Andalusia Road Trip: From Seville to La Manga del Mar Menor

From sleeping inside caves to swimming in two seas on the same day, this Andalusia road trip surprised us at every stop. Over 10 unforgettable days, we crossed southern Spain discovering cities, hidden villages and dramatic landscapes far from the obvious routes.

Andalusia is synonymous with golden beaches, warm waters, mild temperatures, and an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage.

During one and a half weeks in summer, we followed the itinerary below, travelling from the capital of this autonomous region all the way to La Manga del Mar Menor, discovering some of southern Spain’s most fascinating destinations along the way.

[zt_title type=”single-border”]A – Seville, the capital of the region[/zt_title]

Seville, set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, is a city with an immense historical and architectural legacy. It is also a place where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the traditions of southern Spain — from tapas and flamenco to bullfighting and lively street life. This vibrant city was the starting point of our journey.

Wander through the historic centre and relax in its gardens, which offer much-needed shade during summer, as Seville is the hottest capital city in Spain. The city is internationally known for the Feria de Abril and the impressive Holy Week celebrations.

Among the must-see attractions are Plaza de España, the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda, and the stunning Royal Alcázar, a remarkable legacy of Moorish rule. Take time to get lost in the narrow streets filled with shops and cafés, and don’t miss the Metropol Parasol, a striking wooden structure offering panoramic views over the city centre.

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Guadix is a small town near the Sierra Nevada, best known for its unique Barrio de las Cuevas — a neighbourhood of cave houses carved into the hills. These homes have been inhabited for centuries and are still in use today, as they naturally maintain a stable indoor temperature throughout the year.

While visiting Guadix, explore the cave district (where you can even stay overnight), visit the Guadix Cathedral, and climb up to the Castle of Guadix for sweeping views over the town and surrounding landscape.

La Manga del Mar Menor is a popular summer destination known for its kilometres of sandy beaches and calm, warm waters. Its uniqueness lies in its geography: a narrow strip of land, around 21 km long, that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon.

Here, you can choose between the open Mediterranean or the shallow, tranquil waters of the Mar Menor. Nearby, the Calblanque Regional Park, Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila offer unspoilt beaches with far fewer crowds.

Beyond sunbathing, the coastline is ideal for scenic walks leading to small rocky coves with crystal-clear waters — perfect for snorkelling and relaxing away from mass tourism.

Cartagena is a historic Mediterranean city with roots dating back to the Carthaginian era. Although it sits by the sea, its coastline is dominated by a commercial and military port, and the nearby beaches are relatively small.

The city’s historical wealth more than compensates for this. Highlights include the impressive Roman Theatre, the Castle of La Concepción and its gardens, and the Roman Forum District. The compact city centre is ideal for walking and shopping, and Cartagena boasts several excellent museums.

For nature lovers, the surrounding hills offer hiking trails with spectacular views over the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Málaga is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and has been shaped by many different civilisations. This rich history is reflected in its monuments, museums and urban landscape.

Even during a short visit, be sure to see La Manquita (the unfinished cathedral), the Alcazaba, and Gibralfaro Castle, with its beautiful gardens and panoramic viewpoints. Art lovers should not miss the Picasso Museum, as Málaga is the birthplace of the famous painter.

The city also features a long seafront with excellent urban beaches, making it a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.

 Ronda is one of Andalusia’s most breathtaking towns, dramatically divided by a deep gorge carved by the Guadalevín River. The two sides of the city are connected by historic bridges, the most famous being the Puente Nuevo, rising nearly 100 metres above the gorge.

Explore Ronda on foot, wander through both the old and new quarters, and follow the path down to the base of the bridge for unforgettable views. At sunset, the viewpoints around the gorge offer incredible photo opportunities. Don’t miss the city walls and the small castle overlooking the landscape.

Before returning to Seville, we made a stop in Setenil de las Bodegas, just a short drive from Ronda. This small village is famous for its extraordinary architecture, where houses are built directly into the rock formations, using the cliffs as walls and roofs.

Many streets and terraces lie beneath massive rock overhangs, creating natural shade and a truly unique atmosphere. Wander through the village streets, enjoy a drink under the rocks, and climb up to the castle for views over this remarkable settlement.

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