A week in southern Spain

When?

I can't help with lodging since I've always stayed in hotels. If you spend 3 days in Jerez, you'll have one day to explore Arcos by bus, one day to Cadiz by train and one day to in Jerez for a show at the Royal Equestrian School (only 2-3 days a week so plan ahead), the Cathedral and 2-3 sherry bodega tours (Tio Pepe is the most fun). Sevilla is an obvious choice, with a day trip to Cordoba. But I would consider the quieter, more charming Cordoba with a day trip to Sevilla. Well, honestly, I'd spend a couple of nights in each. Then there's Granada and the iconic Alhambra. Aaah, so many choices, so little time.

No need for a car, except for Arcos, the train is always the better option.

Chani - thanks for the info. Sounds like some great options! Timeline is yet to be determined!

If you are interested in Granada, note that it is difficult to see as a day trip from many other places in "southern Spain." That's because you must have a pre-booked, timed reservation for the Alhambra (these sell out way in advance), and this takes a half day to see even at a lightning pace. And Granada is several hours from Seville, whether by car, bus, or train. So, you really need at least one overnight there to make the logistics work. Parts of the Alhambra can be seen at any time once you have your ticket, but the Nasrid Palace has a 30 minute window for entry (you get the time with your ticket); miss that, and they won't let you in. So, it's usually best to book the Alhambra for the day after you arrive in Granada; that way, no matter what your Palace entry time, you won't miss it.

Thanks Harold! Good info!

The reason I asked about timing is that there are several big local festivals that you may want to be part of (very crowded and high season prices), weather you may want to enjoy or avoid, and simply some places are better (or worse) at certain times of the year.

Personally, I wouldn't set up shop in 2 towns. I think you miss a lot by seeing some places as a day trip. If you have enough nights, this is what I recommend:

Seville - 3 or 4 nights (preferably 4)
Granada - 2 nights
Cordoba - 2 nights

The Mezquita in Cordoba is amazing, but there is more to Cordoba than just the Mezquita. I personally think you will do Cordoba an injustice by going there for one day to only see the Mezquita. I know that is what some people do, but to me it is not ideal.

I suggest at least 2 nights in Granada because Granada also has other sights in addition to the magnificent Alhambra. Don't rush through the Alhambra. It is amazing! We spent all day there, and then returned for the night tour.

The Alcazar in Seville is also outstanding for its Moorish architecture and influence, like the Alhambra. The Alhambra is my favorite place during our Andalucia trip, with the Seville Alcazar a close second.

Traveling by train or bus is very easy. The high speed train tracks in Granada are not finished yet. We took the ALSA bus from Cordoba to Granada, and then again from Granada to Malaga, and I have no complaints. The bus is modern, air-conditioned, and very comfortable.

You can also do a train/bus combination to Granada. You take the train to Antequera, and then bus to Granada. I've heard that it is an easy transfer.

I completely agree with kmkwoo. I can't say that I love changing from inn to inn, but there is no backtracking and the transitions are part of the adventure and give you more opportunity to interact with the locals. In both good and bad ways, haha. We also enjoy the scenery as we drive, or down time on a train, but we don't want to see the same views twice. (like on a day trip) The people in southern Spain seem to speak far less English, but I found they really try to be helpful. I just returned from Spain. (Sevilla 3 nights, Grazelema 2 nights, Granada 2 nights, Cordoba 2 nights, Toledo 1 night, Madrid 2nights with a day trip to Segovia) I just posted a series of trip reports. I would have been so sad if I only had a day in Cordoba. I loved that city and it was especially nice after the day trippers leave. It has amazing homes in the Jewish quarter-white with lots of blue trim and patios with flowers! There is so much more than the Mezquita. I think a day trip to Toledo would not have given us much time. My day trip to Segovia provided enough time though it would be a nice city to stay overnight. The dining scenes are different in every city and you would miss that if you base in one city. In Granada and Toledo, each drink round came with a tapas! In Cordoba we ate at a traditional restaurant with great food, people and patios. I did like Sevilla, but it is a very big town. We encountered people taking daytrips from the coast (Malaga or Marbella) to the white villages, most often Ronda. Ronda is super busy and touristy. There are so many scenic and cuter white villages than Ronda. Often I think of Airbnb etc., when accommodations are expensive. Granted I was traveling in November, but our rooms ranged from about 45-65 euro, except for Madrid. I think the only place I'd be keen on staying for a long time and do daytrips would be Madrid and Barcelona, and I wouldn't do Toledo or Girona as daytrips.

Setting up one or even 2 bases in Andalusia is a false economy - you end up with too much ‘back and forth’. A cross country trip is best.

Andalusia in a week

1. Arrive Granada - 2 nights
2. Visit the Alhambra
3. Train to Ronda - 1 night
4. Train to Córdoba - 1 night
5. Train to Sevilla - 3 nights
6. Sevilla
7. Sevilla
8. Depart Sevilla

Since you've been to Spain, you know that summers are blistering in Andalucia. February, March and even April can be rainy, but are more likely to be dry and warm. In February, gardens are at their worst, after the cruel winter pruning, but the orange tree-lined streets are picturesque because of all the brightly colored fruit - do watch out for falling orbs. Toward the end of March, the orange trees begin to blossom again, and the scent is heavenly. April and May are the times for exciting festivals. September (still hot) and October is probably the best time for beaches.