Andalusia · Spain · Itineraries
Andalusia in 5 days with kids: a day-by-day plan
Five days in Andalusia with kids works as a loop: Seville on day one, Córdoba on day two, Granada and the Alhambra on day three, Ronda on day four, and the beach at Nerja on day five before a flight home from Málaga. It means one fast train, three drives and one booking to make well ahead, the Alhambra, but each stop is simple for children.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1: Seville
Start with the Plaza de España, a huge semicircular plaza of tiled alcoves and bridges, where you can hire a small rowing boat on the canal that curves around it. The nearby María Luisa Park is shaded and good for children to run in. In the evening, cross the river to Triana, the old pottery and flamenco district, for tapas. Eating small plates at the bar suits young children better than a long sit-down meal. Seville is very hot in summer, so keep midday free.
- 2
Day 2: Córdoba
Córdoba is a short fast-train ride from Seville, about forty-five minutes, and the station is close to the old town. The big sight is the Mezquita, a mosque and later cathedral with a forest of red and white striped arches that children tend to find fascinating. Book a timed ticket in busy periods, and go early when it is cooler and quieter. Walk through the old Jewish quarter and its narrow flower-lined lanes afterwards. Return to Seville or continue to Granada by train or car.
- 3
Day 3: Granada
The Alhambra is the reason to come, a hilltop palace and fortress with water gardens and carved halls. Tickets are limited and sell out, so book as soon as you know your dates, and arrive at your entry time. Allow half a day with children, who will like the courtyards and fountains. In the evening, go for tapas in the old town, where many bars bring a free small plate with each drink. That is a good deal for a family, and it cuts the cost of dinner.
- 4
Day 4: Ronda
Ronda is a calm hilltop town split by a deep gorge, with the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning it. Drive from Granada in roughly two and a half hours, and plan on a slow day: walk across the bridge, follow the path down for views from below, and wander the old quarter. It is much quieter than the cities, and the cool mountain air is welcome in summer. Check the bullring museum and the viewpoints on the edge of town, and keep time for a long lunch.
- 5
Day 5: Nerja beach
End on the coast at Nerja, a small, whitewashed town on the Costa del Sol. The Balcón de Europa is a headland promenade with sea views, and the beaches below are sandy and easy for children. Nerja also has famous caves nearby, if you want a dry-weather alternative. Allow around an hour to reach Málaga airport and leave plenty of time for the rental car return. If you have an evening flight, the town is a good place to spend the afternoon.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October. Spring has the best weather and flowers, while July and August are very hot, especially in Seville and Córdoba.
- How long
- Five days is the minimum for this loop. Seven days gives time for another white village and a slower beach day.
- Getting around
- Take the fast train between Seville and Córdoba, then rent a car for Granada, Ronda and the coast. Cities are walkable, and parking in old towns is hard.
Good to know
- Fly into Seville and out of Málaga to avoid backtracking, and book the Alhambra first.
- Book rooms with air conditioning, as summer nights stay warm.
- Eat lunch late and dinner later, but ask for children's portions or share plates to keep meals short.
Frequently asked
Is five days enough for Andalusia? +
It is enough for a first taste: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda and a beach. It will feel fast, so most families prefer seven days and a night in Granada or Ronda.
How far is Seville from Córdoba by train? +
It is enough for a first taste: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Ronda and a beach. It will feel fast, so most families prefer seven days, with a night in Granada or Ronda rather than rushing back to the car.
Do you need to book the Alhambra in advance? +
About forty-five minutes on the fast train, with frequent departures through the day. That makes Córdoba easy as a day trip from Seville, or as a stop on the way to Granada if you prefer to move on.
What is the best order for Andalusia? +
Seville first, then Córdoba, Granada, Ronda and the coast, flying out of Málaga. It follows the route without backtracking and saves the beach for the end, when everyone is tired.
