From Marbella to Valencia, with a mix of beach towns, historic cities and a solo adventure through Andalusia and beyond.
✨Introduction
Southern Spain had been on my travel list for a while, and January turned out to be the perfect time to go (because I had some free time, not because that’s the best time to go- but honestly it turned out great). The trip started with three nights staying with a friend in Marbella before I continued on my own, exploring some of Spain’s most beautiful cities by train and bus.
Over 10 days, I visited Marbella, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Madrid, Toledo and Valencia. Each destination felt completely different, from sunny coastal towns to historic cities full of incredible architecture.
If you’re planning a similar trip, here’s the exact route I followed.
✨Route at a glance
| Day | Destination | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Marbella | 3 |
| 4 | Málaga | 1 |
| 5-6 | Granada | 2 |
| 7 | Córdoba | 1 |
| 8-9 | Madrid | 2 |
| 9 | Toledo (day trip) | – |
| 10 | Valencia | 1 |
✨Marbella (3 nights)
Marbella was the first stop of my 10-day trip around Southern Spain. I stayed with a friend, so instead of sightseeing from morning to night, we kept things slow and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.
January turned out to be a lovely time to visit. The weather was mostly sunny, temperatures were mild, and because it was off-season, the town felt incredibly peaceful. There were hardly any crowds, which made everything feel even more relaxed.
I wouldn’t say Marbella has a huge list of must-see attractions, especially in winter. For me, it was more about slowing down, enjoying good food and spending time by the sea.
🌟What I did
- Walked around Marbella’s seafront.
- Spent an afternoon in Puerto Banús.
- Enjoyed long lunches by the beach.
- Relaxed with friends before starting my solo trip
🌟Where I ate
Restaurante Bungalow Marbella
One of my favourite meals in Marbella.
The restaurant sits right by the beach, making it a great spot for a long lunch with a sea view.
I ordered the salmon salad and we shared the fried calamari, and both were excellent. Fresh, simple and exactly what I was in the mood for.
The atmosphere was just as memorable as the food. Sitting outside in the January sunshine almost made it feel like spring.
Pizzeria Picasso
Located in Puerto Banús, this restaurant immediately caught my attention because of its Picasso-inspired interior.
The walls are decorated with reproductions of Picasso’s paintings, which gives the restaurant a fun and distinctive character.
I ordered the Rigatoni and Prawns in a Creamy Lobster Sauce, Gratinated in the Oven. It was rich, comforting and very satisfying after a day of walking around the marina.
Kafein Coffee & Kitchen
One of my favourite brunch spots in Marbella.
I honestly can’t remember the exact name of the dish I ordered, but it was some kind of croissant topped with poached eggs. I’m pretty sure I added bacon on the side as an extra. We also ordered the parmesan fries to share, along with a freshly squeezed orange juice.
The brunch was really good. The croissant was buttery, the eggs were perfectly cooked, and everything worked well together. It was a little on the heavier side, but I’d still happily order it again.
The real surprise was the parmesan fries. They were incredibly crispy, generously coated in parmesan and easily one of the best fries I had during the trip.
The café has a bright, modern atmosphere and a menu with plenty of brunch options, making it a great place to start the day before exploring Marbella.
I’d definitely come back.
🌟Would I visit Marbella again?
Probably not as a destination on its own.
I enjoyed my time there, but mostly because I was visiting friends and taking things slowly. If you’re looking for lots of sightseeing, I’d personally prioritise cities like Granada or Córdoba.
That said, Marbella is a lovely place if you want a relaxed seaside escape, especially during the quieter months when you can enjoy the sunshine without the summer crowds. It might be more fun in the summer as you can also swim there, so I would recommend checking it in warmer months.
✨Málaga (1 night)
After three relaxing days in Marbella, I headed to Málaga for my first solo stop of the trip.
I only spent one night here, but honestly, it was enough to see everything I had planned. The city is very walkable, so I managed to fit quite a lot into a single day without feeling rushed.
🌟Where I stayed
Coeo Pod Hostel Beatas
A great option if you’re travelling solo and want to stay in the heart of the historic centre. Everything I wanted to visit was within walking distance.
🌟What I did
Picasso’s Birthplace Museum
I visited Picasso’s birthplace, mainly because I was curious about learning more about his early life.
The museum was interesting, although it wasn’t one of the highlights of my trip.
There was also a temporary exhibition included with my ticket featuring portraits Picasso created of Françoise Gilot. I actually enjoyed this exhibition more than I expected. Seeing how different each portrait was made it especially interesting.
Alcazaba
One of the highlights of the day.
I was lucky enough to visit when admission was free, walking through the fortress and its gardens was a lovely experience.
Roman Theatre
Located right below the Alcazaba, it’s an easy stop while exploring the area.
Plaza de Toros (Bullring)
This ended up being one of the biggest surprises of Málaga.
I’d never visited a bullring before, so it was a completely new experience and one of the places I enjoyed the most.
Centre Pompidou Málaga
I also visited Centre Pompidou, which was free.
I really enjoyed the modern art collection, but what stood out most was the colourful cube outside. It’s one of Málaga’s most recognisable landmarks and definitely worth seeing.
Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga
Another museum I managed to visit thanks to the free admission that evening.
I arrived close to closing time, so I didn’t have as much time as I would’ve liked, but I still thought it was one of the best museums I visited in Málaga. I’d happily go back to explore it properly.
🌟Where I ate
Cortijo de Pepe
Without a reservation, I was able to get a table for lunch with no problem.
The restaurant has a very authentic atmosphere and immediately felt like one of those traditional places locals actually visit.
I ordered:
- Octopus
- Shrimps
- Ensalada rusa
The shrimps were easily my favourite and something I’d definitely order again.
I also tried Manzanilla, a type of Andalusian sherry. It wasn’t really for me, but I’m still glad I gave it a try.
Casa Lola Uncibay Terraza
For dinner, I stopped at Casa Lola.
I ordered the fried calamari, and the portion was much bigger than I expected. Crispy, fresh and really delicious.
🌟Would I recommend Málaga?
Yes, especially if you’re already travelling around Andalusia.
While I probably wouldn’t choose Málaga as my main destination for a long trip, I think it’s a great city for one or two days. Between the museums, historic sights and excellent food, there’s more than enough to fill a short stay.
✨Granada (2 nights)
I mainly visited Granada for the Alhambra, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
I spent two nights here, which gave me enough time to explore the city at a relaxed pace before dedicating an entire day to the Alhambra.
Even though the weather wasn’t ideal, Granada completely lived up to my expectations.
🌟Where I stayed
The Central House Granada
A great base for exploring the city on foot. I walked almost everywhere during my stay, including up to Mirador de San Nicolás. (Except when I took a bus to and from Alhambra.)
🌟What I did
Day 1
The first day was mostly about wandering around Granada’s historic streets.
It rained on and off throughout the day, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience. The city still felt lively and beautiful.
Mirador de San Nicolás
One of the most famous viewpoints in Granada, and for good reason.
The walk uphill is a bit of a climb, but the view overlooking the Alhambra is absolutely worth it.
If you only have time for one viewpoint in Granada, make it this one.
Day 2
Alhambra
The second day was entirely dedicated to the Alhambra.
It was one of the highlights of my entire Southern Spain trip.
The level of detail throughout the palaces, courtyards and gardens is incredible. Every corner feels carefully designed, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring the complex.
I’d honestly recommend visiting Granada just to see the Alhambra.
The only downside was the weather. I was unlucky and experienced heavy rain for a good part of the visit, so if you have the flexibility, I’d definitely recommend choosing a day with better weather to enjoy both the architecture and the gardens. Also I definitely recommend getting your tickets beforehand (I got them 2 weeks before).
🌟Where I ate
La Sitarilla ⭐
This was my favourite restaurant not only in Granada, but in all of Spain.
The atmosphere felt incredibly authentic, the portions were generous, and every drink came with a complimentary tapa, something Granada is famous for.
I ordered three glasses of sangria and received three different tapas, all for €12 in total.
The sangria was easily the best I had during my trip and probably the best I ever had.
If I had to recommend just one restaurant in Granada, it would be this one. Honestly planning a trip only for this restaurant wouldn’t be excessive.
Los Manueles | Reyes Católicos
Another restaurant I’d happily recommend.
The portions were huge, so I ended up leaving quite a bit of food simply because I wanted to try several dishes.
I ordered:
- Croquetas
- Albóndigas
- Berenjena con miel
- Cazón en adobo
Everything was good, although I’d say the croquetas and albóndigas were the least memorable. My favourites were definitely the berenjena con miel and the cazón en adobo, both of which I’d order again.
Urban Poke
After spending hours at the Alhambra, I was in the mood for something lighter for the second day.
The poke bowl was fresh, filling and surprisingly good. A great option if you’re looking for a break from tapas.
🌟Would I recommend Granada?
Absolutely.
While the Alhambra was the clear highlight, Granada is still worth visiting for its viewpoints, great food and unique atmosphere.
If you’re travelling through Andalusia, I think it’s a destination you shouldn’t skip.
🌟My highlights
🏰 Must-see: Alhambra
🏰 Best viewpoint: Mirador de San Nicolás
🏰 Best restaurant: La Sitarilla
🏰 Best casual lunch: Urban Poke
✨Córdoba (1 night)
Córdoba was one of the shortest stops on my Southern Spain itinerary, but it was still well worth visiting.
The city is fairly compact, so I explored almost everything on foot in a single day. While there aren’t as many attractions as cities like Valencia or Madrid, Córdoba is home to one of the most fascinating buildings I’ve ever visited.
🌟Where I stayed
Cats Hostel Córdoba
A good budget-friendly option within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
🌟What I did
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba ⭐
Without a doubt, the highlight of my time in Córdoba.
Before going, I knew it had once been a mosque and was later converted into a cathedral, but I wasn’t prepared for how striking the contrast would feel in person.
Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, it was later transformed into a Catholic cathedral after the Christian Reconquista, creating one of Spain’s most unique architectural landmarks.
Walking through the mosque, everything felt darker, lower and more enclosed, with endless rows of arches creating a calm, almost mysterious atmosphere. Then, almost unexpectedly, you step into the cathedral. The space suddenly becomes bright, white and incredibly tall. The contrast between the two couldn’t be more dramatic, and that’s what made the building so fascinating to me.
I’ve never visited another place quite like it.
Palacio de Viana
I also visited Palacio de Viana, a historic palace known for its beautiful courtyards.
It was peaceful, picturesque and a lovely place to wander around for a while. I wouldn’t consider it a must-see in Córdoba, but if you have extra time, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba
In the evening, I booked the horse show at the Royal Stables.
I arrived a little early, which turned out to be my favourite part of the experience because visitors could spend some time with the horses before the performance.
The horses were beautiful and incredibly elegant.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the show itself. Some of the routines felt unnatural, and seeing such majestic animals perform tricks for entertainment wasn’t something I personally liked.
I wouldn’t go again, but I’m still glad I had the chance to meet the horses beforehand.
🌟Where I ate
Mesón Puerta Real
Conveniently located just across from the Royal Stables, this was where I had dinner after the show.
I wanted to try some traditional Córdoba dishes, so I ordered the Typical Cordoban Tasting Plate, which included:
- Salmorejo
- Berenjenas con miel
- Flamenquín
- Croquetas de rabo de toro
Everything was good, and it was a great way to sample several local specialities in one meal.
A local bakery named Manolas
Earlier in the day, I picked up a pastry filled with rabo de toro.
It was quite rich and heavy, definitely worth trying if you’re curious about this traditional dish.
🌟Would I recommend Córdoba?
Yes, but mostly for a day trip or an overnight stay.
The city itself is relatively small, so one day was enough for me to see everything I wanted. That said, the Mezquita-Catedral alone makes Córdoba worth adding to any Andalusia itinerary.
🌟My highlights
🏰 Must-see: Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
🏰 Most memorable experience: Meeting the horses before the show
🏰 Best food: Pastry filled with rabo de toro
✨Madrid (2 nights)
I’d already visited Madrid before, so this time I wasn’t planning to see all the major sights again. The main reason I added it to my itinerary was surprisingly simple: I wanted to try Madrid’s famous calamari sandwich.
🌟Where I stayed
room00 Gran Vía Hostel
A great location within walking distance of most of the places I wanted to visit.
🌟What I did
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
This ended up being my favourite part of Madrid.
The museum is home to many important works of modern and contemporary art, including Picasso’s Guernica, one of Spain’s most famous paintings.
Painted in 1937 in response to the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, the artwork has become a powerful symbol against war and violence.
I’d seen countless photos of it before, but nothing compares to standing in front of it in person.
The painting is enormous, and seeing it up close was surprisingly emotional.
🌟Where I ate
Bar La Campana
Probably the biggest disappointment of my entire trip.
Located just off Plaza Mayor, Bar La Campana is famous for its bocadillo de calamares, and there was a long queue when I arrived. After seeing it all over social media, I was really excited to try it.
Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype.
The calamari wasn’t crispy at all and didn’t taste particularly fresh. The bread was soft and slightly soggy, and the sandwich was handed to me in a paper bag that had clearly been prepared in advance. That might explain why it lacked freshness.
I absolutely love calamari, so this was a real disappointment.
I honestly wouldn’t recommend it.
The patatas bravas, however, were much better and definitely the highlight of the meal.
🌟Would I recommend Madrid?
If it’s your first visit to Spain, absolutely.
For this particular trip, though, Madrid mostly served as the perfect base for visiting Toledo and seeing Guernica.
🌟My highlights
🏰 Must-see: Museo Reina Sofía
🏰 Most memorable moment: Seeing Picasso’s Guernica in person
🏰 Most overrated: Bocadillo de calamares at Bar La Campana
🚄 Day trip to Toledo
I spent my second day taking a train to Toledo.
The journey only takes around 30 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, making it one of the easiest and most worthwhile day trips from the capital.
I bought my ticket the day before without any issues.
🌟First impressions
I absolutely loved Toledo.
The city feels like stepping into the Middle Ages, with narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings and beautiful viewpoints around every corner.
It’s quite small, so it’s easy to explore in a day, although be prepared for plenty of hills.
🌟Museo Cromática
One of the more unusual museums I visited during the trip.
It’s dedicated to the history and craftsmanship of stringed instruments, with beautifully decorated guitars, lutes and other rare pieces on display.
I enjoyed it because it was something different, but I wouldn’t call it a must-see. If you have extra time, it’s worth a visit.
🌟Catedral Primada de Toledo
This was easily the highlight of Toledo.
As the seat of the Archbishop of Toledo, it’s considered one of the most important cathedrals in Spain and is often referred to as the country’s “Primate Cathedral.”
The Gothic architecture is stunning, and the interior is incredibly detailed. Every room seemed to reveal another masterpiece, from the richly decorated chapels to the impressive altarpiece.
It’s definitely worth visiting, even if you’ve already seen other famous cathedrals in Spain.
🌟Museo del Greco
I visited the museum out of curiosity, but it ended up being my least favourite attraction in Toledo.
Since I’m not particularly familiar with El Greco’s work, I found myself walking through it quite quickly.
If you’re interested in his paintings, you’ll probably appreciate it much more than I did.
🌟Where I ate
La Malquerida de la Trinidad
I came here to try carcamusas, one of Toledo’s most traditional dishes.
It’s a slow-cooked pork stew in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Personally, it just wasn’t for me. I’m glad I tried it, but the flavours didn’t really match my taste.
🌟Would I recommend Toledo?
Definitely.
Its medieval atmosphere, beautiful cathedral and compact historic centre make it one of the best day trips you can take from Madrid.
🌟My highlights
🏰 Must-see: Catedral Primada de Toledo
🏰 Best experience: Wandering through the medieval streets
🏰 Most unique museum: Museo Cromática
🏰 Skip if you’re short on time: Museo del Greco
✨Valencia (1 night)
Valencia was the final stop on my Southern Spain trip.
I had already visited the city before, so this time I focused on revisiting a few favourite spots while trying some local specialties I had missed on my first visit.
🌟Where I stayed
room00 Valencia Hostel
A great location for exploring the city on foot.
🌟What I did
Museu de les Ciències
This ended up being my biggest disappointment in Valencia.
Honestly, I thought the building itself was much more impressive than the museum inside.
The architecture is stunning, but the exhibitions didn’t really interest me. Out of all the science museums I’ve visited, this was probably my least favourite.
That said, I did get lucky enough to witness a chick hatching from its egg, which was genuinely special and unexpectedly became the highlight of my visit.
🌟Where I ate & drank
Café de Las Horas ⭐
This was easily one of my favourite discoveries in Valencia since the first time I visited the city.
I came here to try Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail made with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, vodka and gin.
It instantly became one of my favourite cocktails the first time I tried it.
The drink is refreshing, citrusy and much lighter than it sounds.
The bar itself is just as memorable. The interior is beautifully decorated with ornate details, making it one of the most photogenic places I visited in Valencia.
If you’re only stopping for one drink in the city, I’d recommend coming here.
Horchatería Daniel
No visit to Valencia feels complete without trying horchata, a traditional Valencian drink made from tigernuts (chufa) rather than dairy or nuts. It’s naturally sweet, served ice cold and is usually enjoyed with a fartón, a long, soft pastry made for dipping.
I’m glad I tried the traditional combination, but it’s probably not something I’d order regularly. Still, if it’s your first time in Valencia, it’s worth experiencing.
Brunch Corner – La Virgen
One of my favourite meals in Valencia.
I ordered the Eggs Benedict as part of their brunch menu, and everything was delicious.
The set menu offered excellent value for money, making it an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a good brunch in the city.
🌟What I loved most about Valencia
One of my favourite things about Valencia is the contrast between its different sides.
The Old Town feels traditional, historic and full of character, while the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias looks like it’s from another world.
I loved going from centuries-old streets to futuristic architecture within the same city. That contrast is what makes Valencia feel so unique.
🌟Would I recommend Valencia?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re interested in history, modern architecture, beaches or food, Valencia offers a bit of everything without feeling as overwhelming as Madrid or Barcelona.
It’s still one of my favourite cities in Spain.
🌟My highlights
🏰 Must-try drink: Agua de Valencia at Café de Las Horas
🏰 Best brunch: Brunch Corner – La Virgen
🏰 Most impressive architecture: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
🏰 Favourite part of the city: The contrast between the Old Town and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
🏰 Most unexpected moment: Watching a chick hatch at the science museum
🏰 Skip if you’re short on time: The inside of the Museu de les Ciències
✨My overall highlights
- Favourite city: Valencia
- Most impressive attraction: Alhambra (Granada)
- Most unique building: Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
- Favourite restaurant: La Sitarilla (Granada)
- Favourite drink: Agua de Valencia at Café de Las Horas
- Favourite museum: Museo Reina Sofía (Madrid)
- Best day trip: Toledo
- Most unexpected moment: Watching a chick hatch at the science museum in Valencia
- Biggest disappointment: Bar La Campana’s famous calamari sandwich (Madrid)
Looking back, this ended up being one of my favourite trips in Spain. From relaxing days in Marbella to the incredible Alhambra, the unique atmosphere of Córdoba, Toledo’s medieval streets and Valencia’s striking contrast between old and new, every stop offered something different. If you have around 10 days and want to experience a mix of history, food, beaches and culture, I’d happily recommend following a similar route.
✨South of Spain Gallery
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