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On this article, I’ll share our itinerary for the South of Spain/ Andalusia highway journey, visiting Malaga, Seville, Cadiz and Marbella in 4 days! Whereas spending simply 4 days in Andalusia doesn’t sound like numerous time, it’s truly sufficient to see among the highlights of the South of Spain! Nonetheless, I need to warn you that you’ll most likely be a bit drained on the finish of the journey!
Right here’s an outline of our 4-day Andalusia itinerary:
Day 0: touchdown in Malaga within the night, night time at Debambu Atarazanas
Day 1: Malaga, driving to Seville within the afternoon, night time at Numa Jondo
Day 2: Seville, an evening at Numa Jondo, watch a Flamenco present >
Day 3: Seville, driving to Cadiz, night time at La Sal by Pillow
Day 4: Driving to Marbella, flying again within the night
We accomplished this highway journey in winter, and whereas it was a bit chilly, it was positively an enormous enchancment in comparison with the climate in London in winter!
Earlier than we begin with the itinerary, listed here are some vital questions answered!
4 days in Southern Spain (Andalusia) FAQs:
The place to hire a automotive to your South of Spain highway journey
Until you’re driving all the way in which to Andalusia in your personal automotive, I assume you’ll plan to hire a automotive there. Since we purchased return tickets to and from Malaga airport, we determined to hire a automotive in Malaga. Nonetheless, as our flight landed fairly late, round midnight, most rental places of work have been already closed. Since we have been staying in Malaga in a single day, we picked up the automotive the subsequent day as a substitute!
Parking in Malaga Previous City could be very restricted, so I like to recommend ending all sightseeing in Malaga first after which attending to the airport to choose up your rental. We all the time hire automobiles from Rentalcars.com – they’ve the perfect third-party full insurance coverage that’s less expensive than the total insurance coverage bought at suppliers straight! You may examine costs and availability of leases in Malaga right here >>
What’s the perfect time to go to Andalusia?
One other continuously requested query in regards to the South of Spain is when to go to Andalusia. We accomplished this highway journey in winter (in January), and it was unusually chilly on this area of Spain. Nonetheless, it was nonetheless sunny virtually day-after-day, and the temperatures reached 12-13 levels in the course of the day (and dropped to 4 levels at night time).
Normally, it could be round 15-18 levels in winter. If you’d like hotter climate, the top of February – March can be higher—alternatively, November and the start of December. In April, it’s already fairly scorching – 26-30 levels and summers in Andalusia are among the hottest in all of Europe. Until you’re okay with temperatures above 38 levels each day, I don’t suggest visiting the South of Spain in summer time!
Alright, with out additional ado, let’s get began with the itinerary for 4 days in Andalusia!
4 days in Andalusia by automotive: from Malaga to Cadiz, together with Seville and Marbella
Day 0 – Arriving at Malaga Airport. The place to remain in Malaga?
Day 0 is your arrival day, the place you’ll land in Malaga within the night. Relying in your arrival time, you possibly can both have a stroll within the Previous City and have a pleasant dinner or go straight to mattress. In our case, we arrived after midnight, so we went to sleep instantly.
For staying in Malaga, I like to recommend the next accommodations: Debambu Atarazanas, Soho Boutique Colon or Palacio Solecio.
Day 1: Discover Malaga. Decide up the rental automotive and drive to Seville
On day 1, it’s time to discover Malaga! Malaga is an all-year-round vacation spot, and it’s a powerful metropolis. It’s simple to go to resulting from a well-connected airport within the metropolis and inexpensive flights from many European cities. Since you may be exploring the town centre of Malaga and parking choices are restricted and pricy, I like to recommend choosing up your rental automotive within the night, round 5-6pm, when you’re able to drive to Seville!
Malaga is an exquisite coastal metropolis with a wealthy cultural heritage, and there’s loads to see and do right here. Listed below are among the finest issues to do in Malaga in sooner or later:
- Go to the Alcazaba – This gorgeous Moorish fortress dates again to the eleventh century and provides breathtaking views of the town and the ocean. You may discover the citadel’s many towers, courtyards, and gardens and study in regards to the wealthy historical past of Malaga. You should buy a guided tour that features entry to the Alcazaba right here >
- Wander by the historic Previous City – Malaga’s previous city is stuffed with charming streets and squares, lined with vibrant buildings and buzzing with life. You may go to the Cathedral of Malaga, the Roman Theatre, and the Picasso Museum, or get pleasure from some people-watching at one of many many cafes and bars.
- Eat in a neighborhood restaurant – Malaga is thought for its scrumptious seafood, recent produce, and candy wine. You may strive native specialities, equivalent to fried fish, gazpacho, or candy Malaga wine, at one of many many eating places and bars across the metropolis.
- Calm down on the seashore – Malaga has some gorgeous seashores, from the well-known Playa de la Malagueta to the quieter Playa del Palo. In the event you’re visiting in spring or autumn, you possibly can nonetheless absorb the solar (and maybe even swim there).
After you have explored Malaga sufficient, you possibly can decide up your rental and drive to Seville. It takes round 2-2.5 hours to drive to Seville from Malaga, relying on the visitors.
Day 2 & 3 – Exploring Seville
The place to park in Seville? Are you able to drive round Seville Previous City?
In the event you’re contemplating staying in Seville Previous City, remember the fact that you possibly can’t park there, and it’s difficult to drive there. Some accommodations and flats (just like the one we stayed at, Numa Jondo) have parking, however they’re fairly costly – count on to pay 15-25 EUR per day.
In the event you’re on the lookout for free parking, there’s a road simply 10-Quarter-hour strolling from Seville Cathedral, the place you possibly can park free of charge when you’re fortunate to discover a spot. The road known as Calle José Maria Moreno Galvan, and the car parking zone is near the bridge. Some feedback say that generally there are folks demanding cash for the parking (1-2 EUR) with a promise to take care of your automotive, however we arrived late and in winter and nobody was there.
The place to remain in Seville
Seville has loads of locations to remain for any price range. In the event you’re on the lookout for a really fashionable residence with tremendous quick web and nice espresso capsules, I like to recommend the place the place we stayed, Numa Jondo Flats, positioned simply 4 minutes away from Seville Cathedral. Nonetheless, it’s tremendous quiet and even provides baggage storage.
In the event you’re excited about a luxurious lodge, Seville has loads – Radisson Plaza Magdalena with gorgeous views of the town and Resort Alfonso XIII – most likely probably the most spectacular lodge within the metropolis,
Glorious mid-range accommodations in Seville: The Sincere Sevilla Resort, Resort Posada del Lucero
In the event you’re visiting Seville on a price range, Hostel Triana Backpackers or Nuevo Suizo is perhaps a fantastic choice!
What to do in Seville in 1.5 days?
In the event you’re planning to go to a number of sights and landmarks in Seville, it is perhaps value shopping for a Seville Digital Move. You may study extra about it right here.
Alternatively, right here’s one other cross that features an entrance to the Royal Alcazar and a Flamenco present.
Go to the Alcazar Palace
This gorgeous palace is a must-see in Seville, with its intricate structure, lovely gardens, and wealthy historical past. That is our favorite landmark in Seville, and when you can solely go to one place – I’d suggest the Royal Alcazar Palace. Queues to go to are normally giant, so I like to recommend shopping for a ticket on-line prematurely.
See the Cathedral of Seville
This spectacular Gothic cathedral is the most important on this planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. You may marvel at its hovering vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass home windows, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. To keep away from dropping half of the day queuing there, I like to recommend shopping for tickets on-line right here.
Go to the Plaza de Espana
This iconic sq. was constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo and is a surprising instance of Neo-Mudéjar structure. You may stroll across the sq.’s many fountains and bridges, admire the colorful ceramic tiles, and even hire a gondola on the canal. It’s free to go to (apart from the gondola trip, in fact), and generally there are even Flamenco performances you possibly can watch free of charge proper within the coronary heart of the sq..
See a Flamenco present
In the event you haven’t discovered a Flamenco efficiency in Plaza de Espana, don’t fear – there are devoted locations the place you possibly can see a flamenco present. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, and there are numerous locations the place you possibly can expertise this passionate and dramatic dance kind. You may select from conventional tablaos, out of doors performances, or extra fashionable interpretations. We went to Tablao La Milonga – a really small intimate tablao with inexpensive costs and nice performances!
Alternatively, when you’re visiting throughout a excessive season and are afraid every little thing is perhaps absolutely booked, you possibly can ebook a flamenco present prematurely right here >>>
Discover the Triana neighbourhood
This full of life neighbourhood on the opposite aspect of the Guadalquivir River is thought for its ceramics, flamenco, and scrumptious tapas. You may wander by its slender streets, go to its many retailers and bars, and luxuriate in among the finest views of Seville. We went to Triana simply earlier than the sundown, and it appeared completely gorgeous!
Wander by the Barrio Santa Cruz
This charming neighbourhood is stuffed with slender streets, vibrant buildings, and wonderful plazas. You may discover its many hidden corners, get pleasure from some tapas at one of many many bars and eating places, or absorb the environment.
Climb the Giralda Tower
This bell tower was initially a part of the mosque that stood on the location of the Cathedral of Seville, and it provides gorgeous views of the town. You may climb the tower’s ramps as a substitute of stairs. The view from the tower is spectacular!
Go to one among Seville’s many roof terraces
One other great point to do in Seville is to go to one among its many roof terraces. Seville has loads of accommodations with panoramic rooftops that have been reworked into fashionable bars. A few of them, like EME ,Terrace don’t require a reservation – nevertheless, it’s essential to come early to get a spot. Alternatively, you possibly can ebook a desk in one other terrace bar!
Go to the Metropol Parasol
This contemporary construction within the previous city is also referred to as the “Mushrooms” resulting from its distinctive form. You may take an elevator to the highest of the construction and luxuriate in panoramic views of the town or go to the archaeological museum and different exhibitions inside. It’s not within the Previous City, so it requires a 20-30 min stroll, however it’s completely value it!
A controversial one – go to the Plaza de Toros
Here’s a very controversial factor to do, however because it’s an important a part of Andalusian tradition and Seville’s historical past, I made a decision to incorporate it. Plaza de Toros is the oldest bullfighting area in Spain and nonetheless a functioning bullring (that means you possibly can see a bullfight from April to September every year). It’s also possible to go to the bullring on a guided tour to study extra in regards to the historical past of bullfighting in Seville.
Seville is one among my favorite cities in Europe, and I hope you get pleasure from it as nicely!
Attending to Cadiz
Within the afternoon of our day 3 in Spain, we drove to Cadiz. It takes round 1.5 hours to get to Cadiz from Seville, and it’s a really quick and easy journey.
Cadiz is a comparatively small metropolis – you possibly can see it multi functional night. Among the finest locations to remain in Cadiz is La Sal by Pillow. Cadiz additionally has a pleasant seashore – if the climate permits, you possibly can spend a while on the seashore!
Listed below are among the finest issues to do in Cadiz:
- Discover the Previous City – Cadiz’s historic centre is stuffed with slender streets, charming squares, and exquisite structure. You may wander by the previous city, admire its Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, and go to some church buildings and museums.
- Go to the Cathedral – Cadiz’s cathedral is a surprising instance of Baroque structure and includes a golden dome seen from everywhere in the metropolis. You may go to the inside, which is full of artistic endeavors, and climb to the highest of the tower for panoramic views.
- Calm down on the Seaside – Cadiz is house to a number of lovely seashores, together with Playa de la Caleta. You may absorb the solar, swim within the clear waters, and luxuriate in among the finest seafood in Andalusia on the beachfront eating places.
Go to Jerez de la Frontera
If in case you have time, you may as well go to Jerez de la Frontera – Jerez is thought for its sherry, flamenco, and Andalusian horses. You may go to one of many many sherry bodegas for a tasting, watch a flamenco efficiency, or see the Royal Andalusian Faculty of Equestrian Artwork. It’s only a brief drive from Seville on the way in which to Cadiz.
Day 4: Having fun with Marbella
On the final day of the Andalusian highway journey, you possibly can both spend the morning on the seashore in Cadiz or drive to Marbella instantly. It takes 2 hours to get to Marbella from Cadiz. Marbella is simply 40 minutes from Malaga airport, so that you gained’t must drive a lot on the way in which to the airport.
Marbella is an upscale resort city. Nonetheless, it is extremely charming and has numerous historical past. Listed below are among the finest issues to do in Marbella:
Issues to do in Marbella
- Discover the Previous City – Marbella’s charming previous city is full of slender cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and vibrant flowers. It’s pretty and appears lovely in the course of the day and at night time!
- Go to the seashores – Marbella is thought for its lovely seashores, with loads to select from. You may loosen up on the golden sand, swim within the clear waters, or strive some water sports activities like paddleboarding or jet snowboarding.
- Stroll alongside the Paseo Maritimo – The Paseo Maritimo is an exquisite promenade that runs alongside the seashore in Marbella. You may take a leisurely stroll, having fun with the ocean breeze and the views, and cease at one of many many beachfront eating places or cafes for a drink or a chew to eat.
Puerto Banus
In the event you’re up for a brief journey (truly, it’s simpler to cease there on the way in which to Marbella) – go to Puerto Banus. Puerto Banus is a glamorous marina positioned only a few miles from Marbella. You may admire the luxurious yachts, browse the designer boutiques, and luxuriate in a meal or a drink at one of many many waterfront bars and eating places. That’s the place you could find all the posh retailers, from Chanel to Gucci and plenty of rich folks purchasing there. It jogged my memory somewhat little bit of Porto Cervo in Sardinia.
In case your flight is subsequent day, listed here are the best-rated locations to remain in Marbella: Resort Claude Marbella and B&B Boutique Tribeca!
Abstract of a South of Spain highway journey: 4 days in Andalusia, from Malaga to Seville and Marbella
I hope you loved the journey article and located it useful. 4 days in Andalusia is just not a lot as there are such a lot of different wonderful locations that you may go to, from Ronda to Granada; nevertheless, when you solely have 4 days within the South of Spain and also you wish to see as a lot as doable, that’s an itinerary I’d suggest. It’s doable to go on this journey all yr lengthy – the one distinction is that you just gained’t be capable of swim in the course of the colder months. Nonetheless, all these locations have spectacular landmarks and exquisite Previous Cities, and there’s a lot to see that you just would possibly wish to spend much less time on the seashore.
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