SOUTHERN SPAIN ROAD TRIP

We spent 10 days driving through southern Spain. During our road trip, we were able to explore 6 different, yet wonderful destinations. Each location we visited had its own charm and plenty of things to see and do. I have included a suggested itinerary below for those planning to make the trip to southern Spain!

(1). Our trip began in Seville where we spent 2 days. We stayed in an Airbnb in the Santa Cruz neighborhood which was conveniently located near all the main attractions and plenty of restaurants and bars. Points of interest in Seville are:

a. Alcazar of Seville

b. Seville Cathedral

c. Plaza de Espana

d. Parque de Maria Luisa

e. Seeing a live Flamenco show is a must do. You can buy tickets to a show or choose a free performance – there are plenty to choose from!

WHERE TO EAT IN SEVILLE

a. Abades Triana

b. Restaurante Oriza

c. El Rinconcillo

 

(2) After spending two days in Seville we started to drive southeast to Zahara de la Sierra where we spent about 2 hours walking the quaint streets, soaking in the views, and grabbing a quick bite to eat. I highly recommend stopping for lunch at Meson los Estribos. It has an incredible view, good food, and was ran by friendly locals who make you feel at home and like you’re getting the real Spanish experience. The town is very small, so you do not need to spend much time here before heading off to the next stop.

 

(3). We then continued further southeast to Ronda where we also only spent a few hours. We regrettably wish we would have stayed a night as there seemed to be plenty to see and do here. Points of interest in Ronda are Puente Nuevo and La Casa del Rey Moro. There are also several shops and cafes to stop and have a coffee or drink!

 

(4). After Ronda, we kept driving down to the coast to the adorable beach town, Nerja (this was our favorite) We stayed in a wonderful Airbnb within 5 mins from the beach and a  5 min walk from the city center. This town exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Our hosts were wonderful, the food was great, and the town was filled with cute boutiques and restaurants. I have the link for our Airbnb below. We stayed here for a total of 3 nights as we wanted an extra beach day. We recommend 2-3 nights.

Airbnb in Nerja

 

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN NERJA:

a. Barriana Beach

b. Nerja caves (highly recommend taking a tour to the caves, 15 mins by car)

c. Strolling the charming streets

d. Day trip to Frigiliana (we did not make it to Frigiliana as we were enjoying our time in Nerja, but have heard it is lovely).

 

WHERE TO EAT IN NERJA:

a. Playa & Sol (on Burriana Beach)

b. La Joya (order a Mojito)!

c. Oliva  (need reservation)

d. Masala House (casual yet good Indian food. We also wanted to try Taste of India as it has good reviews but it was unfortunately closed).

 

(5). After Nerja we drove to Granada where we stayed 3 nights. Truthfully, we felt that 3 days was far too many and we had a hard time finding things to do on our last day. I would recommend 2 days in Granada.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN GRANADA:

a. Visit the Albaicin

b. Visit the Alhambra

c. Book the Devour food tour

WHERE TO EAT IN GRANADA

a. Casa Julio (local small tapas- get the dogfish, standing room only)

b. Viva Maria (very small place..yes, it is Italian food, but it is so good!)

c. La Oliva (need reservation)

 

(6). Our last stop was Madrid where we spent 2 nights. We dropped the car off in Granada and took the train to Madrid (about 5 hours). We loved Madrid and wished we would have had more time here. If you have flexibility in adding more time onto your travels, Madrid might be the best place to do it!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MADRID:

a. Sit/eat in one of Madrid’s many squares (Puerta del Sol is our favorite)

b. San Miguel Market

c. Stroll and shop along the iconic Gran Via

d. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid

WHERE TO EAT IN MADRID:

a. Lateral Calle Fuuncarral

b. Plaza Santana (a must)

c. La Mucca

d. La Cebicheria de Trafalgar

e. Restaurant Mesa 3 (must, for lunch)

f. Street XO (this was our favorite meal in Madrid- absolute must! There will be a long line to get in but it is worth the wait).

WHERE TO DRINK IN MADRID:

a. Hotel Me in Plaza Santa-Ana (have a drink up here after Lateral Calle)

b. Tons of bars in Chueca/Tribunal areas –(just go up and down the street, you cant go wrong)

c. Terrace of Mercado de San Anton

d. Kapital (night club)

e. 1862 Dry BAR