Andalusia: Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga

From Algeria, Andalusia is searched for in Arabic as much as in French: the Alhambra, Granada, Seville, Alhambra tickets, Andalusia trips. Many Algerian travellers want to see for themselves the heritage of al-Andalus they have heard about all their lives. The good news: the main Andalusian cities are close to one another, and one week is enough to see the essentials. Here is how to plan it.

At a glance

• Where: Andalusia is the southernmost autonomous community of Spain; its capital is Seville.
• Must-sees: the Alhambra in Granada, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Seville's cathedral and Alcázar.
• How long: 7 to 8 nights for Seville, Córdoba, Granada and Málaga at a relaxed pace.
• When: spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October); summers are very hot inland.

Seville, the capital

Seville is the region's largest city and the usual starting point. Its monumental heart is a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Gothic cathedral, built on the site of the former Almohad great mosque, whose minaret became the Giralda bell tower; the Alcázar, a royal palace blending Almohad, Mudéjar and Renaissance styles; and the Archivo de Indias. Plan two to three nights and wander the lanes of the Santa Cruz quarter.

Where to stay: the historic centre or Santa Cruz, to do everything on foot. These are also the most sought-after areas, so book early for spring.

Córdoba and its Mosque

In Córdoba, everything revolves around the Great Mosque, begun in 786 under Abd al-Rahman I. It became a cathedral after the Christian conquest of 1236 and remains the great symbol of the caliphate era. The historic centre is also on the World Heritage list. The city is less than an hour from Seville by high-speed train, so a day trip works, but one night lets you see the Mosque in calmer hours.

Where to stay: near the Mosque in the old lanes, or between the station and the old town if you travel by train.

Granada and the Alhambra

The Alhambra towers over Granada: a Nasrid palatine city with its palaces (Mexuar, Comares, Palace of the Lions), the Alcazaba and, a little apart, the Generalife gardens. Facing it on the other hill, the Albaicín keeps its Moorish-era lanes; its viewpoints, such as San Nicolás, offer the most famous view of the Alhambra. The Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín are listed together as a World Heritage site.

The key point: tickets. Daily visitor numbers are limited and the Nasrid Palaces are visited at the time printed on your ticket. Buy well in advance on the official Alhambra ticket website, especially for spring: tickets go fast, sometimes weeks ahead.

Where to stay: the centre, around the cathedral and Bib-Rambla square, for convenience; the Albaicín for charm and views, bearing in mind its streets are narrow and steep. Two nights in Granada is a sensible minimum.

Málaga, the gateway

Málaga is about an hour and a half from Granada by train. Its airport is one of the region's main gateways, and the city deserves a night: the old town, the Alcazaba, the port and the nearby Costa del Sol beaches.

Where to stay: the historic centre, near the cathedral and Calle Larios.

Which route?

A simple order: Seville (2-3 nights) → Córdoba (1 night) → Granada (2 nights) → Málaga (1-2 nights). Trains link the four cities well; a hire car gives you more freedom for the white villages.

When to go

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons. In summer, Seville and Córdoba are among the hottest cities in Europe, with average highs above 36 °C. If you travel in July or August, sightsee early in the morning and keep the coast for the end of the trip.

Visa: check before you go

In principle, Algerian citizens need a Schengen visa for Spain. Check the current requirements with the consulate or on the official website before you travel. Our article on hotel bookings for a Spanish visa explains what we can provide; we do not handle visa applications.

Book your Andalusia hotels and pay in dinars

On Nreservi, Seville and Málaga are among the cities on our Spain hotels page: choose your dates, hotel and room, then send your request without paying anything at this stage. For Granada or Córdoba, contact us and our team checks availability and price with the hotel. From Algeria, you pay in dinars with no bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made. See our guide to booking a hotel without a bank card. Passing through the capital? Read where to stay in Madrid.

See hotels in Seville

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.