andalucia slow tours

Slow Traveling Andalusia, Spain: Pueblos Not to Miss

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Last updated on April 30th, 2024 at 06:33 pm

A re you curious about slow traveling through Andalusia, Spain? The charming pueblos sprinkled throughout Andalusia, oozing with rich culture and history, are best experienced at a slow pace, soaking in everything they have to offer. We welcome guest author Bag Lady, Meredith San Diego , who lives in Spain, to share her favorite pueblos you simply can’t miss. Whether you’re looking for rich cultural exchanges, outdoor adventures, or history she’s got you covered. Check out her full author bio at the end to connect, and make sure you follow her for sustainable and slow travel tips.

What We’re Covering

What is Slow Travel

Pueblos Not To Miss

Priego de Cordoba

Setenil de Las Bodegas

Slow Travel: The Future

Why Slow Travel Through Andalusia?

Have you been wondering what the benefits of slow traveling actually are? It’s a term that keeps popping up in recent months tied to the sustainable traveling movement. The truth is most folks are lost on how slow traveling can actually benefit them. Allow me to explain it a bit further. The idea is to take one’s time exploring a destination to support the local economy. If this notion piques your curiosity, then read on. These are my personal experiences of slow traveling Andalusia and a few of the pueblos not to miss.

My first time in Spain was back in 2014. I would have graciously guffawed at anyone proclaiming that five adventure-packed years later, I would be relocating here. Life, it’s what happens when you’re busy making plans for other things, right? Those first adventures in Spain were spent train-hopping from one big city to the next. Thankfully, my last handful of years backpacking imprinted the idea of minimalism and slow traveling on my adventure backdrop. In hindsight, a brilliant adaptation considering the state of the world these days. Thankfully, I wasted no time getting out there to explore the charm of the white-washed buildings of Andalusia.

So, which pueblo did I slow travel to first?

Taking advantage of living in Andalusia as an Auxiliar , long and short-distance buses were the go-to for logistics. Typically buses in Europe are affordable, quasi reliable, and some come with working toilets and wifi. As a temporary resident of Cordoba, there were actually dozens of pueblos to choose from. So much so that the choice of where to start was challenging. Luckily, some colleagues were born in several pueblos scattered throughout the province. But as a result of a few short Spanglish conversations later, I had some direction. One of these towns was a mear 33 minutes east of my location. How could I not check it out?

Boy, am I glad that I did. Priego de Cordoba is set in the olive tree-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This charming pueblo is known for the Baroque-style churches and genuine hospitality of locals. Various violent sieges have historically ravaged this area of the region. Nowadays, Priego de Cordoba is a quiet town comprised of less than 23,000 folks.

The perfect slow-moving day trip to the town opened my eyes to the beauty of the Andalusian region. Olive trees as far as the eye can see, the smell of those being pressed for oil hanging on the warm summer air. The sun hung high in the midday sky, acting as a spotlight as I explored cobblestone street after cobblestone street. Smiling and greeting each stranger ( Buenas ) that passed me as I snapped and posed for photos. 

Where should you slow travel to next?

If you enjoy outdoor activities, don’t miss out on slow traveling to Iznajar. There’s a little something for everyone to be found there. Some examples include hiking, windsurfing, city walks, and there’s even a beach. These elements serving as a handful of reasons why this location is highly desirable. Also located in the Cordoba province, Iznajar is almost right in the middle of the region. This hillside pueblo sits right along the Genil River. As if the white walls decorated by carnations spilling over hand-decorated ceramic pots wasn’t an excuse enough, right? Go on and Google the images; I’ll wait. 

For the history lovers out there, the castle was built in the 8th century, the main church in the 16th. This pueblo is dripping in the best of Andalusian culture in the best ways. It’s worth noting that Iznajar is a seasonal location. Meaning you will witness the beauty in the online images you just scoured at a specific time of the year. Typically, the climate is sunny all year in this region, but visiting between April and September is recommended. July and August being the hottest months of the year. 

My time in Iznajar was short and at the beginning of the Christmas holiday. As a result, many sights were closed, and the streets were pretty barren. Nonetheless, the calmness of the day made for amazing bird watching. But I did take advantage of snapping more than few breathtaking landscapes not interrupted by human bodies, too. 

Which pueblo did slow traveling Andalusia take me to next?

Located in the province of Cadiz, places like Setenil de Las Bodegas date back to the era of Romans. This pueblo dates back to the 12th century in history books. However, it’s rumored plenty of inhabitants were there much earlier than that. Perhaps having a portion of the pueblo built into the hillside has something to do with it. Or perhaps the wine and olive oil, which are both pristine from this province, respectively. 

My visit to this town was as part of a day trip organized by Delgado Viajes . The day’s adventure included a stop in one other popular pueblo, Ronda. Both towns are aesthetically pleasing and highly recommended. The vistas (views) offered in both destinations will slap you with wanderlust’s open hand. Strolling through the rock-covered alleyways and climbing stairs likely built by Romans were my highlights. 

What did slow traveling Andalusia teach me?

Slow Travel, The Future of Sustainable Travel

What’s not to love about taking the time to slowly introduce yourself to the history, culture, and gastronomy of a foreign country? Not a whole lot else, in my personal opinion. Tourism as an industry is leaning in on sustainability. Will you lean into learning more about how it can benefit you too? Slow traveling can be a healthy substitute for luxury travel. Consider it as a mindset, and the concept can be applied in almost any scenario. The responsibility falls to all of us to do our part before tourism as a whole disappears. 

The passion for exploring this planet runs deep in my wanderlust veins. Therefore, I take my chosen method(s) of traveling quite seriously, as do I the opportunity to educate others on how to do the same. Slow traveling Andalusia exposed me to many memorable pueblos. What will slow traveling show you on your next adventure?

Spread the Curiosity

Have more Andalusian pueblo recommendations? Drop them in the comments and tell me why it was memorable for you. 

What is your favorite place to slow travel? Or what is the benefit of slow traveling through your home region? Share in the comments so we can all plan our next slow adventure.

Thanks again, to Bag Lady Meredith San Diego for this guest post. If you’re looking for unique sustainable, eco, or solo female travel content then work with Meredith for optimized content, with a personal touch!

About the Author: Meredith San Diego

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The TOMA & COE Blog

Slow travel: experience the spain you never knew.

• By Deborah Cater
• June 22, 2022

Slow Travel is a way of travelling that allows you to connect – with the culture, people and their way of life. At TOMA & COE, we help you do just that through our bespoke, guided tours and trips.

Slow Travel is a mindset. An extension of the Slow Food movement which started in Italy, it emphasises a connection to local people, their culture, food and music. But what does that mean?

Essentially, it means not having a tick list of ‘must sees’. Yes, they can be part of your holiday, but slow travel is about experiencing an emotional impact. Consideration of the local communities and environment are other essential elements. Combine monuments with local experiences, just don’t try and cram them all into one trip.

Take your time… and let us be your guides to the Spain you never knew.

Stay For Longer

The longer the stay, the greater the connection. It’s also better for the environment – as you spend more time in one place, you reduce the negative impact of travel. You become accustomed to the culture, people, food and landscape. You explore and get to know the intricacies of your holiday destination.

At Toma & Coe, we can arrange luxury accommodation which offers you privacy and the chance to involve yourself in local surroundings and activities.

Slow Travel Fosters Connections

If you don’t know the local language, this can be a daunting prospect. This is where Toma & Coe comes in. We can introduce you to restaurants where they serve authentic dishes and the atmosphere is true to the area. We know where you can experience local trades, such as lace making, olive oil production or viticulture. Want to visit the food market then prepare a dish under the tutelage of a local cook? We can organise all this and more for you.

When you experience Slow Travel, you get to know the people in the destination you’re travelling to; that’s when beautiful things happen.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

We’re fans of sustainable travel. By slowing down and exploring in depth, you’ll make less of an impact on the environment. Rather than a private transfer, take the train to your destination and watch the town and countryside unfurl before you.

Spain also hosts some incredible train journeys , from Mr Henderson’s Railway to the luxury El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Enjoy beautiful destinations in a more sustainable manner and let us be your guides.

Experience the Destination from a Different Perspective

Get to know your holiday destination from a local perspective. At Toma & Coe, we create bespoke tours to suit you. Whether they are private tours, foodie tours, wine tours or luxury tours to walking holidays, activity holidays and more.

Our private Andalucia guides promise to show you parts of each town and city you would never be able to find on your own. At a slower pace than your average tour, you get to delve into the secret places tourists don’t usually get to see. We share our passion for Andalucia with you every step of the way.

Visit During Low-season

This isn’t always possible, especially if you have children. However, a low-season trip is beneficial in so many ways.

Firstly, there’s no jostling with peak season tourists. Secondly, you’ll experience the destination as somewhere people, live, work and play, not simply a tourist destination. All this helps you connect with the area’s intrinsic spirit.

Time for Self-reflection

“Having heard the term Camino Magic, which refers to the unexplained good fortune, synchronicity, and connections along the path, I realized that much of that would not have been apparent without the magician – Manni Coe. On our recent trek on the Camino Mozarabe, he imbued the journey with incredible insights, cultural knowledge, and guidance – all with humor, patience, and good spirit. I can’t imagine embarking on such a pilgrimage without Manni.” 5* review, May 2022

Travelling is not only about new adventures but offers a chance for contemplation and self-reflection. As you slow down, you have time to relax with your thoughts.

What better way than to undertake the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage . At Toma & Coe we offer you the opportunity to undertake a journey of physical and emotional enlightenment with fellow pilgrims or group of friends.

The Benefits of Slow Travel

However you want to Slow Travel, there are numerous benefits. Instead of trying to fit in every sightseeing opportunity on your list, this way of travel encourages time for rest. Save energy and recharge your batteries.

You get to know the best local spots off the beaten path, enjoy the area’s natural beauty rather than rush from one historical site to another and truly immerse yourself.

If you’d like to know more about Slow Travel experiences, please feel free to contact us here .

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Main attractions

Mezquita de Córdoba

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Andalusia's Natural Treasures

Cerro del Hierro

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• Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Our capitals . Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Almería +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Cádiz +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Córdoba +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Granada +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Huelva +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Jaén +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Málaga +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info Sevilla +info
• Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno Almería y su Entorno
• Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento Alpujarra Almeriense/Río Nacimiento
• Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar Cabo de Gata y Níjar
• Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería Costa de Almería
• Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres Sierra de los Filabres
• Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez Sierra de María/Los Velez
• Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora Valle de Almanzora
• Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) Costa de la Luz (Cádiz)
• Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales Campo de Gibraltar/Los Alcornocales
• Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz Cádiz
• Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera Jerez de la Frontera
• Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema Pueblos Blancos/Sierra de Grazalema
• Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno Córdoba y su Entorno
• Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir Córdoba y la Zona del Guadalquivir
• La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba) La Campiña (Córdoba)
• Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato Alto Guadiato
• La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética La Subbética
• Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches Los Pedroches
• Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada Altiplano de Granada
• Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrín
• Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado Hoya de Guadix y Marquesado
• La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana La Vega y la Campana
• El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino El Poniente Granadino
• Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada Granada y Sierra Nevada
• La Alpujarra La Alpujarra La Alpujarra La Alpujarra
• Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero Andévalo y Parque Minero
• Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno Doñana y Entorno
• Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche
• Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva) Costa de la Luz (Huelva)
• Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos Huelva y Lugares Colombinos
• Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado Niebla y el Condado
• Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno Jaén y Entorno
• Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros Sierra Morena/Sierras de Andújar y Despeñaperros
• Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina Sierra Mágina
• Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas
• Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza Úbeda/Baeza
• Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén Sierra Sur y Campiña de Jaén
• Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental Axarquía/Costa del Sol Oriental
• Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno Antequera y Entorno
• Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental Costa del Sol Occidental
• Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno Málaga y Entorno
• Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal Serranía de Ronda/Valle del Genal
• Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce Valle del Guadalhorce
• El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe El Aljarafe
• La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir La Marisma/Bajo Guadalquivir
• La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir La Vega del Guadalquivir
• Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno Sevilla y Entorno
• Sierra Norte Sierra Norte Sierra Norte Sierra Norte
• Main attractions . Main attractions . Main attractions . Main attractions . Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info Mezquita de Córdoba +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info La Giralda +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Alcazaba de Málaga +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Jaén Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Cádiz Cathedral +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Muelle de las Carabelas +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alcazaba de Almería +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info Alhambra y Generalife +info
• Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Andalusia's Natural Treasures . Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Cerro del Hierro +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Doñana +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Duna de Bolonia +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Caminito del Rey +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info Georuta Desierto de Gorafe +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info La Geoda de Pulpí +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Gruta de las Maravillas +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Tinto River +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Los Alcornocales +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierra Nevada +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Sierras Subbéticas +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Torcal de Antequera +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info Despeñaperros +info
• Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol
• Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz Costa de la Luz- Cadiz
• Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva Costa de la Luz-Huelva
• Costa Tropical Costa Tropical Costa Tropical Costa Tropical
• Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches Blue Flag beaches
• Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities Gastronomic Activities
• Michelin Star Michelin Star Michelin Star Michelin Star
• Recipes Recipes Recipes Recipes
• Adapted Golf Adapted Golf Adapted Golf Adapted Golf
• Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt Pitch & Putt
• Live . Live . Live . Live . Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info Offers and Experiences +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Astrotourism - Star Tourism +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Tourist Routes +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Andalucía a caballo +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Meetings and congresses +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Spanish language schools +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info Cyclotourism +info
• Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . Andalusia made to measure . With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info With the family +info - +info - +info - +info - +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info Digital and energetic nomad +info
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Andalucía Slow Tours

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Sustainable Tourism & Slow Travel concept

Embrace the tourism revolution in ronda, spain.

Slow Movement, Slow Food, Slow Travel. These are some of the key principles that we hold dear and that inspire us to tailor original experiences for our guests. Our heart’s desire is to unite families, couples, and lonely wanderers around the Slow Travel philosophy for them to discover the priceless wonders of Andalusia.

Help us by promoting a greener future for Spanish tourism. The historic town of Ronda and its ancestral culture will make you see the world in a brand new light. Experience la ‘vida local’ and embark on a unique journey to learn the secrets of the Slow Travel philosophy in  Ronda .

Slow Travel Concept

The slow travel philosophy is integral to all we do at the company. It’s important to us to stay loyal to that philosophy, and as such, everything we offer here has been developed with it in mind.

We have established a close network in the community, working regularly with local families and businesses that share our vision. This shared passion for sustainable tourism strengthens our relations, so we’re always working to provide the best experience for our guests whilst making positive contributions to the local community .

We fight through the superficial nature of mass-tourism and forge a path to a deeper experience, giving access to information only known to locals and access to places that would otherwise be sadly overlooked. 

Sustainable Tourism

Our activities involving tasting and cooking also count on another philosophy. A key part of sustainable tourism relates to food and where it is acquired. As such, we keep the idea of farm-to-table in mind, keeping close contacts with local farmers and producers so we know directly where our resources come from. Not only does this create a more authentic experience, tasting the food grown on Andalusian soil, but it can have a significant positive impact on animal welfare and local farmers all whilst furthering the positive impact of sustainable tourism in Spain.

With this philosophy applied to our Ronda tours too, we ensure that the must-see places can be ticked off your list of things to do in Ronda but with a different approach. We complement the museums and prolific sites by walking through the winding streets which boast their own personal history known to the locals. Half the pleasure of a Ronda tour comes from the knowledge you leave with, something that we focus on so that the experience stays with you after you depart. Get to learn the unique facts and figures that aren’t on the tourist boards!

Local Community

And with all our activities running under the slow travel philosophy, there’s the chance to go further with cultural immersion by experiencing the real life of the local community through us too with a homestay . A key part of slow travel is full immersion in the culture, and an easy way to achieve this is by going in the home of a local family and sharing in their lives.

This way, there’s involvement in all parts of Spanish life: Spanish facilities, Spanish food and Spanish people , all rolled into one. Coming home from an activity with us, to be greeted by the smiling faces of your host family is the perfect way to make the experience here in Ronda a little different.

Do you want to experience Ronda like a local?

Get to know everything about our city with the guide 'experience local' map and get around the best hotspots of ronda., embrace the tourism revolution.

Experience la ‘vida local’ and embark on a unique journey to learn the secrets of the Slow Travel philosophy!

Slow Travel concept

Ronda Spain — Slow Ronda is a Spanish travel company that develops authentic and sustainable activities based on the Slow Tourism philosophy. In that way, we are proud to provide travellers with a wide range of tours and activities in Ronda, Andalusia. We help people to experience the local culture, history, and craftsmanship of this marvellous city high in the clouds.

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+34 675 153 133 info@entrelenguas.  com

Central office Calle Espíritu Santo 9 29400, Ronda, Málaga

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"Great hotels and breakfasts, we saw lots of places in short time and small towns we would have never seen on our own." XIMENA, traveled in August 2023

Madrid and Andalusia (6 destinations)

"Wether is very warm." Analyn, traveled in August 2023

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

"All tour members bond well together just like a family. Well done VPT." Tam, traveled in November 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Best of Southern Spain

"The itinerary was good; liked the fact that we had a lot of time on our own and that we had the same hotel at least 2 nights in a row." Rachel, traveled in April 2023

Colors of Spain - 8 Days

"Very heavily based in Spanish. Would be better to have more evenly split groups" diane, traveled in October 2022

From Madrid to Barcelona

"The included tours were very good." Gabriella, traveled in May 2023

Andalusia and Toledo 5 Days from Madrid

"One of the Best Tours i have taken. Julia tours was fantastic." Beverley, traveled in July 2019

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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"Highly recommend Julia Travels for any tours in Spain and Portugal. Our 18 days tour was planned and executed perfectly." Mr., traveled in July 2022

Journeys: Discover Spain National Geographic Journeys

"The accommodations were fine, except for the hotel in Madrid - Acta Medfor. In fact, I arrived a day early and paid for one night." Beverly, traveled in October 2019

Best of Spain

"The tour took us to the areas of Spain we wanted to see. Viviana went out of her way to ensure we had the information to see the sights each day."

Colors of Charming Spain - 9 Days

"Hotels, tour guides, transpiration, transfers all very good. The driver should clean all tray tables every night." NINA, traveled in July 2022

Andalusia with Costa del Sol & Toledo

"The organization was impeccable, the guides were wonderful and I loved especially in the case of Ronda." Daniela, traveled in July 2023

Spain, Andalusia and the Mediterranean cities

Down South, Self-drive

"Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore." Grace, traveled in September 2022

The Best of Spain

"Great tours, well organized, Rita was excellent, coach and driver excellent, points of interest" Glenn, traveled in July 2017

What people love about Andalucia Tours

Awesome tour with Europamundo! Enjoy every bit of it. Seville was amazing, overall, an excellent tour. Looking forward for my next year tour with Europamundo

Gracias Europamundo son fabulosos quede mas enamorada de Espana y sus bellas ciudades. ¡Hasta pronto!

Great Trip, We felt like the trip had enough daily experiences mixed with enough free time. Our Guide and Driver were the best! Enjoyed the entire week, the only thing we would change is a few of the hotel dinners were not for us. I would travel again with VPT based on this experience and would request Miguel and Gabriel guide us along. James B

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"Changing tour guide at each city visited. Tour disorganized Very hectic and stressful trying to get into the correct tour bus and correct guide.

Europamundo is an expert in:

"Overall a good tour. The tour in Madrid was incomplete (did not tour the palace as indicated and was unable to get last minute tickets on my own). This could have been better communicated by the tour agency. The panoramic tour was fine. There was some confusion with buses on the day we left for Cordoba and Seville which caused a late departure, but was fine once we got going. The cities visited and the local tour guides were all great. The hotels were fine, maybe not in the most central locations but were fine for this purpose. The behaviour of some of the guests on this tour was deplorable and embarrassing. Obviously not the fault of the tour itself and the guides handled the situations well. I enjoyed the tour and knew it would be early mornings and long days which was fine as it allowed us to see the sites as expected in the cities beyond Madrid. The optional tours I chose were also good.

VPT Tours is an expert in:

"A well put together tour led by an excellent guide. A great way to see the highlights of Southern Spain in a short period of time but with sufficient time to explore by yourself. Highly recommended.

G Adventures is an expert in:

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The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

• Isabelle Hoyne
• May 20, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

Pulling together the perfect southern Spain itinerary can be testing – I remember feeling overwhelmed when first sitting down to plan my trip to Andalucia – and you might be feeling this way too. This is a long one, but stick with me and by the end, you’ll know how to craft the perfect Andalucia itinerary!

I close my eyes and I am back there – flashes of orange blossoms, dusty, white towns that teeter on the precipice of yawning gorges, the solitary echo of footsteps on ochre-hued streets at siesta time. 

I taste the salty tang of Manchego cheese as it hits my tongue and squint my eyes in the bleached light of the midday sun, as I am once again immersed in the kaleidoscope of experiences that make up a road trip in Andalucia . 

Andalucia is famous for its shoreline – along its fringes are the beaches of the Costa del Sol, firm-favourite of many a package holiday fan. 

Its gateway is the port city of Malaga, but to step inside the interior of this region is to discover its beating, cultural heart and the very best of Southern Spain.

Our route first took us from the coast to the sweeping arches of the Puente Nuevo at Ronda, and on then to cosmopolitan Seville , capital city of Andalusia.

From here we journeyed our way further through southern Spain to gawp at La Mezquita in Cordoba before finishing at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, racking up our step count at Granada’s Alhambra .

Since initially writing this Andalucia itinerary guide, I’ve spent a number of months living in the marvellous metropolis that is Seville. I’ve fallen even further under Andalusia’s charms and hope to help you do the same through this comprehensive guide.

I understand that time constraints may be different for all readers of this post, and so below, I have outlined a variety of proposed itineraries depending on number of days you have available.

Further on in the post, I lay out my recommendations for each destination mentioned. Happy planning!

Essential links for booking your Andalucia trip

Search for and book flights via  Skyscanner Book your car rental via Rentalcars Make sure to book in advance: ☆ Make sure to book tickets to the Alhambra well in advance, that include entry to the Nasrid Palaces as visitor numbers are limited daily. To get the most from your visit, book a small group guided tour or alternatively, a private tour . ☆ The Seville Super Combi Pass offers a discounted bundle price for access to the Alcazar, Cathedral & Giralda Some memorable experiences in Andalucia ☆ Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus ☆ VIP early-access Alcazar of Seville tour (** editor’s choice **) ☆ Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour (great for foodies – I took this tour & loved it!) ☆ 4-WD Sierra Nevada Safari Tour (Granada) ☆ White Villages from Ronda – Wine & Tapas by E-Bike Recommended hotels : Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria (Ronda hotel with spectacular views) // Soho Boutique Hotel (luxe for less, Seville) // Villa Oniria (boutique beauty I stayed in, Granada) // H10 Palacio Colomera (reasonably priced Cordoba luxury hotel with pool) Best Andalucia vacation rentals : take a look at the most popular apartments & houses

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Why history, culture and gastronomy lovers should visit andalucia, when should i go to andalucia, what is the best way to get around andalucia, how many days do i need in andalucia, andalucia itinerary 7 days, andalucia itinerary 10 days, andalucia itinerary 2 weeks, andalucia by train itinerary, ronda & the white villages, related reading for granada & andalucia, like this post pin for later.

Andalusia’s history is a long one.

For millennia these lands have attracted a diverse range of people. From early, pre-Christian metalworkers to the Phoenicians, the Romans to the Moors, Andalusia finally found itself in the hands of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, when it then became the nucleus of Spanish trade with the New World in the 16th century.

Responsible also for the Reconquista , they made it their business to either convert to Christianity or expel from Spain its Muslim and Jewish occupants.  

Each ruling dynasty left its mark on the region. Possibly the most unique and lasting legacy is that of the Moors – in fact, flamenco, one of Andalusia’s most distinct cultural outputs, finds its origins in Arabic roots.

Arabic influence on Andalusian architecture is also extremely distinct in this region, presenting a magical hybrid of Moorish and Spanish qualities (called ‘ Mudejar ’) that won’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

The perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, be wowed by architectural diversity and uniqueness and spend a good deal of time in tapas bars swilling local wine, an Andalucia road trip needs to make its way onto every traveller’s southern Spain itinerary .  

Planning your Andalucia road trip

Before embarking on our Andalusia road trip , it took a little bit of head scratching and quite a bit of research in order to answer all questions and decide on a route and itinerary for the trip. 

Where should I base myself in Andalucia and how much time did I need? Is it safe to self drive in Spain? Is it possible to get around Andalucia by train? You will likely have the same questions, so let me answer these for you below!

As with a lot of destinations, the shoulder months of April/May and September/October make for a great time to visit Andalucia, with average daily temperatures of anywhere between 20-30 degrees celsius (68-86 Fahrenheit).

I’ve visited Seville during May/June and temperatures sat at around 27/28 degrees celsius each day.

I would highly recommend that you avoid visiting at the peak of summer, particularly July and August, as the temperatures in places such as Seville can soar to a blistering 40 degrees celsius (104 fahrenheit) or more.

Bear in mind that the temperatures will vary from place to place – Seville, for example, will be milder than Ronda and Granada.

I spent a week in Andalucia across the New Year period and found it to be an excellent time to visit.

Conditions ranged from ‘short-sleeve weather’ in Seville, to ‘wear a coat weather’ in Granada, but there was sunshine everywhere we went and minimal rain (especially compared to home- Ireland! ) which makes Andalucia a very attractive winter sun destination in Europe.

I looked into buses, trains and hiring a car in Andalucia as a means of completing our southern Spain itinerary. We opted in the end to hire a car. My reasons for this:

Getting around Andalucia by train

Train routes in Andalucia are good, with fast AVE trains linking Malaga, Seville and Cordoba.

They don’t, however, work out very well when trying to incorporate Ronda and any of the White Villages into your itinerary and you have a little less flexibility if you want to venture off the beaten path outside of Andalucia’s larger urban centres.

Price wise too, when I looked at the cost of train tickets for two travellers and compared to hiring a car, there was little in the difference. Weighing it up, it was worth the flexibility of having a car at our disposal for our particular itinerary.

If it makes sense for your itinerary, though, train is still a solid option and you can check times and book tickets here .  

Getting around Andalucia by bus

Travelling around Andalucia by bus is also an option, but not one I opted for. Like the train, you’re tied to bus schedules and bus station drop off/pick up routes.

Personally, too, I just prefer to travel by car (or train), but if you would prefer to travel by bus then you can search for and book your tickets here.

Hiring a car for an Andalusia road trip

If you have decided that hiring a car is a good move for you too, then wonderful – let your Southern Spain road trip begin!

I suggest hiring something that’s not too much on the large side and that is comfortable enough for the longer stretches but small enough to navigate the often minimal spaces of narrow, cobbled city centre streets and car parks. 

I always use rentalcars.com when hiring a car abroad. I like them for the following reasons:

• You can compare all car rental companies in a given destination. They also have superior filtering options too, so you really can drill down to what you’re looking for – even to the deposit amount and payment type. 
• All the info you need for your relevant booking can subsequently be found in their convenient app – no print outs necessary.
• You can often amend/cancel your booking with no additional charges.

Driving in Andalucia during your itinerary for southern Spain- what you need to know

If you’ve ascertained that renting a car is the best way for you to get around Andalucia for your southern Spain itinerary, what else do you need to know?

Road conditions in Andalucia : the conditions of the roads in Andalucia are very good. Much of the road between main cities is motorway and when not, single lanes are wide and easy to navigate.

Driving distances and time : one thing I loved about our itinerary for Southern Spain was that there was never too much driving between locations.

As a rough guide, here is a summary of the time we spent transferring between cities (departing from and arriving to city centre locations in each):

• Malaga Airport to Ronda: 1 hr 15 mins
• Ronda to Seville: 1 hr 45 mins
• Seville to Cordoba: 1 hr 40 mins
• Cordoba to Granada: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Granada to Malaga Airport: 1 hr 25 mins

Provided that you leave at a sensible time and aim to arrive at your next stop in the same vein (i.e. not during the middle of rush hour traffic), the times provided by Google Maps between destinations are accurate and can be relied upon.

Parking is often not included in hotel rates, and is usually available at a nearby secure, underground car park.

Rather than source your own car parking (which might end up being far from your accommodation on the outskirts of town), I’d recommend taking the hit on this for peace of mind while driving a rental car in an unknown city.

It usually costs around €25-30 per day.

Is driving in Andalucia easy?

Driving in Andalucia really doesn’t pose too many problems. The roads we encountered were all high quality and we ran into no logistical issues when using Google Maps – once we followed the route provided we ended up where we needed to be.

Cities will be busy – Seville is a little tricky, as you first need to navigate larger intersections as you make your way towards the centre and then narrow streets once you go further in. Granada was much the same, although on a lesser scale.

We got caught out driving into the centre of Cordoba – there is a local access only zone that is controlled by electronic bollards so if your accommodation is in the old centre, arrange entry into the area in advance with your accommodation.

All in all though, a fairly straightforward driving experience as things go.

How long is a piece of string?! The charms of this region are plentiful and far reaching. To really cover a good chunk of the region of Andalucia as opposed to a city or two, then you need at least one week in Andalucia for it to be worth your while.

You want to allow for at least 2-3 days per stop (with a couple of exceptions requiring less time), so keep that in mind when crafting your Andalusia itinerary .

Personally, I spent a week in Andalucia and would have loved to extend my time there by another few days if I could.

I’ve included my 7 day Andalucia itinerary below, along with how I recommend organising your time should you have 10 days to spend in Andalucia. I’ve also included a 14 day Southern Spain itinerary as well.

• Ronda (2 nights)
• Seville (2 nights)
• Cordoba (1 night)
• Granada (2 nights)

A 7 day Andalucia itinerary allows you to get a real flavour of the region.

You will find yourself on the road at least every second day or so of the trip, but as I’ve mentioned above, journey times between destinations in Andalucia aren’t too long, so this won’t be too arduous. 

If you use the itinerary above in the given order (assuming most will be flying into/out of Malaga airport – so this is your starting point), you will be able to fit in many highlights of the region.

Each of the cities above are key points of interest in Andalusia and they are all also unique to each other, allowing you to uncover much of Andalucia in 7 days .

• Ronda & the White Villages (3 nights)
• Seville (3 nights)
• Malaga (1 night)

10 days in Andalucia will allow you to take some more time to explore the region a little more slowly. Rather than add in additional destinations, I’ve instead expanded on the 7 day itinerary to allow you a better immersion in those places I feel warrant more time. 

I’ve given an additional day in Ronda so you can explore the unique White Villages in the area.

Seville too gets an extra night – I’ve stayed in Seville for a week before and didn’t run out of things to do, so the 10 day Andalucia itinerary above allows a little more time to uncover the delights of my favourite Spanish city. 

Finally, I’ve ended this 10 day Andalucia itinerary in Malaga.

Instead of making your way straight to the airport, take a day to explore Malaga as a variation for this itinerary for southern Spain – perhaps visit an art gallery, admire the orange trees in Plaza de los Naranjos, or take a well earned dip in the Mediterranean Sea! 

• Granada (3 nights)
• Nerja (3 nights)

Your two week Andalucia itinerary builds on the 10 day route. Key changes include an additional night in Granada to allow for a day to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains (for skiing in winter or beautiful hikes in summer) and 3 nights in Nerja to slow down, grab a sun lounger and relax on the beach.

Yes, while having 14 days in Andalucia potentially means that you can cram in more destinations and stops, I know from experience that trying to cram in more does not usually result in a superior trip – the opposite.

In fact – so slow down, immerse yourself in each of your stops and don’t come back from your trip more exhausted than when you left for it! 

Trust me, Andalucia is a region that needs to be explored slowly, as much of this journey is about the experience in itself. 

While it wouldn’t be my recommended way to do it, as I prefer the flexibility of having a car, I understand that this might not be practical for everyone. It is definitely possible to undertake the above itineraries by train, with a little tweaking. 

Book your train tickets in advance here , especially if you are travelling during peak times.

You will be able to complete the loop of Malaga-Seville-Cordoba-Granada-Nerja-Malaga by train – the only thing you would miss out on would be overnighting in Ronda.

I really, really, would recommend visiting Ronda if you can (it’s very different to all of the cities), so there is a way to circumnavigate this conundrum by allocating your night in Ronda as an additional night in Seville and undertaking a guided day trip to Ronda and the White Villages from Seville.  

Building your Southern Spain itinerary – places to visit

So now that we’ve covered off where you should go, what is there to see in each of these places?

In this next section, I’m going to touch on some recommendations for each of the destinations that I mentioned on the 7, 10 and 14 day Andalucia itineraries above. 

I’m not going to provide you with one of those “on day 1, go to this place at 9am, followed by the next place at 11.15am” style itineraries – this is a holiday, not a military operation and Andalusia is a place that encourages you to relax!

I think it’s far more enjoyable to have a ‘menu’ of things to do in a place to have at your fingertips, depending on how you feel at the time. Decide on a couple of ‘must-sees’ in advance, book your tickets, and then fit the rest in around those booked activities. 

While known for being the birthplace of modern day bullfighting, Ronda is even more iconic due to its unique situation, perched atop what seems to be the almost bottomless El Tajo gorge, across which the giant arches of the Puente Nuevo stretch, joining the old Moorish town with the ‘new’ town. 

What to see & do in Ronda

Ronda is such a picturesque and inspiring location that merely walking around it was nearly enough to keep me going! However, below are some highlights and ideas of things to see and do in Ronda.

Get acquainted with Ronda

If you’d like to get your bearings and understand the history of the place, which is very interesting, then take a walking tour on your first day. For a history lesson that’s a little more quirky, drop into the Bandit Museum , Spain’s only museum that is dedicated to bandits and highwaymen. 

Visit the Municipal Museum that is housed in Ronda’s Mondragón Palace , with moorish courtyards, stunning gardens and awe-inspiring views.

Located in the old Arabic quarter of San Miguel, pop in to visit the Arabic Baths , which were built in the 13th century and are the best preserved in Spain.

Take in the views & the famous El Tajo Gorge

Examine the star of the show in Ronda, the Puente Nuevo from all angles and at different times of the day to really get a deep sense of appreciation for the feat of engineering that it is.

Hike down the gorge from the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora in town to view the Puente Nuevo from below – just don’t think about the fact that you have to walk back up it afterwards!

Make sure to take some air too at Ronda’s Alameda de Tajo , an elegant outdoor square that leads out towards sweeping views of the El Tajo gorge.

We went for an early morning run along here, and it definitely knocked the cobwebs off!

Get familiar with the surrounding countryside

Visit some more of the famous White Villages , or Pueblos Blancos. Suggestions include Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas and Grazalema.

Alternatively, you foodies out there might enjoy this alternative White Villages experience – where you take to the countryside on e-bikes and sample wine and cheese as you go!

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, want to take in the beautiful scenery and don’t mind getting a bit dirty, then the dramatic surroundings of the El Tajo gorge are the perfect location to do a gorge buggy tour .

Ronda bull ring

While a controversial topic and not a sport that I personally support, Ronda is famous for its bullfighting, making the Plaza dos Toros (or bullring) one of its most popular attractions. 

Where to stay in Ronda

Hotel catalonia reina victoria.

Upon pulling back the curtains and throwing open the doors of our balcony, I knew that I had chosen the right spot to stay in Ronda!

Offering absolutely insane views from the balconies of its rooms, the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is a Victorian style hotel that has undergone modern refurbishment.

Complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and those exceptional views to boot, you really can’t go wrong with this one. 

Catalonia Ronda

I agonised between this hotel and Catalonia Reina Victoria. The Catalonia Ronda is located right in the heart of town, just across from the bull ring (Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is 500m walk from the centre).

Boasting a rooftop pool with views into the bull ring and on towards El Tajo gorge, this is one for those who want to be slap bang in the middle of the action and are looking for a hotel in Ronda town centre.

Ah, Sevilla. This delightful, stylish, historical city is hands down my favourite in Spain and needs to find itself on every Spain travel plan. Whether it’s cultural sights, architecture, cuisine or shopping (or a healthy dose of all four) that you seek, this city really has got it all.

I’ve written all about what to do in Seville in my Seville guide , but here’s a synopsis.

RELATED READING | The Best Airbnb Seville Spain [2024] – 22 Luxury Airbnb in Seville

What to see & do in Seville

EDITOR’S NOTE | TakeWalks , our small-group cultural tour company of choice, have recently launched a range of tours in Seville.

These include an excellent food tour that I’ve taken, and a Seville in a Day Tour with VIP Alcazar Access . I’d highly recommend that you check them out.

Alcázar of Seville

First things first, get yourself to my favourite landmark in Seville, the Alcázar of Seville . Still in use as the King of Spain’s Seville residence, this amazing palace boasts incredible Mudejar architecture and extensive gardens. It was also featured as Dorne in Game of Thrones.

It’s super popular and also sells out early in the day, so book your skip the line tickets here . Once you see the queue that forms as the day progresses, you’ll be happy you’ve bought yours in advance, trust me!

There’s also quite a lot to take in at the Alcazar, so if you’d love to know more about it and haven’t done your reading in advance, then consider taking this small group tour, which has received over 500 5 star reviews from past guests.

If you’re looking for something really special, then consider the TakeWalks VIP early-access tour .

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Beside the Alcazar, you will find the incredible Seville Cathedral, (which is the 3rd largest church in the whole world !), along with its iconic Giralda, which towers beautifully above the rooftops of Seville.

Again, queues get crazy long, so book a skip the line ticket in advance. When you’re done exploring the cathedral, make sure to climb La Giralda , which is the cathedral’s bell tower, for beautiful views over the city.

TOP TIP | If you plan on visiting both Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar, it can work out better for you to purchase a Seville Super Combi Pass . This includes skip-the-line entrance to both these attractions, plus a hop-on/hop-off bus around Seville.

You can also download audio guides for both the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that incorporates both the Alcazar and the Cathedral. With them located so closely together, it makes sense to visit them on the same day.

I’ve rounded up the best Seville Cathedral tours in this post – check it out!

Rooftop cocktails

All that touring is thirsty work! For those seeking a more glam viewpoint of Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, head to the rooftop bar of the EME Cathedral Hotel for cocktails. I’d highly recommend visiting at sunset.

Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park

Another emblematic location in Seville is the expansive, fountain and tile filled Plaza de España . Try go early in the morning if you can to have more of the space to yourself, as it fills up quite quickly throughout the day.

Make sure to visit and take a stroll in the adjoining Maria Luisa Park during your time in Seville.

Explore the neighbourhoods

You could while away hours wandering the cobbled streets of Sevilla, but when you are in town, do make sure to wander through the Santa Cruz , the old Jewish quarter in the historic area around the Cathedral.

Cross the river, too, and explore some of the craft workshops of the Triana area.

Seville is the home of flamenco dancing, so it is a fitting location in which to attend a flamenco show.

This Flamenco show features 15 of Seville’s best flamenco dancers at Seville’s famous Tablao El Arenal, with a choice of three packages – show with drink, show with tapas, or show with dinner. Alternatively, you could consider TakeWalks Tapas Crawl & Flamenco experience .

Metropol Parasol

Finally, Seville is home to the very modern Metropol Parasol installation – evening time makes a great time to view this as the sun sets over Seville. If you visit early in the day, make sure to head underneath to the interior – where you’ll find an authentic food market in full swing.

Where to stay in Seville

Casa romana hotel boutique.

I had a hard time trying to find somewhere that was reasonably priced over the New Year period in Seville, that would also pass muster and my rather picky hotel standards.

Luckily, I happened upon this charming, 4 star boutique hotel after oodles of hours spent searching. 

Rooms are set around a delightful outdoor courtyard (like a Roman villa) that features a lovely, trickling water feature. There is also a rooftop terrace with a hot tub.

The street it is located on is quiet, and its position in the Old Town meant we were 15 minutes away from everything.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

If you want to splash out on a spectacular luxury hotel in Seville, then look no further than the emblematic Hotel Alfonso XIII.

Situated right beside Seville’s Royal Alcazar, the architecture and design of the hotel borrows heavily from its Mudejar-themed neighbour.

Comes with everything that you would expect a hotel of this ilk to offer.

Soho Boutique Villa

Those looking for something a little bit more affordable, but nonetheless luxe, will find that Soho Boutique Villa ticks all their boxes.

This stylish, 3 star boutique hotel features trendy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and is located too in the old town area of Seville. 

Click here to discover a curated list of Seville holiday apartments

We arrived in Cordoba just as the sun was setting, casting a soft golden haze on the walls of the city as we made our approach from the river. Cordoba is special. For many years preceding the Reconquista, Jews, Muslims and Christains lived peacefully side-by-side. 

An important Roman city too, Cordoba is a melting pot of all these cultures. Famous also for its patios, this is a rather gorgeous and extremely atmospheric city that should not be left off any Andalucia travel itinerary.

What to see & do in Cordoba

Visit the Mosque-Cathedral

Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, or ‘ La Mezquita ’ should be the first port of call when visiting Cordoba. This incredibly unique structure of a cathedral housed within a mosque is famous for its red and white arches.

If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating history of this astounding structure, this guided tour  is extremely well reviewed.

Discover the Jewish Quarter

One area of Cordoba that you need to get lost in is the Jewish quarter, or La Judería. It forms the Old Town of Cordoba and is where you will find most of the city’s main sites. 

A quick stop, but well worth popping into is the Cordoba Synagogue , which is the only existing synagogue in Andalucia. 

The Jewish Quarter is extremely interesting, so if you’d like to learn more, then it might be worth considering a combined Mosque-Cathedral and Jewish Quarter walking tour. This one is extremely well reviewed, and finishes with a tapa and a drink.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Another must-see in Cordoba is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos . Having served as the residence of the Catholic kings, inside it features tranquil, Moorish patios and gardens. Climb the ramparts for views across Cordoba city.

You can book a skip the line ticket and guided tour here . You will also be able to see into the Royal Stables of Cordoba from the ramparts of the Alcazar. This is where the famous breed of Andalusian horses was created. You can visit the stables and also attend a show. 

Sample local dishes

Make sure to try Salmorejo , which is the local speciality of cold tomato soup made with bread, garlic, olive oil and vinegar and then topped with egg and ham. It might sound a little weird, but a friend of mine who lived in Cordoba encouraged me to try it and I can confirm that it is delicious!

Get acquainted with downtown Cordoba & its patios

Make sure to stop off and see some of Cordoba’s Patios! These colourful, flower-filled courtyards are dotted around the city.

Take a stroll through the Plaza de la Corredera . Nearby, you will also be able to observe, towering over the street, the columns of the Roman Temple of Cordoba .

Finally, cross the Guadalquivir River via the Roman Bridge for magnificent views back towards the old town of Seville. This bridge has been standing since before the birth of Christ!

Where to stay in Cordoba

Eurostars conquistador.

This 4 star hotel in Cordoba is where I stayed during my visit and it was absolutely perfect for one night.

Located on the opposite side of the street from the Mezquita, I could see the Mezquita’s beautiful Arabic arches illuminated at all times of the day right from my bed, which was really quite special.

At its centre is a beautiful courtyard, which was a lovely spot to grab a drink in.

Hospes Palacio del Bailio

If you are staying a little longer in Cordoba, or are looking for a luxury hotel in Cordoba, then I would opt for Hospes Palacio del Bailio.

This 5 star hotel with swimming pool is located in a 16th century former palace, with interiors that incorporate a stylish blend of both old and new. It is located in the old town and is only 1 km away from the Mezquita.

H10 Palacio Colomera

This snazzy Cordoba 4 star hotel features an outdoor plunge pool, perfect for those hotter days.

Located in the newer part of town close to the Roman Temple, it is still only 1km away from the Mezquita and the old historic area of Cordoba. 

Granada sits at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range and is home to the Alhambra, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.

As the former capital of Moorish Andalucia, Granada’s Alhambra really is something that needs to be seen to be believed and its presence alone in Granada justifies a visit to the city.

Related reading for Granada |

• How to Spend One Day in Granada
• 2 Days in Granada: Itinerary & Tips
• Visiting the Alhambra from Seville (as a day trip)
• How many days in Granada do you need?
• Visiting the Alhambra: Complete Guide

Where to stay in Granada

What to see & do in granada.

Visit the extraordinary Alhambra

This enormous, hill-top fortress is a complex of palaces, gardens and patios – the highlight for me being the Nasrid Palaces.

There is a daily limit on ticket sales, so where you can, I advise booking your tickets months (or at the very least, weeks) in advance if you plan on going at a popular time. Make sure that you book a ticket that includes the Nasrid Palaces , as these are the first to go.

The Alhambra complex is sprawling and its history comprehensive and interesting, so it is a spot where it’s well worth getting a guide.

This small group tour is extremely well reviewed, or if you’re like me and dawdle a lot to take photos and look at things in detail, perhaps opt for a ticket with audio guide instead, so you can move at your own pace.

TOP TIP | If you forget to book your Alhambra tickets, or book your trip a little closer to the date, then it’s highly likely that Alhambra tickets that include the Nasrid Palaces will be sold our.

Scour any tours that have availability for yours dates and know that if all else fails, you have one last ditch attempt.

Each night at midnight, the official Alhambra website re-releases those tickets that have been returned for the following day (or the same day, technically, if it’s after midnight).

Act really fast the second the clock strikes midnight and you may hopefully be able to secure tickets (I did once, but only by the skin of my teeth!).

Discover Granada’s churches

Visit Granada’s Cathedral and Royal Chapel . The final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, I underestimated how interesting I would find the Royal Chapel and it was my favourite attraction in Granada after the Alhambra.

If you want to learn more about this powerful couple and their place of rest, you can book a guided tour . If baroque is your thing, then get yourself to the Basilica of San Juan de Dios .

This incredible 18th century church is swathed in gold features and frescos, and is the most important baroque church in Spain. 

Make sure to spend some time exploring the Aladdin’s cave of shops and stalls in the Albaicín district, which is Granada’s former Arabic neighbourhood. Another worthwhile thing to do in Granada is to watch the sunset from one of the mirador.

The most popular one for this is the San Nicolas Mirador , which offers spectacular views of the Alhambra.

For a memorable experience that combines both, this 5* sunset walking tour takes you through both the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts to the San Nicolas Mirador, regaling interesting facts and stories about Granada along the way.

Go shopping

Granada has an absolutely wonderful range of high street fashion stores and make up shops, with multiple Zara stores –  it’s safe to say I squished in an adequate amount of retail therapy when I was there!

Head to Calle Reyes Católicos where you will find the majority of these. There are also two El Corte Inglés in Granada.

Immerse yourself in the tradition of flamenco in Granada

The area of Sacromonte is famous for its flamenco dancing, the venues for which are often set in caves. This show takes place in a cave-restaurant, in one of Granada’s most spectacular venues.

Eat some tapas

In Granada, you get a free glass of wine when you order tapas. If you are a foodie, then this small group food tour will introduce you to Granada’s traditional products and dishes (including tapas), along with some hidden treasures.     

Visit the baths | Pay a visit to Granada’s famous ancient Arab baths, “ El Bañuelo ”. Unfortunately, these are not in use today, but if you fancy trying to Arabic bath experience for yourself to relax after all that sightseeing, you can book a traditional hammam and massage here !

Get out into the Sierra Nevada mountains | Granada is located in the shadows of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

Your stop in Granada would be the perfect opportunity to break up all of your city visits with some time spent in the clear mountain air. Depending on your interests, here are some ideas to get you started:

• 4WD Sierra Nevada Safari tour
• Sierra Nevada Small Group E-Bike Tour
• Sunset at 2,500m in Sierra Nevada

Villa Oniria

I loved our hotel in Granada! Situated in the city centre, Villa Oniria is an elegant 4 star hotel situated in a 19th century manor house.

Set around a beautiful Andalusian courtyard, it has a plush, yet relaxed atmosphere. The location is great for exploring all the main sights of Granada. There is also a fantastic restaurant located onsite.

Alhambra Palace

If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel in Granada, I would draw your attention to the Alhambra Palace.

It’s probably a toss up for me between here and the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula (where the entry level rooms may be a tad more modern than those of the Alhambra Palace’s equivalent), but it’s the location outside the walls of the Alhambra and the expansive views of the city that clinch this for me – I’ll take a Junior Suite with city views, please. 

Should you find yourself with more than 10 days in Andalucia, I’d recommend adding some beach time to your southern Spain trip itinerary. This will allow you a few days to kick up your  feet and relax after all your sightseeing! 

I’d recommend considering the white cobbled streets of the former fishing village of Nerja, an area far quieter than the glitzy beach clubs that run from Marbella to Puerto Banus. Conveniently, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Granada too.

If the glitz, glamour and beach clubs of Marbella are more your thing however, there’s nothing wrong with that! I’ve written a roundup of the best holiday villas in Marbella, which you can read here .

What to see & do in Nerja

Get some R&R

Relaxation is the aim of the game here, so get your tanning on (safely!) on one of the beaches of Nerja . Some of Nerja’s most beautiful beaches include Playa Carabeillo, Playa El Chorrillo, Playa El Cañuelo and Playa de Alberquillas. 

Explore the local area

Take a day trip to nearby Frigiliana , which is 6km away. Think pristine white buildings, cobbled streets and cute alleyways. You can also visit Visit the Nerja Caves , which stretch for almost 5km underground and have been in existence for millions of years.

They are also home to the largest stalagmite in the world. Nearby too, is the Acueducto del Águila , or Eagle Aqueduct, a very eye catching, red and yellow coloured feat of engineering located just outside of Nerja. 

Hike some of the local area covering beaches, cliffs and Moorish towers before undertaking a spot of snorkelling. If you’re feeling particularly active, you can walk the Rio Chillar gorge – just prepare to get your feet wet!

Another good hike is Il Cielo – which translates to ‘heaven’ – for breathtaking views of the sea and the expanse of the surrounding countryside. 

Where to stay in Nerja

Hotel balcón de europa .

This beachfront hotel in Nerja is built into the Balcón de Europa rock face, and enjoys direct access to Caletilla Beach.

It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with stunning sea views. Opt for a room with sea views and a balcony to properly enjoy the seafront location.

Boutique holiday rental in Nerja

This nautical themed holiday rental in Nerja features a balcony with sea views, along with a pool and sun loungers.

The house is a mere 200m from the beach and it also takes less than 10 minutes on foot to reach the busy centre and its bars, restaurants and shops.

Known primarily as the gateway to the Costa del Sol when I was growing up, Marbella is in fact a city full of culture and has done a lot to shift this image in recent years.

Yes, there may still exist the dazzling lights of Malaga’s glitzy nightlife, but do remember that this too is the city that gave us Picasso.

Built atop Roman ruins and holding Moorish citadels within its embrace, this impressive city is also worth a stop on a southern Spain travel itinerary. 

What to see & do in Malaga

Stroll around the old town, and take in the Plaza de los Naranjos , a beautiful square in the old town centre that is bursting with orange trees. 

Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga . Built by the Moors in the 11th  to protect against Catholic attackers, its prime position provides magnificent views over the city and coastline. You can book a tour here . 

Visit the Roman Theatre . Having only been rediscovered in the 1950’s, the theatre is located right beside the Alcazaba and is free to visit.  This walking tour includes both the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba.

Continue up the hill past the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro Castle . Built to protect the Alcazaba, this is where you will get the best views of Malaga and can even see as far as the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day. 

All about the views here, climb the tower of the whopping Malaga Cathedral for 360 degree views of the city!

Take a trip to the Picasso Birthplace Museum , where – you guessed it – was the place that Pablo Picasso grew up! You can book your tickets in advance here . 

Art lovers should also visit the Museo Picasso Málaga , which explores the life and art of the famous painter and includes 200 of his works of art. You can purchase tickets here . 

You can also visit one of Europe’s biggest and best botanical gardens, La Concepción should this tickle your fancy. 

Enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop bar of the La Terraza de la Alcazaba for incredible views of the city, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. 

Finally, if you haven’t had enough of eating throughout your Andalusia trip (or want to end your trip with a night of feasting) then I thought that this Malaga evening wine & taps tour looked rather appealing!

Featuring the city’s gourmet highlights, from a classic shop to much loved bars, you’ll taste your way through some of Malaga’s classic foods, from Iberian ham to tapas and wine.

Where to stay in Malaga

Palacio solecio, a small luxury hotel of the world.

A gorgeous, luxury 4 star hotel in the centre of Malaga. The hotel occupies a restored 18th century mansion and is a minute’s walk from Museo Picasso Málaga. 

The building and the rooms of this hotel are truly exquisite, featuring an internal courtyard with marble arches and palms.

Hotel Gran Hotel Miramar GL 

This luxurious, 5 star hotel in Malaga is situated along the seafront, offering glorious views of the ocean from some of its rooms.

A listed building, these walls have hosted many high profile visitors over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Hemmingway. A truly chic affair, with glorious views onto the waterfront.

• Alhambra Day Trip | Day Trip to Alhambra from Seville: How to Pull off a Flawless Visit
• 2 days in Granada | Granada in 2 days: Ultimate Itinerary & Top Tips
• Alhambra travel guide | Visiting the Alhambra – Ultimate Guide + Insider Alhambra Tips
• One day in Granada | Best of Granada in One Day: Where to Go, Eat & Stay
• Where to stay in Granada | Where to Stay in Granada, Spain [2024] – Top Areas & Accommodation
• How long in Granada? | How Many Days in Granada Do You Really Need?
• Andalucia itinerary | The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

Related Topics

• Itineraries

Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)

Winding streets through whitewashed villages, the clink of tinto verano glasses scraping against tapas plates, sweeping views across gorges, endless sour orange trees, and 700-year-old palaces: these are just a few of the incredible things that you’ll find on an Andalucia road trip.

As Spain’s southernmost region, there are a downright overwhelming number of places to visit in Andalucia, ranging from whitewashed hilltop towns (pueblos blancos) to Mediterranean beaches to snowcapped mountains, and everything in between!

Planning a southern Spain itinerary can be tricky, if for no other reason than that it’s hard to narrow down exactly where to go.

After two long trips spent falling in love with the south of Spain, we’ve put together this road trip itinerary for Andalucia in the hopes that you come away loving it as much as we do (and avoid some mistakes that we learned the hard way).

If you’re ready to soak up the magic of Andalucia, this southern Spain road trip itinerary is for you!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Southern Spain Itinerary

Renting a car for your andalucia road trip, can this andalucia itinerary work without a car, the ultimate southern spain road trip itinerary, other destinations to add to your andalucia itinerary, the best time to road trip andalucia, what to pack for a road trip in southern spain, andalucia road trip itinerary map.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

With a region as large and diverse as Andalucia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 10 day southern Spain road trip is quite the challenge!

We structured this Andalucia road trip as a loop beginning and ending in Seville, home to one of the largest airports in the region.

Since it’s a loop, you can easily reverse this itinerary if you wish, or start in a different city (such as Malaga).

We designed this southern Spain itinerary around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and stunning landscapes.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 10 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We don’t dedicate much time to the famous Costa del Sol on this travel guide, as this is more of an enjoy-all-the-attractions itinerary rather than a relax-on-the-beach itinerary, but we do include a bit of time to soak up views by the Mediterranean as well.

In addition to the detailed 10 day southern Spain itinerary we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of more incredible places to visit in Andalucia that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style.

This guide to road tripping Andalucia is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

For most people, of course, taking an Andalucia road trip will require renting a car

We recommend renting a small car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this southern Spain itinerary, we recommend picking up a car the morning you leave Seville.

There’s no reason to pick one up for your time in the city, as parking it will be a hassle and you won’t need it for exploring Seville.

Check rates and book your rental car today!

This southern Spain itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit Andalucia!

From offbeat villages to charming hikes to out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Andalucia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.

That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Andalucia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, we recommend basing yourself in larger cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, and taking day trips (independently, guided, or a combination of both) from there.

As much as we love Ronda, we wouldn’t recommend spending more than perhaps one night there without a car.

If you want to structure your itinerary for southern Spain without a car, we highly recommend using Omio to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in Andalucia!

Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Andalucia today!

Day 1: Arrive in Seville and start exploring.

Starting your southern Spain travels in Seville means diving right into the heart of Andalucian culture!

Depending on what time your plane lands, kick off your Andalucia vacation with a visit to the Seville Cathedral–once the biggest church in the world–and a climb up its bell tower.

The Giralda (bell tower) not only includes a beautiful view but is part of Andalucian history.

Before the Reconquista (when Christian powers overtook the Moorish kingdom that once ruled this area), this bell tower was the minaret of a mosque on the same site.

When the sun starts to set, head out for tapas and tinto verano (similar to sangria, but less elaborate and beloved by locals).

We don’t recommend picking up your rental car until day 3 of this itinerary–you won’t need it when exploring the heart of Seville.

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far from guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular Hotel Rey Alfonso X is an excellent choice, and their rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget, Hotel America Sevilla gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 2: Dive into Andalucian culture and history in Seville.

Today, it’s time to explore the rest of the major attractions in Seville!

Be sure to visit the famous Plaza de Espana, wander through the picturesque Barrio Santa Cruz (the former Jewish Quarter), and potentially see a Flamenco show .

Touring the gorgeous Alcazar is also a must: parts of this unique palace were built in the Moorish style, by Islamic craftsmen, for Christian rulers.

The result is a unique and beautiful combination of cultures that brings together several aspects of Andalucian history.

If you’re interested in experiencing more modern architecture in Seville, the famous Metropol Parasol is a fun spot with great views.

For foodies, we highly recommend taking a food tour in Seville on the first full day of your trip: not only is it incredibly fun, but it will help you know exactly what to order during the rest of your southern Spain itinerary!

And, if you’d like to explore the history of bullfighting in Spain, the Plaza de Toros is one of the most famous bullfighting rings in the world and can be toured (for obvious reasons, we do not recommend attending a fight).

Day 3: Explore Cordoba.

Today, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Cordoba!

Lying about 1 hour, 45 minutes northeast of Seville, Cordoba is famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral , which is exactly what it sounds like–a cathedral built literally inside a former Moorish mosque.

It’s one of the most unique houses of worship we’ve ever set foot in, and it alone would be worth visiting Cordoba for!

While Cordoba’s history dates back to the Romans (and you can stroll across the aptly named Roman Bridge while there), its Moorish period is responsible for much of the city’s stunning architecture and fame.

Cordoba peaked in the 10th century, when it was, for a brief moment, the biggest and one of the most powerful cities in the world.

In addition to the Mosque-Cathedral, be sure to explore Cordoba’s many flower-filled patios, check out the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and visit the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter during your day in Cordoba.

Where to Stay in Cordoba, Spain

We loved our stay at Hesperia Cordoba !

Set just over the river from Cordoba’s historic center and a very short walk from the Roman Bridge, Hesperia Cordoba features spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a rooftop with one of the best views in the city.

For those traveling Andalucia on a budget, Cordoba Carpe Diem is a great option in the heart of the city.

And, if you’re looking to stay in a hotel so luxurious that it’s practically a museum, the popular Hospes Palacio del Bailio is the clear winner (it even features actual Roman ruins!).

Check rates & book your stay in Cordoba!

Day 4: Make your way to Granada.

Winding roads, stunning hilltop towns, and olive trees as far as the eye can see: these are the views that you’ll enjoy when driving from Cordoba to Granada on your Andalucia road trip!

If you’d like to add an extra stop or two to your morning, the Medina Azahara (a UNESCO World Heritage recognized archaeological site) and the Castle of Almodovar del Rio (a magnificent castle dating to 760 that was a Game of Thrones filming location) are both excellent options.

Both places are a bit out of the way, but as the drive between Cordoba and Granada is only about 2.5 hours long, you’ll have plenty of time if you’d like to stop.

Once you get to Granada, settle in and start sightseeing!

Depending on what time you get in, we recommend exploring the picturesque Albayzin (Arab Quarter), climbing up to the Mirador San Nicholas (it’s worth every step!), and enjoying plenty of tapas.

If you have time, consider heading up to Sacromonte to visit the interesting cave museum and to attend an an intimate flamenco show –the neighborhood is famous for them!

Where to Stay in Granada, Spain

We rented an apartment from Mosaiko Homes in Granada, and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!

Mosaiko Homes is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!

Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique Casa de Reyes (that decor!).

For a bit of luxury, the popular Shine Albayzin is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks the Alhambra !

Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Seville or the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 day southern Spain itinerary, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!

Check rates & book your stay in Granada!

Day 5: Discover the Alhambra and other Granada gems.

On the fifth day of your road trip in Andalucia, it’s time to visit the region’s top attraction: the Alhambra!

While the Alhambra is most famous for its stunning Nasrid Palaces built by the Moors, there is an overwhelming amount of things to see at this iconic fortress.

From Generalife and its gardens (a summer retreat for the Nasrid dynasty) to the Alcazaba (the oldest portion of the fortress, which dates to the 1200s) and beyond, there are many sides to the Alhambra to visit.

General tickets to the Alhambra are competitive and often sell out far in advance (you can check available dates here ), but luckily, organized tours and skip-the-line tickets (which are only slightly more expensive than general tickets) are very easy to come by.

Deciding whether to take a tour of the Alhambra or simply use an audio guide is a personal choice, and both have pros and cons.

We took this popular tour , and while we got frustrated with how much it dragged in certain places, we loved having the context of a live guide–especially in the Nasrid Palaces.

We also loved not having to manage the tightly controlled timed entry system for the Nasrid Palaces ourselves.

Keep in mind that not all Alhambra tickets include entry to the Nasrid Palaces.

Make sure that your ticket does, though, because they are truly the star of the show!

You will likely be exhausted after visiting the Alhambra, which makes this afternoon the perfect time to visit one of Andalucia’s gorgeous hammams.

Hammam Al Andalus is well-known, gorgeous, and accessible to English speakers. We loved our time there!

Day 6: Take the scenic route to Malaga (or nearby).

Today, start your morning by enjoying any sightseeing you haven’t had a chance to enjoy in Granada, such as visiting the stunning Granada Cathedral and Royal Crypt.

Depending on what time you get started in the morning and how much time you want to spend on the beach, you can also consider heading 20 minutes outside of Granada to enjoy the popular hanging bridges at Los Cahorros Gorge in Monachil.

From there, it’s time to make your way to the Costa del Sol: no southern Spain itinerary would be complete without soaking up some sun!

We recommend heading toward Malaga via the A-44 to A-7 route–it’s slightly longer than going the A-92 route, but you can’t beat the views driving along the Mediterranean for half the drive!

Day 7: Soak up the sun on the Costa del Sol.

There is an endless number of options when it comes to deciding what town to stay in on the Costa del Sol!

Malaga, the biggest city in the region, is perfect for those who want to potentially take an afternoon road trip to a nearby beach but want to dedicate most of their time to culture.

The best things to do in Malaga include visiting the celebrated Picasso Museum, Alcazaba , Roman Theatre, Cathedral, and beyond, which make for a compelling, but not beachy, trip.

If you’re looking for idyllic beaches, Nerja is the place to go (that’s where the above photo was snapped!).

A beautiful resort town with a promenade?

Estepona might be right for you.

No matter where you end up staying, make sure that you spend at least part of the day admiring views of the Mediterranean with a gelato or glass of tinto verano (or both) in hand.

Since you’re visiting via a Costa del Sol road trip, you can also easily stay in one town and squeeze in a quick afternoon visit to another!

Day 8: Continue your Andalucia road trip and head to Ronda.

Last but certainly not least, say goodbye to the Costa del Sol and head north again to Ronda , one of our absolute favorite places in Spain.

Situated on a ridge, Ronda features sweeping views, a gorge, an 18th-century bridge that is earnestly referred to as the “New Bridge”, ties to the Lost Generation, and idyllic whitewashed streets–and that’s without even leaving the town center.

Much smaller than Seville or Granada, Ronda is nonetheless well worth savoring.

Once you arrive, start by exploring a few of the best things to do in Ronda, such as visiting the Cuenca Gardens, marveling at Puerto Nuevo (and Puerto Viejo and the Arab Bridge, while you’re at it), and visiting the historic Arab Baths (now a museum, though there is also a functioning hammam in Ronda!).

For sunset, there is absolutely no better place to be than admiring the views of Puerto Nuevo and the surrounding landscape from the Alameda del Tejo!

Where to Stay in Ronda, Spain

We can’t rave about our stay at Catalonia Reina Victoria in Ronda enough–it may just be one of our favorite hotels we’ve ever stayed in!

Unbeatable views over the countryside (we upgraded to a terrace room, which was absolutely worth it), excellent customer service, comfortable rooms, easy parking on site, and walking distance to all the best things to do in Ronda–it’s hard to beat that!

The popular Hotel Montelirio , with views of the Puerto Nuevo, is also a great option.

However, as Ronda is the last stop on your Andalucia road trip and finding parking in the city center is fairly simple, you may want to go the complete opposite route and stay in a country hotel just outside of town!

The beautiful and well-reviewed Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas is located a 15-minute drive from Ronda, offers a pool, gorgeous views, and a bit of peace and quiet to end your trip with.

Check rates & book your stay in Ronda today!

Day 9: Explore unique places to visit near Ronda.

In addition to being a fantastic town to visit in its own right, Ronda is also surrounded by excellent day trip options!

Our first choice would undoubtedly be a visit to Setenil de las Bodegas: if you only have time to visit one place outside of Ronda, make it here.

This historic town features many homes and businesses built directly into the surrounding gorge, and the result is one of the most unique towns we have ever laid eyes on!

Other fun places to visit include Juzcar (also known as Spain’s “Smurf Village”–it is painted entirely blue!), and the Cueva del Gato swimming hole.

If you want a unique perspective on Ronda’s famous Puerto Nuevo, you can also drive to the bottom of the ridge and view it from an entirely different angle (keep in mind that there are some tiny dirt roads involved here, but it is doable).

Looking to ditch the car entirely?

You can find plenty of horseback riding tours in the area!

Day 10: Head back to Seville and wrap up your 10 day southern Spain itinerary.

It’s time to wrap up your Andalucia road trip!

Today, make your way back to Seville to drop off your rental car and head home.

If you have time for a little extra sightseeing, consider spending the morning visiting any attractions you didn’t get a chance to see in Ronda or Seville.

Or, for an incredibly relaxing end to your 10 days in southern Spain, book yourself a visit to a hammam in either city!

A mere 10 days in Andalucia could never hope to cover every incredible destination that southern Spain has to offer!

If you’re lucky enough to have a longer timeframe to work with, here are a few more places to consider adding to your itinerary for southern Spain, from beach towns to mountainous parks.

Over 3,000 years old and almost entirely surrounded by water, Cadiz is visually stunning and historically fascinating.

It’s fairly small, given that it is physically constrained by its location, but packed with interesting sights, including over 100 watchtowers!

Technically speaking, your Andalucia road trip doesn’t have to only take place in Spain!

Head to Gibraltar to enjoy views from the famous Rock of Gibraltar, check out the resident wild monkeys, and enjoy the excuse to walk (literally) across the border of Spain to the UK.

Don’t forget to pack your passport!

Jerez de la Frontera

A great alternative to cities like Seville, Jerez de la Frontera offers many of the usual Andalucia highlights–Moorish castle, riding school, festivals–but is (slightly) more off the beaten path.

It’s also famous for its sherry production, making it a fun stop for spirit lovers!

Sierra Nevada National Park

Offering skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and gorgeous mountain views year-round, Sierra Nevada National Park makes an excellent addition to an itinerary for southern Spain for those looking for a place to relax in nature.

Located just east of Granada, Sierra Nevada National Park is easy to add to this itinerary–or, if you’re not much of a beach person, you can even swap the Costa del Sol for some time here!

Puerto Banus

Looking for luxurious yachts, high-end nightclubs, and–essentially–the Spanish version of St. Tropez or Monaco?

Head to Puerto Banus, just next door to Marbella, and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Start by checking out the Golden Mile!

Arcos de la Frontera

Surrounded by the Guadalete River on 3 sides and–like Ronda–situated on the edge of a ridge, Arcos de la Frontera is visually stunning and one of the best whitewashed towns (pueblos blancos) to visit in Andalucia.

Don’t miss the views from the Castillo de los Arcos while you’re there!

Located at the far southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Tarifa is far enough out of the way that it doesn’t see quite as many visitors as the famous Costa del Sol (among those who aren’t kitesurfing enthusiasts, anyway)–but it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Featuring wide, sandy beaches famous for kitesurfing and a charming whitewashed town center, Tarifa is a laid-back delight.

It also lies a short ferry ride away from Morocco , and you can take a day trip to Tangiers as part of your time there!

El Caminito del Rey

With stunning gorge views and adrenaline-inducing heights, El Caminito del Rey is one of the most iconic hikes in Andalucia!

A decade ago, it was often touted as being the most dangerous hike in Spain–or even the world–but it has now been restored to be much more accessible.

… For those of us with a fear of heights, though, it can still pose a mental challenge!

Andalucia can be a year-round destination–if you can brave the summer heat, that is.

Southern Spain, particularly cities like Cordoba and Seville, are known for being some of the hottest places in Europe.

Summer temperatures can easily reach 98°F (36°C) in the inland cities, which is why during July and August, you’ll find the crowds down at the Costa del Sol, where the temperatures are milder and there’s the Mediterranean to cool off in.

Ideally, this itinerary for southern Spain is designed for the spring or fall, when temperatures are warm but reasonable, the sun is usually shining, and the flowers are in bloom everywhere you look.

If you’re willing to bundle up a bit, winter can also be a wonderful time to take this Andalucia road trip.

The prices and crowds will both be smaller, and if you’re so inclined, you can even go skiing in Sierra Nevada near Granada–the southernmost ski area in Europe!

Here are a few essentials you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Andalucia, Spain!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Spain.

Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in Andalucia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some of theirs do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your southern Spain packing list.

Swiss Army Knife  — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh bread from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Andalucia vacation!

Camera  — We absolutely adore our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Reusable Water Bottle(s)  — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use  these .

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Andalucia Road Trip (Detailed Southern Spain Itinerary!)”

beautiful, do you sell a map of this

We don’t sell a map or printable version of this itinerary (yet), but you can click on the button at the top right of the map embedded at the bottom of this article and download it to take with you!

This is exactly the trip we plan to take this fall. Thank you for this great guide! Are the places you reccommend to stay pet friendly? It appeared your were travelling with your dog and we are also travrling with ours. Gracias!

Yes, all of the places we mention staying at personally in Andalucia are pet-friendly and Ranger stayed with us at all of them!

I can’t speak to the alternative suggestions provided, as I don’t source pet-friendly hotels specifically for those (very few of our readers travel with their dogs).

Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Kate, It seems finally I have found the perfect road trip for southern Spain. I plan to go early December or maybe in Jan-Feb. I would like to add 3-4 days to the trip. Could you recommend how to do that? Regards, Amitabh

The sky is the limit!

Beyond the destinations I outlined in the “other destinations” section of the post, you could potentially consider adding on a few days in Morocco with a longer timeline.

You can also easily add more days to any of the destinations included in the itinerary. There’s lots of great hiking around Granada, for example, and of course there’s always the option of enjoying even more beach time along the Costa del Sol.

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Why some major artists are suddenly canceling shows, and in some cases entire tours

A series of tour cancellations and changes by big-name artists has sparked questions about whether the post-pandemic live music boom could be cooling, as consumer spending fatigue meets elevated ticket prices.

On Friday, Jennifer Lopez announced she was canceling her 2024 tour , citing a desire to spend more time with her family. Meanwhile, the Black Keys announced they were abandoning a stadium tour in favor of a series of shows at smaller venues.

Both tours had recently become the subject of social media fodder, namely screenshots showing empty venues at select tour dates. (NBC News could could not directly verify their authenticity.)

Indeed, some of the evidence of a slowdown is anecdotal. SeatGeek said in an email that the average resale ticket price to attend a summer concert is down to $213 from $257 around this time last year. The company suggested some of the decline could be attributed to the absence of megatours on par with Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” outings last year.

For artists whose popularity has crescendoed, there appears to be plenty of demand — and high prices. The average resale price for Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” tour is $571, and the next-highest is $409 to see Morgan Wallen, according to SeatGeek data first reported by Axios .

Many of those tours are being sold through Ticketmaster and its parent Live Nation. And prior to facing landmark accusations that it is a monopoly , a claim it denies, Live Nation reported its biggest first quarter ever, with $3.8 billion in revenues. Its concerts business alone was up 26% to $2.9 billion, while “estimated fans” globally were up more than 20%, and up 42% in North America.

Yet official government data points to the makings of a return to a more normal pace for live music event sales after a post-pandemic boom. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last month that movie and concert admissions prices climbed just 3.4% year over year through April, the lowest reading since 2021 and the second-consecutive month showing a slowdown.

Dave Clark, editor of Ticket News, which tracks the live entertainment industry, said the period of explosive live music growth following pandemic reopenings may in hindsight be seen as an aberration: People were simply more eager — and more financially able — to go to as many shows as they could after months cooped up indoors.

This year, Clark said, a reckoning may be emerging.

“The days where there was enough demand to sell out arenas at top dollar just isn’t there in this live events economy — outside of people like Taylor Swift who can sell whatever they want wherever they want,” he said.

At a time when many consumers are struggling to pay for basic necessities, he said, “people are seeing some of the prices they’re asking and just saying, ‘Hard pass.’”

Another factor may be a supply issue, Clark added: too many acts trying to tour at once, or too many times. In the pre-streaming era, bands would go on tour as a way of marketing an album. These days, he said, it’s reversed, since the returns on recorded music have shrunk dramatically.

“Now they’re making records to sell the tour,” he said. “That paradigm has a lot to do with it. It’s just a very overloaded market.”

The Black Keys did just release a new album, and its debut single hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart in March.

Still, the rock duo announced it would cancel and reschedule its summer touring plans, switching from arenas to other venues that provide a more “intimate experience,” according to the band. The new dates have not yet been announced.

The Black Keys aren’t the only group that may be falling victim to costly concert fatigue.

Pop-rock band 311 announced it had canceled upcoming European tour dates due to the “rising costs of touring overseas,” which made completing certain portions of the tour “unfeasible.”

Other stars including Pink and Justin Timberlake have also recently canceled specific show dates, while the Jonas Brothers recently postponed their upcoming European tour , though none officially cited financial concerns as reasons for doing so.

“I think with all that competition for fan dollars, it was obviously natural that some artists were going to lose,” said Bill Werde, director of the Syracuse University Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries.

There are still plenty of large-scale tours planned for this summer that, so far, appear to be unaffected by flagging demand. Hootie & the Blowfish have 48 dates booked this year, while Dave Matthews Band is slated for 34. Other top acts hitting the road include Maroon 5, Zac Brown Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kenny Chesney and Chris Stapleton.

But experts say recent economic trends in the live-music industry, especially the type of consolidation the Justice Department is now targeting, have translated into fewer smaller-sized venues.

That’s made it more difficult for a given tour date to make financial sense for the artist, venue and promoter.

“Some shows, they can’t afford to drop prices; they can’t afford to wait to try to sell out the rest of the building,” Clark said.

If there is uncertainty about all stakeholders being able to at least break even, he said, the show might get canceled.

Such realities have collided with a more circumspect concertgoer. Brittney D’Mello, a 23-year-old K-pop fan from New Jersey who works in corporate marketing, posted to X about her frustrations with the current touring landscape.

“The tickets are too expensive,” D’Mello said. “There’s only a SMALL amount of people (10%) that will spend $500+ on vip/floor/premium,” she said. “The rest of us have budgets and won’t spend $100 on nosebleeds,” she said, referring to seats that are typically the farthest away from the stage.

“Everyone is touring this year … and we only have money for 2-3 concerts MAX,” she added.

In a follow-up interview with NBC News, D’Mello said she simply decided to cap her concert budget.

“I will only go see two artists that are my tried-and-true favorite artists,” she said. “But I won’t be casually going to concerts anymore. And after going to concerts twice, I think that’s where I stop.”

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Dania Kalaji is a news associate for NBC News.

'Pluie, rain': Taylor Swift sings in a downpour on Eras Tour's first night in Lyon, France

Mark the first night in Lyon, France, as a rain show for the Eras Tour .

"Pluie, rain," Taylor Swift exclaimed to the sold-out show inside Groupama Stadium as she floated onto the stage during the "Speak Now" era. ("Pluie" is French for rain.)

Gray clouds loomed over the open-roofed stadium for the first hour of Swift's first show in the city in Eastern France. The band played underneath tents on both sides of the stage. The VIP and production booths on the ground floor were in tents as well. Some audience members wore colorful ponchos.

What was a slow-start sprinkle during "Enchanted," turned into a full downpour minutes later in the "Reputation" era. Swift and her dancers embraced the rain as she belted, "Baby, let the games begin." The bulk of the water show happened as Swift performed in her red and black bodysuit.

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During the combined "Folklore"/"Evermore" set, Swift sat at the moss-covered piano and acknowledged the appearance from Mother Nature.

"We have officially had a rain show tonight and that is set," she said before performing "Champagne Problems." "That is permanent. It doesn't matter if it doesn't rain again."

'Happy Pride Month, Lyon'

During " You Need to Calm Down ," an LGBTQ anthem for some Swifties, the singer made mention of rainbow-laden June.

"Happy Pride Month, Lyon," she said as wristwatches across the stadium lit up in rainbow colors and the audience waved their hands back and forth.

The singer-songwriter has one more show Monday night in Lyon before heading to Edinburgh, Scotland, for three shows this weekend.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

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Music and concerts, music and concerts | what’s up with the canceled tours and slow ticket sales for arena concerts, the black keys, jennifer lopez and justin timberlake struggle to find a paying audience.

Ticket listings for the Black Keys’ upcoming tour disappeared from Ticketmaster on the Friday that opened Memorial Day weekend. A week later, Jennifer Lopez announced her upcoming self-financed tour wasn’t going to happen as she was “taking time off to be with her children, family and close friends.”

Meanwhile, heavy hitters like Justin Timberlake and Billie Eilish have upcoming Xcel Energy Center shows with vast banks of unsold seats.

What’s going on?

The Black Keys didn’t formally announced that they axed the tour and didn’t make a statement until days later, after some fans speculated on social media about the duo’s health and well being. “The band wants to assure everyone that Dan and Patrick are alive and well,” they posted on social media . “We have decided to make some changes to the North American leg of the International Players tour that will enable us to offer a similarly exciting, intimate experience for both fans and the band, and will be announcing a revised set of dates shortly.”

A “similarly exciting, intimate experience” is a nice way to say that ticket sales were so bad, they’re going to retreat to smaller venues. There was plenty of online chatter about the Black Keys even playing arenas in the first place, but back in the ’10s, they enjoyed a sold run of arena tours, including three stops at Target Center.

Anyone who saw the Black Keys phone it in last August in front of a half-full Minnesota State Fair Grandstand knew something was up with the blues rockers. Much like their 2019 show at Target Center , guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney seemed distant and disinterested, in each other and the crowd. It didn’t help matters that the three albums they’ve released since 2021 failed to find much interest among listeners. Their most recent one, “Ohio Players,” peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard charts, the pair’s lowest ranking since their 2006 major label debut “Magic Potion.”

Lopez had been on a winning streak in the time since she turned 50 in 2019. That same year, she earned raves for her playing an aging stripper in “Hustler,” even though she didn’t land the Oscar nomination so many folks predicted was a lock. She played the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show and her 2022 films “The Mother” and “Shotgun Wedding” drew huge numbers on streaming.

To the surprise of the world, Lopez rekindled her romance with Ben Affleck a year into the pandemic. The couple married in Las Vegas in July 2022 and Lopez was so starry eyed, she made the ill-fated decision to share her love with the world.

Earlier this year, Lopez released the album “This Is Me … Now,” an hourlong film of the same name and “The Greatest Love Story Never Told,” a documentary about the making of it all. She invested $20 million into the three projects, which all focus on her romance with Affleck. The tour, in theory, would be the icing on the cake. Turns out, though, no one’s that hungry. (In a splashy Variety feature that ran in February, Lopez’s longtime producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas said she questioned the entire project: “I was worried … It made me uncomfortable for her.”)

By any metric, Timberlake stands as one of the most successful pop stars of the past 25 years. After blowing up as the leader of ‘N Sync, the Memphis native went on to find massive success as a solo artist, while carving out a second career in acting. Even as interest in his music has dropped off — he’s scored a mere three Top 10 hits in the past decade — he remained a strong draw on tour. In 2018, he headlined the Super Bowl halftime show and spent a year on the road, including two sold-out stops at Xcel Energy Center.

Timberlake’s current tour seems to be doing well. He announced it in January and added additional dates last month, including a show at the X, with Live Nation announcing more than one million tickets had already been sold. Perhaps local fans didn’t get the memo, because two weeks after it went on sale, the Halloween night show in St. Paul has sold roughly half the floor and just a smattering of seats in the 100 and 200 levels. It’s pretty much unthinkable that he’ll go through with this one if sales don’t pick up.

Eilish, who sold out her 2022 Xcel Energy Center debut , has had a remarkably successful career so far and became the second person ever to sweep the four major categories at the 2020 Grammy Awards. While few seats remain for her Nov. 10 show at the X, the Ticketmaster map for Nov. 11 looks a lot like Timberlake’s and is awash with blue dots (which represent unsold seats).

Other shows at the X having trouble with sales include Future and Metro Boomin (July 31), Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper (Aug. 25) and Cigarettes After Sex (Sept. 24). (You’re not alone if your reaction to the latter is “Wait, who?”)

Just like the Black Keys and Lopez, the reasons behind Timberlake and Eilish’s slow sales vary. Timberlake’s latest album fell off the Billboard 200 after four short weeks and he’s become increasingly scrutinized for his history of throwing women like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson under the bus to further his own career. Eilish is playing on an in-the-round stage, drastically upping the number of seats available to sell. Plus, she’s playing on the two worst nights of the week for an arena show, Sunday and Monday.

What they all have in common, however, is a newly choosy audience. Arena shows started trickling back in the latter half of 2021, but truly took off the following two years. Everyone, it seemed, was hitting the road and fans happily gobbled up tickets, even as dynamic pricing led to seats going for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars. Throw in two massive 2023 outings with worldwide attention — Taylor Swift and Beyonce – and it appears that concertgoing fever has peaked.

A course correction in ticket prices was long overdue, as there are a finite number of acts that can attract a finite number of fans willing to pay big bucks. In May, the Department of Justice sued Live Nation claiming the company, which owns Ticketmaster, is a monopoly that harms fans. If successful, the move would have a seismic impact on the entire concert industry.

Whatever happens, it’s clear that the fans have spoken by not opening their wallets.

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The Great Concert Ticket Bust

Big musical acts are canceling tours. Are Taylor Swift and Beyoncé the only artists who can sell out shows?

It's probably really great to be Jennifer Lopez . Of my running mental list of people whose lives seem absolutely awesome, she easily falls within the top 10. But just because she lives a charmed life doesn't mean things go great all of the time, and, lately, things have been a little less than ideal for the actor/singer/dancer from the Bronx. Her relationship with Ben Affleck is said to be on the rocks, and beyond any personal woes, she's got professional pains, too. Namely, JLo is apparently having a hard time selling tickets.

Lopez announced a tour to support her new album ( and truly wild accompanying movie ), "This Is Me … Now," earlier this year, but she wound up canceling a bunch of dates amid weak sales. She then rebranded the tour as a greatest-hits show, but fans still weren't tripping over themselves to see her. At the end of May, JLo decided to cancel her tour , saying she was "heartsick" but needed to spend time with her family and friends.

In JLo's defense, she's not the only one having trouble packing venues. The rock duo The Black Keys scrapped a planned arena tour and are expected to announce a "revised" set of dates at smaller venues. On social media, fans have noted that some shows from the pop artists Troye Sivan and Charli XCX as well as the band Wallows appear to be undersold. The Latin trap artist Bad Bunny recently pulled out of a show in Minneapolis, reportedly amid weak sales. Coachella lagged this year, and there's been chatter about a variety of acts not hitting home runs sales-wise in some instances and locations, including Cardi B, Justin Timberlake, and Pink.

This doesn't mean the entire concert industry is in disarray. Taylor Swift is unstoppable . As is Beyoncé whenever she is on the road. Acts such as Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, and Olivia Rodrigo are selling a ton. Dead & Company, the successor band to the Grateful Dead, is adding dates at the Las Vegas Sphere. Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster and rules the roost in the live-events space, had a huge 2023, estimating that 145 million fans attended more than 50,000 events, a 20% increase in fans over the year before. However, not everything is going smoothly for everyone. For some artists, conditions aren't so favorable, and they're struggling to pull in the crowds they anticipated, at least right out of the gate.

"Concert promotion is a betting business. You don't always win. And sometimes, you can be humbled," said Jarred Arfa, the head of global music at Independent Artist Group, whose client roster includes Billy Joel, 50 Cent, and Metallica.

Ticket prices are just astronomical right now.

There are a combination of factors that are dragging down some artists' ticket sales. For one thing, a lot of acts are on tour at the moment. In the wake of the pandemic, artists have been eager to get back out there and recoup lost time and money. Even if the return hasn't been smooth , basically anyone who can be touring is, meaning the space is crowded and oversaturated.

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"You'd never before had a moment in time where all the horses lined up at the starting gate and they all went out on the road at the same time," said Gary Witt, the CEO and co-owner of The Pabst Theater Group in Milwaukee.

The world really is your oyster right now when it comes to catching a show. But it also means that people have a ton of options, and there is only so much time to go around. Maybe you already saw your favorite artist when they first went on the road after the worst of COVID passed, and you don't feel especially inspired to go see them again. Or you like the band or singer in question plenty, but not enough to go through all the rigamarole of seeing them live. Either way, the once feverish demand for that ticket has probably cooled.

Pricing is also a factor. Anyone who's looked for concert tickets recently has probably been gobsmacked at the cost. Many consumers have been spending through inflation , even if begrudgingly so, but no one's budget is limitless, especially as prices for basically everything — including tickets to live events — remain elevated. Pollstar calculated that the average ticket price for the top 100 tours in the first quarter of this year was $123.25, an all-time. Its data indicates that the average ticket price for a Bad Bunny ticket is $290, for Justin Timberlake $216, and for Nicki Minaj $149.

"Ticket prices are just astronomical right now," said David "5-1" Norman, an industry veteran who has toured with Prince, Green Day, and Alicia Keys. "And if you're bringing a child with you, and then you have to stay overnight and gas and hotel and then food, that stuff adds up."

Just having the big song doesn't necessarily always translate into ticket sales.

Going on tour is always a gamble based on numerous factors including ticket history, streaming performance, email list sizes, and online attention. But there are no guarantees that any of that will translate to hard ticket sales . There are artists who might have massive numbers online but whose fans are only surface-level and don't really care enough to appear at a show. The way artists break out on social media nowadays makes it even harder to figure out whether that might be the case. Having a couple of hits on Spotify or TikTok doesn't mean someone can sell out a stadium.

That's why, in some cases, there seems to be a degree of overshooting. Artists (and their agents and managers and promoters) are trying to sell out bigger venues than they can. A more conservative approach would be to book a handful of big venues and see how it goes before committing to more, but that's not the approach everyone is taking.

"We have some hard-rock artists who you've never even heard of and they sell out everywhere, but they have that loyal fan base," Arfa said. "Just having the big song doesn't necessarily always translate into ticket sales." For every five or six acts that are doing great touring, one is a little clunky, he added. "We're having a couple conversations where we're thinking it may be best to push into Q1 of next year because of a high level of traffic on the road right now."

A spokesperson for Live Nation said in a statement that over 100 million tickets have been sold this year, even with fewer stadium shows touring, and that sales for shows in arenas, amphitheaters, theaters, and clubs are up "double digits" from last year. "Every year some events naturally fall off for various reasons, and in 2024 across all venue types we've seen a 4% cancellation rate – which is flat to last year," the spokesperson said.

Every artist and situation is unique. Bad Bunny may not have been able to sell such high-priced tickets in Minneapolis, but he's sold a ton of other places. JLo seems to have a lot more on her plate than trying to tour right now, and the Black Keys will probably do fine in smaller venues. A representative for Live Nation, which is producing the Troye Sivan/Charli XCX show, said the tour had sold out some dates and was 70% sold across the board, implying there had been misconceptions about sales online. (They said Wallows is selling "well" without providing on-the-record specifics and pointed to public statements from the Black Keys and Lopez, the tours of which Live Nation all produced.) Hiccups are not all about ticket sales, either. Kid Cudi canceled his tour this year because he broke his foot jumping off the stage during Coachella, and many acts aren't specifically saying the problem is sales when they do cancel.

There are strategies acts undertake to try to freshen things up for fans and boost sales, such as combining forces or bringing in special guests. Def Leppard is touring with Journey this year, and last year it toured with Mötley Crüe. There's always good old marketing. Live Nation recently wrapped its "concert week," which offers a variety of tickets at $25 — a good way to push tickets that aren't moving.

There is, of course, a huge issue that undergirds the entire conversation: Buying tickets is supremely annoying. You have to really want to see a show to try to navigate the labyrinthine purchase process. Live Nation-Ticketmaster dominates the market, which critics — including the Department of Justice, which is suing the company over claims of anti-competitive practices — say stifles innovation, allows for unfair markups, and contributes to an overall negative experience for fans . Fees on tickets are confoundingly high and seemingly endless . Bot armies snatch up tickets when they go on sale and flip them on the secondary markets for exorbitantly high prices. (One piece of silver lining here is that this year's lowered demand has resulted in lower resale ticket prices. SeatGeek says the average resale ticket price to attend a summer concert this year is $214; last year, it was $257, though a lot of that was due to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.)

"The time when customer experiences aren't good is usually when there's a monopoly involved," Witt, from The Pabst Theater Group, said.

JLo, of course, will be fine — she is very rich, famous, and beautiful after all. Her fans will survive and will probably have a chance to see her perform again. But next time she hits the road, they'd be wise to scoop up her tickets fast so "This Is Me … Whenever In the Future" doesn't get axed, too.

Emily Stewart is a senior correspondent at Business Insider, writing about business and the economy.

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Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Justin Timberlake are struggling to sell concert tickets: Here’s why

Jennifer Lopez can’t sell concert tickets.

Nor can artists like Bad Bunny, The Black Keys, Justin Timberlake and Pink, according to reports.

Even Coachella was reportedly more lackluster than in previous years.

Yet, Taylor Swift is holding the most profitable concert tour in music history.

And Beyoncé kills it whenever she’s on the road.

While not all artists’ issues are the same, there do seem to be some universal themes impacting the music business.

There are a lot of concerts going on in a post-pandemic world, ticket prices are climbing and it’s not easy to obtain tickets.

The average ticket price for the top 100 tours in the first quarter was a record $123.25 , according to data from concert ticket tracker Pollstar, cited by Business Insider.

Plus, artists may be overestimating their appeal by booking massive venues after delivering one hit.

Last week, Live Nation announced J.Lo’s tour was canceled and the singer/actor was taking time to be with her family and friends.

There was speculation the issue was the pop diva’s crumbling marriage to Ben Affleck.

But sales of her latest album have been weak and the companion film on Amazon Prime Video got panned. J.Lo’s planned Las Vegas residency is also in jeopardy .

Rock duo The Black Keys also scrapped a planned arena tour, while fans flagged that some shows for Troye Sivan, Charli XCX and Wallows appear to be undersold, according to reports.

Reggaeton star Bad Bunny reportedly canceled his Minneapolis show due to poor sales, though a source close to the tour told The Post he canceled one date and that was only because of “extenuating circumstances.”

There have been murmurs that headliners Justin Timberlake and Pink also have been slow to sell tickets, BI reported.

Live Nation, the owner of Ticket Master, clapped back, with a spokeswoman telling The Post Timberlake and Pink “are doing extremely well.”

She also emailed, “Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s SWEAT tour has multiple sold out dates and is over 70% sold across the board with 4 months left until it kicks off in September,” and the Wallows tour “is selling well.”

Live Nation said it has sold 100 million tickets so far this year, up from the same point last year. In addition, the company said, “Every year some events naturally fall off for various reasons, and in 2024 across all venue types we’ve seen a 4% cancellation rate — which is flat to last year.”