Itinerary
- Day 1
Málaga
After landing in Málaga, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your accommodation to get settled. Spend the rest of the day walking through the old town's narrow streets and checking out the lively squares. If you're interested, head up to the Alcazaba fortress for some nice city views from above.
Optional Activities
- Visit Alcazaba fortress with views over Málaga
- Explore Málaga old town with cathedrals and narrow streets
Landmarks/POIs Alcazaba - Day 2
Málaga to Granada
Drive out to the Caminito del Rey, a famous cliff walk that takes you through massive gorges with suspension bridges overhead. From there, continue on to Granada, which sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Wander around the city and if you're up for it, grab dinner on a terrace where you can look out at the Alhambra fortress and the mountain peaks beyond.
Optional Activities
- Caminito del Rey cliff walk through gorges and suspension bridges
- Visit Alhambra fortress
- Dinner at Huerto de Juan Ranas restaurant with views of Alhambra
Landmarks/POIs Caminito del Rey Alhambra Sierra Nevada - Day 3
Granada to Córdoba
Spend time exploring the Alhambra fortress, including the Alcazaba and the Nasrid Palaces inside. After that, drive to Córdoba and check out the Mezquita, a really interesting building that used to be a mosque and then became a church. Walk across the Roman bridge that spans the Guadalquivir River to get a feel for the city's history.
Optional Activities
- Visit Alhambra fortress including Alcazaba and Nasrid Palaces
- Visit Mezquita Cathedral in Córdoba
- Walk across the Roman bridge in Córdoba
Landmarks/POIs Alcazaba (Granada) Nasrid Palaces Mezquita Cathedral Roman Bridge Guadalquivir River - Day 4
Córdoba
Head inside the Mezquita Cathedral to see the iconic red and white arches, then climb up the bell tower for views across the city. Wander through the Jewish Quarter's twisting alleyways, and don't miss the Calleja de las Flores. By evening, make your way to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos where the gardens are particularly nice to walk through.
Optional Activities
- Interior visit to Mezquita Cathedral
- Climb the bell tower of Mezquita Cathedral
- Explore the Jewish Quarter and Calleja de las Flores
- Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Landmarks/POIs Mezquita Cathedral Jewish Quarter Calleja de las Flores Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos - Day 5
Córdoba to Seville
Drive through Andalusia's landscape to reach Seville, the heart of flamenco culture. Get to your accommodation and check in, then head right out to Plaza de España with its distinctive semi-circular architecture and ornate buildings. Later, visit the Alcázar of Seville to see the Moorish arches and gardens on the grounds.
Optional Activities
- Visit Plaza de España
- Visit Alcázar of Seville
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de España Alcázar of Seville - Day 6
Seville to Algarve, Portugal
Cross into Portugal and drive to the Algarve region, checking into your accommodation in Monte Gordo near the beach. You can either explore the Castro Marim nature reserve where wild flamingos live and see a historic castle, or head straight to the Atlantic coast beaches. If you're staying at an upgraded hotel, you might continue west toward Sagres or Lagos instead.
Optional Activities
- Visit Castro Marim nature reserve with flamingos and castle
- Beach time at Atlantic coast
Landmarks/POIs Castro Marim Nature Reserve - Day 7
Algarve Beach Day
Spend the full day on Portugal's sunny south coast. If you're an early riser, catch the sunrise at Praia de Monte Gordo or Praia do Martinhal. Then the rest of the day is yours to spend however you like - relax on the sand, take a walk along the endless coastline with an ice cream in hand, or go for a swim in the Atlantic.
Optional Activities
- Sunrise at Praia de Monte Gordo
- Sunrise at Praia do Martinhal
- Beach relaxation and swimming
- Coastal walks along the Algarve
Landmarks/POIs Praia de Monte Gordo Praia do Martinhal - Day 8
Algarve
Another day to enjoy the Algarve coast with more beach time and coastal walks. Or if you want a change of pace, head to nearby Faro to try Portuguese food and see the local culture. If you're staying further west, consider visiting Cabo de São Vicente, which is Europe's south-westernmost point.
Optional Activities
- Beach and coastal exploration
- Day trip to Faro for dining and Portuguese culture
- Visit Cabo de São Vicente
Landmarks/POIs Faro Cabo de São Vicente - Day 9
Algarve to Tangier, Morocco
Drive to Tarifa at Europe's southernmost point and leave your rental car there, then take the ferry across to Tangier, Morocco. Check into your accommodation and walk around the bustling city, which mixes North African, Spanish, and French influences together. Visit the beach or find a spot for authentic Moroccan food.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco
Optional Activities
- Explore Tangier medina
- Visit Tangier beach
- Dine at Moroccan restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Tarifa - Day 10
Tangier
Get out early in the morning to explore Tangier, wandering through the winding medina with its narrow alleyways full of market stalls. Take in the colorful soundscape of the city and eat authentic Moroccan tagine dishes at local restaurants throughout the day.
Optional Activities
- Explore Tangier medina with alleyways and market stalls
- Taste Moroccan tagine at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Tangier Medina - Day 11
Tangier to Marbella via Gibraltar
Take the ferry back to Europe and pick up your rental car again. Drive along the Costa del Sol with a stop in Gibraltar. Park your car in La Línea and walk across into Gibraltar to see red double-decker buses and British culture mixed in with Spanish palm trees. Visit Monkey Rock, where you can take a cable car if you'd like. Then continue to Marbella, walk through the old town's cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, and relax at Plaza de los Naranjos.
Optional Activities
- Visit Gibraltar and see Monkey Rock
- Cable car to top of Monkey Rock
- Explore Marbella old town
- Relax at Plaza de los Naranjos
Landmarks/POIs Gibraltar Monkey Rock La Línea de la Concepción Marbella Old Town Plaza de los Naranjos - Day 12
Marbella
Enjoy your last morning in Spain with a cortado coffee and take time to think back on everything you've done and seen. Reflect on the memories and unique moments from your trip before it's time to head out.
