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Madrid, Spain
Madrid has the third-largest population of all the cities in Europe – woah – so
there is SO much to do in this bustling metropolis during your short visit. With
beautiful architecture, yummy cuisine, and a bumping nightlife, a weekend
getaway in Madrid is ALWAYS a good idea!
- Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid)
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Toledo, Spain
If you do have some extra time before your Southern Spain road trip begins, then
no visit to Madrid is complete without checking out the nearby Toledo. Just an
hour away from Madrid, this ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site was
actually the former Spanish capital before Madrid. This ancient city is known as
the city of 3 cultures because it’s a melting pot of Judaic, Christian, and
Islamic cultures, which can be seen throughout the architecture in the city.
Each of these people left their mark on Toledo, which you’ll see as you walk
past synagogues, mosques, and cathedrals.
- Puente de San Martín (Toledo)
- Alcázar de Toledo
- Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
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Córdoba, Spain
Assuming that you flew into Madrid, whether you decided to spend a few days
there or not, the first true stop on our Southern Spain road trip itinerary is
Córdoba. Córdoba is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Madrid and 3 1/2 hours from Toledo.
Although Córdoba isn’t a very big city, there’s still quite a bit to see,
including 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Like many cities in Southern Spain,
Córdoba is another historical hodgepodge of Jewish, Gothic, and Moorish
architecture. To see all this, I recommend a guided walking tour. That way,
it’ll be easier to navigate your way through the streets surrounding the
Mezquita, which are narrow and lined with houses that have adorable (though
sometimes hidden) patios.
- Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Jardines del Alcázar
- Puerta Sevilla
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Granada, Spain
A little over two hours from Córdoba is our next stop: Granada. More than two
million visitors flock to Granada each year just to visit the Alhambra, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and Granada’s most famous landmark. Take a guided tour of
the Alhambra to see the Generalife Gardens, the Palacio of Carlos V, the Patio
de los Leones, and so much more.
- Alhambra
- Mirador de San Nicolás
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Málaga, Spain
Just 1.5 hours from Granada, Málaga is another interesting place, and a must on
any Southern Spain road trip itinerary. Not only is it the largest city on the
beautiful Costa del Sol, but it’s also the birthplace of both Antonio Banderas
and Pablo Picasso. Come to Málaga if you’re looking for nonstop sunshine, lots
of museums (they have over 25), history, art, architecture, and so much more.
Some things you have to see are the Alcazaba, Teatro Romano, Malaga Cathedral,
Picasso Museum, and Gibralfaro Castle. If you’re looking for some relaxation,
then check out the Málaga Park and Marina or laze the day away at Malagueta
Beach
- Puerto de Málaga
- Catedral de Málaga
- Castillo de Gibralfaro
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Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a historic city located atop a gorge, and just 1.5 hours from Málaga.
Ronda is FASCINATING. Check out my post on One Day in Ronda to find out what in
the world Ronda has to do with Ernest Hemingway, Madonna, and famous Italian
designer Armani. When in Ronda, you’ll spend the majority of your day exploring
both the Old Town and the New Town. Just make sure you check out the Plaza de
Toros, Puente Nuevo (from above and below), Ronda’s other bridges (Puente Arabe
and Puente Viejo), and the Baños Arábes.
- Puente Nuevo (Ronda)
- Mirador de Aldehuela
- Puerta de los Molinos
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Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Although I think you should give yourself a full day in Ronda, you can actually
visit both Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas in one day like I did. Setenil is a
tiny town just half an hour from Ronda, and it is one of the most adorable and
interesting places you’ll ever see. Setenil is famous for its dwellings built
into rock overhangs. Many of the stores, restaurants, and cafes have ceilings
and walls that are just parts of the mountain. It’s insanely cool because it
always feels like you’re in a cave. Some rocks even come out over the buildings,
permanently shrouding some streets in shadows.
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Marbella, Spain
An hour drive will take you back down to the beautiful Costa del Sol to visit
Marbella, a resort area famous for its Golden Mile of beaches, night clubs,
upscale boutiques, and luxury venues. This a great place for a relaxing day on a
the beach or an opportunity to treat yourself to all the luxuries Andalusia has
to offer.
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Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Gibraltar is most famous for it’s hundreds of monkey inhabitants. Head to the
top of the Ape’s Den for a chance to encounter some of this pesky primates. Just
be careful because they’re mischievous and love to steal your stuff! Trust me, I
know from experience when I was mugged by a monkey!
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Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz is SUCH a fun little Andalusian city that’ll charm you with its beaches,
beautiful old town, and relaxing seaside atmosphere. Whether you want to relax
on the beach or tour a city rich with history, a Cádiz day trip is the perfect
getaway from anywhere in southern Spain. Check out the architecture of the
Cathedral and Roman Theater in the city center, the beachside castles, the two
main parks, and don’t leave without getting a paper cone of fried fish at the
Cádiz Market!
- La Caleta Beach (Playa de La Caleta)
- Cortadura Beach (Playa de Cortadura)
- Plaza de San Antonio
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Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Jerez de la Frontera is a city famous for flamenco, horses, motorcycles, and
most importantly, sherry wine. In fact, Jerez was the European Capital of Wine
in 2013, and it was the world’s first Motorbike Capital in 2014. Sherry is
definitely an acquired taste, though, so if you’re not much of a wine drinker
you might want to forego Jerez on your Southern Spain itinerary. It’s still a
beautiful place, though. Even if you don’t come for the sherry, you’ll
definitely love the views.
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Sevilla, Spain
I am insanely biased towards Seville because I lived there for a semester when I
studied abroad in Spain. It’s my favorite city in the whole world, and I can go
on an on about where to eat in Seville, things to do, and even how to fit in
with the locals.