Andalusia, a 5-days itinerary
Andalusia is a region in southern Spain that is known for its rich history, culture, and stunning scenery. It is without a doubt a popular tourist destination, and for a good reason. There is something for everyone in Andalusia, from history lovers to culture vultures to beach bums.
This 5-day itinerary is a great way to see the highlights of Andalusia. It includes a mix of history, culture, and nature, and it can be customized to fit your interests and budget.
Day 1, Discovering Seville and The Alcazar
We start our trip in Seville, one of the most popular cities in Andalucía. Seville is unique, elegant and and releases art in every corner.
Visiting Seville in just one day is impossible but we will make sure that you discover the highlights.
You can´t leave Seville without:
- Visit the Alcázar of Seville: one of the most impressive palaces in Europe, It is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture, and it has been used as a royal palace for centuries.
- See the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It is a must to visit not only for its beautiful architecture but also because here is where the tomb of Christopher Columbus remains.
- Take a walk through Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of Seville. A quarter surrounded by legends, mysteries, and history.
- Explore the Triana neighborhood, and feel Sevillian for one day. It is one of the most traditional areas in the city, and a place where bars, shops, and restaurants are full of local people.
Day 2, Cordoba and La Mezquita
A widespread saying is that Cordoba is the most beautiful city in Andalusia. On your second day in Andalusia, you can judge for yourself.
We have a wonderful journey to discover a place full of beauty, and here are the top areas to discover:
- Córdoba is known for its Mezquita, a mosque that was converted into a cathedral in the 16th century. The Mezquita is one of the most impressive Islamic buildings in the world.
- Get lost in the narrow, cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter, and discover the contrast between Jewish, Moorish, and Christian buildings.
- Feel an exhibition of colors in the patios of the old Cordoba houses. Courtyards are full of pots and flowers of thousands of colors.
- Walk through the Roman Bridge at night. The surroundings of the Guadalquivir are a perfect area to take a night walk and enjoy the lighting of the historic center of Córdoba.
The orange tones of the lights reflected in the river surround the Old Bridge in a magical atmosphere.
Day 3, Granada and La Alhambra
A city with a long history, unique heritage, and breathtaking monuments. With a strategic location, Granada city is less than an hour’s drive to the most important ski resort in South Spain, and to the coast.
Can you imagine the possibility of skiing in the morning and swimming in the Mediterranean waters during the afternoon?
Everything is possible in Granada.
If you want to make the most of your day in Granada you should:
- Visit the Alhambra. The most popular monument in Spain. Go back in time and feel yourself inside an Arabian night’s story. Admire the Mudejar architecture of the ornate interiors of the Nasrid Palaces and get lost in the gardens with the smell of the flowers and the sound of the water.
- Enter the Albaicín neighborhood, the old Moorish quarter, and forget that you are in a city because exploring Albaicin will make you feel that you are in a small village full of whitewashed houses and balconies full of flowers.
- Discover the Cathedral, that it is Granada is considered the first Renaissance church in Spain and one of the greatest exponents of this artistic order.
- Enjoy a Flamenco show in a cave: undoubtedly, Sacromonte quarter is a Flamenco-born place, so there is no better place in the world to be in touch with the flamenco.
Day 4, Ronda and its Bridges
Ronda is a small city located in the mountains of Andalusia. Describing Ronda in words it is not possible.
Walking in its streets is, as can be seen, opening a door to a magic world that could be the scenery of a fairytale.
To be sure that you won´t miss the treasures of Ronda, here are the top places to visit:
- Puente Nuevo: The New Bridge of Ronda is, without a doubt, the icon of the city. Although you have seen it in hundreds of photos, we assure you that it is very impressive.
- Puente Viejo: It was built in the 16th century to join the old Islamic medina with the new neighborhood.
- The Bullring: It is important to remember that at present, the bullring is not working. Whether you are interested in the world of bullfighting or not, we recommend this interesting visit. As a curiosity, Madonna recorded a video clip here.
- Moorish baths: It is said that are the best preserved Moorish baths in Europe and one of the most beautiful.
Day 5, Discovering the hide beauty of Málaga
Malaga is one of those destinations that hide beauty in every corner. Málaga is also a city of contrast. You can find yourself walking in the old town surrounded by historical buildings and monuments, and suddenly appear in the Soho neighborhood, an alternative area which is an open museum full of street art.
Visiting Malaga in just one day is not an easy challenge, but with this small guide, you will get in touch what the most important monuments.
- The Cathedral: The cathedral tower is popularly known as “La Manquita” (one-armed). Legend has it that the money allocated in the 19th century to finish it was spent paying for the War of the Americas, so the tower was never completed.
- Roman Theatre: This Roman monument is located at the foot of the wall that surrounds the Alcazaba and dates back to the 1st century BC.
- Soho Quarter: The most alternative area in Malaga. Can you imagine walking by a traditional city and suddenly finding yourself surrounded by street art and graffiti?
- Picasso Museum: The Picasso Málaga Museum is housed in the old Palace of the Counts of Buenavista, built in the 16th century. Visiting the museum is a walk inside a genius and unique mind.
Conclusion
This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. Here are a few additional things to consider:
- If you are interested in history, you could spend more time in Seville, Córdoba, or Granada.
- If you are interested in nature, you could visit the Sierra Nevada mountains or the Doñana National Park.
- If you are on a budget, you could consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels.
We hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Andalusia.
