18 days in South of Spain & Madrid Itinerary

Granada boasts numerous well-preserved examples of exquisite Moorish architecture, not the least of which is the Alhambra, an ancient citadel and royal palace.

Visit Alhambra and Generalife for their historical value. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Basilica de San Juan de Dios and Playa de Cantarrijan. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Albayzin, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Iglesia del Sagrario, and contemplate the long history of Mirador de San Nicolas.

For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Granada trip itinerary planning website.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiports are Málaga Airport, Almería International Airport and Sevilla Airport. In January, plan for daily highs up to 14°C, and evening lows to 2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can drive to Ronda.

Renowned for its deep gorge, the quaint, whitewashed village of Ronda has preserved its charm as an Andalusian country village.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Old City and Playa de San Pedro de Alcantara. Baños Arabes and Joaquin Fernandez Bodega are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Go for a jaunt from Ronda to Marbella to see D.OLIVA about 1h 10 min away. There's more to do: wander the streets of La Ciudad and don't miss a visit to Casa Don Bosco.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Ronda trip planner.

Traveling by train from Granada to Ronda takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Granada in January, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Ronda: temperatures range from 18°C by day to 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Algeciras.

Algeciras is a port city in the south of Spain, and is the largest city on the Bay of Gibraltar (in Spanish, the Bahía de Algeciras). Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sat): delve into the distant past at Enclave Arqueologico de Carteia.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Algeciras road trip planning site.

You can drive from Ronda to Algeciras in 2 hours. Traveling from Ronda in January, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 13°C in Algeciras. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to drive to Malaga.

Modern yet historic, Málaga is a lively city famous for being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

On the 22nd (Sun), enjoy the sand and surf at Playa La Carihuela and then get engrossed in the history at Alcazaba.

To see where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Malaga trip planner.

Traveling by car from Algeciras to Malaga takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect little chillier evenings in Malaga when traveling from Algeciras in January, with lows around 9°C. On the 23rd (Mon), you're off to Cordoba.

Andalucía’s thousand-year-old city, Córdoba, was once the capital of both the Roman Empire and the Moorish Kingdom, representing an alluring mix of cultural and political history.

On the 23rd (Mon), take in the spiritual surroundings of Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba and then contemplate the long history of Casa Andalusi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de Almodovar, make a trip to Barrio de la Villa, and then take an in-depth tour of Museo Arqueologico de Cordoba.

Plan a trip to Cordoba easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Traveling by train from Malaga to Cordoba takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Malaga in January, expect Cordoba to be little chillier, temps between 17°C and 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Wed) to allow time for the train ride to Seville.

A city of rich Moorish heritage, Seville is the cultural and financial center of southern Spain, and the site of numerous festivals throughout the year.

On the 25th (Wed), snap pictures at Puente de Isabel II (Puente de Triana) and then contemplate the long history of Royal Tobacco Factory. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Thu): steep yourself in history at Royal Alcázar of Seville, stop by Barrio Santa Cruz, and then admire the landmark architecture of Torre Giralda.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Seville holiday maker app.

You can take a train from Cordoba to Seville in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Seville can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Jerez De La Frontera.

A culturally and historically rich city, Jerez de la Frontera is known around the world for the production of Spanish sherry.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica Menor de Santa Maria. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Palacio del Virrey Laserna, then kick back and relax at Playa de la Barrosa, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Cadiz.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Jerez De La Frontera holiday planner.

You can take a train from Seville to Jerez De La Frontera in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Jerez De La Frontera can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Madrid.

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and Plaza Mayor. Get some cultural insight at Prado National Museum and Gran Via. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Madrid: Toledo (Puerta de Bisagra & San Martin Bridge) and Playa del Alberche (in Aldea del Fresno). The adventure continues: stroll around Parque del Retiro, join in the after-dark buzz at The Madrid Wine Experience, and take a stroll through Paseo de la Castellana.

To see ratings, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read our Madrid planning app.

Traveling by flight from Jerez De La Frontera to Madrid takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Jerez De La Frontera in January: high temperatures in Madrid hover around 12°C and lows are around 2°C. You will have some time to spend on the 2nd (Thu) before leaving for home.