Planning a solo trip using the train for 12 days in Andalusia. Heading to Malaga (with day trips), Granada, Cordoba, Seville.
Arriving May 2nd.
Should I arrive In Malaga and depart from Seville?
Is there a benefit to this order vs other way around?
Should I do a day trip to Cordoba from Seville or should I plan a night or 2?
Just getting this framework in place so I can Get started on fine tuning!
Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8227 posts
Either way works. Since you have the time, a couple nights in Córdoba would be give you a better opportunity to see it at a more leisurely pace.
Posted by
152 posts
Hello,
The Patio Festival in Cordoba will be May 4 - 17 this year. When we were in Andalusia in May of 2023, Cordoba was one of the highlights of the trip and we wish we'd had 3 nights instead of two. There is plenty to see and it's a nice mix of small town and festive, if that makes sense. :) Really loved the Mezquita too.
In Seville, try to get a tour of the Cathedral Rooftop. It was another highlight for us.
We flew in and out of Madrid and visited Granada last, which seemed like a good idea because it is usually cooler than Seville. We took a van tour up into the hill towns outside of Granada one day and wished we had warmer jackets.
Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.
Posted by
21 posts
You should do it all you have 12 days!
Cordoba is a day trip. Sevilla is better overnight.
Don't forget Granda and the Alhambra. So cool. There are a bunch of great towns all over the area and driving is chill in Spain. Good Luck!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9222 posts
Hi Kristen,
I’ll attach my trip to southern Spain last February (going again this year) in case it’s helpful. I would pick whichever flight route looks the best when you check flight times & layovers. I was traveling solo there last year and will do it this year. Be sure to get reservations very early for any of the popular activities. Some were even busy in February.
I like Cordoba and will stay there again for the third time. The hotel I mentioned in the trip report is where I will stay again. I like it a lot! Here’s my take on day trips, especially when I am traveling solo. Mentally during the day I am not wearing a watch. What this means is when I am someplace, I am enjoying the moment and don’t want to think about “I need to take a train back, maybe also a taxi, and any issues walking, etc.”. It’s so easy to switch lodging when traveling solo, so my vote is overwhelmingly to stay overnight to enjoy the ambiance of Cordoba at night….plus walk out on the bridge where there’s people after sunset & get amazing photos of the Mezquita, misc. skyline lit up.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
7874 posts
Cordoba is a lively, attractive city. We had two nights and wished for more. It is especially lovely in the morning and the evening before the day trippers arrive. There is a lot to see. A roman bridge, patios, historic quarter, river, and of course, the Mezquita.
Make sure to get tickets in advance. Especially for the Alhambra.
Public transportation is excellent in this area.