Introduction to the South of Spain
The South of Spain offers a diverse range of experiences for any traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or indulging in some delicious Mediterranean cuisine, the region has something for everyone.
Some of the most popular destinations in the South of Spain include the cities of Seville, Granada, and Malaga. Each of these cities has a unique history and culture, and all are worth adding to your travel itinerary.
But there’s more to the South of Spain than just its cities. The region is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the white villages of Andalusia. The South of Spain is also known for its charming towns and villages, where you can experience traditional Spanish life and culture firsthand.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just in search of some relaxation and natural beauty, the South of Spain is a destination that should not be missed.
Day 1: Seville
Welcome to the first day of your adventure through the south of Spain! Today, we will be starting in the beautiful city of Seville. To make the most out of your visit to this enchanting city, we recommend starting your day early to beat the crowds and the heat.
Your first stop should definitely be the Alcazar, a stunning palace complex that encompasses centuries of history and culture within its walls. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and marvel at the intricate architecture of the palace itself. If you’re a fan of the Game Of Thrones series, you might even recognize some of the settings used in your visit to the Alcazar!
For lunch, we recommend heading over to the Triana neighborhood, where you’ll find a diverse range of delicious, traditional Spanish cuisine. Be sure to try the seafood – this area of Spain is known for their fresh seafood dishes!
In the afternoon, why not visit the breathtaking Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower? Not only is the cathedral one of the largest gothic structures in the world, it’s also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.
If you have the energy, be sure to pay a visit to the stunning Plaza de España, a beautiful square that showcases the most intricate details of Seville’s architecture. Here you can rent a boat row around the moat that circles the square and take in the breathtaking views from a unique perspective.
Finally, once the sun sets and your stomach rumbles, head over to a tapas bar and indulge yourselves in the local delicacies – patatas bravas, croquetas, salmorejo and ibérico ham. It’s hardly an authentic Spanish experience without tapas, right?
That concludes your first exhilarating day in the south of Spain! Stay tuned for more exciting travel tips and itinerary suggestions in the coming days.
Day 2: Cordoba
Welcome to day 2 of our South of Spain itinerary! Today we are headed to Cordoba, a city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Here’s how to make the most of your day in Cordoba.
Start your day early by visiting the Mezquita (also known as the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see in Cordoba and is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. The stunning arches and pillars are stunning and it’s easy to spend hours exploring the different sections of the mosque-cathedral.
After visiting the Mezquita, take a stroll through the charming alleyways of the Jewish Quarter. This area is full of history and is great for taking photos. Don’t miss the Calleja de las Flores, a narrow alleyway adorned with beautiful flowers and Instagram-worthy views.
For lunch, head to Mercado Victoria, a gourmet food market with dozens of food vendors. You’ll find everything from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisine. It’s a great spot to try a variety of different foods and soak up the local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a historic palace with beautiful gardens. The palace was built in the 14th century and was used as a royal residence. The gardens are especially stunning and it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Finally, end your day by walking across the famous Roman Bridge of Cordoba for a beautiful view of the city. If you have time, stop by some of the local shops to pick up souvenirs or sample some local cuisine. And that’s a wrap on day 2 of our South of Spain itinerary!
Day 3: Malaga
Welcome back to my South of Spain itinerary! Today, we’re exploring the stunning city of Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol. Malaga is a bustling port city that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Start your day off early by heading to Alcazaba, a Moorish castle that dates back to the 11th century. This stunning fortress offers panoramic views of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea, and is a must-see when visiting the city. After exploring the castle, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding it.
Next on the agenda is Malaga Cathedral. This magnificent 16th-century cathedral is known for its impressive architecture and is said to be one of the finest Renaissance buildings in all of Spain. Take your time admiring the intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.
After visiting the cathedral, take a break and grab some lunch at one of Malaga’s traditional tapas bars. I recommend trying the local specialty – espetos de sardinas – freshly grilled sardines skewered on wood sticks and barbecued over an open flame. Delicious!
In the afternoon, head to the Picasso Museum located in the heart of the city. This museum houses an extensive collection of artwork by the famous painter, who was born in Malaga. From his early years to his later works, you’ll be able to appreciate and marvel at Picasso’s impressive talent and artistic skill.
Finish off your day of exploring by relaxing on Malaga’s pristine beaches. With over 12 miles of coastline, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make sure to catch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.
That’s a wrap for day three in Malaga. If you have extra time, consider checking out the nearby towns of Marbella or Nerja. Stay tuned for day four of our South of Spain itinerary!
Day 4: Granada
Welcome to day 4 of our South of Spain itinerary! You’re in for a treat today as we explore the beautiful city of Granada.
First on our list is the world-famous Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress complex that dates back to the 14th century. Make sure you book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. Take your time exploring the intricately designed rooms and gardens, and be sure to check out the views of the city from the palace’s towers.
Next, head over to the charming Albaicín neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its maze-like streets and stunning views of the Alhambra. The area is also home to numerous tea shops and moroccan inspired boutiques, perfect for picking up a unique souvenir.
If you have time, stop by the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, a stunning 16th-century monastery known for its intricate facade and peaceful courtyard.
As the sun sets, head back to the Alhambra and settle in the gardens as the famous Granada sunset unfolds before you, casting a warm pink glow over the city.
For dinner, head to one of the many restaurants near the Albaicín offering traditional Spanish cuisine. Don’t miss out on local specialties like tortilla española and salmorejo soup.
If you’re up for it, finish the evening with a flamenco show at one of the many cave houses in the Sacromonte neighborhood. This passionate, vibrant dance style originated in Andalusia and is a must-see when visiting the region.
That concludes our day in Granada. Stay tuned for the next installment of our South of Spain itinerary!
Day 5: Costa del Sol
Welcome to day 5 of your South of Spain itinerary! Today we’ll explore the famous Costa del Sol which is also known as the “Sun Coast”. Located on the southern coast of Spain, this region is known for its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters.
We’ll start our day by driving to Nerja, which is about an hour’s drive from Malaga. Nerja is a beautiful town situated on a cliff and is home to some of the best beaches in the Costa del Sol. You can spend some time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear turquoise water or exploring the historical old town. Don’t forget to check out the Balcon de Europa, a viewpoint with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
Next up, we’ll head to the charming village of Frigiliana, located just a few minutes from Nerja. This village is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol. The village has a Moorish influence which is apparent in its winding streets and white-washed houses. You can spend some time exploring the quaint streets, visiting the local shops or hiking to the El Acebuchal, a nearby abandoned village that has been restored.
For lunch, we’ll head to Marbella, which is a 40-minute drive from Frigiliana. Marbella is a luxurious town located in the heart of the Costa del Sol and is known for its beaches, restaurants, shops and nightlife. You can enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants on the famous promenade or in the old town.
After lunch, we’ll head to Puerto Banus, which is a short drive from Marbella. Puerto Banus is a luxurious marina that is home to some of the most expensive yachts in the world. It’s a great place to people watch, take a walk on the boardwalk or enjoy a drink in one of the many bars.
Finally, we’ll end our day in the vibrant town of Torremolinos, located just 20 minutes from Puerto Banus. Torremolinos is known for its nightlife, beaches and shopping. You can enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants or tapas bars while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
That’s it for day 5 of your South of Spain itinerary! We hope you had a great day exploring the Costa del Sol and all that it has to offer.
Day 6: Cadiz
Welcome to Day 6 of your South of Spain adventure! Today, we’re visiting the beautiful city of Cadiz, located on the Atlantic Coast. With its ancient history, stunning beaches and charming white-washed buildings, Cadiz is one of the most picturesque cities in Andalucia.
Start your day with a visit to the Torre Tavira, a tower from the 18th century that once served as a watchtower for incoming ships in the harbor. Climb to the top for some of the best views of the city, and check out the camera obscura, which projects a live image of the city onto a concave screen.
Next, venture over to the Baroque-style Cadiz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Cruz. Built in the 18th century, the cathedral has a beautiful golden dome and a charming courtyard. Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings and artwork, including paintings by famous Spanish artist Francisco de Goya.
After exploring the cathedral, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the Barrio del Pópulo, the oldest neighborhood in Cadiz. Admire the charming, narrow streets and the colorful buildings decorated with colorful tiles.
For lunch, indulge in some of Cadiz’s famous seafood. Head over to the Mercado Central de Abastos, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood, including locally caught fish and shellfish. Savor some fresh oysters or try the popular cazón en adobo, a local specialty of fried marinated dogfish.
In the afternoon, make your way to the beautiful La Caleta Beach, a picturesque cove in the heart of the city. Make sure to take a dip in the clear, refreshing waters.
Finish off your day in Cadiz with a visit to the Gran Teatro Falla, the city’s main theater built in the early 1900s. Catch a performance or just admire the stunning architecture of this landmark building.
That concludes Day 6 of your South of Spain itinerary. Stay tuned for Day 7 in Seville!
Day 7: Ronda
Welcome to Day 7 of your epic South of Spain adventure! Today we are heading to the gorgeous town of Ronda, located in the heart of Andalusia. Ronda is steeped in history and boasts some of the most stunning views in the region, making it the perfect destination for our last full day in Southern Spain.
As always, start your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe. We recommend trying some traditional Spanish pastries and coffee for an authentic start to your day. After breakfast, make your way to the Ronda train station, which is conveniently located near most hotels in the city.
Once you arrive in Ronda, head straight to the Puente Nuevo. This iconic bridge spans the El Tajo Gorge and provides breathtaking views of the Andalusian countryside. Take your time admiring the views and snap some photos to share with your friends back home.
Next, make your way to the Plaza de Toros de Ronda. This bullring is one of the oldest and most famous ones in Spain and has been featured in numerous movies and books. Enjoy a guided tour of the bullring to learn about its history and significance to the Spanish culture.
After the bullring tour, take a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Ronda, admiring the architecture and stopping in local shops and cafes. Be sure to try some tapas, a Spanish staple, and some of the delicious local wines.
For those with extra time and energy, we recommend a hike down to the bottom of the gorge to see the Casa del Rey Moro. This 18th-century palace was built by the Moorish King and has an underground tunnel and well, which were used as a water source during times of siege. The climb back up to the top can be steep, so make sure you have appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
After a full day exploring Ronda, make your way back to your hotel to freshen up for a night out on the town. Southern Spain is known for its vibrant nightlife, and Ronda is no exception. Head to a local bar or club to experience some of the best music, dancing, and drinks that Spain has to offer.
That concludes our Day 7 itinerary for your South of Spain adventure. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in this beautiful region and that these recommendations have made your trip an unforgettable one. Stay tuned for our final post as we wrap up this incredible journey.
Conclusion
Conclusion:
The South of Spain is a destination with something for everyone. From the stunning architecture of Seville to the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol, this region is full of history, culture, and natural beauty that is waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to indulge in some traditional Spanish cuisine, admire ancient architecture, or simply relax on the beach, the South of Spain has got you covered. With the itinerary suggestions above, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in this wonderful destination and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
