The southern part of Spain is perhaps the most beautiful destination in Europe. Andalusia is perfect for a road trip, visiting the most beautiful places in Southern Spain. From fairytale buildings in Moorish style to beautiful nature reserves. From idyllic white villages to well-known historic cities. From snow-capped peaks to the famous Spanish Costas. Andalusia has many different things to offer, making this the perfect destination for your Southern Spain road trip. We teamed up with international travel bloggers to create the ultimate itinerary for your Andalusia road trip including all famous highlights and unique beaten off the beaten track gems.
Where to start your Southern Spain road trip
If you live in Europe like we do, you could choose to drive your own car down south to Andalusia. It’s much easier if you don’t have to take into account the baggage requirements of airlines and you’ll save the costs of a rental car. Allow quite a bit of travel time though, as it might take some days to drive to Spain. The drive takes about 22 hours from our home country, the Netherlands.
If you want to save yourself that trouble or you don’t live in Europe, you should book a flight to the international airport of either Seville or Málaga. In our experience, flights to Málaga are usually the cheapest, as Sevilla is a much more popular destination. You can easily rent a car from Seville or Malaga and start your Andalusia road trip. When booking a rental car online, pay close attention to the additional (insurance) costs. Full insurance is not always included with all online providers, but DiscoverCars always makes this very clear ánd we usually book our cars with them for the lowers prices.
The best travel time to visit Southern Spain
You can visit the southern parts of Europe all year round. The most popular time to travel to Spain is in the summer, making this the high season. You’ll have wonderfully warm days and little rain for sure, but expect higher prices and bigger crowds from both Spanish and foreign visitors.
The high season might therefore not be the best time to visit Andalusia. We think the Andalusia summers are too hot as well. Those kinds of temperatures are perfect for a beach holiday, but much less pleasant when road tripping, hiking or visiting cities. As our Southern Spain road trip itinerary includes not just beach destinations but beautiful cities, villages and natural parks as well, consider traveling in spring or autumn. We ourselves traveled to Andalusia in October and found the temperatures at that time of the year perfect for hiking and exploring Spanish towns.
How much travel time do you need for Southern Spain?
You could easily explore Andalusia for a month or even longer, but also book a weekend city trip to Seville or beach trip to Marbella. We would recommend you to plan in at least two weeks for a good road trip visiting the highlights of southern Spain. Our itinerary takes you past 14 highlights, unknown gems and spectacular national parks. Plan in three weeks to drive our full road trip itinerary. But even if you have less time, you can use our itinerary. Consider skipping the national parks of the 10th and 11th destinations, as they are a bit more northern than the other destinations. You could also choose not to visit all picturesque villages, but choose just one or two.
Southern Spain road trip itinerary
#1 Malaga
recommended by: us
Start your Andalusia road trip in Málaga, as you can usually find the cheapest flights to the Málaga international airport and there are many rental companies to pick up your rental car. But don’t hit the road right away, but explore Málaga first. Málaga is one of the most popular destinations and the second-largest city in Andalusia.
Málaga is a historic port city on the coast of the Spanish Mediterranean and a wonderful place to start your trip. The city offers a unique combination of beach and culture. The best way to explore Málaga is to wander around the beautiful streets and explore its historic architecture. Then enjoy the coast by spending some time on the beach.
Two nights should be enough to see the best of Málaga. When sightseeing the city, the most interesting sights are the Cathedral, Castillio de Gibralfaro, the Marcado Central de Atarazanas and Gibralfaro Hill. The cathedral in particular is not to be missed in Málaga and one of the most famous attractions. You pay an entrance fee to visit the cathedral, except on Sunday afternoons.
If you are an art lover like us, a visit to the Picasso Museum should be on your wish list. Málaga’s most famous museum is housed in a beautiful monumental palace and is located near the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The permanent collection comes from the Picasso family and thus mainly consists of works that have remained within the family, from the early and late periods of Picasso. More modern art? Then you go to the Center Pompidou Málaga. Both can be visited free of charge on Sundays during the last hours.
If you are looking for a place to stay, you have to choose between the coast and the center. On the coast, Soho Boutique Las Vegas with a pool and a view of the beach is a must. In the center, the colorful Barcelo Málaga should be your choice.
#2 Hiking at pueblo blanco Ojén
recommended by: us
The first stop after Málaga is a more off-the-beaten-track destination in Spain: the small village of Ojén, not far from the Spanish coast near Marbella. The drive from Málaga with your rental car takes about an hour.
Tucked away in the beautiful mountains of the Sierra de las Nievas, but only 15 minutes from the beaches of Marbella and the Costa del Sol, the whitewashed village of Ojén offers the best of both worlds. Ojén is one of the so-called ‘pueblos blancos’ in southern Spain. These whitewashed villages are typical of Andalusia and a must for your Spanish bucket list. Ojén is also beautifully situated in the mountains at 300 meters altitude. This hidden gem shows you the authentic Spanish village life and is the perfect base for beautiful mountain hikes.
We slept in La Posada del Angel, a small-scale family-run hotel in an authentic whitewashed building with sixteen rooms around a patio. It is located in the heart of Ojén, near the main square. The best way to explore the village is to take a walk around the village. The main church and square are a must-see if only to sit down with a cup of coffee on one of the terraces of a local restaurant and watch the local children play by the fountains.
One of the best things to do during your stay in Ojén is hiking in the Juanar nature reserve. The view from the mountains is beautiful and there are hiking trails for every fitness level. Most trails start at the hotel Refugio De Juanar, a ten-minute drive from Ojén. We did the Pozuelo hike one day and the Cruz de Juanar hike the next.
The 3-hour Pozuelo is a fairly easy hike with the hardest part – uphill – at the beginning. The view is fantastic. The Cruz de Januar hike is shorter with only 1.5-2 hours of hiking, but it’s more challenging and takes you to a mountain top. It is named after the large cross on the top. Especially the last part is difficult with a steep path up the mountain. The views are spectacular and totally worth it.
Read more: we wrote an extensive blog about Ojén and the stunning hikes in the Refugio de Juanar.
#3 Day Trip to Caminito del Rey
recommended by: us
Another highlight in Andalusia is the Caminito del Rey. It’s a beautiful trail that was once the most dangerous in the world, but now a beautiful attraction for travelers in southern Spain.
The Caminito is a 55-minute drive from Ojén, the previous destination on this southern Spain itinerary. You can visit this hiking route as a day trip from Ojén or on the road when driving from Ojén to your next destination. Allow about half a day for your visit.
The Caminito del Rey – translated: King’s Path or Road of the King – is a beautiful walking trail along steep cliffs. The trail is about 7.5 kilometers long and leads through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge. The trail is already a hundred years old and was once constructed between two hydroelectric power stations. When the path was no longer used, it fell into disrepair and the path continued to crumble along the cliffs. What remained: one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. It was forbidden to go there, but that didn’t stop the real daredevils. Resulting in a number of deaths. The path has now been restored and is more than safe for visitors.
Open to the public since 2015, the Caminito is one of the best things to do in Andalusia. Although you will still be walking along steep cliffs, the path has now been widened and fences have been installed throughout. For extra safety, you will even be given a helmet at the start. You’ll walk on a glass surface at some places, allowing you to see how deep the gorge is below you. But in general you walk on wooden decking, a path tightly along the cliffs. Hold onto your belongings: even though it’s now safe to use the path, the gorge is still as deep as it was.
The most spectacular is the end of the route. There is a glass platform, which is not a place to go for those with a fear of heights. There is also a suspension bridge at the end of the King’s Path that will remind you of the old, more dangerous days. The bridge is quite narrow, you can see the gorge below you and it moves when you walk on it or with the wind.
The trail is a one-way route and you’ll end at the end of the gorge. There are shuttle buses to take you back to the start, where you parked your rental car. Make sure to book your tickets for the Caminito del Rey online well in advance, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed at a time. Especially in high season you should make sure to book your tickets days in advance.
Read more: we also wrote an extensive blog about the special Caminito del Rey .
#4 Charming and historic Ronda
recommended by: Chrysoula from Travel Passionate
Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest towns and the third most popular place in Andalusia. It is well worth spending two days exploring its spectacular location. Ronda perches dramatically on a plateau, overlooking a sheer cliff and is cut in two by the El Tago gorge.
Puente Nuevo is Ronda’s most famous landmark. This amazing stone bridge was built in 1788 and spans the gorge at its narrowest point, linking La Ciudad (the old Moorish part) with El Mercadillo (the 15th-century market area and ‘new’ town). The bridge is impressive and best appreciated from one of the lovely hiking trails along the gorge.
La Ciudad is fun to explore with its narrow streets and white-washed Moorish houses. In El Mercadillo, the main landmark is Plaza de Toros – the second oldest building in Spain and still used as a bullring. In the 17-18th centuries, Ronda was home to the famous Romero dynasty of matadors. The bullring was built in 1785 and has a central arena, surrounded by two tiers of arcaded galleries. A Bullfight still takes place there in September. The town is proud of its bullfighting tradition and has a museum that traces its history. Ronda was also linked with bandits and has a museum dedicated to its second claim to fame!
Just on the outskirts of the town are the old Arab Baths – well worth seeing as they date from the 12th century and are among the best-preserved in Spain.
Hotel Don Miguel stands next to the Puente Nuevo overlooking the gorge and has simple traditional rooms and a terrace with spectacular views. Parador de Ronda also overlooks the bridge and the cliff and its building was once the town hall. Both hotels have parking, so you can park up and explore Ronda on foot at your leisure.
#5 Tarifa, the southernmost tip of Europe
recommended by: Alessia and Toti from Italian Trip Abroad
Along the route through the coast of Andalusia, there is Tarifa, a little village facing Morocco with a strong Arabic influence. Tarifa is less known among tourists and more among surf enthusiasts. The strong winds blowing toward the land attract extreme water sports enthusiasts. The many beaches along the coast are ideal to try windsurfing, kitesurfing and many other water sports. As you might understand, Tarifa is quite windy, so it’s good to be prepared for that.
If you are fond of watersports activities the most famous beaches are Playa de Los Lances, Playa Bolonia and Playa Chica. The first one is for sure the best, surrounded by the Natural Reserve. Playa Bologna is definitely the most beautiful, and you will end up on the sandy beach after a walk through the dunes. Playa Chica instead is the easiest to reach, and it’s closest to the city centre. This is the ideal spot for kitesurfing and kiteboarding in Tarifa.
The short strip of sea that divides Tarifa to the coast of Morocco, makes this place the closest to the Africa Continent. This enriches the value given to Tarifa as the perfect bridge between the two cultures, and you can also recognize that from the architecture which is slightly different compared to the other traditional Spanish towns. The city is ideal for a day trip, along the route toward Cadiz or on the other side to Malaga.
Even if Tarifa is considered an off-the-beaten-path destination in Andalusia, the natural beauties surrounding the town are worth a visit. As a less crowded destination, there are beautiful hotels in Tarifa for lower prices than you’ll see in the rest of Andalusia. Highly recommended are Kook Hotel Tarifa with its rooftop terrace, Ohana Tarifa Hostel met unanimously positive reviews and the beautiful design hotel Hospedería Diez Y Seis.
#6 Parque Natural de los Alcornocales
recommended by: Alison from Alison in Andalucia
Parque Natural de los Alcornocales is 170,000 hectares of cork oak forest (the largest forest of its kind in the world) which stretches across both Cadiz and Malaga provinces and encompasses 16 municipalities of Andalucia.
To really appreciate everything that Los Alcornocales has to offer you need to explore on foot as it’s the ideal destination for anyone who loves hiking, with routes for all abilities.
One of the most beautiful places to stop on your road trip through Los Alcornocales is Castellar de la Frontera, one of Andalucia’s famous, and most beautiful, white villages.
From Castellar new town you can walk the beautiful Sendero de la Mariposa Monarca where, during spring, the air is filled with monarch butterflies. This is an easy route but, for something more strenuous, it’s possible to hike up to the old walled town and the Castillo de Castellar which sits on a hilltop and has outstanding views of the Guadarranque reservoir and Los Alcornocales right down to Gibraltar, and the mountains of Morocco in the background.
This walk up to the old town is partly on an ancient Roman road and takes you through wooded areas where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot plenty of wildlife including roe deer.
You can do both walks by parking at Venta La Jarandilla on the CA-P-5131 road, a great stopfor pre- or post-hike refreshments.
Parque Natural de Los Alcornocales makes an ideal break on your road trip if you want to experience rural tourism in Andalucia. When looking for a place to stay in Castellar, there is a choice of accommodation from ‘casa rurales’ within the old town walls, to Castillo de Castellar.
#7 Jerez de la Frontera
recommended by: Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Jerez de la Frontera is often an overlooked city in Andalucia, in favour for its more famous neighbours such as Cadiz or Sevilla. To see a little bit of this fantastic city you will need to stop here for a good 2 to 3 days on your Andalucia road trip. There are plenty of places to park your car, especially around the main market, Mercato Central de Abastos. Most hotels will have their own underground parking but, if you arrive late, they might be full as they are quite small. If you visit during the weekend, you will be able to park free of charge on the blue lines. During low season, the meters don’t work, and you can park on blue lines for free any time. If in doubt, ask at the reception of your hotel.
There are plenty of things to do in Jerez de la Frontera, starting with tasting sherry. The city is famous for its sherry bodegas, which you can visit to learn how sherry is made. This fortified wine, famous all over the world, is only produced in what is known under the Jerez Triangle – an area between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Puerto de Santa Maria. Most of the sherry is actually dry. The sweet variety is mostly sent to export, and this is why most of the world associates sherry with a sweet, sugary drink.
The old town of Jerez de la Frontera is a labyrinth of tiny, narrow streets flanked by white houses, which open up to small plazas. You will be surprised on how many churches are there in Jerez de la Frontera. The Cathedral of Jerez is an architectural masterpiece which will take a good few hours to visit. The details on its façade are so intricate, with statues and scenes from the Bible. Just in front of the Cathedral there is a small tapas bar where you can enjoy lunch with a view and, if you’re lucky, attend an impromptu flamenco performance.
There are plenty of hotels to stay the night, depending on your budget. If you are looking for a cheap place, check out Hotel Joma or Vivian’s Guest House. For a top-of-the-range hotel, book luxury hotel Palacio Maria Luisa with outdoor swimming pool and stunning suites.
#8 Seville
recommended by: Haley from Haley Blackall Travel
No road trip through Andalusia would be complete without a visit to the region’s vibrant capital city, Seville. For such a large populace, Seville enjoys a very walkable landscape, and the cobblestones of the historic center can be well explored on foot. Park your car at the airport’s long-term lot and take a quick 15-minute taxi ride into the city.
As many consider to be the birthplace of the sultry flamenco dance style, don’t leave Seville without seeing a show. They can be found all over downtown, but the best place to see them is at the Museo del Baile Flamenco, set amongst a beautiful pillared courtyard.
Along with Seville’s rich artistic heritage, the city showcases some deep architectural history. As the world’s largest gothic church and completed in the 1300s, starting your journey at the Seville Cathedral is a must. Walk through to the adjoining royal palace complex, Alcazar. Peruse the royal rooms, courtyards, and grounds and muse at this fine example of Mudejar design, along with other architectural styles.
Next, venture over to the Plaza de Espana. Built in the early 1900s in a beautiful Moorish paradisiacal style, the plaza showcased gardens, ponds, tiled fountains, and pavilions. Especially enjoyed in the golden afternoon light before sunset.
After exploring, what better place to experience the best of what Andalucian cuisine has to offer. Perch on a stool at the oldest tapas bar in the city, El Rinconcillo, dating back to 1690! Select a tapa of Iberian ham and a glass of Manzanilla sherry and relish in the lively atmosphere.
For a luxury stay, book a night or two at the beautifully detailed Hotel Casa Del Poeta. Or, for good value, Hotel Amadeus fits the bill. Both are advantageously located in the center of all the main Seville attractions.
Spend three days here to ensure you experience all the highlights of this spirited, historic city.
#9 Cordoba
recommended by: Anca from Dream.Book.Travel
Cordoba is the one destination in Andalusia that can easily be left out due to its northern location, a bit off the main routes. But during our Andalusia road trip with a toddler, it was an absolute must-see, as non-negotiable as Granada and Seville.
The reason – in all of Andalusia, Cordoba was the one place where we felt like absolutely stepping back in time. From the Roman bridge to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and from the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral that is unique in the world, combining Christian and Muslim architecture elements under one roof, to the cobbled flower-adorned streets, Cordoba is an essential stop for understanding the spirit of Andalusia. Famous for its patios, Cordoba hides a well-preserved Jewish quarter with small hidden-gems museums such as the Casa Andalusi that recreates a typical 12th-century Islamic paper factory. History buffs can further explore Medina Azahara, the ruins of the 10th-century royal palace, and the Renaissance Palacio de Viana.
Whereas a one-day stopover is definitely doable in terms of time, we advise spending at least two nights here. Especially if you plan to visit during the summer months, keep in mind that Cordoba has the highest summer average daily temperatures in Europe (you’ll definitely feel the difference compared to the rest of Andalusia), thus you can only be up and about mornings and evenings. Take the time for a well-deserved siesta in between, to regain your strengths for the second part of the day. To be able to enjoy the midday time, you can consider booking a hotel with outdoor facilities such as cool patios or swimming pools.
We enjoyed our stay a bit outside town at Hotel Abetos del Maestre Escuela but but also consider staying at the centrally located Las Casas de la Judería in beautiful manors from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including patios, terrace and outdoor pool and its own tapas bar. Mayflowers Hostel is a good choice for budget travelers. It has affordable private rooms or beds in a dormitory and a sunny roof terrace.
Booking a hotel that allows car parking is definitely a plus, as the entire historic town center is pietonal. We opted for paid underground parking facilities, clearly marked on main roads, for the times when we visited the city.
#10 Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park
recommended by: Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers
Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park is one of the most beautiful places to stop on a road trip through Andalusia. There are so many places to see, featuring some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, like Cazorla. The village is wrapped between the mountains and is the gateway to the natural park, so it is the perfect place to stay for a few nights. Both Hotel Balcon de Cazorlac and Albergue Inturjoven Cazorla are great places to stay centrally in the village. There are parking spaces along the streets outside the heart of the village, but they are all within walking distance. If you are lucky, you can find parking below the castle where the hike to Rio Cerezuelo begins. This is the most popular hike from the village and features several waterfalls and spectacular village views.
The natural park is one of the biggest protected natural areas in southern Spain and has a large number of wildlife that can easily be spotted when walking in nature, but also when driving around, so make sure you drive slowly and take care so you don’t hit any animals, especially early morning and late night when they are more likely to cross the street.
The most famous and spectacular hikes in Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park is Rio Borosa. A hike that takes about 8 hours along the Borosa River, along a boardwalk, further up, a trail that takes you past several vivid waterfalls with glittering turquoise waterholes, and finally through two tunnels in the mountainside before you get to a dam at the end before turning around.
The natural park also hides the beginning of the Guadalquivir River, which is the river dividing Seville, being the longest river in Andalusia. This is also a wonderful walk. Finally, you can enjoy several mountain walks with breathtaking views if you have packed your hiking boots.
#11 Cabo de Gata Natural Park
recommended off by: Linn Haglund of Andalucia Hiking
The next stop on this road trip through Andalusia is the Cabo de Gata-Níjas National Park, One of the best stops for an Andalusia road trip is Cabo de Gata-Níjas Natural Park, one of the most astounding natural parks in Spain. The deserted area is spotted with cute villages and the coast is unreal featuring some of the most beautiful, sand-blown beaches you can imagine.
While some of them, like Playa de Los Genoveses, Monsul, and Playazo beach, are easily accessed by car, there are others you have to hike to. The most popular is Playa de Los Muertos (beach of the dead), where you will have to walk down a steep trail to get to the astounding white pebbled beach. But some of the most magnificent hikes in Andalusia follow the rugged coastline dipping down to some of the most remote beaches. You can also explore a unique hippie community in Cala de San Pedro where you can (respectfully) camp on the beach – the only place in Spain where beach camping is allowed.
Cabo de Gata is also famous for being the filming location for several Hollywood movies like Indiana Jones The Las Crusade and Assassin’s Creed.
There are several places to stay in the natural park, but the most quaint villages are Las Negras or San Jose. The first one is situated with access to Cala de San Pedro either by walking an hour or by a short boat ride and is closer to beaches like Playazo Beach and Playa de Los Muertos. San José, on the other hand, is closer to Playa de Los Genoveses and Monsul beach. This is also where you can walk some of the most astounding coastal walks. A great campsite in between is Los Escullos, in the middle of the desert, yet within walking distance to Los Escullos beach and cliffs.
Parking in Cabo de Gata-Níjar is usually not a problem, but by the most popular beaches, there is a parking fee and regulated parking spots in the summer months.
#12 Granada
recommended by: Vicki from Vicki Viaja
Granada is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Andalusia. Not only the world-famous Alhambra but also fascinating architecture and great customs and traditions attract thousands of tourists to this city in Andalusia every year.
No one should leave Granada without visiting the Alhambra. Even if you spend only one day in Granada, you should definitely see this remarkable place. This building is a Moorish palace whose roots go back many centuries. Nowadays, the impressive building is considered one of the most popular and important sights in all of Spain. But also, the neighboring gardens of the Generalife are genuinely worth a visit.
But not only the Alhambra is an excellent reason to visit Granada. The city center also has a lot to offer. Lose yourself in the city’s narrow streets, which are full of an Arab-Spanish charm. One of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods for an extended stroll is called Albayzin. Here you can discover some of Granada’s best photo spots and some of the most outstanding corners of the city.
Also, make sure to eat some delicious tapas in Granada. The tapas are some of the best foods to try in Spain. The Arabic influence is also noticeable in some restaurants and some dishes. In many tapas bars in Granada, you will receive a free tapa with any drink you order.
To get a glorious insight into the locals’ lives, it is worth renting a room. Like a room in one of the typical cave houses in the hippie district of Sacromonte. The Albayzin and El Centro are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Granada close to the main sights. Recommended in Albayzin are Hotel Casa Morisco in a building from the fifteenth century with traditional beamed ceilings and a view of the Alhambra, and Hotel Santa Isabela La Real in an authentic historic building. In El Centro, the top picks are Toc Hostel Granada for a really neat, modern and cozy hostel with private and dormitory rooms in a prime location, and Khu Hotel 100 meters from the cathedral and on a street full of local tapas bars.
Since the city is relatively large, finding a parking space within the city center can be challenging. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to park your car outside the center in a parking garage or a parking lot.
#13 Pueblo blanco Iznajar
recommended by: Milijana Gabrić from World Travel Connector
Picturesque Iznájar village near the previous destination of Granada and just as much a must-see place in southern Spain as the other destinations on this Andalusia road trip itinerary. This authentic whitewashed village is one of the most charming places in southern Spain and beyond. The natural setting of Iznajar is incredibly spectacular.
Scenic Iznájar sits on a hill and overlooks Iznajar lake, the largest lake in southern Spain while Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park is just around the corner. Beautiful hilltop Iznájar holds traditional whitewashed houses with flowery patios, typical Andalusian narrow streets decorated with genuine Andalusian blue planters, an ancient Moorish castle, and lovely Iglesia de Santiago from the 16th century.
Iznájar itself is serene, idyllic, and not touristy. Therefore it’s easy to find free parking in Iznajar. While Iznajar can be seen in half of a day, the area deserves spending at least 2-3 days. There is fantastic Valdearenas beach on Iznajar lake and trails of Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park are simply amazing. If you are a nature lover who enjoys outdoor activities, you need to visit idyllic Iznajar, swim in the largest lake in Andalusia, and explore the fabulous Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park. Enjoy in serene Iznájar, try out delicious Spanish dishes, hike Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park, cycle around the Iznajar lake, swim, kayak, or windsurf in freshwater Iznajar lake … and make lifelong memories on your road trip in Andalusia.
Romantic Casa Las Tinajas in Iznájar with a wonderful terrace and an outdoor swimming pool is one of the best places to stay in Iznájar. Beautiful The Townhouse holiday home with Iznájar lake views is also a great accommodation choice.
#14 Nerja on the Costa del Sol
recommended by: Cristina from My Little World Traveling
It’s time to end this road trip with some beach time! Nestled in Costa Del Sol, Málaga, Nerja is one of the most beautiful white towns in the province. Not only is it famous for its white buildings but the crystal blue sea, beaches and caves.
Its main attraction is Balcon de Europa, a viewpoint that overlooks the sea and mountains. Balcon de Europa is located at the heart of the town centre, so it’s a great location to explore the independent shops and taste the delicious Andalusian dishes. Another highlight of Nerja is its caves, which are some of the most visited in Spain. Although your visit to the caves won’t last longer than 45 minutes, it’s worth seeing its impressive stalactites. Lastly, Nerja has some of the best beaches in Costa Del Sol. If you’re up for a relaxing day at the beach, Maro is the perfect beach for you.
The best place to stay in Nerja is Hotel Balcón de Europa, a four-star hotel that has incredible views of the sea, direct access to the beach and a great restaurant that serves mouthwatering paella. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Apartamento Balcon de Europa is a good choice. The apartments have a rooftop where you can swim and relax at their swimming pool.
One day in Nerja is enough to visit the main attractions, however, you can stay another day or two more to explore nearby pretty villages like Frigiliana or have a full day packed with adventure activities like hiking, canoeing or kayaking.
Parking in Nerja isn’t easy as it gets very busy, especially during the summer season. On-street parking is generally free, but you’ll find it difficult to find a spot. The Municipal Underground Car Park which is situated a footstep from Balcon de Europa is the perfect parking to stay central, however, the price for parking your car can be up to 22 euro per day.
#15 Back to Malaga
We’ll end this Andalusia itinerary right back where we started in Málaga. Return your rental car and maybe enjoy one last day in this coastal city before flying back home.
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