We are going to spend about 7-10 days traveling from Seville to Cordoba to Malaga to Cadiz - one night in Cordoba and 2-3 nights in each of the others . . . from what I can tell we can take the train fairly easily between all of these, however, I am wondering how practical/economical it is when you factor in having to either potentially walk significant distances or uber/taxi to hotels, tourists sights, the beach, etc.?? I have rented cars in various caribbean islands and mexico and am not opposed to this, but am also wondering more about parking issues at hotels (including not being able to read some street signs due to lousy spanish) and tourist/shopping areas etc. - how much of a hassle/worry might that become vs. looking for localized transportation beyond the trains? Thinking we might save a couple hundred dollars renting a car, but maybe not. Thanks much!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
A car won't be much use in the cities themselves, and you have good train service between Seville and Cordoba and Malaga. Where you might want the car is between Malaga and Cadiz, where there's no direct train. Driving that stretch would take you through great scenery and let you stop in places like Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, Zahara, and/or Jerez. That could be done in a single day, though you might want to spend a night along the way to give yourselves more time in the region. See what Auto Europe offers as a one-way rental.
Posted by
NC
396 posts
Last September, we spent about 15 days driving in Andalusia including from Malaga to Cadiz and Cordoba to Seville. While true that once to a city you will want to park and enjoy on foot, parking either at accommodations or at nearby parking facilities was never an issue…even with minimal Spanish ability. Researching online and mapping parking locations in advance makes for low stress. We enjoy the freedom and flexibility that driving affords and look forward to our third self-drive trip in Spain this September.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
492 posts
Double the length of you trip and enjoy life.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
If only going from point A to B it makes no sense to have a car. If you plan stops along the way at places with limited public transportation options then renting a car can be advantageous. Parking in a city will probably cost between €15-25 a night. Many hotels have their own lots; some free, some pay. There are some free lots in Córdoba and Sevilla, but they may not be near you hotel. As already mentioned, look them up and bookmark them in whatever you use for navigation so you can go right to them.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3561 posts
We are doing 16 nights in Andalucia next February. We are taking the train from Seville-Cordoba-Granada, but then will pick up a rental car and drive to Ronda. So you can do both!