Your complete guide to a South Spain road trip: unforgettable one-week and two-week itineraries

Time for a South Spain road trip! Road trips are one of my favourite ways to travel. Explore off the beaten path and at your own leisurely pace. Stop at a one-shop village for coffee, picnic at a scenic viewpoint away from crowds, or stay in charming towns inaccessible by public transport.

My love of road tripping has only grown since becoming a parent. You have the freedom to see the sights while scheduling stops around naps, diaper changes and the needs of your little travel companions.  

The south of Spain is a haven for road trippers, including if you’re travelling with kids. A South Spain road trip will take you from the pristine beaches of Costa del Sol, to the whitewashed villages of Andalucia, to ancient palaces in historic cities. Take in these sights while indulging in delicious tapas, soaking up Spanish hospitality and basking in year-round sunshine. 

If this sounds like you, read on! This blog is your complete guide to a South Spain road trip and itineraries for one or two weeks on the road. I’ve included invaluable tips for road tripping in South Spain, must-visit spots and cities, and unforgettable South Spain experiences.

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South Spain road trip itineraries 

At a glance: Andalucia itinerary 7 days

Day 1-3: Seville 

Day 4: Jerez de la Frontera day trip

Day 4-5: Cadiz 

Day 5: Scenic drive to Puerto de las Palomas or Arcos de la Frontera day trip

Day 6-7: Ronda

Day 7: Setenil de las Bodegas day trip, return to Seville (or continue to Marbella, Costa del Sol for 2-week itinerary)

At a glance: Andalucia itinerary 14 days

Days 1-7: same as above Andalucia itinerary 7 days 

Day 1-3: Seville 

Day 4: Jerez de la Frontera day trip

Day 4-5: Cadiz 

Day 5: Scenic drive to Puerto de las Palomas or Arcos de la Frontera day trip

Day 6-7: Ronda 2 nights

Day 8: Scenic drive Ronda to Marbella, Costa del Sol

Day 8-9: Costa del Sol (Marbella, Estepona, or Malaga)

Day 10: Caminito del Rey hike or Frigiliana day trip

Day 10-12: Granada

Day 13: Priego de Córdoba day trip

Day 13-14: Córdoba

Day 14: Carmona day trip and return to Seville 

I use Seville as the start point for these Andalucia itineraries, but you can start your South Spain road trip from any city. Several cities in these itineraries have international airports where you can begin your journey. I’ve also kept drive times to less than two hours between destinations.

South Spain Road Trip: Things you should know

What is the best time of year for a South Spain road trip?

The short answer is that you can do a South Spain road trip at any time of year. Spring and autumn provide the best balance of comfortable temperatures and longer daylight hours without the intense summer crowds. 

You can also do a South Spain road trip in winter. Most parts of Andalucia experience quite mild winters. However, some cities get very cold in the winter, including Granada because of its location in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Some attractions and restaurants have shorter hours or are closed in winter.

A South Spain road trip is still a fantastic holiday in summer. The crowds are larger and the heat can be intense. Still, the cities are lively and vibrant well into the evening. Having a rental car also gives you the flexibility to drive during peak heat and reduces the need to walk far in the heat. 

Can I take my toddler or baby on a South Spain road trip?

Yes! Spain is an ideal location for a family vacation as children are welcomed and accepted as part of public life. We road tripped around Spain with our toddler, and found it was a great way to get around Spain. Drive times in these itineraries are less than two hours between stops. 

For tips for travelling Spain with young kids, check out my post on tips for exploring Spain with kids.

You can do this full itinerary in two weeks at a moderate pace, even with kids (trust me, we tested it with our toddler). Everyone likes to travel at a different speed so pick a pace that suits your family. 

What are the best scenic drives in South Spain?

This itinerary combines two of the most scenic drives in South Spain:

1. The road from Ronda to Marbella
2. Puerto de las Palomas (the highest point in Andalucia).

I’ve also included stop offs and day trips to help you make the most of having a car.

What is parking like in South Spain?

Parking in South Spain can sometimes be a challenge, especially during peak tourist season. We recommend researching parking options available before you arrive in a city.

For day trips, use online maps before arriving in a town. For overnight stays, your accommodation may provide parking or have recommendations for nearby parking lots.

Be prepared to pay for parking, particularly if you want to park close to the centre. Free parking is limited or far from the centre in many towns and cities.

Is driving on a South Spain road trip easy?

Driving between cities and towns in the south of Spain is quite easy. We found the highways between towns were well formed and exits to larger towns and cities were quite well signposted.

It is worth using online maps, especially as you get closer to your destination. We found that some exits to smaller towns were difficult to spot. 

While the highways are good driving roads, the roads in the historic towns and centres can be very narrow. Many historic centres also have restricted access to residents only.

Your accommodation will generally provide detailed instructions for parking and luggage drop off. Follow directions from your accommodation rather than online maps once you get to a town or city. We found online maps didn’t always take into account restricted access areas or road closures. 

Where should I start my South Spain road trip?

This itinerary starts in Seville as that is where we started. However, you can do this itinerary from any start point, or you can do the whole itinerary in reverse. 

If you can pick your start point, research rental car prices in different cities. We found rental car prices varied between different cities in South Spain that had international airports. Both itineraries in this post are round trips, as it’s cheaper to drop your car at the same place you picked it up. 

How do I arrange a rental car for my South Spain road trip?

Rental cars are readily available throughout South Spain. Compare rental companies online to find the best deal. Be aware that many rental cars are manual or stick shift. Make sure to search for an automatic transmission if this is something that you require.

We used rentalcars.com as we found it easy to compare prices, they had free cancellation, and we could select add ons (including a car seat for our toddler). We also found their prices were far cheaper than other searches that we used.

South Spain Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 weeks

You can push out this itinerary to 3 weeks if you prefer more leisurely travel. You can also break up the drives by turning day trips into overnight stays. Alternatively, skip some day trips or destinations and do the rest of the itinerary in less than two weeks. 

South Spain road trip: 1 week itinerary | Andalucia itinerary 7 days

If you only have one week, then week one of the two-week itinerary will give you a range of classic South Spain experiences without having to drive too far. Enjoy the ancient sites of Seville, the coast in Cadiz, sherry tastings in Jerez, and end by exploring smaller white-washed towns including the picturesque Ronda. 

If you want to focus on the larger inland cities, you can see Seville, Cordoba and Granada within one week. Drives between these cities are longer and may be better served by public transport. We also found parking harder in larger cities, and often longer walks between car parks and accommodation. 

Week 1: Seville, Cadiz, and Ronda (or full 1 week itinerary)

Seville

Day 1-3

A trip to Andalucia is not complete without a stop in Seville, and a perfect place to begin your South Spain road trip. 

Things to do in Seville: Visit the Real Alcazar (Royal Palace), explore the narrow streets and alleys of Barrio Santa Cruz, watch a public flamenco show at Plaza de Espana, and stroll along the river across to the Trina neighbourhood. 

Tips for making the most of your time in Seville: Visit the Royal Palace in the morning, before the temperatures and tourist numbers climb. Head to Plaza de Espana in the early evening to see the flamenco performers. The river and Trina neighbourhood also come alive in the evening.

If you aren’t travelling with a little one, there are plenty of bars and theatres where you can see a private flamenco show, but for us Plaza de Espana was a great place to see flamenco in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Where to eat in Seville: Seville is also a great place to indulge in tapas. Our favourite spot was La Antigua Abaceria with its accommodating hosts, homemade food, and cosy authentic feel. La Sacristia Tapas serves delicious slow-cooked meats and tapas from midday to midnight. We enjoyed an ‘early’ Spanish dinner here on one of the outdoor tables with a peak of view of Seville Cathedral.

Jerez de la Frontera

Day 4, day trip, 1 hour 15 min drive from Seville

Jerez de la Frontera is the home of Sherry (Jerez, in Spanish) and an ideal spot for your first day trip on your South Spain road trip before you hit the coast.

Things to do in Jerez: Visit one of the many sherry bodegas for a tasting and tour. We enjoyed Bodegas Lustau, but there are plenty of other options both in and on the outskirts of the city. 

Tips for making the most of your time in Jerez: Tours are generally set for a specific time and language, so book online in advance to avoid missing out. If you’re heading into one of the more central bodegas, check parking options and be aware that the streets can be very narrow. The benefit of visiting a central bodega is that you can explore some of the town after your tour.

Check out these options on Get Your Guide if you want to visit multiple sherry bodegas, or combine a sherry tasting with a tour of other parts of Jerez.

Cadiz

Day 4-5, 25 min drive from Jerez de la Frontera

A short drive from Jerez de la Frontera is the ancient port city of Cadiz. As the oldest city in Spain, Cadiz provides a delightful combination of history, a vibrant city atmosphere, and relaxing beaches.  

Things to do in Cadiz: Enjoy Caleta Beach or one of the many beaches that literally surround Cadiz. Take time to walk out to San Sebastian Castle which is built on an island connected to the mainland by a stone pathway. Visit the old town and Cadiz Cathedral, and take a relaxing stroll through waterfront Parque Genoves. 

Tips for making the most of your time in Cadiz: Do your sight-seeing in the morning before the day trippers arrive and to avoid the heat if travelling in summer. Then cool off at one of the many beaches in the afternoon. Parque Genoves has quite a bit of shade if you’re looking to escape the sun as well.

While I recommend a walk out to San Sebastian Castle, the castle itself was closed to the public when we were there, and I understand it has been for some time. 

Scenic drive: Zahara de la Sierra and Puerto de las Palomas

Day 5, 1 hour 20 min from Cadiz, and 1 hour 10 min to Ronda

Zahara de la Sierra is a stunning spot to stop on your South Spain road trip, and a welcome break after a long drive from Cadiz. Stop to enjoy the incredible lake views from this mountaintop village. 

Scenic drive to Puerto de las Palomas: From Zahara de la Sierra, take the incredibly scenic drive of Puerto de las Palomas. Take in the turquoise lake on one side and green canyon on the other. This is a very windy drive that takes you to the highest point in Andalucia (20 minutes from Zahara de la Sierra). Conveniently, there is a viewpoint and car park here so you can hop out to stretch your legs and take in the 360-degree views. 

We found this road was very well formed and quiet when we visited. However, it is very windy and steep in parts, and I would not recommend it if you are not confident or get carsick. If that is you, I’ve included an alternative route below.

Alternative route to Ronda from Cadiz: Stop off at Arcos de la Frontera

If you are after a more direct route that avoids the winding roads, you can get to Ronda in less than 2 hours with a stop off at Arcos de la Frontera (45 min from Cadiz). Arcos is still a spectacular stop with its dramatic cathedral on top of a 150 metre cliff.  We stopped for a roadside picnic looking up to the town. If visiting the town, be prepared for a steep walk up from the carparks. If travelling with a little one, a baby carrier would be your best bet. 

Ronda

Day 6-7, 1 hour 45 min from Cadiz, or 2 hours 30 min from Cadiz vía Puerto de los Palomas

The beautiful city of Ronda is set high on a rock plateau and divided by the dramatic El Tajo gorge. The spectacular Puente Nuevo (new bridge) joins the two sides and provides incredible views out to the countryside. 

Things to do in Ronda: hike down into the gorge to view the new bridge from below, enjoy sunset from the bar at Hotel Catalonia and get a view into the bullring at the same time, and walk along Puente Nuevo bridge after sunset to see it lit up. For more Ronda inspiration, check out my post for a perfect day in Ronda.

Tips for making the most of your time in Ronda: You can take it slow in Ronda for your entire stay, or use it as a base for day trips to nearby towns or scenic drives. My post on Ronda also includes a list of day trip options if you are looking to extend your stay. 

The track down to the gorge is not pram friendly and the unfenced drops make it unsafe for young kids to walk. We used a baby carrier to hike down into the gorge with our toddler.  

Setenil de las Bodegas

Day 7, day trip, 20 min drive from Ronda

The whitewashed town of Setenil is known for its buildings built directly into the rock cliff which overhangs the main street. It is also an easy 20 minute drive from Ronda, making it an easy day trip or lunch stop on your South Spain road trip. We had lunch under the rock overhang at Bar Frasquito. The food is delicious but arrive when it opens or be prepared to wait for a table. 

Do not attempt to drive into Setenil town. Research parking on the outskirts of town, and walk into the centre. I will let the photo speak for itself.  

If you are only doing week one of this itinerary, the drive back to Seville will take you about 1 hour 45 min. If not, read on! We are starting the second week of your South Spain road trip with a spectacular drive to the coast.

South Spain road trip: 2 week itinerary | Andalucia itinerary 14 days

Week 1: Seville, Cadiz, and Ronda

Week one of the two week road trip follows the same itinerary as the one week itinerary listed above. Instead of returning to Sevilla , continue on to the Costa del Sol via the scenic drive between Ronda and Marbella.

Week 2: Costa del Sol, Caminito del Rey, Granada, and Cordoba

Scenic drive: Ronda to Marbella

Day 8, approximately 1 hour 

Wherever you are staying in Costa del Sol, it is worth taking the road from Ronda to Marbella before continuing on to your destination. Start in the rolling hills and watch the coast appear in the distance. As you get close to Marbella, you pass lush golf courses and grand mansions before arriving at the beach. 

Marbella

The coastal town of Marbella is a great destination, day trip or stop off during your time in Costa del Sol. Everything is beautiful: flowers pour out of pots that line white-washed walls, the visitor maps are hand-painted on ceramic tiles, even the rubbish bins are colourful. 

Things to do in Marbella: Dine, shop or stroll through the lanes in the old town, then wander through Parques de la Alameda and neighbouring Avenida del Mar until you reach the beach.

Marbella is also a great spot for kids, with parks and playgrounds close to the centre. Like much of Costa del Sol, Marbella is also a great base if you want to get your fix of golf or water sports. 

Tips for making the most of your stay in Marbella: Parking in Marbella can be difficult and expensive. If you are doing a day trip, there is a central car park between Avenida del Mar and Parque de la Alameda.

If you are staying the night in Marbella, ask your accommodation for more cost-effective parking options. Plaza de los Naranjos in the old town is a great spot for dining and people watching. 

Costa del Sol

Day 8-9, approximately 1 -1.5 hour drive from Ronda depending on destination

It is worth spending at least a couple of nights in Costa del Sol, especially if visiting during summer. You can stay at an all-inclusive resort, enjoy the city life of Malaga, or stay in one of the smaller coastal towns. 

We stayed in the old town of Estepona, 25 minutes west of Marbella. We found it hard to pick a place to stay in Costa del Sol but I was so glad we settled on Estepona.

In Estepona we indulged in seafood lunch right on the beach after a morning swim. After a well-desrved siesta, we’d head into the old town in the evening where dining tables and buskers filled the cobbled streets. We visited in August, and every evening there was a kids fair on the beach. There is also a marina where you can take boat tours or enjoy the Sunday tourist market. 

Hike the Caminito del Rey

Day 10, day trip option, 1 hour from Marbella

The Caminito del Rey is an 8 kilometre path suspended 100 metres up on a sheer cliff overhanging a gorge. It was once considered one of the most dangerous walks in the world. The path is now much safer, having recently been restored and officially open to restricted numbers of visitors each day. 

Tips for hiking the Caminito del Ray: Book your tickets and return carpark transport ahead of time, as the number of walkers at any one time is limited. Guided tours are more expensive, but tend to have more times available than unguided tours. Go for a morning time slot in the summer, and be sure to pack water, snacks and sun protection. The walk takes 3-4 hours one way, and then return transport will take you back to the start. 

This is not the walk for you if you are afraid of heights, and you need to be fit enough to walk the path without stopping. Children under 8 are also not allowed on the path, including in a baby carrier.

My son and I enjoyed the beach in Estepona while my partner hiked the path. The pictures and memories he came back with make us want to take our son back when he is old enough to walk it. 

From the Caminito del Ray, you can head on to Granada (1 hour 45 min drive), or back to Costa del Sol (1 hour drive to Marbella). 

Frigiliana

Day 10, day trip option, 1 hour 20 min drive from Marbella

If the Caminito del Rey is not for you, you can make your way to Granada from the Costa del Sol via Frigiliana. Frigiliana is a charming town just 7 km inland from Nerja as you leave the south coast of Spain. After a few days on the coast we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the hilltop town of Frigiliana. 

Things to do in Frigiliana: This is a great place to pick up souvenirs or art by locals. Wander through the narrow cobbled lanes and you’ll find viewpoints back out to the coast. We stopped in Frigiliana over lunch time and went to a rooftop restaurant where we could enjoy the views over tapas and vino.

If you have more time and enjoy hiking, Frigiliana is a great place to stop for a night or longer. You can stay here as a base for hiking in the nearby Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park.  

Tips for making the most of your time in Frigiliana: You can visit Frigiliana as a stop off for lunch or day trip: it is relatively small and there is a paid parking building close to the centre. If travelling with a pram, be aware that many roads in the old town are steep and bumpy. Because of the hilly location, there are also stairs to get into many shops and restaurants. We lugged our pram around, but in hindsight should have taken the baby carrier.

Granada

Day 10-12, 1 hour 45 min drive from the Caminito Del Rey or 1 hour 10 min drive from Frigiliana

Granada is a city teeming with history and culture and nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. While it’s most famous for the Alhambra, this beautiful city has so much to offer. It is worth staying a few days if you can. 

Things to do in Granada: Take your time exploring the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens complex, visit the Albaicin neighbourhood, enjoy sunset views of the Alhambra from Mirador de San Nicolas in Albaicin, browse the Alcaiceria market, and admire the Granada Cathedral. If you’ve got the time, make sure you visit a Moorish tearoom or try a hammam bath while you’re in Granada.

Tips for making the most of your stay in Granada: Book your tickets to the Alhambra well in advance and make sure you visit the Nasrid Palace at the time specified on your ticket. Allow plenty of time when visiting the Alhambra to make the most of your visit.

The Albaicin neighbourhood is very hilly with old cobbled roads: if travelling with a toddler, leave your pram at your accommodation and opt for a baby carrier. 

Priego de Córdoba

Day 12, day trip, 1 hour 15 min drive from Granada

Priego de Córdoba is a great place to stop between Córdoba and Granada. Priego is known for its baroque architecture, particularly the fountains and churches throughout the town. This is a beautiful place to stretch your legs or enjoy a much needed meal on your South Spain road trip.

Córdoba

Day 13-14, 1 hour 15 min drive from Priego or 2 hour 10 min drive from Granada

Córdoba is a city shaped by different civilisations, making it a fascinating place to visit and an essential stop on your South Spain road trip. 

Things to do in Córdoba: Explore the Jewish Quarter, take in the mesmerising architecture of the Mosque-Cathedral, walk along the Roman Bridge at sunset, and do a patio garden tour of typical Andalucian courtyards.

We also found Córdoba had plenty of delicious food options regardless of your budget. You can find more information about Córdoba in my one day in Córdoba post.

Tips for making the most of your stay in Córdoba: I would recommend two nights in Córdoba to allow for at least one full day to explore. However, the historic centre is quite compact so you could do a shorter stay and still see the main sights.

If you aren’t able to do a patio tour, La Casa Andalusi is worth a visit to see a typical Andalucian home and courtyard. The Mosque-Cathedral and Roman Bridge are quite spectacular in the early evening when they are lit up and the sun is setting. 

Carmona

Day 14, day trip, 1 hour 15 min drive from Córdoba

Carmona is an ideal spot to break up the journey between Seville and Córdoba. We had planned to stop here to explore but we decided not to disturb our sleeping toddler. Instead we drove up to the impressive but confusingly-named Gate of Sevilla, and then continued back to Seville. 

From Carmona, a 40 minute drive will take you back to Seville where your South Spain adventure began.

Accommodation in South Spain: Best places to stay

I’ve included places that we stayed during our South Spain road trip that I would recommend to others looking for accommodation. I have not included places we stayed that I would not recommend to friends and family.

All of these places are centrally located in walking distance to the main attractions, provided recommendations for parking, were family friendly, and provided a travel cot on request.

Seville accommodation: Hotel Fernando III

Comfortable hotel with a rooftop pool very close to Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar. We had a small room with a terrace, but there are also suites available.

Ronda accommodation: Hotel Catalonia

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this spacious and modern hotel right in the centre of Ronda. The rooftop pool looks over the bullring and out to the countryside, and the bar is a perfect spot for watching the sunset.

Estepona accommodation: Sealine Apartment Estepona

Large two bedroom beachfront apartment with two decks: one looking back to the town and the other looking out to the sea. This is an apartment, not a hotel, and included a full kitchen with cooking facilities.

Granada accommodation: Apartmentos Monteclaros

Spectacular views of the Alhambra from the courtyard and pool. Multiple room options including ‘cave casas’. Great location for exploring Albaicin and views of the Alhambra, but a bus or decent walk into the historic centre. Our room included a kitchenette with cooking facilities and a fridge.

Cordoba: Apartmentos los Patios de la Juderia

Comfortable apartments with multiple room options. Has a communal pool and some of the larger apartments have private pools. Central location just a couple of blocks from the Mosque-Cathedral and Roman Bridge. Our room included a full kitchen with cooking facilities and a fridge.

I hope this post has inspired you to explore the South of Spain on the road. Whether you follow one of these itineraries, or create your own journey, you can be sure that your road trip will be an unforgettable holiday full of incredible food, mesmerising sights, and beautiful towns.