Road trip through the Great Andalusian South: history, art and flavour in every city
The Great Andalusian South by car: Madrid, Córdoba, Seville, Cádiz, Ronda and Granada.
A journey to the soul of Andalusia through history, art and flavour. Scenic roads and luminous cities shape an itinerary that combines unique monuments, flower-filled courtyards and characterful gastronomy, at a flexible, well-planned pace designed to enjoy without rush.
From Córdoba to Seville, Andalusi and Baroque heritage guides the opening stages; Cádiz opens onto the Atlantic and its maritime spirit, while Ronda astonishes with its Tajo gorge and mountain wineries. The finale comes in Granada, where the Alhambra unfurls dreamlike palaces and gardens.
The trip is structured with moderate drives, recommended parking and key guided visits in Córdoba and Granada. Tapas, orange blossom and guitars accompany evenings of squares and viewpoints before resting in accommodation with breakfast.
A route to feel the most authentic south: living monuments, memorable flavours and Mediterranean landscapes at the wheel.
- Day 1: Arrival in Madrid — Car pick-up and first impressions
Welcome to Madrid. Collect your hire car at the designated point and get your bearings in the historic centre: Plaza Mayor, the Barrio de las Letras and boulevards with lively terraces.
Afternoon free for museums or signature tapas. Review the driving plan and departure times towards Andalusia to optimise access and parking.
Accommodation in Madrid. Preparations for the stage to Córdoba.
- Day 2: Madrid → Córdoba (4h) — Mosque–Cathedral and Jewish Quarter (guided visit)
Drive to Córdoba, former capital of the Caliphate. On the guided tour, the Mosque–Cathedral reveals endless arches and a dialogue of cultures; stroll through the Jewish Quarter and whitewashed courtyards filled with flowers.
A calm afternoon among synagogues, tea houses and shaded corners. Recommended: perimeter parking and walking access to the old town.
Accommodation in Córdoba. Night scented with orange blossom and peaceful squares.
- Day 3: Córdoba → Seville (1h 30 min) — Cathedral, Giralda and Santa Cruz
Head to Seville. Walking tour of the Cathedral and the Giralda, with orange-scented streets and squares where light filters between patios and wrought-iron balconies.
Free afternoon in the Santa Cruz quarter and along the Guadalquivir. Suggestion: sunset in Triana and tapas in traditional taverns.
Accommodation in Seville. Joyful nights with true duende.
- Day 4: Seville → Cádiz (1h 30 min) — Atlantic, old town and beaches
Arrive in Cádiz, a luminous city surrounded by the sea. Stroll through the old town, golden domes and viewpoints over the Atlantic; a seafaring breath in every alley.
Time for nearby beaches and market-fresh seafood. Recommendation: walk the promenade by the Cathedral and the La Viña quarter at sunset.
Accommodation in Cádiz. Night between ocean breeze and lively squares.
- Day 5: Cádiz → Ronda (2h 30 min) — The Tajo gorge and mountain viewpoints
Drive towards Ronda through the sierra. The Puente Nuevo offers panoramas over the Tajo and spectacular views of whitewashed houses perched on the gorge.
Tastings of local wine and a walk through historic streets. We suggest alternating viewpoints and wineries for a balanced day between landscape and tradition.
Accommodation in Ronda. Mountain silence and clear skies.
- Day 6: Ronda → Granada (2h 30 min) — Alhambra and viewpoints (guided visit)
Drive to Granada. Guided visit to the Alhambra to read its Nasrid palaces and gardens; coordinated access logistics to optimise times and routes.
At dusk, the San Nicolás viewpoint with sweeping city views. Free afternoon for tapas and charming neighbourhoods at the foot of the Alhambra.
Accommodation in Granada. Night lights over the red hill.
- Day 7: Granada → Madrid (4h 30 min) — Car return and farewell
Drive back to Madrid. Final shopping or a brief walk depending on schedule before departure.
Return the hire car at the designated point and allow time for homeward connections with smooth, stress-free logistics.
End of services.
- Optional night in Madrid — Unhurried farewell in the capital
Option to add an extra night in Madrid to enjoy museums, terraces and gastronomy before returning.
We recommend requesting this extension when confirming the booking to ensure availability.
A road itinerary through the Great Andalusian South: living heritage, Mediterranean aromas and luminous cities linked by comfortable, inspiring drives.
- Day 1: Arrival in Madrid. Pick up the car and stroll through the historic centre and museums.
- Day 2: Madrid → Córdoba. Guided visit to the Mosque–Cathedral and walk through the Jewish Quarter.
- Day 3: Córdoba → Seville. Cathedral, Giralda and Santa Cruz quarter among patios and orange trees.
- Day 4: Seville → Cádiz. Old town, golden beaches and seafaring atmosphere on the Atlantic.
- Day 5: Cádiz → Ronda. The Tajo gorge, Puente Nuevo and wineries amid mountain scenery.
- Day 6: Ronda → Granada. Guided tour of the Alhambra and viewpoints in the Albaicín.
- Day 7: Granada → Madrid. Return and drop off the vehicle. End of services.
- Optional night: Extend your stay in Madrid to end the trip at a relaxed pace.
Meeting Point and End of Route
The experience begins in Madrid, where you will collect the hire car at the designated point to start the route through Castile. The booking includes all the necessary digital documentation, with a detailed itinerary, access maps and recommendations to enjoy each stage with autonomy and comfort.
The tour also ends in Madrid, where the vehicle is returned and the journey concludes. From there you can easily connect with your return or make the most of an extra night in the capital before departure.
Included
- Mid-range rental car (4/5 doors) for the entire journey, with unlimited mileage and basic insurance included.
- Accommodation with daily breakfast in selected hotels according to the itinerary.
- Guided tour in Córdoba including entry to the Mosque–Cathedral and a walk through the Jewish Quarter.
- Guided tour in Granada including entry to the Alhambra with a professional guide.
- 24-hour phone assistance and logistical support throughout the trip.
- Detailed route itinerary with maps, driving times, and cultural and gastronomic recommendations.
- Basic travel insurance.
Not Included
- Fuel, tolls, parking fees or personal expenses related to the use of the vehicle.
- Entrance fees to monuments or activities not explicitly listed as included.
- Lunches, dinners and drinks not specified in the “Included” section.
- Extended travel insurance, cancellation cover or additional car insurance (optional).
- Optional: Extra night in Madrid. Check availability and conditions.