The short answer: start in Córdoba, continue to Seville and finish in Granada. With seven days, stay two nights in Córdoba, three in Seville and one in Granada, or two nights in each city. Never fewer than two nights in Córdoba and in Seville.
A week in Andalusia can be wonderful, as long as you don’t try to see everything. This is the route we recommend to couples and friends who want to enjoy the trip, not collect monuments.
Order matters: Córdoba, Seville, Granada
Córdoba first, because it helps you understand the whole story of Andalusia: the Roman past, the caliphate, the medieval city. Everything you see afterwards in Seville and Granada makes more sense.
Seville in the middle, the biggest city and the one that asks for the most time.
Granada always last. Starting in Granada is never a good idea: it is a hard finale to follow, and the Alhambra deserves a trip that has already settled in.
How many nights in each city
| Option | Córdoba | Seville | Granada |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2 nights | 3 nights | 1 night |
| B | 2 nights | 2 nights | 2 nights |
Either way it is six nights and seven days. The rule is no fewer than two nights in any city: with less, you end up rushing.
Day trips from Seville or Córdoba
From Seville or Córdoba you can add other visits, half-day or full-day, such as Medina Azahara, Ronda, Cádiz or Jerez. If you want to include one, take a night from your base city rather than squeezing everything else. (Link «day trips» to the new Day trips page.)
Getting between cities
All three cities are linked by high-speed train, with plenty of times and fares. It is the most comfortable way to travel between them. You can also rent a car or hire a private driver, whichever you prefer.
The most common mistakes
- Spending many nights in Seville and none in Córdoba. It is the most frequent mistake, and it leaves out one of the cities with the richest heritage in Europe.
- Visiting Córdoba as a half-day or full-day trip. There isn’t time to see it properly; read how many days you need in Córdoba.
- Not buying Alhambra or Real Alcázar of Seville tickets in advance. They sell out and can leave you without your date.
If you’d like us to plan it for you
We design your itinerary, book tickets and restaurants, and walk with you as an official guide, at your pace. Design your trip with us or message us on WhatsApp.