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I’ve always been a little obsessed with Andalusia, the southern region of Spain. Everything from the enchanting name to the historical cultural influence of the ancient Moors fascinates me. As an Arab with a passion for Spanish culture, When I decided to spend one week in Spain (or at least, a specific part of it), I started digging up the best cities in Southern Spain – cities which would allow me to experience the music, food, and architectural fusion of two cultures that are near and dear to my heart.
Although I spent 7 days in Andalucia, it was by no means enough. I could easily have spent a whole month exploring. However, if you, like me, have 1 week in Spain and are looking for the perfect Andalucia itinerary, you’re in luck! This is exactly where to go in Southern Spain (and how long to spend in each city).
Table of Contents
Southern Spain Itinerary: 7 Days Overview
- Fly into Madrid
- Granada: 3 days
- Cordoba: 2 days
- Sevilla: 2 days
- Return to Madrid or continue traveling in Spain
Before you go: Buy your Alhambra tickets as SOON as you know you’re going – they sell out months in advance. Also – if you’re taking the bus or train – I recommend getting those in advance too since the price goes up over time.
Day 0: How to Get to Granada
There are multiple ways to get to Granada but the best way is to fly into Madrid International Airport, then take the quick, 2-hour high-speed train ride from the Madrid Atocha station to Cordoba. Alternatively, you can opt for a rideshare via BlaBlaCar or a bus – these modes of transport are somewhat cheaper but take twice the time. You can easily compare your options here.
Either way, this arrival day is meant for relaxation and recovery, so I recommend doing just that when you arrive in Granada.
Day 1: Granada
Catch some zzz’s at your hotel or, alternatively, grab a seat at Cafeteria Alhambra for a leisurely breakfast of churros and chocolate. Spend the afternoon exploring Plaza Bib-Rambla, a meeting square with tons of restaurants, and the place where the largest book burning in Europe was once held. Be sure to check out the nearby Alcaiceria, a small alley market selling accessories and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel either – the architecture is exquisite. I recommend this comprehensive tour to get the full historical experience!
Take an early evening walking tour through the Albaicin and Sacramonte, known for its gypsy caves and as the birthplace of Flamenco. It’s easily the most unique and fascinating thing about Granada. End the evening with some delicious tapas at the bustling and delicious Bodegas Castaneda.
Best Things to do in Granada
Read what I got up to in Granada here.
- The Alhambra: If you come to Granada to see one thing, The Alhambra better be it. Dedicate a half-day (or at least a few hours) to see this grand palace-fortress as it is truly a stunning masterpiece. Be sure to buy your tickets to the Nasrid Palaces as far ahead as possible, as they tend to run out. This is one of the best places to to visit in Andalucia – don’t miss out!
- Catedral de Granada: The Granada Cathedral has a long and somewhat complicated history, designed by one architect but modified by several. It has a mix of both Renaissance and Gothic architecture and is home to plenty of priceless artifacts. Definitely not to be missed! Psst: consider combining this with the Royal Chapel on this walking tour.
- Royal Chapel: Like the cathedral, the architecture at the Royal Chapel is exquisite, but that’s not all. This chapel actually houses the remains of several royals – the most famous being Don Fernando de Aragón and Dona Isabel de Castilla. You can still visit those crypts at the chapel – eery but fascinating. Psst: consider combining this with the Granada Cathedral on this walking tour.
- Plaza Bib Rambla: This is the main meeting square in Granada that once held the largest book burning in Europe. Nowadays it’s a popular meet up spot, with plenty of touristy cafes.
- Alcaiceria: A small wave of interwoven streets making up a small alley market. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it was in Morocco!
- Albaicin and Sacramonte Walking Tour: This walking tour is for those that are moderately fit, as it’s a bit of a steep walk up to this area. However, it’s truly not to be missed. Sacramonte is known for its gypsy caves and is often said to be the birthplace of Flamenco. Take this tour to explore the tunnels and mountains and see stunning views of the city.
- Bañuelo: The small, traditional Arab baths in Albaicin. Easily skippable if you don’t have time, as there are similar baths in The Alhambra, but still really nice to visit.
- Casa de Zafra: A Moorish style house once owned by a prominent rich family before the Inquisition. It now serves as a cultural center, offering historical and cultural context for the Albaicin neighborhood.
- Cuevas Los Tarantos: One of the coolest places for traditional, local Flamenco. The show is mesmerizing and intimate, located inside a cave in the Albaicin. Get your tickets ahead of time here.
- Granada Food Tour: If good tapas are what you’re after, consider doing a food tour in Granada, the city where tapas were invented. On this tour, you’ll get a chance to sample some of the cities best eats, straight from a local! Alternatively, consider doing an awesome Granada foodie experience instead (or in addition!).
- Relax in a traditional hammam: Partake in the best spa day ever at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus, a traditional hammam with steam rooms of various temperatures. It’s the ultimate relaxing experience.
Where to Stay in Granada
Out of the places I stayed in all three cities, the accommodation at Nest Style Granada was my favorite. The room was huge, had a ton of amenities and great service, all at a really low price – fantastic if you’re on a budget. The location was amazing as well. I’ve included options for every budget below:
- Backpack: Eco Hostel | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Nest Style Granada | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Alhambra Palace | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Day 2: Granada
When in Andalusia, prepare to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Get up and have a leisurely breakfast, then spend some time exploring Downtown Granada – a stark contrast to the traditional houses in the Albaicin. If relaxing is part of your agenda, considering treating yourself to a some pampering time at a traditional hammam – an Arabian bath.
Snag a 3-course menu del dia (menu of the day) for lunch and, if you’re feeling tired, partake in the famous afternoon siesta – most places will be closed for a couple of hours in the afternoon anyway (especially if you’re visiting in the summer)
Spend your afternoon meandering through the streets of the Albaicin and stop at the Bañuelo and Casa de Zafra to brush up on your knowledge of ancient Moorish architecture and customs. The Bañuelo is a small, traditional Arab bath in Albaicin. If you don’t have time to see it, don’t fret – similar ones can be found at The Alhambra. For a peek into an ancient Moorish house, Casa de Zafra offers a view of one which was owned by a prominent rich family before the Inquisition. It now serves as a cultural center, offering historical and cultural context for the Albaicin neighborhood.
Book ahead for your spot at the intimate Cuevas Los Tarantos: an awesome place for traditional, local Flamenco, located inside a cave. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot some impromptu Flamenco street performances near Plaza Nueva as well.
End the evening with some nighttime tapas – or better yet – a delicious tapas food tour. Granada has some of the best tapas in Andalusia (it’s where they were invented after all!) so don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample some good ones.
Day 3: Granada
As soon as you know that you’re going to Granada, buy your tickets to The Alhambra I cannot stress this enough. The tickets sell out months in advance. If you come to Granada to see one thing, The Alhambra better be it. Dedicate a half-day (or at least a few hours) to see this grand palace-fortress, as it is truly a stunning masterpiece.
After a relaxing breakfast and some window-shopping, trek up the hill to the Alhambra and spend the afternoon there. It is by far the most amazing piece of architecture I’ve seen to date – truly a work of art.
Make your way back to town for an evening dinner of tapas, then wander around the non-touristy part of Granada – the area near the university. There is a ton of street art and plenty of interesting-looking cafes and bars. You can always eat dinner around here and stay for a nightcap, but chances are you’ll be exhausted from your day. You’ll still need to pack for the next day’s trip to Cordoba, too!
How to Get to Cordoba
Catch a morning bus, train, or Blablacar to arrive in the early afternoon. Cordoba is quite small, but definitely worth adding to your one week Southern Spain itinerary. However, if you want to spend some extra time in Granada and arrive late afternoon / early evening, you can do that as well. P.S. I recommend using Omio to compare route options and purchase low-priced tickets.
Day 4: Cordoba
Upon arrival, stop somewhere for lunch. Alternatively, take a cooking class instead – and enjoy your lunch after you’ve cooked it yourself! Spend your afternoon at the beautiful Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, known as La Mezquita. It is, as one friend described it, a cathedral jammed into a mosque. With mind-blowing architecture and clearly visible Muslim and Christian elements, it’s essentially a visual representation of the bloody history of the Moors in Cordoba. This is a site not to be missed.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll be due for a siesta at this point. Cordoba is one of the hottest cities in Andalusia, so everyone partakes in a siesta – with the exception of some tourists. For the rest of the evening, wander through the city, stopping at Plaza de Las Tendillas (the main square), Puerta de Almodovar, the Zoco Artisan Market, and Puerta del Puente.
For dinner, eat at the amazing Garum 2.1, a well-known bistro and tapas bar with award-winning food items (or so they said). Try the two Cordoban specialties: salmorejo (basically a creamy gazpacho) and rabo del toro (oxtail).
Best Things to do in Cordoba
Read what I got up to in Cordoba here.
- Mosque-Cathedral (La Mezquita): Córdoba’s most iconic structure – a cathedral converted from a mosque with stunning elements of two religions. This is the number one thing to do in Cordoba, so if you only visit one site while there, make it this one. Psst: get your ticket ahead of time here.
- Plaza de Las Tendillas: This is Cordoba’s main square. It’s filled with tons of restaurants and close to all the shopping. It’s a great place for people watching!
- Puerta de Almodovar: This ancient wall and door is the entry point to the old part of the city.
- Zoco Artisan Market: Located in a small courtyard, this adorable little market has unique and handmade gifts and crafts.
- Puerta del Puente: This tower marks the beginning of the bridge into the old city. For 1 euro, you can climb up and get amazing views of the river and glimpses of the modern part of the city.
- Córdoba Alcazar: the King’s former palace in Córdoba. It’s huge, beautiful, and has some seriously impressive gardens. Psst: get your ticket ahead of time here.
- Puente Romano: This is the bridge that crosses over the Rio Guadalquivir to the Torre de la Calahorra (a large tower with an attached museum). It offers great views of the water wheel and old mill building and apparently was featured on Game of Thrones.
- Synagogue: This is the only synagogue left in Andalusia, surprising considering that most cities in Spain have Jewish quarters. It’s small but well-preserved, with beautiful Moorish architecture.
- Local cooking class: You can never go wrong with taking a cooking class in a new city, am I right? Cordoba is no exception to this rule. They have a few delicious local specialties, and you’ll get a chance to visit the local food market as well!
- Visit Medina Azahara: I’m a total nerd about history in Andalucia, partially because of the Arab influence that’s so visible in the architecture. Just outside Cordoba lies Medina Azahara, a spectacular Moorish palace that’s still being excavated (those parts are closed to the public). You can go on your own or you can take a tour run by an actual archaeologist for extra historical context and overall nerdiness, which I fully encourage.
Where to Stay in Cordoba
I stayed at the small, budget-friendly Pension el Portillo in the old town. It’s a traditional guesthouse, located close to most cool attractions and restaurants. Despite the heat, the rooms were very cool, although they didn’t have AC (just a fan). I would recommend it!
- Backpack: Backpackers Al-Katre | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Pension el Portillo | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Hospes Palacio del Bailio | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Day 5: Cordoba
Enjoy the rest of Cordoba at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, head over to the Alcazar, the king’s former Cordoban palace, and stroll around the well-kept gardens and beautiful fountains. Psst: get your ticket ahead of time here. Once you’ve had your fill of the gardens, head over to Puente Romano (the bridge) for some people-watching and cross the Rio Guadalquivir to the Torre de la Calahorra. At the Torre, brush up on your history of Andalusia and see how religious harmony helped shape the history of southern Spain.
Stop somewhere for lunch and enjoy more Andalusian specialties such as octopus ceviche and anchovies in vinegar. I recommend Bodegas Mezquita Ribera.
After lunch, head over to Medina Azahara, a Moorish palace that’s currently being excavated (or you can book a guided tour with an actual archaeologist here).
On your way back into the city, climb up Puerta del Puente for rooftop views of the whole city – an excellent spot for photos! Walk along the cobblestone pathways to the only synagogue left in Andalusia – you might be surprised to find Moorish architecture here as well.
Now, you’re long overdue for a break. Make your way back to the hotel for some zzz’s and packing before dinner. Despite their lack of tapas, I highly recommended Taberna Luque for dinner – bring a hearty appetite! Take a nighttime walk through the city – the air is fresh and people are walking about – before heading back for bed. You’re off to Seville the next day!
How to Get to Seville
The drive from Cordoba to Sevilla is quick – less than an hour by train or two hours by bus or BlaBlaCar. I recommend leaving Cordoba in the morning so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Seville at a leisurely pace. Whatever you decide, transport runs pretty frequently.
Day 6: Seville
After checking in, walk across the plaza to the Seville Cathedral for impressive and ostentatious décor. Don’t miss the beautiful views from the Giralda Tower! Be sure to avoid the gypsies offering rosemary near the entrance though – it’s a tourist trap to get you to pay to have your fortune told.
By this point, you’ll likely be starving. For a spectacular meal filled with Andalusian specialties, an excellent choice is Bar Estrella. Try fried eggplant with honey, cooked spinach with garbanzo beans, and peppers stuffed with cod.
Walk off your hearty meal at the Alcazar of Seville (where one of the seasons of Game of Thrones was shot)! You’re guaranteed to be inspired by the intricate interior and fountain-filled gardens. Psst: get your ticket for the Alcazar with a guided tour ahead of time here. Next, check out the Royal Bullring of Seville. You can only explore it with their (inexpensive) guided tour, but you’ll appreciate it more that way; the history and current practices are quite fascinating! Note: I don’t condone bull-fighting in any way, but I do think it’s interesting to learn why it’s a popular activity and the history of it overall.
People watch and marvel at the architectural beauty that is Metropol Parasol, aka Las Setas. Skip paying for views of the city here (you already saw the view from La Giralda) and once you’ve had your fill, head to dinner.
If you’re looking for a locals tapas bar, then get yourself to Ovejas Negras for some Spanish fusion food: I recommend the risotto, bruschetta, and octopus. This is an excellent place to end your evening (or begin it, if you’re a night owl)!
Best Things to do in Seville
Read what I got up to in Seville here.
- Seville Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the third-largest church in the world, with intricate Gothic architecture. Make sure to check out the attached Giralda Tower for views of the city. Psst: save time and skip the line by getting your tickets ahead of time here.
- Alcazar of Seville: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the Seville Cathedral. The Alcazar is the royal palace of Seville, and is still used as the official residence for the visiting King. Psst: get your ticket to the Alcazar (including a guided tour) here.
- Plaza de Toros (Bullfighting Ring): Still an active bullfighting ring and the most famous one in Andalusia. You can only enter with a guided tour, but tours are inexpensive and run every 5 minutes until the ring closes. The entrance fee also includes an attached museum.
- Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas: A large modern architectural piece located in the center of the new city. You can go up to the second floor and see views of the city, but it seems to serves as a popular hangout spot for teens and skateboarders.
- Basilica de la Macarena: an ornately decorated church near the city walls, with an impressive gold-and-white facade and equally note-worthy interior.
- Santa Cruz: the old Jewish neighborhood of the city that is popular amongst tourists.
- Jardines de Murillo: now a beautiful public garden but used to be part of the queen’s palace in Sevilla.
- University of Seville: This used to be a large tobacco factory back in the day. The university itself really consists of this one main warehouse-style building and is located near the Jardines de Murillo.
- Isla de la Cartuja: The technology area and up and coming part of the city and is the former home to the 1992 world expo.
- Plaza de España and Maria Louisa Park: A beautiful plaza that was once the original bull-fighting ring of Seville and home to a myriad of cultural and artistic representations of Spain. The plaza is connected to the large park, which houses several museums, lakes, waterfalls, and themed gardens.
- Triana: A typical local neighborhood of Sevilla located on the riverwalk. Not only will you find colored, European-style houses here, but you’ll also see distinct blue and white plaques honoring saints on nearly every building
- Do a food tour or foodie experience: The best way to experience local cuisine is with people that live in Sevilla! Opt for a food tour to sample some of the city’s best eats or learn how to cook some of the dishes yourself with locals!
Where to Stay in Seville
I stayed at the centrally-located Hotel Cervantes while I was in town. I love this hotel – it has a beautiful traditional courtyard, great staff, and a breakfast buffet. Plus the rooms are spacious, comfy and reasonably priced. If you’re looking at some other options, consider my recommendations for every budget below!
- Backpack: Hostel One Catedral | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Hotel Cervantes | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Hotel Mercer Sevilla | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Day 7: Seville
Wake up early to make the most of your last day in Andalusia. After breakfast, take a long walk through the maze-like neighborhoods to get to the colorful Basilica de la Macarena.
Once you get yourself back to the main part of Seville, get lost in the quaint old Jewish neighborhood of Santa Cruz, composed of a winding set of white buildings and alleys. Continue your walk to the beautiful Jardines de Murillo. These gardens used to be part of the queen’s palace in Seville (separate from the king’s palace, of course). They’re located around the corner from the University of Seville, which used to be a large tobacco factory back in the day.
For lunch, I suggest Mercado Lonja del Barranco, a large food market serving all sorts of cuisine – I’m personally a huge fan of salmorejo, so I recommend the salmorejo sampler from La Salmoreteca.
After lunch, figure out a way to get yourself to the old 1992 Seville world expo site. Most tourists miss this area, but it’s interesting and unique to explore the “modern ruins” of Seville. Plus, you get to see a plethora of global architecture within a couple of miles…not something you see every day!
Next, head over to the grand Plaza de España and Maria Louisa Park. Plaza de España is huge, with beautiful plaques depicting culturally significant drawings for each city in Spain. It’s easily one of my favorite spots in Seville.
To end your day, cross the bridge to Triana – a typical Seville neighborhood located on the river walk. Triana is distinct, with its different-colored buildings, decorated with numerous plaques honoring Spanish saints. Watch the sunset over the Guadalquivir River before enjoying a filling dinner at one of many nearby restaurants. Alternatively, book a delicious dinner experience with locals instead!
Head back to the hotel once you’re done for the day. Catch a morning flight from Seville airport to Madrid and shed tears of sadness that you’re leaving Spain. I recommend using Skyscanner to find an inexpensive domestic flight. Alternatively, if you have extra time, check out my recommendations below.
Want to extend your trip?
While this itinerary certainly covers the highlights of Andalusia in one week, there are still plenty of amazing things to do in Spain! Here are my recommendations if you want to spend some extra time there:
- Spend 24 hours in Malaga
- Head back to Madrid for a few days
- Spend a few days in Barcelona
- Consider a day trip to Morocco
- Visit Ronda and the beautiful surrounding Pueblos Blancos
- Explore Aracena and the Rio Tinto Mines
- Book a food tour or awesome foodie experience
- Go kayaking in the Guadalquivir River
Transportation in Spain: How to Get Around
Getting around Spain is incredibly easy, thanks to a well-connected public transport system. Buses and trains will take you to the bigger cities and plenty of smaller cities are accessible by bus. Blablacar, a ride-share system, is also very popular amongst Spaniards.
A note about booking public transport in Spain: for some reason, both the bus and train websites in Spain are a bit glitchy when it comes to accepting foreign credit cards, making booking online somewhat frustrating. I recommend using Omio to book your tickets instead. Not only are you able to compare all the transport options in one place, but you can easily purchase transport tickets in advance with a very small fee. It’s much cheaper than waiting last minute to purchase transport in Spain!
Train
The Spanish national rail system is run by RENFE and includes both regular-speed trains and high-speed trains, which are known as AVE. This is by far the easiest and fastest way to get around the country, and if you book ahead, can be quite economical as well.
Bus
If you’re trying to get to a smaller city in Spain or don’t mind longer transport options, the bus is oftentimes the cheapest option to get from one place to another. It’s not as comfortable or as fast as the train, but it’s still really convenient and offers many more destination options compared to the train. There are multiple bus companies that run in Spain. Like the Renfe site, the Movelia bus aggregate also doesn’t accept foreign credit cards. However, you can easily compare all the route options and purchase tickets here.
BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing service that is quite popular in Spain. People post when they’re driving from one city to another and how much they’ll be charging to ride with them. It’s a great way to meet locals and sometimes the rides are cheaper than taking the bus or train. The other convenient part is that most drivers set a meeting spot within the city center, which beats having to drag your luggage to the bus or train station. The downside of BlaBlaCar is that most people post their rides just a few days in advance, which means you can’t really plan ahead if you want to use it. However, if you’re planning last-minute, it’s definitely worth looking at!
Note: you can easily do this one week Spain itinerary via car. Compare car rental rates here (be sure to search for automatic cars since most cars in Europe are manual).
What to Pack for an Andalusia Trip
Depending on when you’re traveling to Andalusia, you’ll want to pack for the appropriate season. I’m not including a complete packing list below. Rather, these are a few all-purpose items that I bring with me on most trips. For some packing inspiration (namely, what I always bring with me on trips, head here.
- Flats: I pretty much live in flats and sandals but it’s taken me a long time and lots of trial and error to find some that are cute, comfortable and durable. Both the Sketchers Ballet Flat and BOBS shoes fit the bill. I usually bring both with me when I travel but you really only need one pair of flats.
- All-purpose sneakers: Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to Allbirds, these awesome wool sneakers that don’t make your feet sweat (even if you wear them without socks). Then I found out they’re made of Merino Wool, which explains the magic behind them. They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF. You can wear them to hike up a mountain or to explore a new city. They’re my go-to travel shoes and if they get dirty, I can throw them in the wash.
- Power bank: I don’t know if I’m a phone addict or what (jk, the answer to that is an unfortunate but resounding yes) but I legit don’t understand how people can travel without a power bank. You’re out and about all day and using your phone to navigate, take photos, and who knows what else. I always carry my Anker PowerCore while I’m out. It’s light, holds multiple charges, and charges phones quickly. Win!
- Portable WiFi: Once upon a time, I used to collect SIM cards like 90’s kids collected Beanie Babies. I had one for each country I visited and multiple phone numbers I could never remember. Why? So I could always have internet (I’m an addict and I know it). Nowadays, I use an eSIM. I get internet pretty much everywhere and can use it for multiple devices.
- Universal travel adapter: After accidentally bringing the wrong plug for a country multiple times, I learned my lesson and bought a couple of universal travel adapters. You can use them in every country and never have to worry about plugs again, yay! This one also has USB slots, which is super handy if you are mainly charging phones, cameras, and tablets. I usually pack two just in case and charge all my stuff with a power strip (linked below).
- Travel Camera(s): I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest GoPro is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the Sony RX100 II, which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse. I also bring my Instax Mini 9 with me cause I’m extra like that, but I also understand that most normal people don’t travel with three cameras.
- Portable Travel Strip (optional): If you’re one of those annoying people charging your phone, laptop, and camera at the same time (read: me), bringing a small travel strip along makes powering your devices that much more efficient. I know I’m extra. Sorry, not sorry.
- Insulated water bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. You CAN drink the tap water in Ireland but I usually just bring along a Steripen everywhere I travel. It’s a UV water purifier that gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, and I use it in combination with my CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle. This bottle is particularly awesome because it holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want on a road trip. If you’d rather purchase an all-in-one solution, Grayl’s water filtering bottle is a great alternative so you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately.
- Trip Insurance: A lot can go wrong when you travel, which is why I always recommend getting trip insurance. World Nomads is my go-to company.
The Best Time to Visit Andalusia
Spain can be visited anytime depending on your interests, but if you’re planning to visit multiple cities, avoid the scorching hot summer and opt for spring or fall instead. It doesn’t get that cold in winter if you prefer to visit then, but expect some rain and shorter daylight hours. Avoid visiting during July and August – not only is it hot, but many restaurants and cafes are closed since the Spaniards themselves are on vacation.
March – June: The weather starts to warm up in March into April, making spring one of the best times to visit. May is the best month to visit for optimal weather and prices (as is September).
September – October: September, like May, is another great month to visit: the weather is still nice but most tourists are gone. Weather starts to cool down somewhat significantly in October. By November, you can expect solid winter temperatures (at least by Spanish standards).
More Spain Resources
Planning a trip to Spain soon? Check out ALL my posts on Spain below:- Spain Travel Guide
- The Budget Guide to Barcelona
- The Ultimate Valencia Travel Guide: 20+ Awesome Things to Do in Valencia, Spain
- The Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Valencia Spain
- The Best Paella Cooking Class in Valencia Spain: Escuela de Arroces
- Valencia Food Tour: Treats and Tastes with Valencia Urban Adventures
- Exploring Street Art in Valencia, Spain
- Budget Guide to Madrid
- The Solo Traveler Guide to Andalusia, Spain
- Tapas and Taverns with Madrid Food Tours
- A Weekend Guide to Bilbao
- The Art of Finding and Ordering the Best Pintxos in San Sebastian
- 24 Hours in Valencia: A Tale of Enchantment
- Why I’m Spending Summer in Valencia, Spain
- Sleeping and Socializing: Cats Hostel Madrid Lavapiés Review
- EatWith Review: Dining with Locals and Spain in Beyond
Have you ever been to Andalusia? Which cities would you add to this list for a return trip? Share in the comments below!
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I loves the photo’s! The intricacies of the windows and architecture is incredibly stunning. I’m always drawn into places where so much attention is spent on the minute details.
Thanks Kevin!
Agreed! This is one of my favorite regions in Spain because of the architecture. The amount of effort and detail put into every single piece of each building is mind-blowing!
Oh this brings back so many memories of my trip to Spain in high school…because we did this part of the country…but in about 3 weeks!
Ah I’m so jealous, Julie! It’s such a beautiful region, isn’t it? I definitely wanted to spend more time here when I went. Guess I’ll just have to return for another trip 🙂
If my pictures of that region/trip weren’t from when I was in high school (i.e. I took terrible pictures and my “equipment” was terrible lol) I would totally blog about it because it is absolutely gorgeous!
Hahah I know the feeling! There are so many places I want to write about but my photos from just a few years ago even are TERRIBLE quality! Cameras have improved a lot since then…as have my photography skills – I hope ;).
The food! The architecture! The blue skies! This is a great post. Very informative 🙂
Thanks Brianna! Highly recommend Andalusia if you haven’t been 🙂
The food and architecture both look to die for! Incredible pictures.
They’re amazing! Honestly, this is one of my favorite regions in Spain. I highly recommend it if you haven’t been!
The mushroom risotto & octopus ceviche sound great like Tony’s frosted flakes!!
LOLOL even better 😀
Geez, this was a really good and in-depth guide! Now I want to go back to Spain. Paella and Flamenco – I miss those!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :).
Lol me too! I miss it so much – it was definitely a challenge to write this!
Great guide! I seriously love the photos!
Thank you! It helps that Andalusia is so gorgeous 🙂
Glad you enjoyed Sevilla, but you should know that the Plaza de España was never a bullring.There was once another bullring (other than the Maestranza) called the Monumental, which was located in Nervión and torn down in 1930.
Thanks for the correction! You’re totally right. My friend that lives in Seville told me that it used to be a bullring but I should have verified before publishing. I’ve just updated it 🙂
Hey there! I chanced about your site as I as researching! This is such a god-sent plan seeing that I am trying to plan a solo travel to this region too! Hope that I will be able to enjoy these amazing sites like you too 😀
That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad you found it useful. Definitely reach out if you have any questions – this is a great region to solo travel and one of my favorite areas of Spain. Happy travels! 🙂
Hey Sally! I actually saw some of your forum posts from when you were planning your trip, and also some posts from after (where you shared this blog)… I’m headed to Lisbon, Malaga and Granada for sure, possibly Cordoba too, on a solo trip in November! I have approximately 13 nights from when I hit Lisbon till I have to leave Granada – was wondering how many days you’d recommend to spend in each of these 4 places, and if you’d recommend any other places in that area? 🙂
Hi Charmaine! I’d say 4 nights in Lisbon, 3-4 in Granada, 1 in Cordoba, and the rest in Malaga. From Malaga, you can probably do a day trip to Gibraltar or Ronda. However, this is a pretty relaxed itinerary so if you can squeeze in a couple of nights in Seville, I recommend that! I also have a Lisbon itinerary here: https://passportandplates.com/destination-guides/theres-something-about-lisbon/
Happy travels!
Great, thank you! I did check out your Lisbon itinerary too, that’s why I thought you were the perfect person to ask. 🙂 Might do a day trip out from Lisbon too. I’ve already been to Seville on a recent trip in 2015, so would rather spend more time exploring new places this time round! Is Córdoba worth visiting at all, or should I commit that time to more day trips out of the other 3 cities? 🙂
I personally like Cordoba a lot. It’s worth seeing IMO – either as a day trip or overnight. You have plenty of time to explore all the places!
Ok, will keep it in the plans then. 🙂 Thanks for the help, your blog and recommendations are a godsend!
No problem! Glad you found it useful!