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Heading south
The first day is the longest driving stretch of the trip. After that, things get noticeably calmer.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
This is where your journey begins. As the drive to Andalusia is a long one, the first few days are deliberately planned as relaxed stages with overnight stops along the way.
Lyon makes a good first stop: France's gourmet capital invites you to a relaxed dinner in one of its traditional bouchons. For a short stroll, the Vieux Lyon quarter with its Renaissance lanes is well worth a visit.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Second leg of the journey
In the afternoon there's time for a wander through Girona's old town.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
Girona is a charming stopover with a well-preserved old town, a cathedral, and old city walls you can walk along. You can already feel the more southerly light here, while the long drive to Andalusia still lies ahead.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Third leg of the journey
The last long stage before Andalusia. After this, the pace noticeably slows down.
Valencia rewards the long drive with a mild climate, the historic Mercado Central market hall, and its famous paella cuisine. A stroll through the former riverbed park of Turia rounds off the evening nicely.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey complete, Andalusia begins
The final leg of the drive is deliberately the only one slightly over the daily limit, so you can enjoy four relaxed nights in Málaga afterwards.
Long stage — allow time for breaks.
Málaga is the starting point of your actual round trip and a lively port city with a Moorish Alcazaba, the birthplace of Picasso, and a relaxed old town. In the evening, a stroll along the Muelle Uno waterfront promenade is well worth it.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
City, history and markets
A pure city day without the car. There's time for the beach or a siesta in the afternoon.
The 11th-century Moorish fortress towers over the city, and with its gardens, courtyards and water channels offers a taste of Andalusia's Islamic heritage. From the higher Castillo de Gibralfaro, there are sweeping views over the harbour and the sea.
The historic market hall with its Moorish gate is perfect for a morning among fish stalls, olives and tapas bars. At the stalls you can sample fresh seafood right on the spot.
Nature and thrills
A day trip from Málaga, returning to the same accommodation in the evening. Bring sturdy footwear.
The once-feared King's Path leads along secured walkways through the spectacular El Chorro gorge, high above the turquoise river. The circular route is well maintained and manageable even without climbing experience, but should be booked in advance.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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Relaxation
A deliberately free day with no driving. If you'd rather head to the sea, Málaga has beaches close to the city, such as La Malagueta.
Housed in a Renaissance palace, the museum displays works from every period of the Málaga-born artist's career. A calm, manageable visit that pairs well with a café stop in the old town.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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White villages and the great gorge
A short driving stage. Arrival in the afternoon and a first walk to the gorge.
Ronda sits dramatically above the El Tajo gorge, spanned by the famous Puente Nuevo bridge. The town combines one of Spain's oldest bullrings, Moorish baths, and sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. An ideal place to stay for two nights and explore the white villages nearby.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Built in the 18th century, the stone bridge connects the old and new towns across the 100-metre-deep gorge. The best views of the structure come from the viewpoints and the footpath below.
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Pueblos Blancos
A round trip through two of the loveliest white villages, back to Ronda in the evening. Little driving time overall, plenty of time to wander.
This white hilltop village sits within a nature park and is known for its steep lanes, hand-woven wool blankets, and cool mountain air. A good spot for a relaxed lunch on the plaza.
Zahara clings to a rock above a turquoise reservoir, crowned by the ruins of a Moorish castle. The climb up to the Castillo rewards you with one of the finest panoramas in the region.
From the hills to the Atlantic
A stopover in Arcos for a wander and lunch, then a relaxed drive on to the coast.
Arcos is considered one of the most striking white villages, its old town perched on a narrow rocky ridge above the Guadalete river. From the Plaza del Cabildo you can gaze far out over the Andalusian landscape.
Cádiz is regarded as one of the oldest cities in Europe and is almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic. The old town, with its narrow lanes, cathedral and city beaches, invites long walks and fresh fish. You'll stay here for several nights to enjoy the coast at a relaxed pace.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
An old port city on the Atlantic
A city day on foot. In the afternoon, the La Caleta city beach is well worth it for sunset.
The baroque cathedral with its golden dome defines the city's silhouette when seen from the sea. Climbing the Torre de Poniente bell tower rewards you with panoramic views over the old town and the ocean.
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The lively central market is a great place to sample the region's seafood cuisine. In the adjoining lane of stalls, you'll find freshly caught fish ready to eat on the spot.
Sherry, horses and a river mouth
A day trip from Cádiz, returning in the evening. If you'd prefer, you can skip either Jerez or Sanlúcar and spend longer in one place.
Jerez is home to sherry, the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, and flamenco. A bodega tour with tasting offers insight into centuries of winemaking tradition, while the old town with its Alcázar invites you to wander.
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This small town at the mouth of the Guadalquivir is famous for its Manzanilla sherry and for fish restaurants right on the Bajo de Guía beach. Across the water lies the Doñana National Park.
Beach and Vejer
The last full day on the coast. Back to Cádiz in the evening, to the same accommodation, for a relaxed start the next morning.
Vejer is a particularly atmospheric white village perched on a hill above the Costa de la Luz, with narrow lanes, Moorish remains and a lively food scene. From the viewpoints you can see all the way to the Atlantic, and on clear days, to Africa.
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The vast, unspoilt Bolonia beach with its huge shifting dune is one of the finest on the Costa de la Luz. Right next door are the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, overlooking the sea.
Farewell and end of the journey
As this is a trip with an open end, the tour finishes in Cádiz. From here, you can plan your journey home as you like, whether that's with overnight stops along the way or a longer stay in Andalusia.
This small city beach between two old fortresses is a peaceful spot for one last walk by the Atlantic. It's the perfect place to wind down before heading home or continuing your travels.
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