Andalusia has so many interesting things to see and enjoy - an impressive cultural heritage with 12 sites or intangible manifestations that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 5 of them with Islamic origins; charming cities, towns, and landscapes; gastronomy that delights the senses; a range of activities catering to all tastes... With so much to explore, any duration of your visit will inevitably feel brief.
However, if you are wondering about the minimum number of days needed to plan your trip and experience everything you shouldn’t miss, we would recommend a minimum of six days. During this time, you can immerse yourself in the essence of Andalusia on a tour that will take you to all the essential places. A tour is easily manageable by either car or train.
Below, we suggest an itinerary that you can enjoy comfortably and without complications. You can follow it as suggested or tailor it according to your needs or preferences (for example, depending on your arrival city in this region). The connections in Andalusia are excellent, allowing you to adapt to the itinerary easily.
Image Credit: TURISMO Y DEPORTE DE ANDALUCÍA
Embark on your Andalusian journey in Córdoba, which was the most splendid and powerful city of Al-Andalus. Start your exploration with a visit to the Grand Mosque (Mosque-Cathedral), a highlight that usually takes about an hour. We recommend doing this with a local guide to fully enjoy this amazing monument.
Traverse the vicinity to discover other notable attractions: the Roman Bridge, Torre de la Calahorra, Alcázar, city walls, and monumental gates. Meander through the lively streets of the old medina of Qurtuba, full of cafes, restaurants (some halal, easily recognizable), and enticing shops. Don't forget to wander down the charming Calleja de las Flores alley.
Image Credit: TURISMO Y DEPORTE DE ANDALUCIA
Dedicate your morning to exploring another essential attraction on the outskirts of Córdoba, roughly 8 kilometers away—the archaeological site of Medina Azahara, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018. After this fascinating visit, you will be able to set your sights on Seville, the next stage of this essential tour. The journey to Seville takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car (or 55 minutes by train).
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Seville, the present capital of Andalusia, was also one of the capitals of Al Andalus. Begin your visit by visiting the city's main monumental area, a UNESCO World Heritage area housing the Cathedral with the Giralda Tower and the Real Alcázar (a guided tour of this palace of Islamic origin takes 2 hours). Stroll through the enchanting streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and embark on a leisurely cruise along the Guadalquivir River (1 hour). In the afternoon, you can visit the breathtaking Plaza de España and indulge in some shopping in the commercial areas of the city center.
Devote your morning to further exploration of the charms within Seville's historic center, one of the most extensive in Europe. After lunch, get ready for the next leg of this 6-day unforgettable tour: Granada. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours by road (covering 250 km) or by train.
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Granada was the last Muslim kingdom of Al Andalus, and today it is, above all, the city of Alhambra. This iconic monument, one of the most visited in the world, is part of the essence of Granada.
Plan your visit to this city around your scheduled time slot for the Alhambra, buying tickets well in advance. Allocate 2.5 to 3 hours for this visit. Another must-see in Granada is the Albaicín neighborhood. Take a taxi or bus to the top, near the Mirador de San Nicolás (viewpoint) and the Great Mosque (built in 2003 with stunning views over the Alhambra). Then walk back downhill to the city center.
On your sixth day, take the opportunity to explore other areas of the city center (around Cathedral and Darro Street) if you haven't had the chance to do so already.
Two other good ideas for the sixth day of your tour: if it is winter and there is snow, you can enjoy it in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 45 minutes by car from the city center. Another good idea is to visit the mountainous region of the Alpujarras, with charming white towns that were once a refuge for many Moriscos (Muslims who lived on the Iberian Peninsula, preserving their religion, in territories governed by Christians). To tour the charming towns of this interesting region, you will need to rent a vehicle or sign up for one of the excursions that depart from Granada city.
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If you have two or three more days, make no mistake: Malaga and the Costa del Sol are the best options to complete your Andalusian adventure. Malaga is currently one of Spain's most popular destinations, known for its vibrant and emerging city scene (which also includes an important legacy of Al Andalus). Malaga city is the capital of the Costa del Sol (one of the most important regions that are part of the province of Malaga), with famous destinations such as Marbella or Torremolinos. This region is the ideal place to enjoy a few more relaxed days next to the Mediterranean. Here you can find luxurious resorts, picturesque villages, quality beaches, amusement parks... And the legacy of Al Andalus everywhere.
You will find more information to complete this itinerary and enjoy everything that Andalusia has to offer in the guide 'Andalusia for Muslim travelers', published by Turespaña, the Spain Tourism Board.
Written By: Noor González
