Itinerary Suggestions - North, South or Both - 10 Days

Your itinerary looks good. Since you’re flying into Madrid, I agree with two nights but be organized on what you’re doing on your full day there.

What time of year is the trip?

In Sep 2023 my wife and I (an older couple) spent 11 nights in Spain, staying in Seville, Ronda, Granada, Cordoba, and Madrid. Our itinerary worked well for our interests. Our trip report might be useful reference: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-spain-aug-sep-seville-ronda-granada-cordoba-madrid

Hi Kathy,

I move quicker through cities than many on the forum, and I think this pace is too fast as a couple. Add three more couples, and it’s multiplied your amount of time, waiting to do anything, making decisions, etc.

I would recommend staying in the city of your airport departure the night before unless you’re taking the late afternoon flight to Amsterdam from Malaga, but then you’re forced to stay overnight near that airport to continue to the US, if that’s where you live. Malaga is worth a couple of nights. By the way, Nerja is not my favorite beach town. There’s others along the coast that are more atmospheric.

Is it possible to add 3-5 extra days to your travel to make this a nicer time for your group overall?

For your alternate to go to Cadiz, are you able to fly home from Cadiz?

Your itinerary ignores Toledo, Segovia and Cordoba, which are geographically closer than adding Nerva and Malaga.

I strongly recommend visiting Toledo in particular, it is my favorite city in Spain. Granada is awesome as well, still try to minimize all that travel.

Consider doing Granada and Nerja on another trip.

Do four days in Madrid which includes day trips to Segovia and Toledo, then spend a day in Cordoba, or perhaps one night, then to Seville for the rest of the trip. Not sure what airport to fly out of, you many need to head back to Madrid.

I visited Costa del Sol many years ago and was not impressed with the beaches.

Ten days isn’t long and only 9 full days. I’d save Madrid for another trip and maybe fly into Sevilla. As pointed out, seeing places and getting going will take longer with a large group.

With eight people there will be differences of opinion and expectations. To avoid possible unpleasant situations, prior to the trip it might be helpful to have some discussions on how different issues will be handled. Examples might include time to begin daily activities, breakfast, couples going off on their own, do all couples want 3 meals a day, how to handle the restaurant bill (and if not everybody has a drink), paying for the rental car and fuel, vehicle insurance, places to visit, etc. With restaurant bills, some people count their portion down to the euro cent while others don’t mind a ballpark figure. With car insurance some might want basic CDW while others want zero deductible full coverage. It’s better to be prepared.

Good luck finding a rental car that will fit 8 people and luggage. Two vehicles may be required. With the rental, ensure any driver gets an international driving permit prior to the trip.

I would consider giving Madrid short shrift in this itinerary, as it is so easy to fly into there on a future trip and give it its due if you are interested. I find three locations to be perfect for a trip of this length, four gets to be pushing it.