Eight days in Andalusia
This route encompasses the following cities of Andalusia: Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Malaga, as well as the Costa del Sol with its golden beaches and whitewashed villages (“pueblos blancos”). For almost eight centuries, Andalusia was under Islamic rule, which gave rise to the golden age of Al-Andalus, a period of intellectual development now known as the andalusí legacy. The formidable cultural heritage of that era has handed down to us some of the most beautiful and meaningful buildings in the world, such as the Great Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, the Giralda in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada, which are well worth a visit.
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Days 1 and 2: Seville
Arrive at Seville's Santa Justa station on the AVE high-speed train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha (two hours and 20 min) or Barcelona Sants (five and a half hours) or fly to Seville airport. Spend the next two days exploring the capital of Andalusia. Visit its Cathedral and admire its beautiful bell tower, the Giralda, while also discovering the Buhaira Palace, the Real Alcázar and the Torre del Oro. In the evening, don't forget to enjoy an exciting flamenco show. Spend the two nights in Seville.
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Day 3: Seville - Cordoba
Take the AVE high-speed train from Santa Justa station in Seville to Cordoba Central (43 minutes). This World Heritage city was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Moorish Spain, which was independent of Damascus and became one of the most important political and cultural centres in the world. It is home to the imposing Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the palace-city of Medina Azahara, the Calahorra Tower and the Albolafia Mill. Don't miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of the Christian Monarchs) and the Roman Bridge, located over the Guadalquivir River. Night in Cordoba.
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Day 4: Cordoba - Granada
Spend the night in Cordoba, and then take the AVE high-speed train to Granada. Take the high-speed train from Cordoba to the city of Granada, which is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and stands one hour from the sea. In the evening, visit the gypsy quarter, Sacromonte, which is known for its tradition of flamenco dancing. Night in Granada.
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Day 5: Granada
Visiting the Alhambra is a must, as it is one of the most significant elements of the city. It is an ancient Nasrid fortress that was home to sultans and kings. Today it is a World Heritage Site. In addition, when visiting the Alhambra, you will see the Patio de los Leones, the fountains of the Generalife and the Nasrid palaces. Stroll through the streets of the city to see El Bañuelo, one of the oldest and most complete Arab public baths that have been preserved in all Spain. Granada is a culturally rich city with a wonderful, lively atmosphere, full of tapas bars and tearooms suffused with an Arab inspiration. Night in Granada.
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Day 6: Granada - Malaga
Take the high speed train to Malaga. Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is a charming port city brimming with history and culture: from the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle to the Roman Theatre and the Picasso Museum. Don't miss out on the shops offering everything from Andalusian handicrafts to high-end fashion! Night in Malaga.
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Day 7: Malaga - Marbella or Ronda or Beaches of the Costa del Sol
Hire a car and head to the coastal town of Marbella, known for its luxurious lifestyle, but also for its charming old town. You may have heard of its marina, Puerto Banús, which is filled with luxury yachts, fine dining restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques. You can also visit unforgettable villages: Nerja, for example, has stunning beaches and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Frigiliana is known for its Moorish-influenced architecture and picturesque cobbled alleyways. Benalmádena consists of two distinct parts: the coastal area and then the mountain village, and you can explore its archaeological sites. The town of Fuengirola has a promenade that stretches for more than seven kilometres and a historic town centre that is a must, with the Sohail Castle or the Church of Santo Cristo. You can also visit Mijas and stroll through its beautiful old town full of cobbled streets with white houses; or Casares, where you should visit El Castillo, the Casa Natal Blas Infante, the Torre de la Sal or the bridge-aqueduct of Los Baños. You can hire a car for the day. If you prefer, you can take a AVE high-speed train to Antequera and switch trains there to head to the Andalusian town of Ronda. You can stroll through its cobbled streets. Walk across the stately New Bridge that crosses the gorge of El Tajo and enjoy spectacular views of the river. Also explore the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and the Lara Museum of Art, which hosts an amazing collection of historic artefacts. Night in Malaga.
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Day 8: Malaga
Before going to the airport, visit Genalguacil. It is a museum town with a peculiar urban structure. If you want to see it, you'll have to go! Then, fly from Malaga airport or take the AVE high-speed train back to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station (2 hours and 40 minutes).
