Seville and Andalucia in February. Looking itinerary feedback and suggestions.

Hi! We did a similar trip a couple years ago. We took the train between Madrid - Granada, a bus from Granada to Sevilla then a train from Sevilla - Madrid. We did go to Rhonda but yes, I'm sure someone here will have a driver recommendation if the bus won't take you.

We LOVED Sevilla. We stayed three weeks and would go back in a minute! I think 5 nights is a good amount to stay there. We stayed 3 nights in Granada which was fine.

Here is my trip report: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/december-in-andalucia-spain

If it’s you first trip to Spain, there’s more to see and do in Córdoba for 3 nights than in Ronda. Ronda can be seen in a full day. By visiting Córdoba rather than Ronda you could probably take the train or bus rather than hiring a driver.

To me, Granada can be adequately seen in 2 full days, but it depends on what you want to see while there.

I’ve had a rental car every time I visited the places you intend to visit.

I would spend at least 2 nights in Cordoba as others have suggested. The Mezquita is amazing and is one of the top sights in Andalucia. There are other interesting sights in Cordoba, too, and you need time to wander through the Juderia. I would take 2 nights from Ronda to stay in Cordoba and then spend 1 night in Ronda. Cordoba is a much more important city, historically and culturally, than Ronda.

Or take a night from Seville and a night from Granada so that you can spend 2 nights in Cordoba.

It's very, very easy to take trains and buses to/from all of your destinations. Except possibly for Ronda.

My wife and I also like to stay several days in one place. Our first trip to Spain was this Feb-Mar. We spent 5 nights in Seville and loved it. Doing so allowed us to see most major sights as well as just wander neighborhoods which was very enjoyable. If you will be in Seville on a Saturday, spend a day in Triana where you may see spectacular weddings at local churches and beautifully dressed families gathered outside waiting to christen their children. Our Saturday doing so was a big highlight of our two week trip.

On our way to Madrid for our flight home we stayed 2 nights in Cordoba. The Mezquita is one of the most unique things I have ever seen. I think it is a not to be missed sight. We spent hours there one afternoon. Though I’m not Catholic, the next day I attended a 900am weekday Mass - it was wonderful. And be sure to climb the bell tower for awesome views of the city and countryside. There are plenty of worthwhile things to see in Cordoba. Plus along the river we found our favorite souvenirs of the entire trip in an atmospheric used book store, explored a great leather-working shop, had great meals at friendly out of the way places and clothing shopped for our newborn niece. I would have gladly stayed another day or two there.

You could easily add Cordoba as it is on the direct train line from Seville to Madrid and could be your last stop. . Or If you reversed your trip order to visit Granada last, Cordoba could be your first stop on the way to Seville. Regardless, have a great trip.

Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful advice. This is super helpful and will change the way we organize the trip.
Thanks again!

If you keep Ronda, consider having a car. If you’ve done it all over the world, no reason not to here. If you won’t be exploring the countryside and villages, there is little need to stay in Ronda a few days, and replacing with Cordoba makes perfect sense for sticking to public transport, as the countryside may not be particularly nice in February.

If you have not yet booked your flights, you might consider flying into Malaga. It is a lovely city and closer to your desired destinations than Madrid where it appears that you do not plan to stay. Plus, it is pleasant place to stay a day or two…or more. Agree with others that the Mezquita is incredible and that Cordoba is a must for at least two nights. Ronda, for us, was uber touristy, crowded and unwelcoming so, unless you want to walk the El Caminito del Rey (highly recommend!!), no need to go there. If you do walk the El Caminito, suggest staying outside of Ronda in nearby Arriate. Also agree that Granada only needs 2 or 3 nights. Lastly driving in Spain, except in historic centers which are typically restricted, is much like in the USA. And, even in cities, it is not difficult to park the car and explore on foot. So many options! Happy planning. Happy travels.

Based on the feedback, our new itinarary is :

Flying in and out of Madrid.
Train Madrid -> Seville 5 nights
Hire driver Seville -> Cordoba 3 nights
Hire a driver Ronda -> Granada 4 nights
Train Granada -> Madrid

We are flying United so hard to get to Malaga.

Has anyone ever used a travel company? We usually book all of our own tours, etc... We have friends who have had good look with a travel company in the destimation country/region. We have contacted three such companies who specialize in Andalusia. We are asking them to book trains, car from Seville to Cordoba (with a tour of some places between), and all tours and monument tickets. Waiting to hear back on their prices.

as the countryside may not be particularly nice in February.

The countryside in February doesn't look that much different to any other time of the year due to the climate. The oleander won't be in flower but other than that the area is quite arid and pretty much looks the same all year round.

Love your final itinerary. I recommend booking guided tours of the Mezquita, Alhambra and Alcazar.