Andalusia in a week: an itinerary that works

Over seven days, the most common mistake is trying to see everything and losing the trip to the road. Andalusia lends itself well to a tight loop around three cities: Seville, Cordoba and Granada are all within two hours of each other by road or train.

Start with two nights in Seville: the cathedral and the Giralda, the Santa Cruz district, and the Alcázar, which should be booked ahead in high season given how busy it gets. Seville is very walkable, especially early in the morning before the afternoon heat if you're travelling in summer.

One night in Cordoba is enough for the essentials: the Mezquita-Catedral, unique in Europe for its architecture, and the historic Judería quarter around it. It's the shortest stop on the itinerary, but not one to skip.

Finish with two to three nights in Granada, capped by the Alhambra: tickets should be booked several weeks ahead, as the daily quota is limited. The Albaicín district, facing the Alhambra, offers the best view at sunset.

For anyone with an extra day, a detour to Cadiz or the white villages of the Sierra de Grazalema brings a welcome coastal or rural contrast to the three main cities.

Spring (April–May) and early autumn remain the most comfortable seasons for walking all day: Andalusian summers regularly exceed 95°F inland.