A week in Andalusia from Álora
Most travellers drag their suitcases through three hotels: Málaga, Ronda, Granada. Pack, unpack, find a parking space. It doesn't have to be that way. From Álora everything you want to see is within an hour's drive, and every evening you come back to the same quiet. This is the route I pass on to guests.
Why Álora as a base
Caminito del Rey, Ronda, Málaga city, El Chorro and Antequera all sit within an hour's drive. No three hotels, no three early-morning departures. In the evening you have your own kitchen, your own pool, and on a rest day you don't even need to start the car.
Day 1
Arrival and settling in
Land at Málaga (AGP), pick up your hire car, drive 45 minutes to the finca. First evening, nothing ambitious. A swim, a glass of wine on the terrace, tapas at Bar Marin in Álora. You still have a week.
Day 2
Caminito del Rey
The highlight for many travellers. The 9:30 slot, 25 minutes to the northern entrance, three to four hours of walking. Lunch in El Chorro or back in Álora. Book tickets weeks ahead. Read the full Caminito guide here.
Day 3
Ronda and the white villages
50 minutes drive to Ronda. Puente Nuevo (the iconic bridge across the El Tajo gorge), the old Jewish quarter, and Spain's oldest bullring. Lunch on a terrace overlooking the gorge. Return via Setenil de las Bodegas, a village literally built under the rocks.
Day 4
Nothing
After three days of walking, driving and looking: one day of pure nothing. Book Casa Nelly for the evening, or let me arrange a basket of local produce for a picnic on the terrace. Pencil in (your own) siesta.
Day 5
Málaga city
45 minutes to the centre. Picasso Museum (he was born here), the Alcazaba, and tapas at El Pimpi. Then walk along Muelle Uno by the harbour. Don't eat in the tourist area, eat higher up where locals eat. Late afternoon, maybe an hour at El Palo beach.
Day 6
Antequera and the Dolmens
40 minutes to Antequera. The prehistoric Dolmens are UNESCO World Heritage, older than Stonehenge, and not what you'd expect. Plus the Alcazaba and the white town. Hikers can add El Torcal nature park, with its spectacular limestone formations.
Day 7
Departure or last day
Early flights leave the finca at nine. Late flights have a calm morning, lunch at Restaurante Los Caballos (the Sunday chicken if it's Sunday) and then AGP. The drive to the airport is short. Practical tips for the drive back are here.
If you're staying longer
A few options for day 8 to 14:
- Granada (1h45 drive) for the Alhambra. Book tickets weeks ahead. Plan a full day, or overnight there.
- Sevilla (2h15 drive) for the Alcázar, cathedral and Triana. Better as an overnight, otherwise it gets tight.
- Córdoba (1h45 drive) for the Mezquita. Half a day is enough.
- Nerja and Frigiliana (1h drive) for white villages on the coast.
What I always say
- Book anything popular in advance. Caminito, Alhambra, TARANTELO at weekends.
- Full-tank-to-full-tank is usually cheaper than "return empty" fuel deals.
- Bring some cash for small tapas bars in villages that don't always take cards.
- Travel insurance with roadside assistance is no luxury on mountain roads.
- Plan one real rest day. Otherwise the week gets tiring.
Frequently asked questions
Is a week enough for Andalusia?
A week is enough to see the highlights of the Málaga region. For all of Andalusia (adding Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba) you need 10 to 14 days.
Do you need a rental car?
Yes. Public transport is limited for the white villages, Caminito, El Chorro and mountain routes. Rent at Málaga airport on arrival.
When is the best time to visit?
April, May, September and October. Pleasant weather, not the extreme summer heat, and not the crowds of July and August.
How far is Ronda from Álora?
About 50 minutes through mountains and white villages. Half a day is enough to visit Ronda itself.
Want to follow this route? The finca is for 4 guests in 2 bedrooms, with a private pool and mountain views. See the finca or check availability.