Barcelona and Southern Spain

I'd be inclined to have 2 nights in Cordoba and one in Ronda rather than the reverse unless there are train- (or bus-) scheduling reasons for sticking with the latter. Ronda is very picturesque but I think Cordoba needs more time.

Are you committed to the Barcelona RT flights? It would save some travel time if you could fly into Malaga and out of Barcelona (or vice versa). Even flying into (or out of) Madrid would reduce your train time.

Thanks! Yes we are committed to flying out of Barcelona. Do you think 3 days is enough time there?

Look at train schedules on renfe.com. From Barcelona, it's at least 5.5 hours to Sevilla and that's after you get through the airport and into the city to the train station. I think you must spend your first night and your last night in Barcelona.

Of the cities you list, the one I would drop is Ronda (no H).

I would agree about Ronda - it's charming but not in this limited time. Drop Ronda and add a night to Cordoba & Barcelona.

Seville - 2 nts
Cordoba - 3 nts
Granada - 2 nts - take anearly train to have more time in Granada
Barcelona 5 nts

less moving around and a more relaxed pace

I think Christi has provided you with an excellent itinerary, but I wqould change one thing. I'd spend 3 nights in Seville and 2 in Cordoba. Cordoba is great, but there is so much more to see and do in Seville that I think they deserve the extra night.

I have no recent experience in Andalucía but do think Barcelona could use more time. It has a lot to see and also some wonderful day trips if you want a change of scenery. My only thought is that if you prefer smaller towns, Ronda might be a better fit than extra time in Barcelona. (I spent ten days in Barcelona last year and loved it, so I'm not dissing Barcelona.)

A compromise should you not wish to choose Cordoba or Ronda, one over the other.

1. Fly into Barcelona. Travel to Sevilla - 2 nights
2. Sevilla
3. Late afternoon train to Cordoba - 2 nights
4. Cordoba
5. Morning train to Ronda - 1 night
6. Afternoon train to Granada - 2 nights
7. Granada
8. Late afternoon flight to Barcelona - 4 nights
9. Barcelona
10. Barcelona
11. Barcelona
12. Fly home

You might also look into flying to Sevilla instead of the train. That's what we did and it worked well. It was a while ago but I don't remember it being too expensive.

We just got home and did this:
2 nights - Cordoba
3 nights - Granada
2 nights - Ronda
5 nights - Seville

I wish we had done this instead:
2 nights - Cordoba
2 nights - Granada
4 nights - Ronda
4 nights - Seville

WE LOVED RONDA and the surrounding area. We're going back. Hopefully sooner than later.