Southern Spain trip

If you've ever dreamed of Andalusia's sun-drenched hills, whitewashed villages and flamenco-tinged cities, then this itinerary is for you. Seven, seven magnificent locations – each with its own character and atmosphere, yet in perfect harmony with each other.

I visited some amazing cities in this region on a road trip with my family in August. The heat is extreme at this time, so it's worth preparing in advance with sunscreen and plenty of water if you're planning a trip in the summer.

Day 1: Ronda

Our first stop was Ronda – a city that literally balances on the edge of the cliffs. The sight of the famous Puente Nuevo bridge alone is worth the trip: it spans the 120-meter-deep El Tajo gorge, connecting the two halves of the city. The view is breathtaking, especially at sunset, when the golden light paints the limestone walls.

Walking through the historic old town, I felt like I had traveled back in time – cobblestone streets, tiny tapas bars, flowery balconies everywhere.

Day 2: Setenil de las Bodegas – The village under the cliff

Just 30 minutes by car from Ronda, we found ourselves in a place that fits into a fairy tale: Setenil de las Bodegas . This special little town was literally built under the rocks – not just next to them, but under them. The white houses are nestled directly under the natural rock arches, as if you were walking in a cave, but still under the open sky.

We stopped for a coffee at a bar hidden under a rock and watched the locals go about their daily lives in this otherworldly setting. Unique, photogenic, and not even crowded with tourists – Setenil is a true hidden gem.

Days 3-4: Granada – In the shadow of the Alhambra

We booked our Alhambra tickets weeks in advance (this is highly recommended!)

The building complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

The architecture of the Alhambra is one of the finest examples of Moorish and Spanish architecture. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the fortress and palace complex in Granada was designed by the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty, enriching the walls with finely crafted stucco decorations, arabesque motifs, calligraphy and geometric patterns. The essence of the architecture lies not in the external monumentality, but in the harmonious arrangement and decoration of the interior spaces. Fountains, tiled courtyards, arches and carved ceilings all emphasize the sophisticated play of light, water and space. The Lions' Court, the Mexuár Hall or the Star-Domed Baths are particularly good examples of the spiritual and aesthetic aspirations that have made the Alhambra one of the most admired monuments in the world for centuries.

The Generalife Gardens are one of the most enchanting parts of the Alhambra, which served as the summer residence of the Nasrid rulers. These gardens were places of relaxation and contemplation, far from the hustle and bustle of the palace's political and courtly life. The garden and palace system, created in the 13th century, follows the characteristic elements of Islamic garden architecture: a symmetrical layout, flowing water channels, ornamental fountains and fragrant plants create a harmonious unity. At the heart of the gardens is the Courtyard of the Water Canal (Patio de la Acequia), which, with its long pool and flower beds surrounding it, evokes the metaphor of the Garden of Eden. The Generalife offers not only an aesthetic experience, but also an insight into how the Muslim world interpreted the relationship between nature, tranquility and spirituality in the language of architecture and landscape design.

But Granada is not just about the monuments. I loved walking through the winding, cobblestone streets of Albaicín , where every corner offered a new view of the Alhambra.

I spent one afternoon at the Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint – perhaps too popular, but rightly so. The sight of the Alhambra turning orange at sunset is forever etched in my memory.

Days 5-7: Malaga area – Not just the beach, but a sense of life

We stayed in Benalmadena these days. From there we went hiking in the area, took a day trip to Malaga, and in the evenings we walked and had dinner in Torremolinos and Mijas.

Excursions from Benalmadena:

1. Malaga

Málaga was a real surprise for me. Many people only treat it as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, with an airport and a beach – but this city is bustling, vibrant and full of stories.

Of course, I also visited the Picasso Museum – after all, the master was born here – but what really caught my attention was the bohemian, artistic atmosphere of the city. The Soho district is full of street art, alternative galleries and small cafes.

I climbed the Gibralfaro fortress , from where I had a beautiful panorama of the harbor and the city.

The bullring, one of the old bullfighting arenas in Spain, also had a special atmosphere, even if we only saw it from the outside.

2. Torremolinos

One of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol, it attracts visitors not only with its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, but also with its cultural and natural attractions. A stroll through the historic center of the city will allow you to discover the atmosphere of an old fishing village, while the shops and cafes of Calle San Miguel are ideal for spending a pleasant afternoon. The authentic Andalusian atmosphere has been preserved in the La Carihuela district, where you can find a range of seafood bars and restaurants. One of the main attractions of the city is the Molino de Inca botanical garden, which also boasts a stunning Japanese garden and a water mill. Nature lovers can relax in the green oasis of Parque de la Batería or the nearby crocodile park, while the coastal promenade is an ideal place for sunset walks. Torremolinos is an ideal destination for those who want to combine beach holidays with cultural experiences and a pleasant Andalusian atmosphere.

3. Mijas

This picturesque Andalusian mountain village, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, is one of the most charming towns on the Costa del Sol, where the traditional Spanish way of life blends with the stunning panorama. The village offers wonderful views of the sea, especially from the viewpoints and the promenade along the old town walls. Mijas' cultural richness can be seen in the local museums, churches and small bullring. The famous donkey taxis, although now mainly a tourist attraction, have become a symbol of Mijas and add to the atmosphere of the town. The relaxed pace of life, small artisan shops and local tapas bars and terraces provide an ideal environment for relaxation. Mijas is the perfect choice for those who want to discover the authentic face of Andalusia a few kilometers from the hustle and bustle of the coast, but still within easy reach.

4. We spent part of our last day in Benalmádena, one of the most popular resort towns on the Costa del Sol.

One of the biggest surprises in Benalmádena for me was the Castillo Monumento Colomares – a castle carved into a huge stone in homage to Christopher Columbus and the great discoveries. From afar, it looks like a Disney-esque fairy tale world has grown out of the hillside: towers, arches, mosaics and meticulous details everywhere. What’s really special about it is that at the end of the 20th century, a single doctor (!) dreamed up and built this monument, all by himself, almost as a solitary mission.

Every corner of the castle tells a story about Columbus's voyage and the three caravels - but also reflects on the coexistence of Christianity, Islam and Judaism in Andalusia. The view is magnificent: sea, mountains, silence. This was for me one of the most special buildings in Benalmádena - a real hidden architectural gem that is a shame to miss.

One of Benalmádena's most magical attractions is the Mariposario de Benalmádena , Europe's largest butterfly park, housed in an authentic Thai-style building next to a Buddhist stupa. The 2,000 m² greenhouse area is a tropical garden: more than 1,500 exotic butterflies (150+ species) fly freely among waterfalls, orchids, palm trees and vibrant flowers .

The park is special because they breed on site: you can watch everything from the hatching pupae to the butterflies trying out their wings in a spectacular environment. The environmental conditions - a temperature of about 24–29 °C and a humidity of about 80% - have been designed to be as if you were visiting the butterflies' natural habitat.

Not only butterflies, but also smaller animals have found a home here: turtles, exotic birds and even small prehistoric reptiles can be observed. A visit can be a 1–2 hour experience; the park is open from 10:00 to 19:30, and the entrance fee for adults is around €10–12, with discounts for children and seniors.

When planning a Southern Spain trip, expect to be enchanted by the beautiful white villages, Moorish-style buildings, and coastline. You will not only take home photos and experiences, but also a desire to return as soon as possible.