Get a taste of the Andalusia region with a one-week sampler platter of 3 very culturally, architecturally, and geographically unique Spanish cities with this Itinerary for Southern Spain: Seville, Málaga, and Granada.

Based on which activities pique your family’s interests, you can adjust accordingly, but we recommend spending at least 2 days per city and then adding an extra day in the city that appeals to you most.

One Week Itinerary for Southern Spain

Traveling between Seville, Málaga, and Granada

Before I dive into things to do in each city, I wanted to share a quick summary of how easily it was to travel between the cities included in this guide:

• Seville to Málaga is a 2.5 hour train ride or 2.5 hour drive.
• Málaga to Granada is a 1 hour 20 minute train ride or a 1.5 hour drive.

Click here to shop for rental cars in Spain. The ease of traveling between these three cities is what makes them the perfect combination for a one week Itinerary for Southern Spain.

Seville: Itinerary for Southern Spain Stop 1

1. A Historic Walking Tour

The history of Seville is fascinating, so definitely spend some time on a history tour.  There are several free tours as well (pay what you want) that depart from the Plaza Nueva and the Plaza de los Reyes.  Our tour ended at the Plaza de España which is a tribute to the country of Spain and its half-moon shape symbolizes open arms towards the other Latin nations.   

2. Plaza de España and Parque Maria Luisa

These two iconic locations are not only significant landmarks but also offer an incredible experience for both adults and kids alike.

Plaza de España: This stunning plaza is a true architectural masterpiece that showcases the grandeur of Seville. The combination of Renaissance and Moorish influences will leave you in awe. Kids will love exploring the vast square, which features a beautiful canal where you can rent rowboats and enjoy a leisurely ride. Let their imaginations run wild as they pretend to be adventurers navigating the waters!

Parque Maria Luisa: Across the way is the Parque Maria Luisa which we could’ve spent hours wandering.  It was the garden of a Duchess who donated it to her beloved city.

It’s the perfect place for families to unwind, have a picnic, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst lush gardens. The park boasts charming pathways, bridges, and hidden nooks waiting to be discovered by your tiny travelers. Don’t forget to bring a frisbee or a ball to play on the open lawns, or even rent bicycles to explore the park’s vast expanse.

Both Plaza de España and Parque Maria Luisa offer a variety of family-friendly activities like Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, Puppet Shows, and Ice Cream delights.

3. Eat Tapas in Triana

The Triana neighborhood, with its diverse food scene, lively ambiance, and welcoming locals, creates a memorable dining experience for families looking to explore the culinary delights of Seville.

When it comes to eating tapas in the Triana neighborhood of Seville, there are several fantastic options that appeal to families.

One popular choice is Bar Santa Ana, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious tapas. Cervecería La Grande is another great option, offering a wide selection of traditional Spanish dishes that cater to different palates. Families can also visit Las Golondrinas, where they can sample a variety of flavorful tapas in a relaxed setting.

4. Santa Cruz (Jewish Quarter)

In addition to Triana, this was one of our favorite corners of the city to enjoy simply by wandering.

Nestled within the protective walls of the Real Alcázar, the enchanting Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is an absolute must-see when visiting Seville. This captivating neighborhood offers a labyrinth of narrow streets, adorned with beautiful houses and picturesque flowery courtyards that exude charm throughout the year.

5. The Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar is a bit overpriced to be honest, but it is a beautiful Moorish Palace nonetheless.   Purchase your ticket one day in advance to avoid obscenely long lines!

(Also check to see if there are any free days during your stay, rather than paying 9.50 per person.)

If budget is tight, I’d prioritize the Alhambra in Granada over this palace.

Plan to spend around 90 minutes inside the maze-like interiors.

6. Eat oranges or shop orange scented products

We wish we could’ve captured the scent of the city during our l visit.  The orange trees were just blossoming and smelled incredible. I’ll never think of Seville without that scent coming back to me.

We only had about 36 hours in Seville which was enough to see the main sites, but would recommend 2-3 days to truly experience more of the local flavor.

Málaga: Itinerary for Southern Spain Stop 2

An Itinerary for Southern Spain is incomplete without a visit to Malaga. Experience the beautiful beaches, indulge in delicious seafood and tapas, sip on some local drinks, hike up to the castle, and dive into the rich history of the city. Malaga has it all, and it’s a destination that will leave you wanting more.

The main sights, beach, shopping, and best dining options all easily walkable in Malaga, so stay where the action is, in Old Town.

1. Soak in the Best View of Malaga and Explore Gilbrafaro Castle

If you want to get the best view of Malaga, head to the top of the Gilbrafaro Castle. The 20-minute hike up to the castle may be steep in some areas, but the stunning panoramic view is worth the effort. You’ll be able to see the city, the sea, and the mountains in the distance. We recommend going early in the morning or during sunset to witness the breathtaking view of the city.

Gilbrafaro Castle (Castillo de Gibralfaro) is a magnificent fortress with a rich history dating back to the 10th century. Together with the Alcazaba, it forms a monumental complex that symbolizes the city of Malaga.

This castle, with its two lines of walls and eight towers, offers visitors a breathtaking view of the city and the sea below. Built to protect the Alcazaba and house troops, Gilbrafaro Castle stands as an impregnable fortress that showcases the architectural prowess of the al-Andalus period.

It costs only € 5.50 to explore both Gilbrafaro and Alcazaba.

2. Eat Seafood

For seafood lovers, Pedregalejo is the ultimate destination. This small fishing town is located just a few miles away from downtown Malaga and can be easily reached by bus. The sprawling beach is lined with fantastic seafood restaurants that have outdoor olive wood fire grills on the beach. Try the grilled sardine skewers for a unique local dish. However, beware of the tiny bones that you’ll need to navigate!

3. Indulge in Tapas

Tapas is a quintessential Spanish experience. El Pimpi is a touristy place, but it must be on your to-do list when visiting Malaga. The restaurant has a fun ambiance, and the outside patio offers stunning views of the Roman Theater and the Alcazaba. Try their famous tapas along with a glass of local wine or beer. Even the locals will admit, El Pimpi is a must do.

4. Enjoy Drinks with a View

When it comes to drinks, red and white wines are quite popular. Cerveza (beer) is also a favorite drink among locals and tourists. The Spanish say that water is for the fish.

For a less sweet version of Sangria, try “Tinto con Limon,” which is red wine with lemon soda, and a perfect drink for those hot summer days.

If you want to soak up some beautiful sunset views while sipping on your favorite drink, head to Batik’s Rooftop Bar. This rooftop bar is located in the historic center of Malaga atop a boutique hostel, and it offers a lovely view of the city and the castle.

5. Hit the Beach

Malaga is famous for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The La Malagueta Beach is located just a stone’s throw away from the city center and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The beach offers several amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars. For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to the Pedregalejo beach, which is located by the small fishing village mentioned above.

6. Christopher Columbus Monument (Castillo Monumento Colomares)

How to get there:  It’s a 40 minute, 35 euro Cabify ride – OR – about 1 hour taking the Train plus a 10 minute walk. (2.70 euro)

For 2 euros, you can explore the monument built in honor of Christopher Columbus.  While it makes for great pictures and a decent view, when we arrived at the monument, we were admittedly underwhelmed by its size ?It sure makes for great photos though!

I’d say to skip this if you don’t have your own rental car. It’s not worth lengthy train travel and the price each way for Cabify (one of Spain’s Uber alternatives) is too steep.

Granada: Itinerary for Southern Spain Stop 3

Arriving in Granada by train (or bus) leaves you only 10 minutes from the Albayzin neighborhood and La Alhambra.

The backdrop of the city is the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. We stayed at a vacation rental right in the middle of the Albayzin neighborhood under the shadow of the Alhambra. Staying in this neighborhood will give you an authentic Granada experience as well as leave you close to the best historical, food, and shopping areas of the city.

1. Eat more Tapas

If you are a fan of Tapas, the city has much to offer.

Most restaurants offer you free tapas when you order a drink so remember not to order too much food. Another great area in Granada for Tapas is the Realejo San Matias neighborhood. Plan a few hours and hop from eatery to eatery where you will crowd in elbow to elbow with the locals and truly experience the culture of the city.

2. Discover Granada’s Rich Moorish History on a Walking Tour

Most are about 2.5 hour tours taking you through many historic neighborhoods and highlights including the old silk bazaar (Alcazar), the Granada Cathedral, Tea Street, and the Mirador San Nicolas scenic overlook. 

If you’re traveling with kids, something they’ll love is the revolving door of bakery from the nuns. We were taken to this secret cabinet on our tour. You place your payment inside, spin the shelf and inside a nun will load a homemade bakery item. This was one of our most memorable moments on the tour.

3. Alhambra

This palace and fortress complex stands as a remarkable testament to Islamic architecture and is undoubtedly one of the most famous monuments in the world. As you explore the Alhambra, you’ll be amazed by its intricate details, stunning courtyards, and gardens. The name “Alhambra,” meaning “the red” in Arabic, perfectly captures the reddish walls that give this breathtaking structure its distinct charm.

The Alhambra was originally designed as a military zone but later became the residence and court of the Moorish monarchs of Granada. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

No visit to Granada is complete without a visit the Alhambra, it is a short 10 minute hike from la Plaza Nueva, or you can take the C3 bus for 1.20 Euro. There are a few gardens and walls you can visit for free, but if you would like to visit the palace make sure to book your ticket at least a month in advance (link).

4. Explore the Streets of the Sacromonte area

If you are feeling adventurous walk past the Alhambra to the Sacromonte neighborhood. The neighborhood is the old Gypsy quarter and the houses are built into the cliffs and caves of the hill.

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