7-Day Itinerary in Andalusia: Summary
This 7-day itinerary covers Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga with a budget of €600–900 per person.
This trip is designed for the cultural traveler who wishes to immerse themselves in the history of Al-Ándalus without sacrificing modern comfort. It ranges from the Baroque grandeur of Seville to the Mediterranean sophistication of Málaga, passing through the Islamic gem of Córdoba and the Nasrid magic of Granada. It is ideal for couples or independent travelers seeking a balance between guided tours, local gastronomy, and leisurely strolls through historic quarters.
| Día | Ciudad Base | Highlights Principales | Km entre paradas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sevilla | Catedral, Giralda, Real Alcázar | – |
| 2 | Sevilla | Barrio Santa Cruz, Plaza de España, Itálica | – |
| 3 | Córdoba | Mezquita-Catedral, Judería, Alcázar | 143 km (Tren 45 min) |
| 4 | Granada | Albaicín, Mirador San Nicolás, Capilla Real | 162 km (Coche 1h 40min) |
| 5 | Granada | La Alhambra, Generalife, Palacios Nazaríes | – |
| 6 | Málaga | Centro Histórico, Museo Picasso, Puerto | 125 km (Coche 1h 20min) |
| 7 | Málaga | La Malagueta, Atarazanas, Despedida | – |
Day 1: Seville, the Cradle of Baroque and Flamenco
Morning
Activity 1: Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See and La Giralda (2 hours). Begin your adventure in the religious heart of the city. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Climbing La Giralda offers the best panoramic views of the city. The combined ticket usually costs around €12.
Activity 2: Royal Alcázar of Seville (1.5 hours). Right next door, step into the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Its Mudéjar architecture is impressive. Advance booking is mandatory (approx. €14).
Recommended breakfast: Bar Las Teresas (Santa Cruz Quarter). Toast with tomato and Iberian ham. Estimated price: €5–8.
Midday
Where to eat: Taberna Alvaro Perejil or La Azotea (accessible Michelin option). Try the Solomillo al whisky (pork tenderloin in whisky sauce), tender slices of pork bathed in a delicious sauce made with whisky, garlic, and spices. Average price: €25–35 per person.
Afternoon activity if applicable: Brief walk around Plaza del Triunfo to see the exterior façade.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Tour of the Santa Cruz Quarter. Lose yourself in its narrow streets filled with flower pots and courtyards. Visit the Basilica of La Macarena if you are interested in Holy Week (Semana Santa), or the Palace of San Telmo to admire its Churrigueresque Baroque façade.
Snack or rest: A break in the Murillo Gardens or a small beer with a tapa on Calle Mateos Gago.
Night
Dinner: Arenal or Triana area. Try the Pescado frito (Pescaíto frito), a variety of fresh fish such as anchovies or whiting, battered and fried until crispy and golden. Price: €20–30.
Nightlife: Triana is ideal for a more traditional and flamenco atmosphere, while Alameda de Hércules offers more modern and youthful options.
Day 2: Seville, Roman history and monumental squares
Morning
Activity 1: Plaza de España and Parque de María Luisa (2 hours). The architectural icon of the Expo del 29. It is the perfect place to stroll and rent a rowboat on the canal.
Activity 2: Archaeological Ensemble of Itálica (Active option – 3 hours). If you like Roman history, take a bus or taxi (15 min) to Santiponce. You will see one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Spain. Free entry for EU citizens.
Quieter option: Visit to the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Seville Royal Bullring) and its bullfighting museum.
Recommended breakfast: Café Central. Full Andalusian breakfast. Price: 6-10€.
Midday
Where to eat: Eslava or Bodeguita Romero. Order Espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), a traditional dish with Arab influence, healthy and tasty. Average price: 15-25€.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Visit the Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) to see the largest wooden structure in the world. Go up to the walkway for another perspective of the city.
Snack: Gazpacho andaluz at any tapas bar; it is the perfect cold and refreshing soup made with tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil and vinegar.
Night
Dinner: Calle Betis area in Triana. Light dinner of varied tapas. Price: 20-30€.
Nightlife: Enjoy an authentic flamenco show in a tablao in Triana or the atmosphere on Calle Pureza.
Day 3: Córdoba, the city of three cultures
Morning
Transfer: High-speed train from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Córdoba Central. According to Renfe, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Activity 1: La Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (1.5 hours). A unique architectural wonder in the world where Islamic and Christian art overlap. Entry approx. 13€.
Activity 2: Puente Romano and Calahorra (1 hour). Cross the bridge for the best photo of the Mezquita from the banks of the Guadalquivir.
Recommended breakfast: Salinas. Try the famous Salmorejo cordobés. Price: 5-8€.
Midday
Where to eat: Taberna Salinas or El Churrasco. Try the Flamenquín or the Rabo de Toro. Average price: 20-30€.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Walk through the Judería. Look for the Triunfo de San Rafael (Triumph of Saint Raphael) and the Monumento a Luis de Góngora (Monument to Luis de Góngora). Visit the Sala de abluciones de Almanzor (Almanzor Ablution Hall) if open, or simply enjoy the patios (if it is May) or the Puerta Entrada Paraíso Arenal.
Snack: Chocolate con churros in the Plaza de la Corredera.
Night
Dinner: Taberna Guadalmellato or Regadera. Intimate atmosphere and author’s cuisine with traditional touches. Price: 30-45€.
Nightlife: The area around Plaza de la Corredera and the surroundings of the Mezquita has a very pleasant atmosphere for evening tapas.
Day 4: Granada, the Charm of the Albaicín
Morning
Transfer: Rental car or bus from Córdoba. The distance is 162 km, with an estimated driving time of 1h 40min.
Activity 1: Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) (1 hour). Burial place of the Catholic Monarchs. It is an essential monument for understanding the history of the Reconquista.
Activity 2: Mercado de San Agustín (San Agustín Market) (1 hour). A gourmet market perfect for getting to know the local gastronomy before lunch.
Recommended breakfast: Café de los Chinos (if you head towards the Albaicín) or any café on Gran Vía. Price: €4-7.
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurante Chikito or La Oliva. Try Habas con jamón (Fava beans with ham), a simple stew of tender fava beans with pieces of serrano ham from the Alpujarra. Average price: €20-30.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Head up to the Albaicín neighborhood. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along Paseo de los Tristes on the banks of the Darro River. Visit the Eduardo Lucena Sculpture if you come across it on your route through the center.
Snack: Moorish tea at the tea rooms on Calle Elvira or Calle Calderería Nueva.
Night
Dinner: Realejo area or Plaza Nueva. Try the Tortilla del Sacromonte, made with brains and lamb testicles (ask if you are not brave enough for the traditional ingredients; modern versions are available). Price: €20-35.
Nightlife: The Albaicín neighborhood and the Plaza Nueva area are full of nightlife and tapas bars.
Day 5: Granada, the Nasrid Jewel
Morning
Activity 1: La Alhambra and Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces) (3-4 hours). This is the star attraction. Admission costs approx. €16 and MUST be booked months in advance. It includes the Alcazaba, the Palaces, and the Generalife.
Activity 2: Baños Árabes (Arab Baths) (Optional). If you have extra time and energy, visit the Bañuelo baths.
Recommended breakfast: Light breakfast at your hotel or a café near the entrance to La Alhambra. Price: €5-10.
Midday
Where to eat: Carmen de la Victoria (incredible views) or Casa Morisca. Try the Remojón Granadino, a salad based on orange, desalted cod, spring onions, olives, and olive oil. Average price: €25-40.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Rest or shop for handicrafts on Carrera del Darro. Visit the Mirador de San Nicolás at sunset to see La Alhambra illuminated with the Sierra Nevada in the background.
Snack: Artisanal ice cream in the Albaicín area.
Night
Dinner: Restaurante Faralá (Michelin) for a special experience, or Balandro for something more casual but high quality. Try the Plato Alpujarreño, a hearty dish with potatoes “a lo pobre”, fried eggs, ham, pork loin, and blood sausage. Price: €30-50.
Nightlife: Plaza de Bib-Rambla area, full of terraces and a university atmosphere.
Day 6: Málaga, culture and sea
Morning
Transfer: Car from Granada to Málaga. It is 125 km, approximately 1h 20min journey via motorway.
Activity 1: Historic Center and Calle Larios (1.5 hours). Stroll along the main street and look for the Torrijos Monument in Plaza de la Merced.
Activity 2: Picasso Museum Málaga (1.5 hours). Born in Málaga, this museum in the Palacio de Buenavista is essential. Entrance approx. €10-12.
Recommended breakfast: Café Central or La Goleta. Price: €5-8.
Midday
Where to eat: Pimpi (historic) or El Pimpi. Very typical atmosphere. Average price: €20-30.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Visit the Port of Málaga. Look for the Monument to the Old Port Cranes and the Monument to the Espetero (sardine skewer vendor) on La Malagueta beach. Climb up to the San Miguel Viewpoint (Gibralfaro) if you have energy, or visit Gibralfaro Castle.
Snack: An ice cream or a coffee at Muelle Uno.
Night
Dinner: Soho area or Pedregalejo (if you move by car/taxi to eat fresh fish). In the center, try espetos de sardinas (skewered sardines). Price: €25-40.
Nightlife: Málaga has a vibrant nightlife. The Merced and Soho areas are ideal for drinks.
Day 7: Málaga, Mediterranean farewell
Morning
Activity 1: Atarazanas Market (1 hour). A historic market with an impressive stained-glass window. Ideal for buying gastronomic souvenirs.
Activity 2: La Malagueta Beach or Baños del Carmen (1.5 hours). Enjoy your last relaxed moment by the sea. Visit the Monument to the Malaga Victims of Nazi Extermination Camps if you wish for a moment of historical reflection near the port.
Recommended breakfast: Churros con chocolate at Casa Aranda or similar. Price: €5-8.
Midday
Where to eat: Farewell meal in the center. Varied Andalusian tapas. Average price: €20-30.
Afternoon
Afternoon activities: Free time for last-minute shopping on Calle Larios or a visit to the Automobile and Fashion Museum if you are interested in engines and fashion.
Transfer: Departure towards Málaga Airport (AGP) or María Zambrano Train Station.
Recommended Accommodation
- Seville: Santa Cruz neighborhood (historic center, more expensive and picturesque) or Triana (more authentic and slightly cheaper). Mid-range: €80-120/night.
- Córdoba: Jewish Quarter (unbeatable location) or Station area (cheaper). Mid-range: €70-100/night.
- Granada: Albaicín (charming but steep streets) or Center (Gran Vía/Reyes Católicos, more comfortable). Mid-range: €70-110/night.
- Málaga: Historic Center (SoHo/Merced) for culture, or Pedregalejo if you seek the beach (requires transport). Mid-range: €80-130/night.
Transport between cities
For this itinerary, the combination of train and car is the most efficient.
- Seville → Córdoba: AVE or Avant train. Renfe connects Seville with Córdoba in 45 minutes. It is the fastest and most comfortable option. Price: €15-30 if booked in advance.
- Córdoba → Granada: Rental car or Bus (ALSA). There is currently no direct fast train connection. The distance is 162 km and the car takes 1h 40min. The bus takes about 2h 30min.
- Granada → Málaga: Car or Bus. It is 125 km (1h 20min by car). The bus is very frequent and takes approx. 1h 30min.
Note: If you rent a car, do it upon leaving Córdoba to avoid paying for parking in Seville.
Estimated Budget
Average budget per person for 7 days (excluding international flights):
- Accommodation (6 nights): €450 – €600 (based on a shared double room).
- Lunch and Dinner: €250 – €350 (€25-40 daily including alcohol/drinks).
- Intercity Transport: €60 – €100 (Train + Bus/Car + Fuel).
- Tickets and Culture: €60 – €80 (Alhambra, Alcázar, Cathedral, Museums).
- Estimated Total: €820 – €1,130 per person (traveling as a couple reduces accommodation costs).
- Low Cost Option: It is possible to reduce this to €600 by choosing hostels, eating only tapas, and using public transport exclusively.
Practical Tips
- Book the Alhambra NOW: Tickets for the Nasrid Palaces sell out 2-3 months in advance. Without this ticket, a visit to Granada is incomplete.
- Meal times: In Andalusia, lunch is late (14:30 – 16:00) and dinner is late (21:00 – 23:00). Many kitchens close between 16:30 and 20:30.
- The heat: If you travel in summer (June-September), temperatures exceed 40°C. Plan outdoor visits (such as the Alhambra or Itálica) for early morning or late afternoon. The siesta is real and necessary.
- Free water: In many bars in Seville and Granada, if you order a drink, you get a small free tapa. Always ask “¿me pone una tapa?” (Can I have a tapa?).
- Footwear: You will be walking a lot on cobblestones (especially in Córdoba and the Albaicín). Wear comfortable sneakers; no heels or hard soles.
- Holy Week and Fair: If you travel during these dates (March/April), prices double and availability is minimal. Book 6 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed to see Andalusia?
7 days allow you to explore the essentials of Andalusia at a realistic pace. With less time, you would have to make choices; this itinerary is designed to make the most of 7 days.
Can this itinerary be done without a car?
The major cities are well connected by train (Renfe) and bus (ALSA); for rural or coastal areas, a rental car offers more freedom. We indicate the best option for each leg.
What is the approximate budget for 7 days in Andalusia?
Between €420 and €630 per person with budget accommodation, set-menu meals, and public transport. This adjusts according to the level of accommodation and activities.
What is the best time to visit Andalusia?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of climate and crowds. In summer, the interior is hotter and there is more tourism.
Is this 7-day itinerary worth it?
Yes: it combines the must-sees of Andalusia with a balanced pace of culture, gastronomy, and landscape, optimizing each day.