Andalusia road trip itinerary suggestions

Have you considered flying into Jerez de la Frontera and picking up and dropping off your rental car there? Granted you’d need to adjust your itinerary but half your trip is within a hour or so of it.

I can’t speak for Marbella since we avoid that stretch of the coast. Overall I feel you’re trying to do to much with the time you have.

When we flew into Jerez in 2011 we rented from Avis, but on our 2022 trip and for this year’s trip, we’re using Enterprise.

Can you recover your plan if your flight is delayed and you miss the 10am train to Malaga?

@jaimeelsabio - Thanks. Why do you avoid that stretch of coast? Any concerns?

@CWSocial - Not really. Good point. I don’t have any flex in my itinerary.

What happened to Cordoba? I've been everywhere on your itinerary except Jerez and Marbella, and Cordoba seemed to have a lot more to see. I'd spend 2 nights in Cordoba.

Given how quickly you're moving around, 2 nights in Ronda seems like a lot, unless you plan a day of driving around the white villages.

There's way too much checking in and out of hotels here for me, but having a car will simplify some things. Whether those advantages will make up for the parking challenges is another question.

We avoid the Costa Del Sol completely and haven’t stopped there since 1979. Too many expats and resorts, and that’s not why we visit Spain. It has nothing to do with safety.

Sgunjan,

I believe there is a flexible train ticket meaning that if your plane is late and you are going to miss your 10am train, you can reschedule.

Someone else here who understands the Spanish train system better than I might jump in.

I love the way that there is such a variety on this forum. I personally enjoyed Malaga and I went there just a week or two later in the year than you are scheduled. I am sure that this time of year has a completely different vibe than the busy times. If you are comfortable with your itinerary than that is all that matters. Everyone has different travel styles. Weather was occasional rain and some sun. Not hot, just comfortable.

I really enjoyed the Alhambra and Granada and I see that you are saving it for another trip.

In 2013 we started investing time into Malaga and adjacent coastal towns to find a slower pace of imbibing Spanish culture. We enjoy Malaga and advise checking the dates cruise ships may be in port for their arrival does influence enjoyment of the town.
We find Marbella to be far too cosmopolitan for our taste. Recommend choosing another destination/activity.
The trip from Marbella to Ronda is a tight two lane road filled with switchbacks and local drivers practice thrilling passing tactics.
If you go from Malaga to Ronda tis a far easier drive.
However, we used to predominantly drive throughout Andalusia and enjoyed the experience of leisurely exploring the back roads. That said, we switch to train/bus transport for point to point due to the ease, quality and value of not driving. Driving involves parking, fueling, tolls, GPS, security, weather, road conditions, stress and one traveler........driving. Please also keep in mind the impact of reduced daylight during the time of your travels. Consider leaving the driving to others and explore train and bus schedules (train stations are downtown to most of your destinations so you will arrive in the heart of your desired visit).
Hmm... are you seeking a relaxing journey with opportunities to explore local areas? If so I would recommend asking the Spain travel forum to advise on a journey based in Jerez for four days and then traveling to Ronda for several days. With essentially a week to create a journey the fewer number of changing hotels creates the greater opportunity to explore.