Ready for a sun-soaked adventure that marries vibrant Spanish culture with Portugal’s relaxed coastal vibes? This 10-day Andalusia & Algarve road trip guides you through flamenco heartlands, Moorish palaces, desert-like parks, and ends with golden sands and crystalline Atlantic waters. Buckle up for winding white villages, olive groves, lively tapas bars, and unforgettable sunsets over the sea.
Day 1: Seville – The Soul of Andalusia
Arrive in Seville and check into a boutique hotel near the historic old town. Spend your afternoon exploring the Real Alcázar Palace, a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture, and the adjacent Giralda Tower. As evening falls, stroll along the Guadalquivir River and head to a local tablao for an authentic flamenco show.
Day 2: Córdoba – Moorish Majesty
Drive 1.5 hours north to Córdoba. Wander its flower-filled patios and visit the Mezquita-Catedral, one of the world’s most stunning religious sites. Don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its gardens and fountains. Enjoy a relaxed dinner of salmorejo and oxtail stew in the Judería district.
Day 3: Granada – The Crown Jewel
Continue to Granada (2.5 hours). Book your morning slot at the Alhambra well in advance and explore the intricate Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba fortress. Late afternoon, wander the Albaicín quarter’s narrow streets and watch the sunset over the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.
Day 4: Ronda & White Villages
Head west toward the Pueblos Blancos (white villages). Stop in Setenil de las Bodegas, famous for houses built into cliffs. Then reach Ronda, perched atop a deep gorge. Visit the Puente Nuevo bridge, the historic bullring, and stroll through the old town’s winding lanes.
Day 5: Sierra de Grazalema & Cádiz
Morning drive through Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a dramatic limestone mountain range dotted with cork oaks. Hike a short trail for panoramic views, then continue to Cádiz on the Atlantic coast. Enjoy seafood tapas in the old quarter and relax on the Playa de la Caleta at sunset.
Day 6: Tarifa & Strait of Gibraltar
Short drive to Tarifa, Europe’s southernmost point. Watch kitesurfers dance on the wind at Playa de Los Lances. Walk through the historic town, visit the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, and gaze across the Strait to Africa. In early evening, take the coastal road west toward Portugal’s Algarve region.
Day 7: Lagos – Algarve’s Crown
Cross the border into Portugal and arrive in Lagos. Spend the day cruising the Ponta da Piedade sea caves by boat or kayak. Discover Praia Dona Ana’s golden cliffs and Praia do Camilo’s photogenic staircase. Sample Portuguese cataplana stew with local wine at a waterfront restaurant.
Day 8: Sagres & Cape St. Vincent
Drive to Sagres, visit the dramatic Fortaleza de Sagres, and hike the clifftop trails at Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), known as “the end of the world.” Return via charming west Algarve towns like Salema or Burgau for a quiet beach dinner.
Day 9: Albufeira & Vilamoura
Head east to the Algarve’s bustling heart. In Albufeira, wander the old town’s narrow streets and enjoy watersports at Praia da Falesia. Continue to Vilamoura, stroll the marina lined with yachts, and treat yourself to fresh seafood at a marina-side bistro.
Day 10: Faro & Departure
On your final day, explore Faro’s old town behind ancient city walls. Visit the 13th-century cathedral and the mysterious Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos). Enjoy a leisurely lunch of percebes (goose barnacles) or grilled sardines before returning your rental car and catching your flight home.
Practical Tips
- Car Rental: Book a comfortable, fuel-efficient compact car with GPS and unlimited mileage.
- Accommodation: Mix boutique paradores, rural cortijos, and seaside guesthouses for authentic local charm.
- Driving: Spanish and Portuguese roads are well-maintained. Watch for mountain hairpins in the Pueblos Blancos and coastal winds near Sagres.
- Best Time to Go: April–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Must-Try Foods: Spanish jamón ibérico, salmorejo, Portuguese pastel de nata, cataplana, and fresh seafood.
Conclusion
This 10-day Andalusia & Algarve road trip offers the perfect blend of Andalusian passion and Portuguese serenity. From the rhythmic stomp of flamenco in Seville to the Atlantic’s endless horizon in Sagres, you’ll experience two countries’ richest cultures, landscapes, and flavors in a single unforgettable journey. Ready to hit the road? Adventure awaits! Make sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Slow Travel in the Scottish Highlands.
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