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The short answer
For a first trip, split your stay between Seville and Granada. Seville is the best base for western Andalusia (Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Ronda), Granada for the Alhambra, the Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras. Add Málaga if you want the beach, or if your flights land there.
| Base | Best for | Day trips | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seville | Monuments, flamenco, nightlife, the best base overall | Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Ronda, white villages | 3–4 |
| Granada | The Alhambra, mountains, free tapas | Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras, Guadix | 2–3 |
| Málaga | Beach, museums, flights, winter sun | Ronda, Nerja, Caminito del Rey, Antequera | 2–3 |
| Córdoba | The Mezquita, patios, a quieter city | Medina Azahara | 1–2 |
| Cádiz or Jerez | The Atlantic coast, sherry | Costa de la Luz, white villages | 2 |
Comparison table
| Seville | Granada | Málaga | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | Yes, European flights | Small, mostly domestic | Yes, the most flights in Andalusia |
| Trains | High-speed to Madrid, Córdoba, Málaga | Direct trains to Madrid, Seville | High-speed to Madrid, Córdoba |
| Summer | Very hot | Hot days, cooler nights | Warm, by the sea |
| Winter | Mild | Cold, snow in the mountains | Mild and sunny |
| Hotel prices | Medium, very high at Easter and the Feria | Medium, highest in spring | Medium, highest in summer |
Each base city
Seville
The capital of Andalusia and the easiest base: fast trains to Córdoba, easy day trips to Cádiz, Jerez and Ronda, and plenty to do in the evening. Stay in Santa Cruz or the Centro. See where to stay in Seville.
- Las Casas de la Judería: palaces and patios in Santa Cruz, rooftop pool
- Hotel Inglaterra: reliable, on Plaza Nueva
- Hotel Simón: good value, by the cathedral
Granada
Two or three nights for the Alhambra, the Albaicín and Sacromonte, and possibly a day in the Sierra Nevada or the Alpujarras. See where to stay in Granada.
- Parador de Granada: inside the Alhambra grounds
- Hotel Casa Morisca: a restored house in the Albaicín
- More hotels in Granada
Málaga
The easiest arrival point, with a lively old town, the Picasso Museum and a city beach. A good base for Ronda, Nerja and the Caminito del Rey, and the best choice in winter.
Córdoba, Cádiz and Jerez
Córdoba is best as a day trip from Seville or one night on the way to Granada. Cádiz and Jerez make a good two-night coastal stop on a road trip.
Split your stay
- One week, first trip: Seville (3 nights), Córdoba (1 night or a day trip), Granada (2 nights), Málaga (1 night before your flight).
- Ten days: add Cádiz and Jerez, and a night in Ronda or a white village. See our Andalusia road trip.
- Without a car: Seville and Granada by train and bus, with day tours for Ronda and the white villages. See day trips from Seville.
FAQ
Is it better to stay in Seville or Granada?
For a first trip, both. If you can only pick one base, choose Seville: it has more to do and easier day trips, including a long day trip to Granada.
Seville or Málaga as a base?
Seville for culture and monuments, Málaga for the beach, winter sun and flights. Málaga is also the better base for Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.
Where should I stay in Andalusia without a car?
Seville and Granada, connected by direct trains and buses, with Córdoba as a day trip from Seville.