Note: This post gives you a quick overview of our Spain road trip. For detailed travel guides, itineraries, and tips for each destination, you’ll find all the links conveniently listed at the bottom of the page.
Spain, the dream that waited so long to finally come true. But Spain is something, and Andalucía is something else entirely. Andalucia is the civilization we learned about in school, the stories we watched in historical series and documentaries, a land shaped by Al-Andalus, where for almost 800 years, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish cultures lived, learned, and built together.
This is the place of the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra in Granada, the Giralda of Sevilla, ancient libraries, scientists, philosophers, poets, and stunning architecture that still whispers the history of one of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
We had always dreamed of seeing it, but didn’t know when. Until our amazing Portugal road trip changed everything. From Braga to Tavira, we found ourselves so close to the Spanish border. Sevilla was just around the corner, and we knew instantly: this is our moment to visit Andalucia. And that’s where the adventure began.
So after returning the car in Faro, we took the FlixBus to Seville. Our rental apartment was right in the city center, so we didn’t need a car during our stay. We only booked a rental for our checkout day, when we planned to hit the road to Cordoba. And here comes the funny part, or at least funny now, not at the moment.
My dear husband, who is the absolute champion of messing things up just to prove me wrong, wanted to find a better deal than me for a car rental. I had already found a great one, but he insisted, “That’s not a deal, that’s the normal price”
So he booked it himself: a Fiat 500 XL.
When he went to pick it up, he called me: “There’s no Fiat 500 XL available.”
He tried to upgrade, everything was fully booked. The only car left was the tiny Fiat 500.
It was Saturday, they were closing soon, and we had one hour before checkout. We needed to reach our next accommodation, and now we had a car so tiny, we had to choose who would stay behind, us or our luggage? There was no way both could fit!
My son started crying when he saw there were no rear doors, he thought there was no place for him! I was furious. My husband was trying to solve the impossible puzzle: a car seat, a stroller, two big luggages, one medium luggage, three backpacks, a small cooler, a lunch box, and a “trunk” the size of a shoebox, all under the burning heat and the pressure of running out of time.
Finally, he somehow managed to fit everything, honestly, if Fiat had seen him, they would’ve given him a prize for “Best Use of Impossible Space in a Fiat 500.” Best Advertising for Fiat. I still don’t understand how he did it. Once everything (and everyone) was squeezed into place, we finally hit the road to Cordoba, the funniest part was actually my son, he kept crying because he was squeezed between the luggage, and I couldn’t help it, I laughed to tears. After all the stress, it was the perfect moment to finally breathe, laugh, and just enjoy the craziness of the situation.
Tips:
- Returning your rental car before crossing a border can save you a lot of money. Returning the car in a different one, can cost up to €1,000 in extra fees. To avoid that, we returned our car, took a comfortable 2-hour FlixBus ride, and then rented a new car in our next destination.
- Try to pick up your rental car early in the morning, you’ll have more options available, and a much better chance of getting an upgrade.
- Before we start our journey I kindly ask you to check our driving tips. and if you want some tips for Seville please click here. to read ou Seville article.
Seville to Cordoba:
Our Seville visit came to an end far too quickly, we barely noticed how fast the days flew by, with everything the city has to offer: history, culture, music, food, and endless fun. It was time to discover another gem of Andalusia: Cordoba, so we hit the road.
Our journey from Seville to Cordoba was smooth and efficient due to the well maintained roads and good driving conditions in Spain. The drive is really short, about 140Km, making it a convenient way to travel between these two historic cities even for a day trip.
The only problem we ran into was the siesta time. By the time we left Seville, it was already around 1 PM and all the stores were closed. We were driving in a ghost city, not a single movement outside not even a cat. Luckily, I had packed some fruits and snacks in my lunch box, so we survived until everything reopened.
Cordoba surprised us with its peaceful charm and deep history. It’s a city where Roman roads, Islamic architecture, and Andalusian traditions all meet in one place. Staying in its old town gave us the chance to walk through its narrow streets, day and night, the breathtaking Mezquita-Catedral was the highlight of our trip. Two days are enough in Cordoba, but even if you visit just for a day, Cordoba leaves a powerful impression in you.
In Cordoba’s historic city center, you won’t need a car as it’s compact and best explored on foot. The city’s major attractions, including the Mezquita-Catedral, the Alcazar, and the Jewish Quarter, are all within walking distance of each other. However, if you plan to visit Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara), which is located a few kilometers outside Cordoba, having a car can be convenient. Madinat al-Zahra is an archaeological site featuring the ruins of a once-grand medieval Islamic palace city. It’s a fascinating historical site and worth a visit if you’re interested in Cordoba’s Islamic history. If you want to know more about Cordoba and have some tips read my Cordoba post.
Tip: – A thoughtful piece of advice for anyone traveling from Seville to Cordoba! Planning ahead and purchasing snacks, drinks, and provisions from a convenient spot like Lidl before departing ensures that you’ll have sustenance during siesta time when many businesses, including restaurants and stores, are closed.
– To enjoy Seville and Cordoba comfortably, avoid the peak summer months. We visited in July and the heat was extreme, you could still feel the ground radiating warmth even at 9 PM. For the best weather, plan your trip in spring, fall, or at least early summer.
El Toro sign:
On your way to Cordoba you will encounter The “El Toro” sign, is an iconic symbol of Spain. This giant bull silhouette is known as the Osborne Bull (Toro de Osborne in Spanish), and it has become a recognizable landmark and symbol of Spanish culture. You will see it again in your way to Granada.
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Cordoba to Granada:
Driving through the region from Cordoba to Granada, with endless olive groves as far as the eye can see, truly provides a stunning and memorable experience. This area of Andalusia, particularly around Jaen, is known as the heart of Spain’s olive oil production and is often referred to as the “Olive Oil Capital of the World.” It’s no surprise that Spain is the world’s top producer of olive oil.
The picturesque landscape of rolling hills covered with olive trees is a testament to the importance of olive cultivation in this region. The quality of olive oil produced here is highly regarded globally, and the scenery itself is a testament to the agricultural heritage and traditions of southern Spain. The aroma of freshly pressed olive oil permeating the air as you drive through the olive groves in Andalusia has been a delightful and sensory experience.Check my Alhambra post.
Personally, I had never heard of Jaén until we visited a supermarket in Cordoba while looking for olive oil. With endless local brands and different prices, it was hard to choose what to buy. So we asked some locals, and one man told us, “You are in the Jaén region, all the olive oil here is supreme.” then he helped us to choose a nice bottle. Later, as we continued driving toward Granada, while we were speechless at the endless views of olive trees, we saw the sign for Jaén, so we decided to take a small detour to discover the place.
Jaen
Jaen
Jaén is a province located in the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain. It is known for being the largest producer of olive oil in the world, earning it the nickname “World Olive Oil Capital.” Jaén is characterized by its stunning countryside, which is dominated by vast olive groves that stretch across the rolling hills and valleys.
Parador de Jaén
A nice stop while you are in the Jaén region is the Parador de Jaén. It’s located on top of a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of the city of Jaén and the surrounding countryside.
Santa Catalina Castle
The Parador de Jaén is housed within the historic Santa Catalina Castle (Castillo de Santa Catalina). This castle has been converted into a hotel and restaurant, making it a unique place to stay and dine while enjoying the picturesque views. The restaurant often serves traditional Andalusian cuisine, allowing guests to savor local flavors in a spectacular setting.
Staying at the Parador de Jaén provides not only a comfortable and memorable lodging experience but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the region.
we found the Castle unexpectedly while driving in the area, the restaurant was so fancy and we weren’t well dressed to eat in, so we made it simple, we parked in a nice a spot and we had a picnic. Sometimes the most memorable moments of a journey are the simple ones, like enjoying sandwiches with a breathtaking view. Taking in the stunning vistas of Jaén from a beautiful vantage point is an experience in itself, and sharing a meal while appreciating the scenery can be quite special.
Tip: If you want to enjoy a meal at the Parador de Jaén restaurant, be prepared to dress properly. It’s a beautiful and elegant setting, so avoid showing up in shorts and flip-flops. A smart-casual outfit will make you feel much more comfortable
Granada to Malaga
After visiting Granada, my favorite city, the one I truly wished I had planned more time for, I realized just how special it is. Granada has a charm that’s hard to describe yet impossible to forget. The cooler breeze, the mountains rising in the distance, the majestic Sierra Nevada, and the city itself, so rich in history and culture, all create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Andalucía. Saying goodbye to the unforgettable Alhambra, with its timeless beauty and presence, wasn’t easy. But it was finally time to continue our journey and head to Malaga, our last stop in Spain. The drive from Granada to Malaga is as scenic as it is enjoyable, winding through the Sierra Nevada foothills, with endless olive groves, avocado orchards, and charming whitewashed villages along the way.
A perfect stop is Lake Viñuela, known for its azure waters and mountain surroundings, where we took a deep breath and enjoyed the view before continuing.
Not far from the main road, Frigiliana awaited, a charming whitewashed village with its cobblestone streets and colorful balconies, making our journey even more memorable.
Malaga
For us, Malaga was all about beach time. After so many days exploring historic cities, it was a joy to swim in the Mediterranean, our favorite sea, and explore some of the stunning beaches along the coast. Spending time in Málaga, enjoying the beach, and soaking up the coastal atmosphere was the perfect way to conclude our trip. And, as all great journeys do, our adventure eventually led us back home, carrying a treasure trove of memories and experiences.
Malaga’s beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol offer a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.
Cala del Canuelo
We stayed at Cala del Moral in Malaga, and our host highly recommended Cala del Canuelo which is a hidden gem and a wonderful beach experience in the area! The fact that it’s not easily accessible by car and requires a minibus ride (2 euros round trip) adds to the sense of adventure and exclusivity. It’s great that the minibus service provides convenience by transporting your beach essentials as well.
Clean and pristine beaches, like Cala del Canuelo, are truly a treasure, and the natural beauty of the area make your day at the beach even more enjoyable.
Tip: Ending your trip to Spain with some authentic Spanish olive oil and Ines Rosales Tortas is a great idea! Spanish olive oil is renowned for its high quality and rich flavor, making it a fantastic souvenir or ingredient to bring back home. Ines Rosales Tortas are a beloved Spanish treat, often enjoyed with coffee or tea, and they come in various flavors like cinnamon or sesame.
Andalucia is one of those rare corners of the world that leaves a mark on you long after you’ve left. Its golden light, historic cities, dramatic landscapes, and warm people make it so special. Even though our time was tight and we couldn’t visit every dream stop, like Ronda, with its legendary bridge, Cadiz and more, we still felt that every kilometer had something unforgettable to offer.
What truly made this trip one-of-a-kind, though, was the unexpected adventure of doing it all in that tiny hybrid car. It wasn’t the most comfortable choice for long drives between cities, especially with the AC on, luggage stuffed in the back, and steep hills challenging its little engine. But in the end, it became one of the funniest and most memorable parts of our journey.
And now, every time I see that miniature creature on the road, I can’t help but smile and think: How on earth did we manage to do an entire road trip across Andalucia in that thing? But we did, thanks to my stubborn husband, who messed up the booking and then spent the whole trip suffering, repeating, “This is not a car at all!”
Honestly, hearing him complain was the perfect revenge for me. And somehow, that tiny disaster on wheels made everything even better: a little challenging, a little chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.
To be fair, the Fiat 500 is a great little car, if you’re taking short trips and carrying nothing more than a handbag and a bottle of water. But for a road trip with luggage? Absolutely not.
Each destination and adventure along the way adds a unique “star” to our travel story, making it a journey to remember and cherish. Travel has a magical way of enriching our lives with new perspectives, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable moments. Our exploration of southern Spain was such a rewarding and memorable experience.
Tip: Avoid using Expedia for car rentals. We had originally booked a 500XL through Expedia, but at pickup they told us, they never had that model in their fleet. The only option available was the Fiat 500. We contacted Expedia, hoping they’d fix the mess, but their “help” was basically: You can upgrade. Except we couldn’t, because every car seemed to be booked that day. Their customer service did nothing to solve it, nothing to compensate us, and honestly, after this experience, I cannot recommend them to anyone.
Best Tip For The Trip: My tip to you is “heat the road”. Take unexpected turns, stop at nice spots, and savor the moments. Some of the most memorable and meaningful experiences come from spontaneity and embracing the journey itself. Travel is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the discoveries, surprises, and the beauty found along the way.
Feel free to check our Travel Tips.
Discover Andalucia
