Driving in Andalucia

You have 5 days total in Andalucia?
If so, I would not bother with a car. Transportation is inexpensive, and you will not really have time to visit small towns. To give you an idea, Córdoba to Sevilla is €14 on the regional train taking 1.15-1.30, and Córdoba to Granada is about €30 by train and €20 by bus (and ideally you should spend the night in Granada). Once you add gas and parking costs to your car rental, it will be the same.

Also, Córdoba in early August: you probably know this, but you should brace yourselves for almost-guaranteed 100+ temperatures; close to 110 is less common but not unheard-of. Take it easy!

With two adults and two kids, it was looking like travel from Cordoba to Seville for a day trip would be close to 240 Euros (30 per person, both ways) - but maybe I am not understanding. I was just googling the heat in Cordoba and now I am second-guessing even trying to do this region at all. We are in Madrid 26-29 and then were planning on spending the 29-2 in Nerja and then the 2-5 in Cordoba before flying home... but maybe my hope for city then beach then Moorish/Andalucian culture is not a good fit for the time of year we are travelling.

It's indeed €50-60 round trip to Seville on the fast train, but only €28 on the slow train and it only takes 30 minutes longer.

But anyway: Andalucia is not recommended in August. Nerja is a bit cooler thanks to the sea, but even then, there are far better beaches in America (if that's where you're based). You are already likely to suffer from the heat in Madrid: I suggest you head North instead. Galicia would be perfect; you can take the train to Santiago de Compostela and explore the region's amazing historical sights and beautiful beaches for a week or so. A car would be helpful for at least part of the time.

Driving in Andalucía is no different than driving in the states. The roads are well marked and in good repair. Be aware of the maximum speed limit in all towns. It was lowered a year or so ago throughout the country to I believe 30kph/18mph. I always get a rental car since it does afford flexibility that allows for stopping at places not in the original plan. You do not need a rental car in the larger cities since parking can cost 15-20€ a day. Places one could visit from Córdoba include Úbeda and Baeza (1.5 hours away), Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra and Castillo Almodovar del Rio, both within 20 miles of Córdoba. You could stop at Antequera on the way to Córdoba from Nerja and Carmona on the way to Sevilla.

Yes, it will be hot in August, but I never let the heat stop me from going someplace I want to visit. Just ensure you always have a sufficient supply of water in the vehicle since you will go through a lot. I will suggest looking up public parking lots in advance in the towns you plan on visiting and marking them on Google maps (or whichever app you use). That way you can go directly to them. If you decide on renting a car, look up the small towns in the Córdoba area on TripAdvisor to see if there’s anything in them that interests you. There’s almost always a surprise place you’ll want to see. Always drive slightly under the speed limit. There are speed cameras throughout the country and there is no “grace” speed before you get a ticket. Finally, the drivers will need to get an International Driving Permit from AAA (cost $20 and 2 passport photos) before going over. If you have any questions send me a PM.

You'll find parking will be tight with a minivan and driving through many old centres will be an experience. I typically rent an SUV or large saloon and there are a lot of places within Andalucia where I've parked the car on the outskirts and walked in simply because driving and parking would be a hassle.

Just do it!
As with many topics on the Travel Forum, I find that the topic of rental cars vs. public trans divides the RS Community into two camps. But, I can say without hesitation in nearly 30 trips over the past 25 years, access to a car has been a BIG factor in our enjoyment of Europe. Sure, city stay visits don't require rental cars. But, many travelers find it very difficult to get out to the small towns, villages, and countrysides without the use of a car.

Buen viaje por Andalucia!

Córdoba, Úbeda and Baeza will feel like frying pans in August...but really worth the visit!

This summer I´ll be spending (for the third year in a row) my holidays in Ayamonte, Huelva (great Atlantic temperatures, off the beaten path town for foreign tourism, rarely too hot), driving all the way from Bilbao (Basque Country). First week in Ayamonte, then we´ll drive towards Córdoba (third week of August), Úbeda, Baeza and Jaén (driving near Écija, known as the "frying pan of Spain". Roads are very good and you should have no worries on that side. But it´ll be hot in this area, no doubt about it, and it´s a concern (given that I live in the north where it´s rainy and temperatures are very mild). I´d rather choose Málaga or Cádiz, also great places for beaches, kids, monuments and history.

Whether to go to Andalucia in August depends on how well your group members tolerate intense heat. - - - and it really is intense! Are there children involved? Will they spoil everyone’s time by whining and crying about their discomfort? I think the suggestion for a trip to northern Spain is a good one.

I'm from the southern US, so I am not too intolerant of heat, but even I would skip Cordoba in August.
What is book-ending the five days--are flights or anything else booked? I think northern Spain is a great idea, but it has to make sense with the rest of the itinerary.
Driving is not a big deal, driving (and parking) a van might be.