Andalusia · Spain · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Andalusia
The five most common mistakes families make in Andalusia are booking the Alhambra late, visiting Seville in August, staying only on the Costa del Sol, skipping the white villages and trying to see it all in three days. Book the Alhambra as soon as you know your dates, travel in spring or autumn, add a day in the hills, and allow about a week.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Not booking the Alhambra early
The Alhambra limits daily numbers and uses timed entry for the Nasrid Palaces, its best part. Tickets sell out weeks ahead in spring and autumn, and sometimes longer in peak periods. Turning up and hoping for a ticket usually ends in disappointment. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, and buy only through the official ticket seller, since resellers add large markups. Arrive at your entry slot on time, because late arrivals can be refused entry to the palaces.
- 2
Visiting Seville in August
Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe, and August temperatures often reach 40 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. Sightseeing in that heat is miserable for children, and many locals leave town. Go from April to June or in September and October, when days are warm rather than punishing. If August is your only window, plan visits for the early morning and evening, rest through the afternoon, and choose a hotel with air conditioning and a pool.
- 3
Staying only on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol resorts are fine for beaches, pools and easy dinners, and many families enjoy them. The mistake is staying there all week. Andalusia's character lies inland, in the old cities, mountain villages and Moorish palaces, and these are within a morning's drive. Base on the coast if you like, but plan at least two or three day trips, such as Ronda, Granada or Seville. That way the beach days feel like a reward rather than the entire trip.
- 4
Skipping the pueblos blancos
The white villages, or pueblos blancos, are small towns of whitewashed houses scattered across the hills. Mijas, Frigiliana and Ronda are the easiest to reach from the coast, and Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses are built under a rock overhang, is a favourite with children. Each makes a good half or full day, with steep lanes, a viewpoint and a lunch. Go in the morning, when it is cooler, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles.
- 5
Rushing it in three days
Seville, Córdoba, Granada and Ronda are each worth a full day, and the drives between them take time. Squeezing them into three days leaves children tired and adults stuck in the car. Allow about a week: two nights in Seville, one in Córdoba or a day trip, two in Granada, and a night in Ronda or on the coast. If you only have a few days, choose two bases rather than four, and add the rest on a later trip.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot inland, especially in Seville and Córdoba, and Granada can be cold in winter.
- How long
- A week lets you see Seville, Granada and a village or two without rushing. Ten days adds a beach stay and Córdoba.
- Getting around
- Use fast trains between big cities and a rental car for villages and the coast. Parking in old towns is limited, so choose hotels with parking.
Good to know
- Leave the afternoon free for rest, since Spanish days run late and children will tire.
- Eat lunch at the midday menu, and dinner later with small plates.
- Carry water and sun cover for sightseeing in every season.
Frequently asked
How far ahead should you book the Alhambra? +
As soon as you know your dates. In spring and autumn tickets often sell out weeks in advance. Buy only from the official seller, and choose a morning slot if you can.
Is Andalusia too hot in summer for kids? +
In July and August, inland, yes. Seville and Córdoba regularly pass 40 degrees. The coast is cooler and the mountains cooler still. Spring and autumn are easier for family sightseeing.
What are the white villages of Andalusia? +
Pueblos blancos are small hill towns with whitewashed houses, such as Mijas, Frigiliana and Setenil de las Bodegas. They are within a day trip of the coast and suit families who like walking and viewpoints.
How many days do you need in Andalusia? +
About a week for a first visit. That gives time for Seville, Granada and one or two villages without constant driving, plus a couple of days at the beach to finish. Three days is too short.
