Updated November 2026
Seven days is a great length for a first road trip through Andalusia. You land in Málaga, pick up a rental car at the airport and drive a loop through the region’s highlights — the Caminito del Rey, Ronda, Seville, Córdoba and Granada — before returning along the coast. Driving times are approximate and without stops.
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Day 1: Málaga
Pick up your car at Málaga Airport and check in. Central Málaga has a low-emission zone and few parking spaces, so leave the car at your hotel or in a public car park and explore on foot: the Alcazaba, the cathedral, the Picasso Museum and the beach at La Malagueta.
Day 2: Caminito del Rey and Ardales
Drive about one hour to the Caminito del Rey and walk the famous boardwalk through the Gaitanes Gorge — book your ticket well in advance. Park at El Chorro and take the shuttle bus to the north entrance. In the afternoon, cool off at the reservoirs near Ardales. Everything about the route is in our guide how to get to the Caminito del Rey.
Day 3: Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas
About 1 hour 15 minutes from El Chorro to Ronda, the town on both sides of the El Tajo gorge, linked by the Puente Nuevo. Park in one of the underground car parks near the centre. In the afternoon drive 20 minutes to Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses are built under the rock.
Day 4: Seville
Around two hours to Seville. Don’t drive into the old town — use a car park on the edge of the centre or at your hotel. See the cathedral and the Giralda, the Real Alcázar (book ahead), Plaza de España and an evening in Triana.
Day 5: Córdoba
About 1 hour 40 minutes to Córdoba. Visit the Mezquita-Catedral early in the morning, walk through the Jewish quarter and cross the Roman bridge at sunset. Park outside the historic centre.
Day 6: Granada
About two hours to Granada. Alhambra tickets sell out weeks in advance, so book them before your trip. In the evening watch the sunset over the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás in the Albaicín.
Day 7: Nerja, Frigiliana and back to Málaga Airport
Drive about 1 hour 15 minutes down to the coast: the white village of Frigiliana, the Balcón de Europa in Nerja and, if there is time, the Nerja caves. From Nerja it is about one hour back to Málaga Airport.
Tips for driving in Andalusia
- The AP-7 along the coast is a toll road; the A-7 runs parallel for free.
- Seville, Córdoba, Granada and Málaga have restricted or low-emission zones in their historic centres — park outside and walk.
- Mountain roads to Ronda and the white villages are winding; a compact car is easier to drive and park.
- Keep your licence, passport and rental papers in the car; speed cameras are common.
