Is the drive from Ronda to Granada by far more enjoyable via the coast ? Does it take a lot more time than going inter- country? Also, thinking about staying in Jerez the last night we are in Spain since our flight out of Seville leaves early evening. We would have already spent 3 nights in Seville so would like to try somewhere different. Opinions?
Thanks,
Suzanne
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
It's a long diversion to what is usually considered a commercially developed coastline: Marbella-Torremolinos-Malaga. Malaga-Nerja-Motril may be of more interest. We travelled Granada-Antequera-Ronda and I enjoyed the desolate mountain scenery.
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
Well, 3 nights in Seville can be just the beginning, or plenty depending on you. If it is plenty, I would say add Jerez for a little difference. Ronda to Granada by the coast is a VERY long drive, and WAY out of your way. I think you will get tired of driving just for the sake of driving. I would go best route. It is interesting country. Part of the road is windy as you climb.
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
Oh, if you decide coastal route, Nerja is a beautiful city which deserves some time. Check out Balcon De Europa - breathtaking on a nice day!
Posted by
69 posts
My first question would be about how much time you have for the trip from Ronda to Granada? If pressed for time, you can drive through the mountains to Granada, the most direct route (2 hours). Given more time, my choice would be to drive from Ronda down through the Sierra Ronda to Marbella. This only takes an hour or so and as you descend you get an increasing view of the sea and at one point, a view of the Rock of Gibraltar. Quite spectacular. Marbella itself is quite beautiful, driven by the influx of money from the Northern European community which live there part of the year. Again, if you have time, you can take the coastal road (A-7) from Marbella through Fuengirola, Mijas and Torremolinos where you can take the autovia north to Granada. With less time, just hop on AP-7 at Marbella for the 2 hour drive up to Granada. Given more time, E-15 takes you east to Motril, if you desire, passing Nerja along the way. We stayed in Nerja for 3 nights last May and enjoyed every minute of it.
Just to reassure you, the roads in this coastal area are superb, many looking like they were recently completed.
At the minimum, take the drive from Ronda to Marabella. If you continue on the autovia from there to Granada, you are talking about 3-3 1/2 hours total, not including stopping for photos along the way. But if you can, make a day of it. You don't get a chance to see the Costa del Sol every day.
Posted by
OP
Menlo Park, CA, USA
12 posts
Thank you so much everyone for all this help. We will discuss it but very happy to have more of a clear picture now. Would you say our last night in Spain should be Córdoba or Jerez?
Thanks,
Suzanne
Posted by
69 posts
La Mezquita in Cordoba should not be missed. Worth a visit even if you day trip from Seville. There is a morning queue and an afternoon queue. You can buy tickets at the window.