Amazing Andalusia (and Gibraltar) Road Trip | Spain

This Andalusia road trip itinerary has been carefully designed so you can truly discover this stunning autonomous region. Despite being the poorest region of Spain, it is certainly rich in culture, history, and well… stunning beaches! Furthermore, Andalusia is the birthplace of the traditional Flamenco dance and bullfighting – two of the most quintessentially Spanish things to be experienced.

This road trip has been designed in a loop so that you can start at any point and hit all the best destinations in Andalusia, however, we recommend starting in Seville!

This road trip of Andalusia is 700km (9 hours of driving) and best enjoyed over the period of a week, if not longer. We recommend 7-10 days to see everything this stunning part of Spain has to offer.

Seville

1^st stop on the Andalusia Road trip

How long should I stay here: 1-2 days

The first stop on this road trip of Andalusia is Seville. Seville is the capital of this region, and it’s easy to see why. Seville’s stunning architecture coupled with its year-round great weather makes it one of our personal favourite places to visit in Spain. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. It is the perfect city to get lost in, with so much to see, do, and of course, eat! Seville has the charm of a smaller city, but with all the amenities and nightlife of a larger one – that’s what makes Seville an essential stop on this road trip of Andalusia.

Things to do

Plaza de España

A visit to the stunning city square of Plaza de España shouldn’t go a miss. Plaza de España is a hotspot for buskers performing authentic Spanish flamenco. Also, during the peak season in Seville, there are rowing boats that you can hire and bob along the water that lines this semi-circle-shaped plaza.

Real Alcázar

One of the best experiences to be had in Seville is a stroll around the Real Alcázar. The Real Alcázar (or Alcázar Palace) was built as a Moorish fort but was later converted into a palace. Whilst you are there, make sure you check out the gardens and bask in their peaceful ambience.

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

Of all the places we stayed in Spain, Seville felt the most sketchy and unsafe, especially if you intend on leaving your van throughout the day. Personally, we would recommend booking into a secure car park or campsite whilst in Seville. However, if you do want to use a free spot, you can find out more information about the place we stayed for 2 nights below.

Where to park overnight in Seville. 

Beware: Initially, we were in a different FREE parking area in Seville, and whilst here a man threatened to throw rusty nails under our wheels if we didn’t pay him. We gave him €1 and left immediately left feeling a little shaken.

Hotel

Cadiz

2^nd stop on the Andalusia Road trip

How long should I stay here: 1 day

120km from Seville (1hr 20minute drive)

The next stop on our Andalusia road trip is Cadiz. Cadiz is a historic port city that oozes Andalusian charm. It is known for its many skinny winding cobbled streets, stunning tree-lined plazas, and small fishing boats bobbing about in the bay. It is an eclectic blend of everything that makes this region so special.

Things to do

Discover the historic centre of Cadiz

Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Spain dating back to the 12th Century BC! Many people even suspect that it is the oldest city in all of Europe. Therefore it should come as no surprise that this amazing city has a beautiful old town to discover.

Make sure you tick off all the sights listed below:

1. The Plaza de San Juan de Dios
2. The Roman Theater
3. Cadiz Cathedral
4.  The Tavira Tower

Discover plenty more things to do in Cadiz, right here.

Visit San Sebastian Castle

San Sebastian Castle is a must-visit for any cinephile. This castle is renowned for being a filming location in James Bond: Die another day.

Even if you couldn’t care less about its link to James Bond, this spectacular castle is steeped in history and is well worth a visit.

The castle is located off the mainland, connected by a long stone causeway.

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

Due to the historical centre of Cadiz essentially being located on a small island, there is very limited parking, particularly for larger vehicles. This spot is situated 20km away however is well connected to Cadiz with public transport.

The parking area is very level with panoramic views of the sea. A great thing about this spot is that it caters to vehicles small and large. So no matter what size of rig you are rocking, you’ll fit right in.

The best thing about this park up is that it is only a short walk to a FREE shower (with hot water) and toilet! This can be found at the nearby marina.

Where to wild camp in Cadiz

Hotel

Tarifa

3^rd stop on the Andalusia Road trip

104km from Cadiz (1hr 20minute drive)

How long should I stay here: 1 day, more if you like kitesurfing

Tarifa may not be an obvious choice of place to visit, however, on this road trip of Andalusia we certainly think it’s well worth a visit. Furthermore, we think it’s one of southern Spain’s unmissable hidden gems. First and foremost Tarifa is a windsurfer paradise. Located on the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula with views stretching out to Morocco this amazing destination is a must if you are into action sports. Even if you are looking for something a little less physical, Tarifa has a quaint old town with a chilled-out relaxed vibe.

Things to do

Wind Surfing

Tarifa bears the title of the windiest place in Europe – which makes it the ideal location to windsurf. Not only is the wind strong and reliable, but the golden sandy beach stretches for miles, making it able to accommodate hundreds of eager windsurfers during the peak season.

So whether you are a beginner windsurfer, or a professional looking to hone in on your craft, Tarifa is the perfect place for you!

Marine Wildlife watching

Due to the Tarifa being located at the junction between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea you will find a lot of unique wildlife including dolphins and whales. The best way to discover this is by boat. There are plenty of companies offering wildlife excisions for reasonable prices.

A day trip to Morocco

There are several ferries that run between Tarifa and tangier (in Morocco).

So, if you have time, why not take a day trip to another continent? It’s hard to say no to Morocco’s illustrious charm, and with prices starting as low as 35€ each way, it’s very easy to be tempted.

Why not try one of the guided day trips linked below?

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

We recommend booking into a campsite when visiting Tarifa. Arguably the best thing about Tarifa is its laid-back atmosphere are friendly locals. There is no better way to experience the unparalleled sense of community than at a campsite.

Tarifa has numerous campsites located along the coastline. So whether you are looking for the perfect spot to kitesurf, or want to be closer to the old town, you will find somewhere that caters to you.

Top to campsites in Tarifa – 2022/2023 (according to Trip Advisor!)

Hotel

Gibraltar

4^th stop on the Andalusia Road trip

45km from Tarifa (45-minute drive)

How long should I stay here: 1 day

Gibraltar is arguably the best pit stop on this road trip of Andalusia if you are looking for a few home comforts (if you are British). Only in Gibraltar can you find a pub grub, British signposts, and traffic lights, and perhaps the best thing about Gibraltar – everyone speaks English.

Is Gibraltar worth visiting?

Things to do

Rock of Gibraltar

Climbing the Rock of Gibraltar is the absolute top thing to do whilst visiting. Although this may sound exhausting (and it is), there is an easier option – a cable car to the top. When you are on the rock there is an abundance of things to do and see. Perhaps the most famous thing to see is the monkeys.

Top sights on the rock of Gibraltar include: exploring a cave (and its light show); visiting the monkeys, going on the Skywalk (a glass walkway looming over the edge of the rock), and discovering the caves used during the wars.

A trip up the Rock of Gibraltar isn’t cheap. Admission for one adult costs £16. This grants you access to all the excursions on the rock, including access to the caves, the tunnels, and visiting the monkeys. If you don’t want to hike up and opt to take the cable car it costs an additional £18 for a return journey.

Top tip: bring a debit/credit card, as we were not able to pay with cash when we visited in 2022.

Duty-Free Shopping

One of the best things about Gibraltar is that it is a tax haven. Therefore purchasing things from the high street will cost you significantly less. Unfortunately, there is a fairly limited selection of shops in Gibraltar. However, there is an abundance of shops selling jewellery, so if you are looking to add a little sparke to your life – then Gibraltar is the place for you.

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

Gibraltar is NOT campervan friendly. The combination of narrow windy roads and crazy traffic makes it extremely challenging to negotiate in a larger vehicle. Furthermore, if your vehicle is over 2.8m tall, then don’t even consider going to the east side of the island as there are numerous tunnels that you simply won’t fit through!

The post below discusses four potential places to park in and around Gibraltar.

Where to park overnight in Gibraltar

Hotel

Unfortunately, accommodation in Gibraltar is rather expensive. Although we have linked a couple of places to stay in Gibraltar, we personally would recommend staying out with Gibraltar as it will say you a considerable amount of money. Our Budget option listed below is outwith Gibraltar.

Marbella

5^th stop on the Andalusia Road trip

78km from Gibraltar (1hr minute drive)

How long should I stay here: 1 day

Marbella is the diamond of the Costa Del Sol. Famed for its opulent beach clubs, yacht-lined seafront, and manicured golf courses, it’s no surprise that Marbella is often referred to as a playground for the rich and famous. Therefore it is a must-see destination on this road trip of Andalusia

Things to do

Visit Peurto Banús

A few kilometres from the oldest part of Marbella you will find the most opulent and flashy place in all of mainland Spain. Peurto Banus is known for being ultra-exclusive, and of course, its impressively high concentration of supercars and superyachts!

So if you are looking for the most opulent, yet quintessentially Marbelian experience, a trip to Peurto Banus is well worth a visit.

Whilst you are here, make sure you check out the large rhinoceros sculpture by Salvador Dalí.

Discover Marbella’s world-famous nightlife

A trip to Marbella wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its iconic nightlife.

Most of the largest clubs are located in Puerto Banús or the Golden Mile (the beachfront area between Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banús).

Although Marbella is known for being expensive, you can still enjoy the nightlife on a budget. Many clubs offer free entry (or at least a reduced entry fee) if you arrive before midnight!

Visit Marbella’s old town

Marbella’s quaint old town is often overlooked for the most opulent and ostentatious parts of Marbella. However, if you want a true picture of Marbella the old town shouldn’t be missed. It is remarkably spotless, so much so, even the floor sparkles in the light. It also has a lot of traditional Spanish charm. Furthermore, it’s one of the few places in Marbella you will find reasonably priced… well anything, but specifically food. So if you are looking to dine out, we highly recommend finding somewhere in the historic centre of Marbella.

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

As Marbella is known for its opulence and decadence, it’s no surprise that it’s not the best place to find a great wild camping spot.

However, there are several campsites in Marbella that are less than 2km from the heart of the city. Unsurprisingly, a couple of these campsites are at the boujee(er) end of the spectrum!

To find out more, click the link below.

Campsites in Marbella

Hotel

Malaga

6^th stop on the Andalusia Road trip

60km from Marbella (45-minute drive)

How long should I stay here: 2-3 days

Malaga is a stunning port city famously known as the birthplace of painter, Pablo Picasso. With spectacular beaches, a rich history, and a charming Old Town, it’s easy to make yourself at home in Malaga.

Things to do

Caminito del Rey

El Caminito Del Rey is a boardwalk pinned to the cliff face of the El Chorro gorge. It is located a mere 60km inland of Malaga, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Suspended 100m over the gorge, it is not surprising that it has been called the most dangerous hike in the world. It’s impressive, but under no circumstance are you putting yourself in any danger by taking on this amazing hike.

To find out more about the hike, click the links below.

Is El Caminito Del Rey Worth visiting?

What to know before visiting El Caminito Del Rey.

Sea Kayaking in Nerja

Nerja is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, the beaches are beautiful, the water is aqua blue, and best yet, there are dolphins!

Although it is not technically in Malaga, this stunning spot, is an absolute dream to visit, and therefore we couldn’t resist including it on our Andalusia road trip itinerary.

Also, there are some caves and waterfalls that can be explored in the area too. However, if you want to experience that you may want to opt for a guided tour!

Where we went kayaking here there were several dolphins jumping 5m from our kayak. It was surreal! Since then we have been the biggest advocate for people visiting Nerja, as quite frankly it left a lasting impact on us!

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

Malaga is undeniably a fascinating city to explore, however, finding a spot to camp overnight can be tricky, especially if you are looking to be in the heart of the city. We have tried and tested each of the spots linked below and can say with certainty that they are all top-notch places to spend the night, but for differing reasons.

If you are looking for easy access to the city then this is the spot for you. It’s located on the beach and provides easy access to Malaga by train. The is also an outlet mall nearby which is well worth a visit.

Where to park overnight near Malaga – on the beach.

If you want to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle and relax, you will want to check out this spot. It is surrounded by nature and is the perfect viewpoint to watch the sunset over the city. Malaga is not within walking distance from this spot and I do not believe there are any reliable public transport links.

Where to park near Malaga – in the hills.

If you intend to visit Caminito Del Rey, this is the spot for you. This stunning spot has an unbelievable outlook, making it the perfect place to kick back, relax, and admire the natural beauty. Furthermore, it is reasonably near some lakes which would be perfect for kayaking on. There are even SUP and kayak rentals nearby.

Where to park overnight near Caminito Del Rey, Malaga.

Hotel

Cordoba

7^th stop on the Andalusia Road trip

158km from Malaga (1hr 45minute drive)

How long should I stay here: 1-2 days

This small city is located between Madrid and Seville and is one of the most underrated places on this ultimate road trip itinerary of Andalusia.

Without a doubt, Cordoba is best explored by foot. We recommend spending an hour strolling through the narrow alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with gorgeous flowerpots. Not only is this city absolutely stunning, but it also has an incredibly interesting past. At one point it was considered the largest city in the world. Now it is not even the biggest in Andalusia. Cordoba is a melting pot of different cultures and religions – this is what makes the city so special and unique.

Is Cordoba Worth Visiting?

What to know before visiting Cordoba.

Things to do

Explore the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is located in the historic centre of Cordoba; this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a traditional Islamic urban layout which consists of lots of small streets, many of which lead to a dead end.

Visit the Roman Bridge

As the name would suggest, this bridge has Roman roots, like many other parts of Cordoba. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this bridge has stood the test of time. The bridge is incredibly old and jaw-droppingly large. We recommend visiting the bridge in the evening when it is lit up!

Where to Stay

Campervan/ Motorhome

Cordoba is not the best place to find a superb wild camping spot. Furthermore, as Cordoba is the hottest city in all of Europe, you may feel like you are cooking if parked up in a spot with no shade.

Unfortunately, the campsites surrounding Cordoba are quite far outside the city and therefore may not be the most attractive option.

When we were on our road trip of Spain we did not stay overnight in Corboda, we simply commuted to Seville before hunkering down.

Hotel

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This road trip of Andalusia really has something for everyone. Whether you like to soak in the history and ambience of a place or want to get your adrenaline pumping, Andalusia will provide for you.

Our personal Andalusia favourites:

City in Andalusia – Seville

Activity in Andalusia – the Caminito Del Rey

If this post has whet your appetite for a Spanish road trip make sure you check out our Epic Spanish Road trip which encompasses the whole of Spain. It has been specifically curated so you don’t miss anything this amazing country has to offer.

For more content on Spain, click here

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment down below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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