Spain: Andalusia Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights

Spain is a huge country to visit. For a short one- or two-week vacation, it’s best to choose one region and really explore it.
Andalusia, in the south of Spain, borders the Mediterranean and offers pleasant weather year-round. I went there in February 2022, outside peak season, to explore the region in a camper van. At that time of year, temperatures were around 15–20 degrees, which is great for walking around and doing sports. To see as many places as possible, I recommend renting a vehicle.
Whether you’re driving along the scenic route through white villages, past countless fields of olive trees, enjoying the sunny coastline, the Sierra Nevada mountains or the bustle of its major centers, if you visit Andalusia, you’ll remember this trip for a long time to come.

Andalusia – Using points for a trip to Spain
To save on your trip to Andalusia, I suggest using a no foreign transaction fee card such as the Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card or the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite* Card.
You can then use your points to cover expenses related to accommodation, airfare, and camper van rental. In my case, we rented a van from VanBreak (a Francophone company, by the way) and the expense was eligible for reimbursement with HSBC Rewards points.
If you choose to rent Airbnbs, refer to the complete guide on how to save on Airbnbs with points.
Also, there are many Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Spain at very good prices. Check out this article to get free hotel nights!
Also check out our features on Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Spain:
Getting to Spain
Andalusia is served by two international airports: Seville (SVQ) and Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP). Air Transat operates the Montreal–Málaga route year-round. In high season, expect to pay close to $1,000 for a round-trip ticket.
One way to save on Air Transat is to use flexible rewards points. Many programs let you apply points to any travel expense. The most popular are American Express Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, Scene+, and NBC À la carte Rewards Plan.
For example, the welcome bonus on the CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card could save you $500 on your flights to Spain!
Otherwise, you can choose the cheapest flight to Spain and get to Andalusia with a rental car or by using public transit. From Madrid, Málaga and Seville are served by buses and trains.
Personally, I really like ridesharing. I find this option fast and affordable, and it lets me meet locals I can chat with. The best-known site in Europe, and widely used by backpackers, is Blablacar.
The site is the same for all of Europe. It is secure, and credit card payments are made via the web page or the application.
To create an account, you’ll need to send a photo of your ID, a valid email address, and a phone number that will be verified by text message. After that, you can search for a ride or offer one if you want to reduce the cost of your rental car.
Andalusia – Sample itinerary for two weeks
Here’s a sample itinerary for visiting Andalusia:
- Málaga
- Cave of Nerja and short hike in the Sierra Nevada
- Grenada
- Spend a few hours in Guadix and return to Granada
- Cordoba
- Cordoba
- Seville
- Seville
- Getaway around Seville (mining train, Cave of Wonders)
- Sherry
- Gibraltar (United Kingdom)
- Ronda
- Return to Málaga via Setenil de las Bodegas
- Departure from Málaga

The must-sees of Andalusia
Seville
The beautiful city of Seville was my favourite in the region. The capital of Andalusia, it is the largest city in the world. It is worth spending a few days there.
Its downtown is buzzing with people, with terraces full (yes, even in February!), and its attractions are all within walking distance. It’s a city that’s just as beautiful by day as by night, and a great place to catch a flamenco show.
Don’t miss:
- Plaza de España
- Maria Luisa Park
- Setas de Sevilla
- Sevilla Cathedral and its Giralda bell tower
- Alcazar of Seville
- Torre del Oro





Málaga
Málaga’s international airport makes it an ideal starting point, as it lies on the seafront of the Costa Del Sol, a region renowned for its seaside resorts. Its tourist center is minor than Seville, and a short stop is enough to take the city’s pulse.
You’ll find:
- Walk along the Muelle Uno waterfront
- Beaches of Malagueta and La Caleta
- Alcazaba de Málaga
- Gibralfaro Castle
- Picasso Museum
- Roman Theatre
Cordoba (Cordoba)
This important ancient Roman city is steeped in history, and its Muslim influences are still present. In fact, the city’s historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see:
- The cathedral mosque
- The Roman bridge
- The alley of flowers
- Jewish Quarter
- Alcazar of Cordoba
- The synagogue of Cordoba





Ronda
Despite its small size, Ronda has nothing to envy other cities. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, with its unique bridge that’s an integral part of the landscape.
We come to Ronda for:
- Observe the view from the Puente Nuevo bridge
- Visit the Plaza de Toro (Spain’s oldest bullfighting arena)
- The Arab baths
- Mondragon Palace
- Palace of the Moorish King
- Gardens of Cuenca






Granada
A stunning city dominated by its famous Alhambra perched atop a rocky hill. This monument is also the one I was most recommended in Andalusia—and for good reason. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
The attractions of the city are:
- Alhambra
- Belvedere San Nicolas
- Paseo de los Tristes
- Albaicin neighborhood



Sherry (Jerez de la Frontera)
Wine lovers will visit the city to learn more about how Xérès wine is made, typical of the region. Visiting vineyards is the main reason to come here. Beach lovers will head instead to its neighbour, the city of Cádiz, to soak up the sun or stroll along the sea and castles.
To discover Sherry wine:
- Bodega Pedro Domecq
- Bodega Tio Pepe
- Bodega Lustau
- Bodega Diez Merito


Gibraltar (United Kingdom)
One of my favourite days of the trip was when we took a day trip to Gibraltar. This territory in the south of Spain belongs to the United Kingdom, so don’t forget your passport! One day is enough to see it all. If you have a rental vehicle, park in Spain and cross on foot—you’ll save on fees and border wait times, especially since Gibraltar is very walkable.
Go to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to buy your ticket :
- to observe the only colony of monkeys in Europe,
- to visit the St-Michael cave,
- to make a tour of the points of view. You can even see the African continent on a clear day,
- walk through tunnels dating back to the Second World War,
- learn about Gibraltar’s history and strategic location.
Unusual villages
Two unusual villages caught my attention during our road trip. Both are small and can be visited in a short stop.
- Guadix: a troglodytic village where the inhabitants still live in their houses dug into the rock. It’s possible to visit the houses and the interpretation museum.
- Setenil de las Bodegas: a village of white houses built into the rock. The streets covered by the rock are famous on Instagram.
Activities in nature
To take a break from the big cities, recharge in nature, get active, or discover Spanish landscapes, here are a few ideas for spending time outdoors:
- Caminito del Rey: one of Andalusia’s top activities
- Torcal de Antequera Park: free park with impressive rock formations
- Belvedere Puerto del Boyar: a quick stop by car for a breathtaking view
- Hiking in the Sierra Nevada: I recommend the Cahorros de Monachil route with its suspension bridges and passages under rocks
- Hike near Ronda: ask at the El Bosque tourist office
- Canyoning in Ronda: rappelling down a waterfall and cliff jumps
- Climbing and Via Ferrata: Spain has a well-developed network of climbing walls and via ferratas that you can do self-guided or with a guide. We tried the Via Ferrata La Mocha in La Iruela on our own.
For more activities, check out those offered by GetYourGuide.
Family activities
For a change from historic visits to castles and cathedrals, here are other ways to explore and have fun.
- Nerja Cave: one of its columns is in the Guinness Book of Records. They also have audio with a kids option. Outdoor park and games.
- Grotto of the Marvels: Possibly the most beautiful grotto I’ve ever seen!
- Oasys mini Hollywood theme park: A western village that has been used as a backdrop for several films, demonstrations and shows.
- Rio Tinto Mine: open pit mine. Travel on the mining train.
- Learn about olive oil production at the Oleicola San Francisco factory.

Travel Guide
To visit Andalusia, don’t forget to bring a travel guide from our partner Ulysses: Explore Seville and Andalusia.

Conclusion
You now have everything you need to plan a fabulous stay in Spain with your points! Share your recommendations with the community in our Facebook group!

Feel free to check out my other articles:
Want another Mediterranean island to explore on a road trip? Check out our 7- to 10-day Mallorca road trip itinerary, with the island’s must-sees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most beautiful place in Andalusia?
Granada’s Alhambra is often cited among Andalusia’s most remarkable sites. Set on high ground, this Moorish palace complex combines impressive architecture with lush gardens dotted with refined fountains.
What’s the best time of year to visit Andalusia?
The best time to visit Andalusia is spring (March to June) and fall (September to November) thanks to pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring cultural attractions. Summer is hot and great for the beach, while winter can be cool and rainy, limiting outdoor activities.
Where to spend a week in Andalusia?
For a week in Andalusia, start in Seville, then head to Granada to visit the Alhambra, followed by Cordoba for the Mezquita-Cathedral. If you have time, explore white villages such as Ronda and Mijas, then finish in Málaga for relaxation on the beach and local culture. This itinerary offers a complete experience of Andalusia in one week.
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