day 6: Granada

The first thing to do when planning your stay in Granada, an essential stop on your Andalusia itinerary, is to book your visit to the Alhambra online in advance. This is particularly important if you're planning to visit Andalusia for a weekend or in high season. Otherwise, you'll have to make do with a minimalist visit, without access to the Nasrid Palaces, the "must-see" of this gigantic Arab palace dating from the Middle Ages. Please note that the time indicated on your ticket is the time of entry to the Nasrid Palaces, not the time of entry to the Alhambra Palace. So plan to arrive much earlier.

8:30 a.m. - Au palais des Merveilles

It's a full day's visit to the Alhambra. Here, three sultans of the Nasrid dynasty competed with each other in wealth, beauty and finesse in decorating their apartments, before the Catholic sovereigns of Castile took over. The walled enclosure of the Alhambra is divided into several large sections:

• the Alcazaba, the first fortified castle built on the site. Built for war, it is massive and austere, but from the top of its main tower, the view of the eternal snows of the Sierra Nevada is superb
• the Nasrid Palaces, home of the sultans, were decorated to match the wealth of their occupants. The ensemble is arranged around the Courtyard of the Myrtles, the Salon of the Ambassadors and the Court of the Lions, where the Muslim art of calligraphy, arabesques and geometric motifs reaches its apogee
• espalier gardens occupy a large part of the Alhambra enclosure. The reflecting pool of the Ladies' Tower and its colonnades are a must
• the Generalife was the summer palace of the sultans. Located outside the walls, its gardens are still fed by water from the Sierra Nevada through an incredible network of pipes and aqueducts
• the Palace of Charles V, whose most astonishing feature is undoubtedly the circular patio.

6 p.m. - Time for a hammam

For a taste of the time of the Sultans, treat yourself to a treatment at the Hammam Al Andalus, located at the foot of the Alhambra (Calle Santa Ana), a magical place for pampering and relaxation during a 7 to 10-day itinerary in Andalusia.

Day 7: Road to Málaga

With its international airport, Malaga is the other gateway to Andalusia. However, we recommend that you start your Andalusian tour in Seville and keep Málaga as a welcome seaside and cultural interlude after these days of culture and history.

After a breakfast with a view at the Alhambra Palace, it takes around 2 hours to reach Málaga via the mountain route (Loja, Antequera...), which is much prettier than the coastal route via Motril. We recommend a coffee in Antequera, so pretty with its many churches, or, for hikers, a sporty stroll to Torcal de Antequera, a small massif where the piles of rocks take on mysterious shapes, especially on foggy days.

At 11 a.m., we check into the H10 Croma Malaga. Design and elegant, its rooms are modern, bright and beautifully decorated. One of this Andalusian hotel's plus points is its rooftop with pool, bar and restaurant, offering a breathtaking view of the city.

H10 Croma Malaga
From €218 per night
C. Prim, 4, Distrito Centro, 29005 Málaga

1 p.m. - Lunch at Baños del Carmen

Lunch at the El Balneario restaurant, with its terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, featuring wood-fired sardine espetos and other grilled fish, seafood and tapas. In the afternoon, we continue our stroll along the seafront in the El Palo district, a former fishing village now lined with small beachside bars and restaurants.

3 p.m. - Tribute to Picasso

The famous painter Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga on October 25, 1881. A museum pays tribute to him. Located in the Buenavista palace, it houses the private collections of Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, comprising just over 200 works. You're also a 5-minute walk from the magnificent Cathedral of the Incarnation and the artist's birthplace on the Plaza de la Merced, which can also be visited during a stay in Andalusia.

5 p.m. - Beach option

Let's be honest, Málaga's beaches aren't the most beautiful in Spain, but a little beach time doesn't hurt on this city-and-culture-oriented Andalusian itinerary. There are several possibilities for bathing in Málaga: Malagueta is the most popular in the city center, as is El Palo, which is popular with the locals. A little further out with their fine sand, the Peñón del Cuervo and Burriana beaches are ideal for spending an afternoon swimming and basking in the sun.

9 p.m. - Dinner overlooking the sea

After a shower at the hotel, why not stay by the sea and dine in one of the seafront restaurants, the famous chiringuitos. Choose from El Tintero (Pedregalejo promenade) or La Campana Playa (Paseo Marítimo Antonio Banderas).

11 p.m. - A drink with a view

Málaga comes alive at night, and its lively alleyways attract tourists and locals alike for a trip to the bars. Our favorite is La Tranca, where you can taste the famous vermouth straight from the barrel. Alternatively, head up to the city's various rooftops, such as the Oasis for a party, the Room Mate Valeria overlooking the port, or the terrazza de Alcazaba for a panoramic view of the Moorish castle.

Day 8 of Andalusia itinerary: Málaga

10 a.m. - A very Parisian rendez-vous

The first international annex of the Centre Pompidou was inaugurated in Málaga on March 28, 2015. Located near the Marina de Plaisance and named El Cubo for its architecture, it houses around a hundred contemporary works of art drawn from Parisian collections and sees a number of permanent exhibitions.

12 p.m. - Tasting of local products

The Atarazanas central market is the perfect place to discover local produce. In its aisles, organized according to products, you'll also come across stalls where you can sit at a counter with a caña, a glass of wine and grilled or fried seafood, all for a mouthful of bread and in a cheerful chaos. Perfect for mingling with the locals.

3 p.m. - Oenology class

The Wine Museum, housed in a former 18th-century palace, is dedicated to the long history of Málaga's winemaking tradition. Although the exhibits are not necessarily the most interesting (labels, old bottles...), the entrance ticket entitles you to two free tastings of local wines. You can, of course, extend the experience at your own expense.

5 p.m. - Stroll with a view

From the old town, a pretty path takes you to the heights of Málaga, to the ruins of the castle and the mirador of Gibralfaro. The view of the sea, port and bullring is breathtaking. In the distance, to the west and on a clear day, you can even see the famous Rock of Gibraltar. A visit to Málaga's Alcazaba, a smaller version of the Alhambra, is also worthwhile, although it will pale in comparison with its big brother in Granada.

Day 9: Ronda

9 a.m. - Costa del Sol to Ronda

There's no rush. Enjoy the hotel, the pool with a view or the beach. From Málaga, it's a two-hour drive to Ronda, the next stop on our 7-10 day roadtrip through Andalusia. On the way, you can enjoy the Costa del Sol and take a trip to Marbella, although the rather artificial town is not necessarily worth the effort.

Around 2 p.m., we arrive in Ronda and check into the hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria. Overlooking the spectacular Tajo de Ronda gorge, the hotel may have aged a little, but it's magnificently located, with a large garden, outdoor pool, spa and restaurant. It was once the home of German poet Rainer Maria Rilke.

Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria
From €112 per night
C. Jerez, 25, 29400 Ronda, Málaga

4 p.m. - City walk

Built on a rocky promontory, Ronda is one of Spain's oldest towns. Its distinctive feature is that it is divided in two by a deep ravine spanned by a balancing bridge, the Puente Nuevo, suspended 100 m above sea level! The town's beauty lies in its sloping streets, white houses and numerous shady squares, where locals go about their daily lives without worrying about tourists. A combined ticket allows you to enter the bridge, visit the old hammams and some small private palaces such as the Casa del Gigante, of Nasrid architecture.

7 p.m. - Dinner with a view

The restaurant at the hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria offers a fine menu of Andalusian dishes at very reasonable prices. The highlight here is the sunset view. Afterwards, for your last night in Andalusia, take a final stroll around town and enjoy the atmosphere of the bars on your last night in Andalusia.

Day 10: Last day of Andalusia itinerary

9 a.m. - At the roots of bullfighting

Depending on your return flight (it takes 2 hours to reach Seville airport), take advantage of the morning to visit Mondragon Palace, also known as the Marquis de Villasierra Palace. It is now the Municipal Museum of Ronda, renowned for its archaeological collections. Continue your visit to the Plaza de Toros, Spain's first bullring, inaugurated in 1785. It was here, in Ronda, that the great bullfighter Pedro Romero began his career and that his grandfather Francisco Romero, considered the "inventor" of bullfighting, laid down the rules that are still in force today!

2 p.m. - Adios Andalusia

Even if you have picked up your rental car at the Seville train station, most rental companies offer a return service to the airport at no extra charge. Allow plenty of time to get to the airport, return the car and complete boarding formalities.