If you’re planning your vacation in the South of Spain you’ve probably already examined a map of the region, read a few articles and wound up feeling extremely overwhelmed. There’s just so much to see and do and if you only have 1 week in Andalucia how do you make the most of it? How can you possibly narrow it down and figure out what the best places to see are, what you want to do and create your perfect southern Spain itinerary?

Well, handily I’m here to help. As a professional travel blogger and adventurer who lives in Andalucia and loves all things Andalucia, I’m going to help you figure this out. 

We’re going to consider:

📌 The highlights of Andalucía

📌 Questions to ask yourself before setting a plan

➕ And finally, I’ll share three awesome 1 week in Andalucia itineraries packed with the best things to see in Andalucia to help you narrow down your vacation choices.

By using my itineraries you’ll pack as much into your short time in southern Spain as possible. There will be no wasted moments: you’ll see the best of Andalucía without ever feeling overwhelmed or as if you’re missing out. It also prevents you from having to wonder whether Malaga or Seville is a better option as this allows you to see both.

⭐️ If you’re travelling with kids then I highly recommend checking out my article about the best places in Andalucía for kids. It’ll knock your socks off – who wants socks in Andalucía anyway?

_{There are affiliate links in this article. If you click and make a purchase I could make a small sum at zero cost to you. Thank you!}

What are the Unmissable Highlights of Andalucia?

Describing the highlights of Andalucia is not an easy task because there’s just so much that makes this region of the world incredible.

Festivals: Fería, Semana Santa, Patios de Córdoba, El Rocio Pilgrimage

Products: Wines, sherry, olive oil

Pueblos Blancos (the famous white villages): Mijas Pueblo, Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas

Cities: Seville, Córdoba, Cádiz, Malaga, Ronda, Granada

Beaches: The beaches around Malaga are well known to tourists but the beaches of Cádiz are where the Spanish love to go. Try Huelva’s beaches if you are looking for wild, untouched beauty.

➡️ Read more about the best beaches to visit

When is the Best Time to Visit Andalucia?

Located is in southern Europe, Andalucia has some of the best weather in Europe.

🔆 With around 320 days of sunshine a year, this is pretty much an ‘all year’ kinda destination. Let’s look now, though at when the best time to visit Andalucia is. 

☃️ Although we don’t visit the Sierra Nevada in this article, if you’re looking for a snow based or skiing holiday, you can even do that in Andalusia since this region sees snow from late October – March/April most years.

🍊 Almost all year round you’ll be able to marvel at the plentiful orange trees and olive trees found across the region. Spring and Autumn bring the wonderful smell of orange blossom followed by trees full of fruit. In spring we also have jacaranda trees in blossom. 

🔆🔆 June – September are the hottest months in Andalucia and this means hot, hot, hot. Temperatures inland are generally in the 40C + (104F+) range and rarely slip below 20C (68F) even at night. 

If you do visit during the summer months you’ll soon understand why Andalucians take the siesta so seriously. Remember to stay well hydrated.

☔️ December – February are the coldest months of the year. They are also the wettest. If you’re coming for beach fun, know this time of year is more about walking or playing on the beach than swimming and frolicking in the ocean. 

There will be days for jeans and t-shirts and days when you need a sweater and even a jacket. Some days an umbrella will come in handy.  

🌤 April – May and October – November are magnificent times of year to visit Andalucia. The weather is perfect: generally the sun is shining and the skies are blue. You can walk around all day long without overheating or getting cold. These are the high season periods for Andalucia. 

Is 1 Week in Andalucia Enough?

Emphatically not.

A week in Andalucia isn’t much time at all if I’m honest. You could hire an RV and drive around Andalucia for months and still only scratch the surface of this magnificent part of Spain.

However, the reality is that most people can’t just take off and explore for long periods. We all have to vacation when we can so let’s make the most of your 1 week in Andalucia by planning well and ensuring you know what you want to do and see!

About Your 1 Week in Andalucia Vacation…

Use this list to help figure out what you might like from your 1 week Andalucia vacation.

➡️ Andalucia: Beach Vacation

📌 Consider the big beach towns such as Malaga, Marbella or Cádiz. There’s plenty to do in and around each of these towns including incredible day trips.

📌 Any of the small towns along the Andalucia coast such as Tarifa, Almuñecar, Almería, or in the Cabo de Gata National Park (I haven’t been yet but it’s high on my list of places to explore asap)

– of course you know I’m not telling you to go where all the other tourists go. My suggestions are where the locals like to go.

➡️ Andalucia: City-Break

If you decide to base yourself in any of the major cities in Andalusia you will never be bored as there’s plenty to do in and around each city.

📌 Seville

Alcazar, Cathedral, Plaza de España, Las Setas, day trips to small towns such as Carmona and Roman ruins such as Italica

Seville, by the way, is a very family friendly city. and is handily just three hours from Madrid, another incredible city to visit

➡️ Check out the perfect 1 day, 3 day and 5 day itineraries now!

➡️ Read up on what Seville is famous for & on how to plan your trip to the Alcazar

🔆 Check out our guide to exploring Seville safely during the summer months

📌 Malaga

Beaches, Pompidou Centre, Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, Mijas Pueblo

➡️ Check out the best 1 day and 3 day itineraries now

➡️ There are excellent day trips from Malaga including pueblos blancos, big cities, treks and more.

📌 Córdoba

Mezquita and Bell Tower, Explore the Jewish Quarter, Museums, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, day trips to gorgeous villages such as Zuheros and the Medina Azahara Arab ruins just outside town

➡️ Córdoba is an easy day trip from Seville or Malaga

⭐️ Figure out what you’d do with kids in Córdoba

📌 Cádiz

Walk the Campo del Sur, and enjoy the city beach, Castillo de San Sebastian, explore the old city, take day trips to the pueblos blancos of Cádiz

📌 Granada

When in Granda, explore the Alhambra, the Alhambra Museum, walk the winding streets of Granada’s historic center, visit the Bañuelos (the 11th century Arab baths), see the Paseo de los Tristes and the Carrera del Darro

➡️ Andalucia: Best of Nature

📌 Consider staying in Tarifa on the edge of national parks, Parque Natural del Estrecho and Parque Natural los Alcornocales

📌 Punta Umbria gives good access to the Doñana National Park and incredible wild beaches

📌 Three of my favourite small towns in Andalucia, Zuheros, Aracena and Antequera all give fabulous access to nature and incredible places to walk and explore.

➡️ Andalucia: Road Trip

Check out the three awesome road trips I’ve put together below ⬇️

⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️

1 Week in Andalucia: Road Trips

So let’s look now at the three incredible road trip 1 week itineraries I’ve put together for your 1 week in Andalucia.

The two main entry airports to Andalucia are Malaga and Seville so I created the itineraries using these as start/finish points. While it is technically possible to manage using only public transport, a rental car would make your life far easier. 

Should you be interested in a bespoke itinerary for Andalucia, please get in touch as I do offer this service. 

Please note that there is just so much to see and do in Andalucía that it is impossible to include everything in one week. It broke my heart, for example to leave out beautiful Córdoba and to not even consider Granada in these itineraries. Both could be visited as a day trip from Malaga and Córdoba is also possible as a day trip from Sevilla.

Malaga – Seville: 1 Week Itinerary

This Andalucia itinerary is perfect whether you’re flying into Malaga airport or Seville airport since you can just flip this itinerary on its head.

Day 1 Malaga – Capital of the Costa del Sol

Use your day in Malaga to explore the city or to relax on the beach depending on your preference.

Where to Stay in Malaga

⭐️ Mexico Cassie recommends Hotel Don Paco – for its great location and friendly staff

➡️ Check other Malaga hotel options here

Best Beaches in Malaga

🏖 Playa La Malagueta – city beach with chiringuitos (beachside restaurants), loungers and umbrellas for rent. This beach even has some grass areas for non-sand people (like my husband, sigh).

🏖 Playa de La Caleta – a smaller beach just to the east of Malaga. There are chiringuitos, and chic restaurants here. Paddle boarding and windsurfing are popular here.

🏖 Playas del Palo – this group of beaches just outside Malaga are popular with locals and families. The water is shallow and there are good chiringuito style restaurants.

🏖 Playa de la Misericordia – closer to the airport, this long sandy beach is always full of people enjoying themselves. Beware of the “Olla del Melillero”, the ferry wake that often surprises people here as it pushes water further up the beach than you might expect!

What to See in Malaga

✅ Explore the historic center, Pompidou Centre, Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, day trips to pueblos blancos such as Mijas Pueblo

Day 2 – Day trip to Mijas Pueblo

On your second day in Malaga, take a day trip to the small and beautiful pueblo blanco of Mijas Pueblo, one of my favourite small towns in Malaga. 

🚗 35 km /50 minutes

It can be hard to find on-street parking in Mijas and driving on the narrow streets of the town isn’t fun so I recommend using the public car park under the main plaza and exploring from there. 

Main attractions in Mijas

✅ Explore the picturesque narrow streets, visit the Plaza de la Consitucion and the Plaza Virgin de la Peña, find the flower stairs, enjoy the panoramic views down to the Mediterranean Sea from the miradors (look out points), visit one of the excellent museums in town.

Day 3 – Drive to Ronda – Explore Ronda

Ronda is a magnificent pueblo blanco in Malaga Province. It’s particularly well known for the plunging El Tajo Gorge that splits the town and the bridges that cross it.

🚗 100 km 1 hour

Where to Stay in Ronda 

⭐️ Mexico Cassie recommends Hotel Palacio de Hemingway – for its astounding views and great location

➡️ Or check other Ronda hotel options here

What to do in Ronda

✅ El Tajo Gorge and the three bridges – Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) and Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), find all the miradors in Ronda, take a walk down the gorge to see the bridges from below, visit the Casa del Rey Moro and explore the old city

⭐️ Ronda is also fun for kids – read more here

Day 4 – Day Trip to Walk the Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is one of the most famous walks in southern Spain. Follow the path through Desfiladero de los Gitanes including a section of narrow walkway that is pinned to the gorge walls in El Chorro for beautiful views.

🚗 59 km 1 hour

✅ Be sure to book your tickets in advance as this walk is extremely popular and regularly sells out. There are two types of ticket sold: self-guided and guided. If you want a guided tour, great, get that ticket. If you don’t want to but there are no self-guided tickets left, just grab a guided one and walk alone anyway. That’s what we did. If there are no tickets available on the official website, you’ll need to book onto a tour. Don’t turn up without a ticket and expect to be able to walk.

Caminito del Rey Details

📌 The walk is located in the Paraje Natural Desfiladero de los Gaitanes

📌 No children under 8 are permitted on the Caminito del Rey

📌 The Caminito is approximately 8 km long so takes around 3 hours to complete. 

📌 You may well read blogs claiming that this is the most dangerous walk in the world. This is clickbait. It used to be one of the most dangerous walks in the world, but in recent years it has been completely renovated and it is no longer dangerous or difficult. My (admittedly very fit) family rated it a difficulty 1/10 when we did this walk in 2023.

📌 If you don’t enjoy heights or aren’t used to hiking, you might struggle, otherwise it’s really a pleasant and easy enough walk (No walking sticks are permitted).

📌 On the official website you can purchase your walk ticket, a bus to/from the start point and your car park ticket. 

📌 Take water for your walk. The walk ends at the southern access point and here you’ll find picnic tables and stalls selling drinks and food. It’s a short walk from here to pick up the bus that returns you to the areas.

📌After your walk you could take a stroll down to the embalse (reservoir) to enjoy the beach atmosphere with locals.  

📌 We parked for free by the Restaurante El Kiosko and walked through the tunnel next to it to the North Access Entry point. This is about a thirty minute walk.

Day 5 Drive from Ronda to Seville via Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas is a fascinating small village where many of the buildings are actually built in the mountain side.

🚗 20 km 20 minutes to Setenil de las Bodegas

🚗 117 km 1hr 45 to Seville

Parking: blogs will tell you that there’s free parking all along the mountainside and while that’s true, it goes very fast so unless you’re early I recommend parking in the municipal car park on the edge of town.

What to do in Setenil de las Bodegas

✅ Setenil de las Bodegas is a small town that really just needs you to wander aimlessly and take in the atmosphere. However, don’t miss Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombre – these two narrow streets along either side of the Río Trejo are both built in and under the rock. If you have the energy, walk up to the Mirador del Carmen for views over the town

From here, drive into Sevilla to make the most of the capital of Andalucia before heading home.

Days 6 and 7 – Seville

Sevilla (Seville) is the capital of Andalucía and many consider it to be the most beautiful city in Spain. Whether you think this to be true or not, there’s no denying the city’s beauty. Seville is Spain’s fourth largest city yet with a population of well under 1 million people, it’s a delightful small city that’s easy to walk around.

Where to Stay in Seville

⭐️ Mexico Cassie Recommends Hotel de las Casas de la Judería – for its charm, history, beauty and location. There is simply nowhere more magical than this hotel.

➡️ Or check other Seville hotel options here

What to do in Seville

✅ While in Seville, you can’t miss the Royal Alcazar and its beautiful gardens, the Cathedral and La Giralda, Plaza de España and Maria Luisa park. If you have time, take a boat trip on the Guadalquivir and don’t miss Las Setas. I recommend going early evening so you can check out the archaeological museum before having a drink and enjoying the Las Setas evening walkway. If you’re so inclined, this is a great place to take in a flamenco show

This concludes the first of the three itineraries for your 1 week in Andalucia tour. 

Malaga  – Malaga: 1 Week Itinerary

For this 1 week in Andalusia road trip beginning and ending in Malaga, we follow Days 1 – 4 of the first day trip above. 

Day 5 – 6  Explore Antequera

Antequera is a small town pretty much slap-bang in the middle of Andalucia. Very few overseas visitors ever get to Antequera, which is a real shame as it’s a gorgeous place with some fascinating sites to visit.

🚗 88 km 1 hr 15 driving

Where to Stay in Antequera

⭐️ Mexico Cassie Recommends Hotel Coso Viejo – for comfort and excellent location

➡️ Or check other Antequera hotel options here

What to do in Antequera

✅ Visit the three UNESCO World Heritage Site Bronze Age dolmens around Antequera, gaze at the Pena de las Enamorados (the Lovers’ Rock), walk up to the Alcazaba, and then drive up to the Torcal de Antequera to be amazed by one of the most fascinating karst landscapes you’ll ever see. If you’re into walking, this is a perfect spot for a hike. If you’re not a walker, still drive up because there’s plenty to blow your mind even around the visitors’ centre. 

Day 7 Drive back to Malaga and relax on the beach / explore the town

🚗 60 km 1 hour

Seville to Seville: 1 Week Itinerary

Where to Stay in Seville

⭐️ Mexico Cassie Recommends Hotel de las Casas de la Judería – for its charm, history, beauty and location. There is simply nowhere more magical than this hotel.

➡️ Or check other Seville hotel options here

Day 1 – Explore Seville

What to do in Seville

✅ While in Seville, you can’t miss the Alcazar and its beautiful gardens, the Cathedral and La Giralda, Plaza de España and Maria Luisa park. If you have time, take a boat trip on the Guadalquivir and don’t miss Las Setas. I recommend going early evening so you can check out the archaeological museum before having a drink and enjoying the Las Setas evening walkway. If you’re so inclined, this is a great place to take in a flamenco show

Day 2 – Day trip to Carmona

Carmona, a beautiful old town near the Seville airport makes a perfect day trip from Seville.

🚗 35 km 30 minutes

What to do in Carmona

✅ Stroll through the old town, starting at the Puerta de Sevilla. Climb the ramparts for fabulous views of the region.  Walk to the well preserved Roman city gate, the Puerta de Cordoba. (Note that it is temporarily closed but normally it’s possible to climb up here too) Explore the Alcazar de Don Pedro, visit the Plaza de Abastos. This once bustling marketplace is today a delightful square that is a good option for a coffee or cold drink in the shade as you explore Carmona. Just outside the old city are the Roman Necropolis and Amphitheatre, which are also worth a visit.

Day 3 Drive to Cádiz

The beautiful and ancient city of Cádiz is a pleasure to explore and because this is an ocean front city, the seafood is excellent here too.

🚗 120 km 1 hr 20

Where to Stay in Cádiz

⭐️ Mexico Cassie Recommends Villa de Andas – beautiful apartment located in the old city with gorgeous rooftop pool with views over Cádiz

➡️ Or check other Cádiz hotel options here

What to do in Cádiz

✅ Walk the Campo del Sur, and enjoy the city beach, Playa de la Caleta, marvel at the enormous trees,  walk out to Castillo de San Sebastian, explore the old city, its many museums, plazas and churches.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Playa de Bolonia and Baelo Claudia

Playa Bolonia is a wide and beautiful beach and the Baelo Claudia Roman ruins are some of the most impressive on the Iberian Peninsula.

🚗 95 km 1 hour 10

✅ Drive along the gorgeous Cádiz coast to visit the phenomenal (and free) Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. There is a small museum in the visitors’ centre to explore before heading out to stroll around the ruins of this Roman town with the most beautiful backdrop you can imagine. After you’re done with the ruins, head out on to Bolonia Beach. If you have enough energy,  walk along the sandy beach and climb the dune for incredible views of the region. Eat lunch in a chiringuito on the beach and if you have time after you could even head into the nearby town of Tarifa for some extra exploring. 

Day 5 – Day trip to Jerez de la Frontera

Home of sherry, Jerez is a lovely old town in which to spend a day. 

_{Taken by professional baker based in Seville, Lynette of Joy of Cakes}

🚗 35 km 30 minutes

What to do in Jerez

✅ Explore the historic centre, visit the Cathedral, the Alcazar and the sherry wineries.

Day 6 – Drive to Seville stopping for lunch in a Pueblo Blanco

Choose somewhere like Arcos de la Frontera or Zahara de la Sierra to stop for lunch and a stroll on your way back to Seville. 

✅ Zahara de la Sierra is a gorgeous mountain pueblo blanco. Walking to the castle at the very top is not for the faint hearted but stopping for lunch and views is just fine.

✅ Arcos de la Frontera is another gorgeous pueblo blanco offering fabulous views and good food atop the monolith it sits on.

Day 7 – Explore Seville

✅ Using the information above, continue exploring the gorgeous city of Sevilla. Don’t forget to leave time to see Las Setas at night.

A Final Thought on Spending 1 Week in Andalucía

I hope that the ideas and itineraries in this article have given you some great ideas of how to spend your time in Andalusia. There is, of course, far too much to do and see in this region to be able to fit everything into one short week. You’ll just have to come back!