Introduction to the region of Andalusia:
Seville’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of Andalusia. From here, you can easily visit other beautiful Andalusian cities. Córdoba is just a short train ride away, with its mesmerizing Mezquita (Great Mosque). A bit further, Granada awaits, with the iconic Alhambra—a palace and fortress that will take your breath away. And of course, Ronda offers stunning views and dramatic landscapes that are sure to leave you in awe. Last but not least, Malaga offers Mediterranean charm with gorgeous beaches just minutes from the city center.
This is all based on my own experience during a 10-day trip to Spain in January 2024. I spent 3 days in Seville, 5 days in Malaga, and 2 days skiing in the Sierra Nevada near Granada. For my time in Seville and Malaga, I travelled by train and took day tours from Malaga—it turned out to be the more budget-friendly option.
There are so many different day trips you can take from Malaga, and the city itself is a great place to be based. The old town and the beach are just minutes apart, which makes exploring super convenient. Malaga is also an ideal spot for digital nomads, with a growing remote work community, a laid-back vibe, and surprisingly affordable costs. Plus, the weather was amazing—I went at the end of January into early February, and it didn’t rain a single day!
Seville:
Kick off your Seville adventure at the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the breathtaking Alcázar of Seville, a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture that offers a glimpse into the splendor of Moorish Spain.
For a relaxing break, wander through the lush Parque de María Luisa. With its shaded paths, tranquil ponds, and elegant fountains, it’s a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. Be sure to check out the magnificent Plaza de España inside the park—a sweeping semicircular structure decorated with vibrant tiles that celebrate each Spanish province.
Across the river lies the charming Triana district, known for its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent tapas bars. While you're there, visit the iconic Torre del Oro—a golden watchtower that once protected the city’s riverfront. Triana also makes a lovely and authentic place to stay while in Seville.
Tickets:
- Alcázar of Seville: entry ticket here
- Flamenco dancing show: entry ticket here
- Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower: entry tickets here
Accommodation in Seville:
- Aparthotel in Triana: booking link
Alcázar of Seville
Malaga
Getting from Seville to Malaga is easy and convenient, with direct trains taking around two hours. You can book your tickets through Renfe. Just search for the route from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Malaga María Zambrano. Fares can be surprisingly affordable, starting at just €19.95 if you book in advance.
While you're in Malaga, be sure to wander through the historic center—its maze of narrow alleys, charming plazas, and colourful facades perfectly capture the city’s vibrant character. One of the best ways to get your bearings is by joining the free walking tour with Explora Malaga. It’s an excellent starting point, and the guide I had was not only engaging but incredibly well-informed, offering great insight into the city’s rich history and culture. book here
No visit to Malaga is complete without indulging in some tapas and sampling the local specialties. One spot you absolutely shouldn’t miss is El Pimpi—a beloved Spanish restaurant and tapas bar that’s as iconic as it is delicious. It’s a popular place with both locals and visitors, so be sure to book ahead to secure a table! Book online here
The main reason for my trip was to run the Seville Half Marathon, so I made sure to plan a relaxing spa afternoon afterward—and Hammam Al Ándalus was the perfect choice. The experience was exactly what I needed. The spa’s architecture is absolutely breathtaking, and the massage I had there was honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. Spa entry and massage booking link: here
When in Malaga, don't miss a visit to the Alcazaba Fortress, a stunning 11th-century Moorish palace with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the city and coast. A guided entry ticket is cheap at EUR 12, book in advance: here
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along Muelle Uno, a vibrant waterfront promenade in Malaga’s port area. Lined with shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite with sweeping views of the sea. From there, continue your walk to La Malagueta Beach, where you’ll come across plenty of chiringuitos—casual beachfront eateries serving up fresh seafood, local specialties, and cold drinks. It’s the ideal place to unwind and soak in the sun, sea breeze, and laid-back coastal vibes.
While based in Malaga, I took a few unforgettable day trips that I can highly recommend:
- Caminito del Rey – If you're up for an adventure, this iconic walking trail is a must. It winds through a dramatic gorge with breathtaking views and thrilling elevated pathways. I booked a guided hike that included round-trip transport from Malaga, which made the whole experience super convenient. You can book the same tour here
- Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas – These two towns offer a fantastic glimpse into the heart of Andalusia. I joined a combined day tour that included guided walks through both towns. In Ronda, we visited the historic Plaza de Toros, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, while Setenil de las Bodegas stood out for its fascinating cliffside architecture, with homes built directly into the rock. It's much less touristy, which made it feel even more special. Here's the exact tour I did.
Accommodation in Malaga:
I've visited Malaga several times, and these are the places where I've stayed on more than one occasion:
- Best location: Apartment in Plaza de la Merced
- As a solo traveler: COEO POD
Caminito Del Rey Hike
Granada:
Of course, no trip to southern Spain is complete without seeing Granada and the breathtaking Alhambra. With its ornate architecture, detailed carvings, and serene gardens, it’s easy to see why it’s the most visited site in Spain. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance—they sell out months ahead. I took a direct bus from Malaga with ALSA (book your bus tickets online: here) and arranged a guided tour of the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces*. Book the same tour here
*Please note that not all entry tickets grant access to the Nasrid Palace, but trust me, it's the most stunning part of the Alhambra. You won’t want to miss it—make sure to include it in your visit
While in Granada, be sure to explore the Albaicín district, a charming labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque squares. This area offers some of the best views of the Alhambra, especially from the Mirador de San Nicolás, where you can capture the stunning sight of the palace with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop.
In the afternoon, make your way to Sacromonte, one of Granada's most iconic neighborhoods, renowned for its cave dwellings and flamenco culture. It’s the perfect spot to experience an authentic flamenco show in a cave setting. While I didn't personally visit Cueva de la Rocío, I’ve heard great things about it. Since I’d already enjoyed flamenco performances in both Seville and Malaga, I chose to watch the sunset from Mirador de Sacromonte—a spot I highly recommend for its breathtaking views.
Granada is also famous for its tradition of offering free tapas with drinks. One of my favorite tapas bars is Los Diamantes, known for its fried fish. While I'm not usually a fan of fish, their fried bacalao was absolutely delicious—take my word for it! It’s a small place, so it gets quite busy, but the lively atmosphere only adds to its charm.
Since it was winter, I also had the chance to spend two days skiing and snowboarding in Sierra Nevada, the southernmost ski resort in Europe. The weather was amazing, and I couldn't believe it was my first time seeing people skiing in t-shirts! The area itself is stunning, though I would recommend avoiding it on the weekends if you're a beginner—especially after experiencing the weekend crowds myself. It can get pretty chaotic.
Accommodation in Granada:
- Apartment in the city center: booking link
Panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the Alhambra
If you're visiting in the summer, be sure to explore coastal towns like Torremolinos, Marbella, and Nerja, as well as the stunning Pueblos Blancos (white towns) such as Mijas & Frigiliana, and even Gibraltar. The options in this region are endless, and you can't go wrong with a visit to any of these charming towns.
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Happy Travels! x
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