Andalusia Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in Andalusia, Spain

Wondering what you can do in just seven days in Andalusia? You’ve come to the right place! 

This Andalusia itinerary will take you through a day-by-day breakdown of the best things to do in Andalusia’s most magical cities. 

From exploring the coastal towns around Malaga to delving into the region’s past at landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, this one-week-long Andalusia itinerary is the perfect way to start exploring Southern Spain. 

Living in Spain, I’ve done this exact Andalusia itinerary three times already, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best ways to see all the beauties that Andalusia has to offer if you only have seven days!

So, what are you waiting for? Read on, and start planning your perfect week in Andalusia!

Andalusia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Start in Seville

This Andalusia 7-day itinerary starts in Seville, as it’s one of the biggest cities and most popular destinations in Andalusia. It also has an international airport, so it’s pretty easy to get to to start this itinerary. 

Visit Seville Cathedral

Seville’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Built between 1434 and 1517 it has a highly decorated exterior, like the arches carved above the cathedral’s doors that are surrounded by intricate carvings of figures, each a work of art.

I’d recommend going inside and taking a tour on this occasion. The reason is because on a guided tour you’ll get to climb up to the church’s famous bell tower, La Giralda, which has epic views over the city. 

If you want to skip the queues to get in, book this skip-the-line guided tour online beforehand. It costs about 18 EUR, which isn’t much more than if you wait in line.

When you’re inside the cathedral keep a lookout for the gold altarpiece at the Capilla Mayor! 

Click here to book your fast track ticket to Seville Cathedral with guided tour!

Explore Plaza de Espana

Once you’ve seen the cathedral, you can stroll through the city center to the Plaza de Espana. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral to the entrance of the park.

The Plaza de Espana is a unique square that was designed by Anibal Gonzalez for the 1929 Exposicion Iberoamericana. 

There’s a man-made river that loops around the plaza, with bridges passing above it. You can rent a boat there and row through the square if you want the full experience! 

The amazing architecture aside, one of my favorite things about the Plaza de Espana is that there are always street performers there.

Seville is the cultural capital when it comes to flamenco, and this is the spot where artists come to perform. I’ve seen some of the best flamenco performances right here.

Leave yourself enough time to stroll around the Parque Maria Luisa that surrounds the Plaza de Espana. It’s the most beautiful park in the city, with its rose gardens and water features.

Please bear in mind that the Parque Maria Luisa is notorious for pick-pockets, so keep an eye on your belongings!

Day 2: Explore Seville

Visit the Real Alcazar

Wake up early the next day and head to the Real Alcazar. Famous for its Mudejar architecture.

This style, which is a fusion of Christian and Islamic architecture and art, is present in most cities in Andalusia as the territory was ruled by Arabs for almost 800 years. 

The original fort that the palace was constructed from was built in 913. Since then it has been reigned by Arabs and later the Catholic Kings.

Over the last 11 centuries, it has undergone lots of changes. One of the most impressive parts of the Real Alcazar is the Palacio de Don Pedro. 

To get insights into the palace’s incredible history, take this skip-the-line guided tour.

Click here to book your skip the line entrance and guided tour to the Real Alcazar of Seville!

Eat at Mercado de Triana

Located close to the city centre, this covered market is a really cool place to explore and eat at. It reminded me of Boqueria Market in Barcelona, with its tapas options, fresh fish stalls, and fresh fruit smoothies.

Even though it’s a market, a lot of the stalls had seating options which is nice, so you don’t have to eat standing up. If you want to make sure you try all the best local dishes, you can join a guided food tour like this one.

Click here to book your Triana Market Tour with Tastings!

See the sunset from Metropol Parasol

Finish off your time in Seville with a trip to the Metropol Parasol. Rising high above the Plaza de la Encarnacion in the city’s Old Quarter, this building is the biggest wooden construction in the world. 

The building is known as the “Setas de Sevilla” which translates to the mushrooms of Seville, and when you get there you’ll quickly see why! It looks like an interconnected network of giant mushrooms hovering above the square. 

On top of the Metropol Parasol, there is a walkway and terrace with spectacular views over the city. Inside there is an archeological museum that is home to some of the remains of Roman buildings found at the site. 

At night they light the structure up, so the best time to go visit the top is at sunset – that way you’ll get the best views and get to see the structure lit up. Book your ticket here.

Check out my weekend in Seville itinerary if you want more travel inspiration!

Click here to book your entrance ticket to Seville’s Metropol Parasol!

Where to Stay in Seville

All these hotels and hostels are in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, which is just outside the city center of Seville. This way you get the location without the hefty prices. 

Luxury: If you’re looking for a little luxury book at the four-star Querencia de Sevilla Hotel. It has stunning views of the cathedral and comfy rooms. 

Click here to book your stay at Querencia de Sevilla Hotel!

Midrange: book a stay at the Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza. It’s in a quintessentially Spanish plaza and has charming rooms. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Boutique Elvira Plaza!

Budget: hostels are always a great budget option, so stay at TOC Hostel Sevilla. It’s modern and has individual sleeping pods for privacy.

Click here to book your stay at the TOC Hostel Sevilla!

Day 3: Travel to Cordoba with a stop at Almodovar Castle

It takes about 2 hours to get from Seville to Cordoba by public transport. You can search for buses on the Alsa website, which is the biggest bus company in Spain. 

To make the most of the third day of your trip, try and get up early so you can visit the Almodovar Castle on your way to Cordoba.

Break up the drive at Almodovar Castle

The castle is about 30 minutes outside of the city by bus if you take the M-250 from the Estacion de Autobuses Cordoba and get off at Venta Pastor. 

If you’re driving from Seville then you can just stop at this incredible castle along the way.

Almodovar del Rio is a gigantic castle that sits on the top of a hill overlooking a small town. This medieval castle came to fame when it featured in the seventh season of Game of Thrones! 

Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, you will still enjoy visiting this beautiful castle. It’s very well maintained and walking around it will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Plus, I enjoyed visiting it as the architecture style is completely different from anything else you will then see on this Andalusia itinerary, so it’s interesting to see different historical periods reflected in modern times.

It wasn’t very busy when we visited, but if you want to ensure entrance and skip the queues, you can purchase your ticket online here.

Click here to book your entrance ticket to Castillo Almodovar del Rio!

Walk across the Roman Bridge

Once you’re done exploring the castle, get some lunch and have a quick break before travelling on to Cordoba and beginning an afternoon of exploring Cordoba’s city center!

You can’t miss the Roman Bridge on the edge of the Old Town that stretches over the Guadalquivir River. Cross the bridge and you’ll find the Calahorra Tower, once the fortified gate into the city. 

Explore La Juderia & Calleja de las Flores

If you want to get a real sense of what Andalusia’s towns and culture is like, head to the La Juderia neighbourhood. You can easily walk around and explore alone, but could also join a guided tour if you prefer.

Quintessentially Spanish, the old Jewish Quarters are a collection of narrow winding streets lined with pretty white-washed houses decorated with hanging flower baskets. 

You can’t miss the Calleja de las Flores, known as Flower Street, which is the prettiest street in the city. Bright flower pots hang off the house’s walls and frame the view of the cathedral tower in the distance. 

Click here to book a guided tour of Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter and main sights!

Where to Stay in Cordoba

Luxury: looking to treat yourself on your one-week holiday in Andalusia? Then book a room at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio, situated in the Jewish Quarter with a pool and luxurious patios. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio!

Midrange: built around a cute Spanish patio covered in Andalusian tiles and situated right next to the Plaza de la Corredera you can’t go wrong with a room at Hotel Casa de los Azulejos. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Casa de los Azulejos!

Budget: the Libere Corboda Patio Santa Marte Hostel has affordable dorms and private rooms, as well as an outdoor pool and lounge area! It’s in the historic quarter too, so everything is within walking distance away.

Click here to book your stay at the Libere Corboda Patio Santa Marte Hostel!

Day 4: Explore Cordoba in the Morning, Travel to Granada in the Evening

Visit the Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba

The most famous landmark in Cordoba is the Mezquita-Catedral. It’s called the Mosque-Cathedral because it really is both!

Once a Muslim Mosque, it was modified to include a Catholic church in the center when the Catholic Kings reconquered Cordoba. Now, it’s both. 

Stroll between the distinctive red and white columns and be awed by the distinctive mix of architecture. If it’s a Monday or a Saturday, start your day at the Mezquita as it’s free entry before 8:30 AM!

If you’re not an early riser and would rather pay for entrance a little earlier in the day, make sure to do so on a guided tour like this one.

Besides skipping the line, you will also have an expert local guide telling you all about the history of this unique Mosque-Cathedral.

Click here to book your skip-the-line entrance and guided tour to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba!

Visit the Roman Temple

Discovered in the 1950s when construction works were taking place in the city hall, this Roman Temple is a pretty unique sight in Cordoba.

It sits in the middle of modern buildings, with its tall and proud marble columns. It was built in the 1st century and is one of the remnants of the strong Roman presence in the region.

Explore Plaza de la Corredera

This 17th-century square is home to lots of restaurants and cafes, as well as the Mercado de la Corredera market that opens in the morning.

It’s historically significant as there have been bullfights and Inquisition burnings here in the past! Looking for more ideas of things to do in Cordoba? Check out my best things to do in Cordoba article! 

Now it’s time to head to your next destination – Granada! It’s just two hours from Cordoba to Granada so you can set off in the early afternoon after a day of exploring, and arrive in time for a tapas dinner.

Day 5: Explore Granada & the Alhambra

Take a tour of the Alhambra

You can’t spend seven days in Andalusia and not visit the Alhambra. The name is derived from its original Arabic name, which translated to the “Red Fortress”. 

The story of the Alhambra begins as far back as 1238 when its construction began under the reign of Ibn al-Ahmar of the Nasrid dynasty. Since then many gardens and palaces have been added to the complex.

Some of the highlights of the Alhambra are the Nasrid Palace, the epic gardens and waterways, the stunning Generalife Palace, and the iconic Patio de los Leones.

Find out everything you need to know in my Alhambra travel guide. 

There’s so much to see in the Alhambra, and such a lot of history behind this incredible fortress and collection of palaces and gardens, that I’d really advise you go with a tour guide. 

This small group tour includes pick-up and drop-off and takes about three hours. Book it as early as you can in the morning, so you can miss the crowds of tourists that flock in! 

Click here to book your guided tour of the Alhambra!

Spend the Afternoon Exploring Granada and Eating Tapas

Once you’ve seen the Alhambra, I’d recommend exploring the city center. The Cathedral is there, surrounded by shops and lots of the city’s busiest bars. 

One neighbourhood you can’t miss is The Albayzin. This historically Islamic neighbourhood still has a very Arabic feel to it. The cobbled streets are lined with vendors selling leather bags, rugs, and colourful clothes and lamps from Morocco. 

If you keep following the winding streets up the hill, you’ll eventually come to some of the nicest viewpoints in the city. 

At sunset, lots of locals and tourists gather at the Mirador de San Nicolas to watch the sun go down over Granada and take in stunning views of the Alhambra.

It has to be said that one of the best things about Granada is the free tapas. This used to be the case in all the Andalusian cities, but now it’s only Granada that does it.

Any beer, wine, and most cold drinks you order come with tapas and often you can pick which you want from a tapas menu!

Where to Stay in Granada

Luxury: Book a luxurious room at Hotel Casa 1800 in Granada’s most vibrant neighbourhood, the Albayzin. The historical building offers period rooms. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Casa 1800!

Midrange: Just 20 minutes walk away from the Alhambra the Hotel Universal is a great place to book a room if you’re prioritizing location. The rooms are a little outdated but clean and comfy. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Universal!

Budget: Eco Hostel is a cozy hostel with friendly staff and quirky decor. It’s just a few minutes walk away from the Cathedral too!

Click here to book your stay at the Eco Hostel!

Day 6: Travel to Malaga and Explore

The best Andalusia itinerary will always include Malaga and the surrounding beach towns.  Malaga is just an hour and a half away from Granada, so if you set off in the morning you can spend the rest of the day sightseeing.

Visit the Alcazaba

Built under the Arab rule of the region in the 11th century, the Alcazaba is one of the highlights of the city. There have even been Roman and Phoenician remains found on the site. 

The fortress faces the Mediterranean Sea and was built nestled into a hill. Enjoy the panoramic views of the sea, the labyrinths of terraces and the spectacular gardens. 

Go to the Roman Theatre

The old Roman Amphitheatre in Malaga is one of the coolest things to see. Discovered in the 1950s, the amphitheatre dates back to the 1st century BC.

It’s right next to the Alcazaba, and it’s free to visit! That said, if you want to learn about the history go on a guided tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre in one.

In summer, they even have live performances there sometimes which are worth looking out for!

Click here to book your tour of the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre in Malaga!

See the views from Castillo de Gibralfaro

Sadly there isn’t much left of this eighth-century castle but it does boast incredible views of the city and coastline below! Stroll around the old ruins and soak in the vistas. You’ll need to pay a 3.50 EUR entry fee but it’s worth it. 

Stop at the Cathedral

The Cathedral is in the heart of the city center. It took more than 200 years to build, with its construction beginning in 1528 but not being completed until 1782. It has a lavish Baroque-style facade with arches and marble columns. 

If you decide to go inside you’ll find the style changes, the Baroque exterior is abandoned for a Renaissance-style interior with decadent golden altars and lots of religious artwork. 

The entrance costs about 8 EUR but it’s worth it as you get to go to the top of the cathedral and admire the views too! If you want to go with a guide, combine it with the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba in this tour.

Click here to book your Malaga Cathedral & City Tour!

Check out the Picasso Museum

Lastly, head to the Picasso Museum and check out his famous artwork. Even if you’re not a big Picasso fan, it’s still a really interesting place to explore, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best things to do in Malaga!

Make sure to purchase your entrance online beforehand, so that you don’t have to waste time queuing and purchasing one there on the day:

Click here to purchase your ticket at the Picasso Museum!

Where to Stay in Malaga

Luxury: Splash out on a stay at Gran Hotel Miramar. This historic hotel will charm you with its Moorish features and views over La Malagueta beach. 

Click here to book your stay at the Gran Hotel Miramar!

Midrange: For a balance of luxury and affordability, book a room at Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. The rooms are filled with light and decorated in a minimalist, modern style. It’s situated opposite the Roman Theatre and Alcazaba.

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano!

Budget: Malaga Stop Hostel AB has super affordable rooms, both dorms and private rooms. Located in the heart of the city with a shared lounge it has everything you need for a short stay.

Click here to book your stay at the Malaga Stop Hostel AB!

Day 7: Day trip to Mijas, Ronda and/or Marbella

From Malaga, you can go on a day trip to loads of other cute towns in the surroundings. The most popular are:

Ronda

Ronda is one of the prettiest towns in Andalusia. Built above the breathtaking El Tajo gorge it has a quintessentially Spanish feel to it and is one of the famous Pueblos Blancos (white villages) in Spain. 

Stroll over the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge and look down at the 100-meter drop to the bottom of the gorge.

Next, visit the old Arab Baths in town and learn about the history of bathhouses, and stroll to the Plaza de Toros where there are still bullfights today. 

It’s easiest to get there with your own car, but if not you can take this tour. It stops at Setenil de las Bodegas too, another famous town surrounding Malaga. It costs about 50 EUR and will take a full nine hours.

Click here to see prices & availability for your Malaga to Ronda tour!

Mijas

This cute white village near Malaga is known as the “viewpoint of the Costa del Sol”. It has stunning views over the surrounding mountains and coastline below. 

It’s easy to see why the Malaga to Mijas day trip is one of the most popular.

The highlights are the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock which was carved into the mountain’s rock in the 17th century, and the winding streets of white-washed houses decorated with hanging flower baskets. 

This is the best Mijas tour as you’ll get to visit Marbella and Puerto Banus too! It takes 8 hours and costs 50 EUR. 

Click here to book your Mijas tour from Malaga!

Marbella

Marbella is one of the fancier coastal destinations near Malaga. It attracts a lot of European tourists thanks to its luxurious port area, lively nightlife, and the high-end shopping you can do in Puerto Banus. 

It’s a busy and bustling town, so this tour of Marbella, Puerto Banus and Mijas in one offers the perfect balance! 

Click here to book your Marbella tour from Malaga!

How to Travel Around Andalusia

A rental car is probably the best option for this seven-day Andalusia itinerary.

It will give you more freedom and flexibility, and rental cars aren’t too pricey in Spain. You can generally find something for about  50 EUR a day, if not a bit cheaper. 

There are also good transport links between all the major cities in Andalusia. If you want to check out the bus routes between cities head to the Alsa website, the biggest bus provider in Spain. 

A bus from Granada to Malaga will take just under two hours for example. If you drive it’s about half an hour quicker. The other way to get around is by train.

The biggest train provider in Spain is Renfe, so you can book your journeys directly through them. A journey from Seville to Cordoba by train takes under an hour, which is actually quicker than driving. 

Depending on your budget and how you like to travel, you can pick which is best for you!

Don’t miss out, find the best car rental in Andalusia with Discover Cars!

How Many Days Do You Need in Andalusia

To really get a sense of Andalusia’s unique culture and visit the most popular and historically significant cities, you’ll need at least a week.

You could easily spend longer here, especially in the coastal areas, but 7 days in Andalusia is the bare minimum to see all the main sights.

After all, many of these cities and attractions are likely to feature on your Spain bucket list, so you want to give them the time they deserve. It’s not enough to do things like a Malaga to Granada day trip, you need to spend long there to enjoy it.

This short seven-day Andalusia itinerary packs the best of Andalusia into a short trip, so you can get a sense of how magical this part of the world is.

Spain has managed to keep a slower pace of life than the rest of Europe, and it’s an enchanting destination because of it. Use this Andalusia Spain itinerary as a way to discover your favourite parts of Andalusia, and then keep coming back!

I found Malaga and the surrounding beach towns especially enticing, it’s easily the sort of city you can base yourself in and then explore on day trips from.

Do you need travel insurance to visit Andalusia?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final Thoughts on my Andalusia Spain Itinerary

Andalusia is a vibrant area in the South of Spain that has loads of great cities worth visiting.

I’m sure the free tapas in Granada, the stunning coastal towns surrounding Malaga, and the fascinating city centers of Sevilla and Cordoba will keep you coming back for more. 

I’ve been to Spain many times now, and I could keep going back for a lifetime. Spain just has so much diversity and variety, you could never get bored of exploring it.

In Andalusia, you can step back in time and immerse yourself in its unique history and architecture, whilst on the islands like Mallorca you live the ultimate Mediterranean beach life, or in Tenerife, you can spend your days hiking, surfing, and enjoying the winter sun.

Relax into the laid-back way of life in Spain and enjoy the best of Andalusia with this brilliant one-week Andalusia itinerary!

Have you been to Andalusia before? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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