Stops in Southern Spain

The places you listed will more than occupy the days you have. Other places you could visit would depend on the route you take. If the only reason for visiting Faro is to say you were in Portugal, I save the travel time and use it elsewhere.

No idea what you and you son like to do, or his age, but Niebla Castle is just off the A49 en route to Portugal. A little further off that road is El Rocío and Donaña National Park.

We were staying in Faro as a base so we could explore southern Portugal. Would you recommend staying elsewhere in that region?

With only 8 days, if you spent two nights (1 full day) in each of the places you mentioned, you’ve used your available days. There really isn’t any time available to explore southern Portugal. To adequately see Sevilla requires probably 4 nights.

If you had enough time, Faro is as good as many other places to use as a base. I think you’re trying to see too much in the time you have.

As a guide, driving Malaga to Ronda takes between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on route, Ronda to Sevilla about 2 hours, and Sevilla to Faro about 2.25 hours. Returning to Malaga from Faro will take no less the 4.5 hours.

I agree you have enough on your plate. However, Ronda could be done as you pass through to Seville, spend most of the day, and you have seen everything, giving you three nights at least in Seville,

Faro is a decent base for Portugal, you will go through Tavira, worth some time to wander the city. Do keep in mind that the Algarve (South Coast of Portugal) can be a bit short on history, and heavy on beach communities for expats,

I agree with Paul, in regards to the Algarve. Some nice villages but predominantly an ex pat type scene.

I’m in the Algarve yearly. My family live in the little fishing village of Alvor. We enjoy it. Faro is okay, but that’s just my view. I think Lagos is more picturesque than Faro.

Our favorite little villages in the Algarve are Ferragudo and Bergau, but not great for a base.. Tavira for a short visit.

Maybe save your precious days and spend more time Seville.

In September, for us, the highlights of Southern Spain/Andalucia were walking the El Caminito del Rey en route from Malaga to Ronda, the Seville Cathedral rooftop tour and the Mezquita in Cordoba. Malaga is lovely. We enjoyed our stay there at Icon Malabar. Ronda was extremely crowded and touristy, but we loved the little nearby town of Arriate. Portugal is wonderful too but worthy of a separate trip. Perhaps you might do a circle from Malaga, to Ronda, to Seville, add Cordoba, then back to Malaga?

Thank you, everyone.