Help with Andalusia itinerary

I haven't been to Gibraltar, Jerez or Estepona, but I think you're short on time in Seville, and the omission of Cordoba is surprising. It's one of the three main destinations in Andalucia. I'd choose it over Gibraltar, Cadiz and Jerez. It's on the rail line between Seville and Madrid.

Your trip is short. You can't see all the points of interest in southern Spain in ten days. I wouldn't worry too much about making the right decision; there are many right decisions. (I'm close to saying to skip Cordoba is a wrong decision, but that would impose my sightseeing values on you.)

I have never driven in Europe, much less in Spain, but it seems to me you are going to be spending a great deal of time in the car, partly because of choosing Estepona as a base for a trip with so many city destinations. I'd think a different approach would be more efficient.

As acraven said, everyone has reasons for where they choose to visit and your reasons may not be anyone else’s reasons. But just as valid.

Without more explanation, though, I am having trouble with the back and forth logic of basing in Estepona and adding in all the to and fro’s. Maybe you have free lodging - then it becomes a choice only you can make. But with spending a night in Granada and a night in Seville, you aren’t saving yourself much in the way of moving. And doubling your car time. For me, moving along in the trajectory of your trip would be so much easier.

For the rental car return, I am sure you can pick up in Malaga and return in Seville, but you will have to see if there is an acceptable fee to dos so.

We do have free lodging in Estepona, which is why we are trying to stay there as often as possible. We did not choose Cordoba because of time constraints. My family is from Jerez so we wanted to go there. I lived in Malaga and so want to visit the city again.

I have been to Alhambra and loved it and the cathedral in Granada, which is why I chose to do an overnight there. S

We chose a car so we can stop where we wanted to, when we wanted to. We don’t mind driving early in the morning or later at night so we hope the back and forth won’t be too much. A 2-hour drive between locations doesn’t seem daunting.

I might consider adding another night in Seville, then heading to Madrid from there, if we can leave the car there. We hope not to have the car in Madrid.

I would appreciate information on Jerez and Cadiz, if anyone can share their experiences.

Thank you

I have not yet been to Cadiz and I took a day trip to Jerez from Seville, so can’t help with that.

Even with free lodging, it makes more sense to spend both nights 7 & 8 in Seville. On Day 7, drive to Seville and return the car a day earlier than you are planning. You could even stop at either Jerez or Cadiz on the way. Then on Day 9, head to Madrid. I realize this makes you lose one night of free lodging - but you will save a lot with 1 less day of car rental, no parking costs for 1 day, and less gas. It might come out about even - and give you a better trip. I like driving a lot, but I am afraid this won’t be as relaxing as you imagine.