From Seville, drive your campervan on the A-92 motorway towards Granada. Take a break from the long drive that kicks off your road trip through southern Spain and stop at Antequera, one of Andalusia’s most important towns. Admire its historic streets and buildings, and visit the area’s ancient dolmens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue your Seville road trip and make your way to Granada, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Its location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and its Islamic heritage make it one of the country’s top destinations.
The highlight is La Alhambra, the fortress and palace completed in the 14th century by Muslim rulers and one of the symbols of the kingdom of Al Andalus. Don't miss El Generalife, the gardens attached to La Alhambra, and the old narrow streets of the Albaicín, Granada’s most interesting neighbourhood.
Almería’s location on the south-eastern end of the Iberian Peninsula makes it one of the driest regions in Europe — it’s also one of its most unique! Several famous films have been shot on its arid landscape, like Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns, Lawrence of Arabia, Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and even some episodes of Game of Thrones.
But you haven’t come to Almería to shoot a film; you’ve come to explore its wonderful coast. Sunny days are guaranteed, since this area is the only region in mainland Europe with a true hot desert climate.
Head to Spain’s south-eastern corner, to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, and discover a volcanic landscape full of coves, cliffs and sandy beaches. Don’t miss Níjar, a little Moorish village of whitewashed houses and a lovely addition to your southern Spain road trip.
Continue your southern Spain road trip, driving west along the Mediterranean coast. Facing south in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, La Alpujarra is a charming region of small villages boasting stunning scenery, including almond trees and terraced vineyards.
The contrast between the high mountains and the views of the Mediterranean Sea makes driving through La Alpujarra an unforgettable experience.
In total, La Alpujarra has about 50 small villages. Lanjarón, the region’s gateway town, and Órgiva, its capital, are both worth stopping at.
The whitewashed villages of Cañar, Soportújar, and Carataunas are known as El Balcón de La Alpujarra (Alpujarra’s Balcony) for their breathtaking views. Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira are also worth a visit.
If you feel adventurous, drive your campervan to Trevélez, one of the highest villages in western Europe, and savour its famous jamón serrano with a glass of wine.
Leave behind the gorgeous landscapes of Almería and La Alpujarra and continue your southern Spain road trip with a couple of days of urban excitement. Málaga, Spain’s sixth-largest city, has transformed itself into a vibrant city by combining its long history with thriving modernity.
Start exploring Málaga’s rich past at La Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress dating from the 11th century, built next to the ancient Roman amphitheatre. Carry on with the Renaissance cathedral and the Church of Santiago, a great showcase of Málaga’s eclectic architecture.
And don’t forget the tapas! With a bustling food scene, the city offers a great range of bars and top restaurants.
As your campervan enters the last leg of this thrilling southern Spain road trip, you start one of the most incredible routes you can take in Spain: the White Villages Route.
It includes a total of 19 villages of whitewashed houses, some in stunning natural settings — for example Setenil de las Bodegas, built right into the bedrock of a narrow gorge, and Zahara de la Sierra, whose ancient castle sits atop a craggy rock overlooking the surrounding lake and plains.
Take your pick and you won’t be disappointed. Some of the villages lie within Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, which has several walking routes of extraordinary natural beauty.
On the final leg of this southern Spain road trip you’ll find rolling green hills, limestone peaks and impressive griffon vultures, and Grazalema itself is one of the white villages worth checking out.
