Andalusia is one of Europe's most rewarding road-trip destinations. Flamenco, Moorish palaces, whitewashed villages, and world-class tapas — all packed into a region about the size of Portugal. This 7-day itinerary takes you through the Golden Triangle of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, with optional detours for those who want to linger longer.
Before You Go: The Essentials
Andalusia is best explored by car. Distances are manageable — Seville to Córdoba is just 1h 45min, Córdoba to Granada is about 2h 15min — and the AP-4 and A-92 motorways are modern, well-signed, and largely toll-free on major sections.
You'll want to book accommodation in Granada and Seville well in advance, especially if you're visiting between April and October. The Alhambra sells out weeks ahead, so sort that ticket before anything else.
The Route at a Glance
The classic Andalusia triangle: Seville → Córdoba → Granada, roughly 450km in total. All motorways, well-signed, no tolls on the main sections.
Seville → Córdoba (1h 45min) → Granada (2h 15min) · Total driving: ~4 hours over 7 days
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Seville — First Impressions
Fly into Seville (SVQ) or drive down from Madrid (2h 40min on the AP-4). Drop your bags, then head straight to the Barrio de Santa Cruz — the old Jewish quarter — for a wander through narrow lanes and orange-tree plazas. End the evening with tapas at one of the bars on Calle Mateos Gago: try espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and cold manzanilla sherry.
Seville — Real Alcázar & Cathedral
Start early at the Real Alcázar, a stunning royal palace that mixes Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Its gardens alone are worth an hour. In the afternoon, visit the Catedral de Sevilla — the world's largest Gothic cathedral — and climb the Giralda tower for panoramic city views. In the evening, consider a flamenco show in Triana, Seville's most authentic flamenco neighbourhood.
Drive to Córdoba — The Mezquita
It's a 1h 45min drive east on the A-4. Arrive in Córdoba and head directly to the Mezquita-Catedral, one of the most extraordinary buildings on earth: a vast forest of 856 candy-striped columns, topped with a Christian cathedral built inside a medieval mosque. Spend the afternoon wandering the Judería (Jewish Quarter) and hunting down the famous Patio de los Naranjos. Stay overnight in Córdoba — the old town is entirely different after dark.
Córdoba to Granada — Arrival & Albaicín
After breakfast, take the 2h 15min drive to Granada on the A-45/A-92. Check in, then spend the afternoon exploring the Albaicín — the ancient Moorish neighbourhood on the hill opposite the Alhambra. Climb to the Mirador de San Nicolás for the most photographed view of the Alhambra at sunset. This is Granada's golden hour.
The Alhambra — Give It a Full Day
The Alhambra complex deserves your entire fifth day. Start with the Nasrid Palaces (your ticket will specify a 30-minute entry window — don't be late), then explore the Alcazaba fortress for views across the city. End in the Generalife gardens, where water channels and cypress trees create one of Europe's most serene spaces. Allow 4–5 hours minimum. In the evening, recover with dinner in the Realejo neighbourhood.
Granada Extras — or a Day Trip to Ronda
If you have energy, the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) houses the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. Or take a day trip to Ronda (1h 30min drive): a dramatic white town straddling a 100-metre gorge, home to one of Spain's oldest bullrings. For hikers, the Sierra Nevada is 45 minutes from Granada.
Return to Seville or Onward
Drive back across Andalusia, stopping in a pueblo blanco (whitewashed village) along the way — Antequera or Osuna make excellent halfway stops. From Seville, fly home or continue to the Costa de la Luz for a few beach days.
Practical Information
When to Go
April–June and September–October are ideal: warm without the scorching July/August heat (which can hit 42°C in Seville). Avoid Semana Santa (Holy Week) unless you specifically want to experience it — accommodation prices triple and the cities are very crowded.
Where to Stay
In Seville, the Santa Cruz and El Arenal neighbourhoods put you within walking distance of everything. In Granada, staying in the Albaicín itself is magical but requires a car-free arrival — many streets are too narrow for vehicles. In Córdoba, the small hotels within the walled Judería are far superior to chains on the outskirts.
Getting Around
All three city centres have Low Emission Zones (ZBE) — check in advance whether your rental car is permitted to enter. In Seville and Granada, park at the edge of the historic centre and walk. Córdoba's Judería is largely pedestrianised.
Budget Guide
- Budget: €80–110/day (hostel, self-catering lunches, free sights)
- Mid-range: €140–200/day (3-star hotel, restaurant lunches, paid attractions)
- Comfort: €250–400/day (boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours)
Ready to plan your Andalusia road trip? Our AI planner builds a personalised itinerary in seconds.
Build My Itinerary →