With just 2 weeks in Spain, I recommend focusing on Southern Spain. By allotting one day each for flights coming and going, even Americans with limited vacation time can enjoy a satisfying dip into this beautiful country.
Here’s what I recommend as the best Spain itinerary for first-timers: Spend two weeks in Andalusia (southern Spain).
And if you’d like to avoid soaring temps mid-summer, remember that it’s also one of Europe’s best places to visit in fall!
Contents
- 14 Day Spain Itinerary
- 2 Week Spain Itinerary
- More Places to Visit in Spain
14 Day Spain Itinerary
With just 2 weeks in southern Spain, resist the urge to move every night. Packing, unpacking, and changing hotels just wastes too much precious vacation time. This is already a whirlwind tour!
The best way to see Spain in 2 weeks? Plan an Andalucia itinerary: Begin in Barcelona (3 nights, including the day of your flight) and then head to the best cities and UNESCO sites in Southern Spain.
Visit Sevilla (3 nights with a day trip to Cordoba), Ronda (2 nights with a day trip to the “pueblos blancos”), Granada (2 nights), beach day at Nerja (1 night), and back to Barcelona (2 nights) for your flight home.
With more time, add extra beach days in Nerja. Or consider adding Madrid, which is conveniently on the train route between Barcelona and Sevilla.
We road tripped much of this itinerary but if you’d like to leave the driving to someone else, consider the gorgeous Andalus train.
Looking for other ideas of Spanish jewels to adapt your itinerary? You can read about other amazing places to visit in Spain here.) See the end of this post for what to do with just one week in Spain.
How to Rent a Car in Spain
My top recommendation is Discover Cars. Discover Cars has no hidden fees, excellent 24/7 customer service, and free cancellation. They search all the major rental car companies so you don’t have to.
Check price and availability on rental cars here.
How to use this map: This map is an image. Click the map to open an interactive version of the map. From there, if you click “open in my maps”, you can add this to your Google maps. Just click the tiny transparent star to the right of the map description to save it in “your places.” Go to “your places” next and there it is!
2 Week Spain Itinerary
Day 1: Barcelona
How many days in Barcelona? This cosmopolitan city is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain!
So plan on three nights and two days here if you fly into BCN. It’s all about the unique Modernist architectural landmarks here.
But plan ahead. Barcelona can be mobbed with tourists these days, especially in high season. This is one city you’ll want to reserve early for accommodations and tours to avoid standing in long lines.
You won’t want to miss Gaudi’s whimsical Sagrada Familia cathedral, under construction for more than 100 years. There’s nothing like it anywhere else.
Other Gaudi can’t miss sights include UNESCO World Heritage site Park Güell and Casa Batló, a reconstructed house that was scandalous in its day.
You can see these on your own—again, be sure to reserve tickets before you go—or take one of the small group private “skip the line” tours.
You can get tickets to see all three of these sights—Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batló—here.

One of the best ways to visit while enjoying a bird’s eye view of gorgeous Barcelona is by catching a ride on Barcelona’s hop on, hop off bus. You set the pace of your day, hopping on and off as something you want to explore arises.
Barcelona Bus Turistic offers three routes—a blue, a red, and a green route—depending on which area of the city you want to see.
Choose a one- or two-day pass to sightsee at your own pace. Get tickets here.
Without any stops, each route will take you about two hours.
However, you could easily spend eight hours on two consecutive days hopping on and off this bus and enjoy an excellent few days in Barcelona with no other plans!
Plan at least one full day on the Blue Line to include stops at the Gaudi sights above. Tip: The Museo Nationale d’Arte Catalunya makes an inspired stop for art, architecture, and refreshment with a view.
Ready to taste the best of Catalunya? Consider booking a Barcelona food tour for this evening.
We had a delicious evening visiting secret spots for tapas and vermouth tastings in Barcelona’s Exiample district with two local Catalans in the know.
There is so much delicious food to try in Spain!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
1. Luxury: NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón
Stay here for if you’re looking for a central location with stunning city views and a spectacular rooftop pool!
This hotel has a clean modern vibe. It’s located just off Passeig de Gracia in central Barcelona. Staff is friendly. It’s just one block from Gaudi’s famous Caso Batlló!
Check prices and availability here.
2. Budget: Airbnb Room in the Gothic Quarter
If you want to connect with locals, you can’t do better than staying with Alexandra and her family as we did! She offers a beautiful and spacious private room in her home.
And it comes with a continental breakfast that includes fresh pastries daily!
Check prices and availability here.
Day 2: Barcelona
There’s so much more to Barcelona than Las Ramblas, the famous tree-lined (and tourist-heavy) pedestrian walkway in Barcelona. So explore further afield.
Whatever you do, be sure to stop by one of Barcelona’s incredible public markets. We visited La Boqueria (not far from the picturesque 13th-century gothic cathedral) and walked around with mouths agape at the unending bounty.
You can even shop with a chef at La Boqueria and then learn how to make a paella, with a tapas tasting and Sangria. Yum! Check prices here. (Other great choices for market visits: Santa Caterina Market and Sant Antoni Market.)
I seek out markets whenever I’m in Europe, but I think this is the most impressive one I’ve experienced to date. (Their slogan isn’t “The Best Market in the World for nothing!)
Bring your camera as you taste test your way through olives, jamón, fruit, spices, and more.
Tip: Arrive early for the best experience…between 8 and 10 am to avoid the elbow-to-elbow crowds that grow thick by 11 am.
(Sidenote: If you’re visiting at Christmas, be sure to explore the fascinating Caganers Christmas tradition you’ll find at the annual Christmas market here.)
There are 10 distinct neighborhoods in Barcelona, each with its own personality, so you’ll have to choose where to explore.
The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona’s historic Old City is everyone’s favorite for tapas bar hopping and an evening stroll after dark.
Stop in its narrow medieval streets to listen to a lonely guitarist picking out tunes, watch a performance by a couple of break dancers, or even a world-class opera duet as we did.
Trendy bars and restaurants make this a memorable street scene. Tip: Add Bodega La Puntal to your tapas itinerary in the Gothic. It was amazing!)
Or you could head to Barceloneta beach for a drink with a million dollar view of the harbor at Per Sagradi, the rooftop bar of the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya.
From there, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to Restaurante Salamanca to enjoy a beautiful seafood paella—Spain’s famous rice dish—right on the beach in Barceloneta.
Be sure to bookmark my post on the best rooftop bars in Barcelona before you go.
With 15 choices around the city, you can experience the magic of Barcelona’s rooftop bar scene no matter where you are in Barcelona!)
More Places to Visit in Spain
Day 3 & 4 Seville: A Seville Itinerary for 2 Days
From Barcelona, you can either fly to Sevilla or take a train.
Either way—when you add in time getting to or from airports—it’s about five hours. The high-speed AVE train is fast, clean, and secure in the south of Spain. (But buy your train tickets ahead of time for a direct route and savings.)
Spend three nights here: two days in Sevilla plus a day trip to Cordoba.
Sevilla is a walkable town and better without a car.
As James Michener once said, “Sevilla doesn’t have ambiance; it is ambiance!” So it’s not so much about the sites as it is just soaking in the scene here. Walk scenic Barrio Santa Cruz.
There are just two “must-sees” here although there are so many things to do in Sevilla!
Don’t miss the incredible Alcázar Palace and the cathedral.
Be sure to buy your ticket to the Alcázar before you arrive to avoid the hour or more line that snakes around the palace in the hot Andalusian sun.
I wondered if it was overkill to visit the Alcázar in Sevilla, the Mezquita in Cordoba and also the Alhambra in Granada. Did we really need to see all of them?
The answer is yes. Indeed we did!
If you really want to appreciate your walk back through Spain’s incredible history, the Alcázar is a perfect place to invest in a guided tour.
I promise you’ll very much appreciate a skip-the-line tour here. You can reserve your tour here.
Parts of the Réal Alcazar (Royal Alcazar) Palace date from the first century AD (with plots of land occupied since the 8th century BC.
The palace, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the late 1980s, is still today an official residence of the King and Queen of Spain.
The beautifully carved facades and intimate orange-scented courtyards hint at the palace’s Moorish past. It’s all mesmerizing so make it the highlight of your day by spending a few hours here.

Consider also visiting the beautiful Roman Catholic Sevilla Cathedral (also a UNESCO site) on Day 4. (Christopher Columbus is buried here.)
Climb all the way to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of beautiful Sevilla.
Again, history lovers will really appreciate a guided tour. Check prices here.
Also, Sevilla is home to all things flamenco, so whatever you do make a point of seeing a flamenco dance performance on one of your evenings here!
I really wanted to see an authentic performance so we booked one at the Flamenco Dance Museum after researching the options.
It was beautiful. You can reserve your ticket for a performance here.
But you know what was even more magical? The impromptu performance we happened upon in a square late one evening.
A woman was dancing for the sheer joy of it, accompanied by a guitarist. Everyone is out late at night—even babies in strollers—taking an evening “paseo” (stroll) so just get out there and keep an eye out!
Where to Stay in Sevilla
1. Luxury: EME Cathedral Hotel
If your goal is to be central to everything, stay here!
This boutique hotel is located right next to the stunning Sevilla Cathedral in Old town for easy access to the best of the city. Stylish with a modern but warm ascetic. Rooftop bar and terrace.
Check price and availability at EME Catedral Hotel here.
2. Budget: Apartment Catedral
Stay in a romantic renovated attic of a 16th manor house with gorgeous rooftop views…for less than a hotel! It’s steps from the cathedral, Giralda and Alcázar.
Check price and availability on Apartment Catedral here.
Or, check out this list of best hostels in Seville.
Day 5: Day Trip to Córdoba
A Sevilla to Cordoba day trip is easy.
It’s just 45 minutes by train so there’s just no excuse for missing the magnificent Mezquita: a well-preserved mosque built in 784 AD…with a 15th-century church built in the middle of it! And not only that, but the mosque was actually built on top of a church.
You can see the well-preserved remains by peaking through a transparent section of the floor.
Plan several hours to walk this wonder. (Buy tickets at the door. Lines aren’t a problem here so advance reservations aren’t necessary).
This would also be a wonderful place for a guided tour if you are so inclined. Check tour prices here.
Then walk the nearby Roman bridge and gaze up at the unfinished Renaissance arch at its entrance.
There are so many things to do in Cordoba!
Before heading back to Sevilla, plan time window shopping the cute boutiques in the Jewish Quarter (delicate silver filigree jewelry hails from Córdoba!) and lunching in the courtyard of a patio draped with flowers.
Córdoba is all about the patios. For a peek at the most beautiful of them, consider a patios tour. You can check tour prices here.
Day 6: To Ronda
Pick up your two-day car rental (reserve ahead) at the Sevilla train station and head south on your road trip towards Ronda, Spain.
This is your base for two nights to visit Andalusia’s storied “pueblos blancos” (white hill towns). I recommend reserving through Discover Cars for best prices, no hidden fees, and excellent service.
Check prices and reserve your car here.
If you’re feeling confident in your parking skills, stop in Arcos de la Frontera for lunch.
Beautiful Arcos is built high on a cliff with astounding valley views.
To avoid the narrowest of streets, park in the free public parking at the bottom near New Town and walk up into the old town.
For me, our stay in Ronda was the most magical part of our 2 week Spain itinerary.
Spectacular Ronda is built over a stunning gorge complete with a waterfall at the bottom.
As you approach Ronda by car, it will seem flat. It’s only once you cross the bridge and look back that you’ll gasp at the sheer drop into the canyon.
It was an ingenious place for Spaniards to build a village as it was nearly impossible for the Moors to conquer. They succeeded only in 1485.
While you’re in Ronda, tour the bullring. Spanish bullfighting was born here in Ronda. (Be sure to check the bullfighting calendar before booking though if you want to actually see one.)
It’s important to note that Spain doesn’t consider bullfighting a sport. It’s a cultural event.
Check out the valley views from the Plaza de María Auxiladora. Visit the tiny cliffside gardens of Casa del Rey Morro.
But above all else: Be sure to enjoy a sunset libation at a hotel or restaurant with the famous view below. (It was the highlight of my time in Ronda.)
Note: If you’d rather skip driving in Spain but still want to see Ronda and the pueblo blancos, you can also see it on a guided tour as a long day trip from Sevilla.
The 10-hour tour includes a visit to the bullfighting ring in Ronda and local wine tasting there (two hours total) and four hours in the pueblo blancos.
I suspect you’ll wish you had more time to explore this area on your own, but it’s a useful option! You can read more about the tour and book here.
Where to Stay in Ronda
If you’re going to splurge on a place to stay in Spain, make it Ronda! (Options 1 and 2 below are both lovely.)
1. Luxury: Parador di Ronda
Looking for spectacular views of Ronda’s gorge and Puente Nuevo bridge? This is your spot! It’s set in Ronda’s former town hall and also offers an onsite restaurant featuring Andalusian cuisine.
Check price and availability here.
2. Budget: Casa Albéitar
If you’re on a budget but hoping for a central location, you can’t do better than this beautiful two-bedroom Airbnb with a garden and private terrace. Plus, parking is easy here which is a major bonus in Ronda.
Check price and availability here.
Day 7: Pueblos Blancos
If you’re in search of the storied white hill towns of southern Spain, you’ll find that Andalucia travel is mostly inaccessible without a car…which is why you’re paying for overnight parking in Ronda.
We loved our few hours chatting up locals in Algodonales, where Steve’s grandparents hailed from.
But if you want to see the most photogenic white hill towns clustered on cliffs, head directly to Zahara, high above a turquoise lake, and gleaming Grazalema.
With more time, add Jerez to your itinerary. It’s famous for sherry tasting!
You can do this on your own or even book this as a guided day trip from Sevilla (which is not a bad idea…Who wants to drive after sherry tasting anyway?). Check out the tour here.
You’ll enjoy a beautiful drive in rural Andalucia, through forests and past goats, as you climb into the hill towns. There are no “must see” sights here. Just enjoy the views…
Day 8: Train to Granada
Drop your rental car in Ronda before catching the train to Granada. Save money on train tickets by reserving ahead.
We like to reserve through Trainline. (They also have a convenient app. In fact, once we bought our tickets on the app while sitting in a train station to avoid the long line of ticket buyers!)
On our trip, we drove into Granada and what a mistake! Granada is a metropolis compared to most of the places we visited by car in Spain.
Plus, we arrived on a festival day to snarled traffic inching into the city and expensive, overflowing parking garages.
You’ll be infinitely happier without a car here. It’s just 2.5 hours by train from Ronda. If you stay centrally, you can walk or taxi anywhere easily.
How many days here? There are so many things to do in Granada!
For a relaxed pace, plan two nights here. Once you’re in Grenada, you’ll feel the Moroccan vibe…so close to Africa!
On your first day, take the train in and explore the boutiques. Think incense sellers, bold African prints, and Moroccan pastries.
Then, while you’re in the main square, Plaza Nueva, enjoy a Moroccan meal and a visit to a tetería (tea shop).
Our time in Granada was what prompted our trip just a few years later to Morocco which is highly recommended!
Get the full effect by booking a massage and an authentic Arab bath in a hammam. It’s really like no other experience I’ve had…first being splashed by buckets of warm water, then being scrubbed, and finally massaged with fragrant Argan oil!
(Book ahead and arrive on time or prepare to be disappointed.
The hammams stay booked so there’s no refund. We learned this the hard way by missing our booking due to being stuck in traffic. It wasn’t until I made it to Morocco that I finally had the dream hamam experience described above!)
You can reserve an unforgettable Hammam experience here.
Where to Stay in Granada
1. Luxury: Eurostars Washington Irving
Looking for something close to Alhambra with amenities? Eurostars Washington Irving is for you.
With decor inspired by author Washington Irving, it’s located just 1300 feet from Alhambra!
(Be aware that it’s a 15-minute walk to the center of Granada.) Includes outdoor pool and sun terrace.
Check price and availability here.
2. Mid-range: Trinidad Deluxe Penthouse
Want a central location? Stay in this beautiful Airbnb penthouse in the heart of the city. It’s cozy and elegantly furnished with gorgeous views of the cathedral from your private terrace (or swimming pool).
Check price and availability here.
or Hotel Posada del Toro:
Looking for value? We loved Hotel Posada del Toro! Step out your door and you’ll practically be in Plaza Nueva, the central hub of Granada. Rooms are small but clean. Includes a generous buffet breakfast, too.
Check price and availability here.
Day 9: See The Alhambra Palace
If you’d prefer to move one of your Granada days to elsewhere in this itinerary, it’s possible to see the phenomenal Alhambra in one long day.
It will require serious planning, however. Because it’s one of the most visited sites in Europe (8,000 visitors per day!), it’s critical that you reserve your ticket several months ahead of time.
Your ticket will include a strict entry time so you’ll need to coordinate around that.
This incredible UNESCO site is worth enjoying with a local guide for a deeper appreciation. Check prices on the skip-the-line half day tour of Alhambra and the gardens here.
The Alhambra is a one-of-a-kind Moorish palace originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 AD.
While the rest of Europe struggled through the Dark Age, the Moors flourished, bringing science, philosophy and inspired architecture to Southern Spain.
They also brought sophisticated irrigation systems. In fact, water is central to the design of The Alhambra.
You’ll see fountains, pools, elaborate baths, cascades of water and so much more. The manicured gardens, scalloped entryways, and vibrant tile work deserve at least a half day of your time here.
Day 10: Nerja
After touring all those palaces, take a break at the beach! Nerja is one of the best beaches in Spain.
If you’ve decided to squeeze your visit to Granada into a single day, then Nerja is an excellent candidate for that extra day in your itinerary.
While much of Spain’s Costa Del Sol coastline is overdeveloped, there remains a beachy treasure often overlooked: Nerja (pronounced “Nair-Ha”) In fact, Rick Steves named it his favorite beach in Europe!
We were here on a fiesta day and loved seeing matching mamas and babies all decked out in form-fitting flamenco dresses in the street.
From elderly women to teenagers and toddlers, it seems that every Spanish female owns such a dress! I even spied a few “mantillas,” the lacy Spanish veils.
The center of town is the “Balcony of Europe.” Soft sandy beaches against a turquoise stretch of the Med fan out in both directions from here.
So grab a towel or reserve a lounge chair under a cabana and join the scene.
Top tip: Ask around to find the guy who sells servings from a giant vat of paella on the beach. He’s there somewhere mid-day only!
Another idea: If you loved the pueblos blancos near Ronda, consider a side trip to nearby Frigliana here.
History lovers will enjoy learning about how Judaism, Islam, and Christianity came together to shape this little whitewashed town. Check prices here for the tour.
Where to Stay in Nerja
1. Luxury: Parador di Nerja
Looking for easy beach access? Parador di Nerja is a luxurious cliffside hotel with direct elevator access to the beach and onsite restaurant.
(Getting to the beach is not always straightforward in Nerja as access is not continuous along the coast, so this is very convenient.)
Check price and availability here.
2. Budget: Airbnb Room in an Apartment
Want a memorable local experience on a budget? Stay in a private room with ensuite bath at Alexandra’s place, the warmest host ever. It’s one of the best airbnbs in Andalucia for sure.
We adored our stay here. Your room comes with a homemade paella dinner! Just be aware it’s a 20-minute walk to the beach, however.
Check price and availability here.
Day 11: Travel Day to Barcelona
If you’d like to return by air, as we did, take the 90-minute train ride (or bus) to Malaga, the nearest airport and fly back. Otherwise, take the fast train from Malaga.
Some of the European discount airlines are notoriously delayed, however. So I recommend avoiding any non-refundable reservations for this evening in Barcelona in case you get delayed.
Day 12: Barcelona or Day trip from Barcelona
Enjoy your last day in Barcelona catching any sights you missed at the beginning of the trip.
In addition to the Gaudi sights, consider a visit to the Picasso Museum, Palace of Catalan Music or Barceloneta beaches. Otherwise, consider reserving a day tour (or taking a bus or train on your own) to one of four popular guided (or independent) day trips from Barcelona. A few popular choices are:
Sitges—a beautiful and relaxed coastal artist’s colony and resort town with festivals in August and September.
Montserrat—a dramatic monastery high up in the cliffs west of Barcelona.
(If you enjoy reading a novel set in the places you’re visiting as I do when I travel, I recommend Dan Brown’s Origin for its Barcelona and Montserrat settings.)
This tour combines a visit to both Sitges and Montserrat—from the mountains to the sea in one full day—which would be a truly beautiful day! Check prices here.
Girona—a tiny medieval river town full of Game of Thrones sites.
Figueres—home to the Dalí theater-museum. We enjoyed a wonderfully full-day tour that combined Girona and Figures. The Dalí museum is small but truly unique and worth the visit. Check prices here.

Only have time for a one week Spain itinerary?
If you’re a history and art lover, enjoy Gaudi sights in Barcelona first and then visit Sevilla for the Alcazar and Granada for Alhambra.
If instead, you’re looking to experience authentic rural Spain at a slower pace, rent a car from Barcelona and hop between the pueblos blancos (Day 6 and 7 above).
Don’t miss Ronda! It makes a great base for a Spain road trip.
Need More Information? I recommend Rick Steve’s guide book to Spain for more detail on all of the places above, recommended restaurants, and Spain travel tips. Click here to order it on Amazon!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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I need to see more of Spain so thanks for inspiring. I went to Barcelona a few years ago and loved it. As a big fan of Dali I did my day trip to Figueres. That museum is amazing. Can’t wait to go see more of this beautiful country
Completely agree about the Dali museum. Sometimes the most amazing museums are small and approachable like that one was. So crazy that he’s buried there!
When travelling to Girona don鈥檛 forget to visit the city鈥檚 capital, El Call, the oldest part of the town. After that I would suggest to explore the costal towns of the Emporda region, such as Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, Begur and Cadaques. If you like walking do El Cami de Ronda, the costal path that gives you the most amazing views of the blue sea and pine trees meeting at once.
Thanks so much for sharing, Angela! I’m definitely putting El Cami de Ronda on my list for next visit.
It looks like a gorgeous place to visit. We thought we might go to Spain after my son’s graduation because he could do most of the speaking 馃槈 Not sure we’ll get there that soon, but it’s definitely high on my list.
You won’t be disappointed when you do, Amy! It’s always wonderful to have a native speaker with you. That’s one of the reasons I love traveling in France because I speak the language 馃檪
I have been to Alhambra and it is amazing. There’s so many spots in Southern Spain that I missed out. This definitely helps. Thanks Chris!
This is such an awesome guide! I’m planning on spending a month in Spain this upcoming summer, and this answered so many of my questions about traveling in southern Spain. I’ll be happy if I get to spend some time in half the places on this list!
Enjoy! I’m so glad it was helpful. So much you can see in a month 馃檪
Its just awesome.Very much excited to visit after looking these scenarios.
Have a wonderful time!
Your cover pic is of Blanes, in the provincia de Girona in Catalunya. Catalunya is in the NE part of Spain while Andalusia is in the South. Spain is beautiful wherever you go but do not miss Barcelona (Sagrada Familia & other Gaudi sights), Granada (The Alhambra), Cordoba (Cathedral turned mosque turned cathedral), and Toledo(home of El Greco) near Madrid. The rest is pure gravy, beautiful towns (esp on the Costa Brava) and museums. And, unless you can afford three/four star restaurants, an American will find the food over salted.
Hi Pamela! I think you might be referencing the photo for my pin at the end of the post? That could be correct! However, all the actual photos in this post are from our trip to Andalucia, except for the few from Barcelona and Girona, which is, as you point out, Catalunya. I’m happy to say we ate in tiny restaurants with no Michelin stars and didn’t find the food over salted at all!
Hi, Very Good Article. it. The whole article is wonderful and very helpful. Keep up the Good Work Thanks for always sharing.
Imran Khan
Unique Web Studio, LLC
What a helpful blog, Chris! I’ve just spent hours on the Trip Advisor Spain and Granada forums trying to decide on my family’s Dec 17-Dec30, 2019 trip to Spain — likely our only trip there in my lifetime — and have been struggling with our itinerary. We are thinking of flying into Granada and starting there b/c we will be meeting my daughter who will be finishing up a study abroad semester. It looks like we could follow your suggestions, sort of in reverse — and fly out of Barcelona. What do you think? I hope this isn’t too broad of a question. Either way, thank you very much for a helpful blog. Cathy
Hi Cathy! I’m so glad it’s helpful 馃檪 It can be overwhelming to plan a trip鈥specially when you’re new to an area. You could absolutely start in Granada and fly out of Barcelona! In fact, that’s even better as you won’t have to deal with a car in Granada, which is not recommended as I mentioned. Have a wonderful, wonderful trip. You’re going to have memroies for a lifetime!
Great blog. We’re following your itinerary to the T. With exactly the same amount of dates and your great research (and similar demographics :), I figured why reinvent the wheel. Only error I found was that Molino Hotel link under Ronda takes you to Hotel Molino in Italy! Almost had a reservation in the wrong country lol (you might want to correct that). Looking forward to following in your footsteps for our trip to Spain. Thank you so very much!
Ack! Thanks so much for taking time to let me know about the incorrect link. Fixed!
This is fantastic! I’m planning a ten-day trip to Spain next July, and this is very helpful. I’m thinking of flying into Barcelona and out of Madrid. Any thoughts on how to shorten this itinerary from 2 weeks to 10 days?
Hi Jodi! It’s tough to say…I haven’t been to Madrid myself but based on feedback from others, I elected to skip Madrid in favor of more time in Andalusia. Other than that, it just depends if you’re more interested in historical sights, beach time or cosmopolitan cities. The good news is it’s hard to go wrong in Spain!
Hi Chris – I rarely make comments on these posts, but I just felt compelled to as yours was so well researched and written!
I’m planning my own 2 week trip to Spain next May and will definitely use several of your tips. One of the most valuable tips you give is when and where to take the train and when and where to pick up and drop off rental cars. Very helpful.
Thanks for making it easier on the rest of us fellow travelers.
Hey Randy!
I so appreciate you leaving me a comment to tell me the post was helpful.
And yes, some parts of Spain are nearly inaccessible without a car (like the pueblo blancos in Andalusia) while in others, they are just expensive and hard to park! Have a fab trip 馃檪
Thank you so much for the review, was VERY helpful.
We are going to Spain this spring but thinking of doing this trip backwards.
We will fly into Malaga, landing at 10 am… now I was wondering if it is worth a day/night here, or just continue onto Nerja by train from the airport.
I was also wondering what the easiest way to get from Nerja to Granada would be? I see there is a bus.. would this be easiest, considering you mentioned not wanting a car rental in Granada.
Thanks again
Hi Jodie, I’m so glad it was helpful. 馃檪 I think you could do this trip backward no problem. Malaga is a BIG city so if you like the idea of a large beachy city, you could spend a day. Personally, I love the small-town feel of Nerja so I’d head there, but it depends what calls to you! As for transport Nerja to Granada, check out the app Rome2Rio. I find it really helpful for best route planning. I haven’t taken buses in Spain, but it does look like it’s faster than the train and recommended by the app!
Thanks for the helpful information. We have been planning a 2-week trip for some time now. You gave us some good ideas for things we might have missed. One question: We were planning to rent a car for the whole trip — we don’t mind driving. However, we could book trains for some parts if that is preferable. We were also planning on seeing Gibraltar from Ronda. Worthwhile? Thanks
Our plans currently:
Week 1 – (Madrid) – Toledo 1 – Seville 1 – Ronda 3 – Granada 2
Week 2- Valencia 1- Barcelona 4- Back to Madrid -2
Hi Dennis. I haven’t been to Gibraltar yet so can’t really advise on that but I think the rest of your plan looks great! We love to drive European countries with a couple caveats. First, we’ll fly instead if we are short on time to skip a full day drive. And second, we seriously avoid a car in major cities. They’re expensive to park and the traffic is stressful. If it were me, I’d ditch the card for Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada. Have a fabulous trip!
Thanks for the response! Appreciated your travelogue.
Chris, I love your recommendations and am planning to follow most of your itinerary for our upcoming family trip in March. Do you think that if we stay in Nerja we can make a day trip to Granada? Will that be enough time? I’m wondering if we can keep the car, drive from Ronda to Nerja, stay in Nerja 2 nights and use that as a base from which to go to Granada. Thanks!
Hi Minnie! I’m so glad this itinerary has inspired you 馃檪 Yes, I think Granada would make a great day trip from Nerja. The only downside is that parking can be a major challenge in Granada as it’s a major city. During our visit (which turned out to be a festival day), we wasted an hour in massive traffic only to find parking garages all full. So just plan ahead in case that is your experience too. Otherwise, maybe check the Rome2Rio site to see if there are trains or buses.
Hey Chris,
Im going to be following your itinerary closely for my honeymoon and I may have missed this somewhere in the article but how would you recommend travelling from Granada to Nerja? Seems fairly close. Thanks:)
Hi Lauren, I recommend public transportation based on my poor experience with a rental car. See my reply to the comment just before yours 馃檪
Hi Chris, thanks for your reply to my earlier question above! We are now planning to rent a car and drive from Granada to Nerja and Mijas en route to Ronda and then to Seville. In response to Lauren’s question, I saw that there is a bus from Granada to Nerja, but it is so much faster by car. It looks like a nice drive along the coast, but I wonder if we can have a loose schedule and book accommodations as we need them (i.e. not in advance) — given that it’s off peak season and people are still recovering from Covid lockdowns. Cheers!
Hi Minnie, yes, it’s a beautiful drive along the coast with some stunning beaches. I’ve done it! You may well have luck booking as you go in off season. I typically always book before traveling but I’d love to try this too. Report back and let me know how you did 馃槈
Hi, my name is Neal. My wife and I are in our early 70s and are considering a trip to Spain using your itinerary. We both love to travel but don鈥檛 care for extended guided group tours. (Short guided tours are fine, however.) My question, in your experience is it safe for two Americans in their early 70s and who speak only limited Spanish to go it on our own using your recommended itinerary and transportation recommendations?
Thanks
Hi Neal, Absolutely it’s safe! We also prefer independent travel and Spain is a great place for it. The only consideration is how comfortable you are driving in genera and Europe in particular. If you’ve driven in Europe before and it’s no problem then you’ll find the roads in Southern Spain to be easy. Otherwise, I’d consider public transportation options on the Rome2Rio app/website which tells you the most efficient ways to get from Point A to Point B. You can see everywhere on this itinerary by train/bus except perhaps the white hill towns. Have fun!