Andalusian Dreams: An Unforgettable Self-Drive Journey

Days 1-2: Granada

Collect your hire car and head to the Catalonia Granada Hotel, a modern city-centre base with a rooftop pool. Located just a short walk from the historic quarter, it offers stylish rooms, a spa, and gourmet dining – perfect for relaxing after a day of discovery. The first day is yours to settle in and perhaps stroll the narrow streets of the charming Albaicín neighbourhood, where the scent of jasmine hangs in the air.

On day two, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra: one of the world’s most important and beautiful monuments. Your guide will lead you through the Nasrid Palaces, where intricate stucco work and delicate wooden ceilings tell stories of centuries past. Pause at the iconic Court of the Lions with its elegant fountains, then take in the beauty of the tranquil Generalife gardens, blooming with fragrant flowers and shaded walkways. Feel history come alive as you admire this magnificent masterpiece of Moorish art and architecture, with striking views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range beyond.

Day 3: Cordoba

A scenic drive brings you to Cordoba, a city of architectural wonders that was once the capital of Muslim Spain. After checking in at Las Casas de la Judería, a boutique hotel near the historic Jewish Quarter that radiates traditional Andalusian charm, the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

The main event is the Mezquita-Cathedral. Step inside and feel the immense scale of its famous columned prayer hall. You can spend hours here, exploring how the site evolved from a Visigothic church to one of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques before a cathedral was built at its centre. Don’t miss the chance to capture the perfect photo of its distinctive striped arches.

Day 4: Seville

Journey to Seville, Andalusia’s vibrant capital. Your avant-garde hotel for the next two nights, Meliá Lebreros, is an urban oasis in the heart of the city, where you’ll experience the genuine warmth and friendliness Seville is known for. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Santa Cruz quarter with its shaded patios and hidden squares.

As evening descends, a special experience awaits: a mesmerising flamenco show in an intimate venue. Feel the floorboards vibrate with rhythmic footwork and hear the soulful strum of guitar strings, all while sipping a chilled glass of cava accompanied by a chocolate truffle. Watching the swirling, colourful dresses come to life is the perfect prelude to your visit to the Flamenco Dress Museum, where the history and artistry of these legendary costumes are beautifully showcased.

Day 5: Seville

Today, a guided tour will reveal Seville’s most monumental treasures. Step inside the immense Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Next, climb the Giralda – the former minaret – for panoramic views over the city. The tour culminates at the Royal Alcázar, a functional palace whose ornate plasterwork, dazzling tiles, and serene courtyards showcase a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture in Spain. This true gem of Islamic, Baroque and Renaissance art offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into Spain’s layered architectural heritage.

Round-off your time in Seville by soaking up the city’s nightlife, stopping at a local tapas bar to savour delicious Andalusian flavours.

Day 6: Ronda

Your drive today takes you through the classic Andalusian countryside to the dramatic cliffside town of Ronda. After settling into the Catalonia Reina Victoria, a Victorian-style villa with sweeping views of the El Tajo gorge, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.

Marvel at the sheer scale of the Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century bridge that soars nearly 100 metres above the canyon. Feel the wind sweep up from the gorge as you admire the whitewashed houses perched high on the cliffs, their terracotta roofs and wrought-iron balconies radiating Andalusian charm. Later, stop by the town's historic bullring and acquaint yourself with its charming old quarter. 

Day 7: Malaga

The final destination of your road trip is the coastal city of Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso and a sun-soaked gateway to the Costa del Sol. Check into your stylish hotel, the Soho Boutique Colón, just steps from the bustling shopping haven of Larios Street.

Wander up to the Alcazaba, the city's Moorish fortress-palace, or enjoy a final saunter along the palm-fringed promenade. Take in the sparkling Mediterranean waters, colourful marina, and lively beachside cafés that give Malaga its relaxed coastal charm, before your unforgettable Andalusian journey concludes the following day.