Andalusia Road trip | Campervan Hire

Stop 1: Ronda

Highlights:

Puente Nuevo: Bridge over the gorge that divides Ronda.
Grazalema: Wonderful hiking options around this typical white village.
Setenil de las Bodegas: White village with houses built into limestone cliffs.
Arcos de la Frontera: White village perched on a rocky limestone ridge.

Where to Eat:

De Locos Tapas ($$): A tapas paradise in Ronda.
Meson El Simancon ($$): Traditional local food in Grazalema.

Where to Park for the Night:

Street parking in Ronda ($$): Several private car parks throughout town.

Ronda and the incredible White Villages

The first stop of this enchanting Andalusia road trip is at one of Spain’s most spectacular villages, Ronda.

This small town of wonderful architecture sits on a large sandstone hill split in two by the El Tajo Gorge, with the Guadalevín River running around 120 m (about 394 ft) below. The views of the gorge and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking.

As your campervan enters the province of Cádiz, you start one of the most incredible road trips in Spain: the White Villages Route. It includes 19 villages of whitewashed houses, some set in stunning natural surroundings, that’ll tempt you to stay for a few days (or even buy a house!).

Some of the villages lie inside Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, which has several walking routes of stunning natural beauty. Grazalema itself is definitely worth a visit.

Stop 2: Jerez de la Frontera

Highlights:

Alcázar de Jerez: Moorish fortress from the 11th century.
Doñana Natural Park: Amazing scenery and wildlife (flamingos!).

Where to Eat:

Bar Juanito ($): Grab the artichokes and some pescaito frito.
La Cruz Blanca ($$): Nice food with outdoor seating.

Where to Park for the Night:

Plaza Arenal ($$$): Car park in the city centre.
Morada Sur Campervan Parking ($$): Urban campervan park in the city centre.

Jerez de la Frontera and Doñana National Park

Jerez de la Frontera is world-famous for its sherry, flamenco and horses. What a wonderful mix!

Visit some local wineries, watch a typical Andalusian horse show and finish the day with some flamenco to make the most of Jerez.

On this Andalusian road trip, it takes about 30 minutes to drive from Jerez to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the closest point of entry to Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s most important natural reserves. Visiting the park from Sanlúcar is only possible with an organised tour.

Doñana is an area of marshes, shallow streams and dunes, home to migratory birds, deer, wild boar, badgers, mongooses and endangered species such as the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx.

Stop 3: Cádiz

Highlights:

El Pópula: Cádiz's oldest barrio, with Roman theatre, cathedral and more.
Torre Tavira: Great views over the city — check out the camera obscura.

Where to Eat:

Meson Cumbres Mayores ($$): Local tapas in a traditional bar.
Casa Manteca ($$): Stick to their brilliant tapas.

Where to Park for the Night:

Muelle Reine Sofia ($): Next to the city centre.
Pachamama Motorhome Parking ($$): Overnight parking with amenities, between Conil and Vejer.

Cádiz, Western Europe’s oldest city

Archaeological remains dating back 3,100 years make Cádiz the oldest continually inhabited city in Western Europe. Head to the port city on your Andalusia road trip and swap the mountains for the sea.

Situated on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the Atlantic, this typical Andalusian city is best explored on foot.

Wander its old quarter, visit its cathedral, shop at the central market, relax on the beach, and grab some tapas at any of its traditional bars for a perfect day out.

Continue your Andalusia road trip heading south towards Conil de la Frontera and spend the night on the coast rather than in the city. After all, what’s better than being woken by a gentle Atlantic sea breeze before the heat of the day?

Stop 4: Costa de la Luz

Highlights:

Conil de la Frontera: Coastal town with six stunning beaches.
Vejer de la Frontera: Hilltop town with beautiful Moorish architecture.
Zahara de los Atunes: Unforgettable sunsets from its unspoilt beach.

Where to eat:

El Tascon de la Pasajera ($$): Great tuna in Conil.
Corredera 55 ($$): Lots of choices, including vegetarian options, in Vejer.
El Refugio ($$): Great local food with sea views in Zahara.

Where to park for the night:

Costa de la Luz, beaches and fishing villages

All of the Spanish coast to the west of Tarifa (Iberian Peninsula's southern tip) is called the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light). The numerous beaches along this stunning stretch of coastline are some of the best in the whole country.

As you finish your Andalusia road trip, you’re spoilt for choice. Pick one and park your campervan there — you won’t be disappointed.

On your drive back to Málaga, it’s worth stopping off at Conil de la Frontera and Vejer de la Frontera, two of the most beautiful villages along this part of the coast. Further south, this itinerary takes you to Zahara de los Atunes, whose unspoilt 8 km (about 5 miles) long beach is a true paradise of glorious sunsets.

If you windsurf, Tarifa offers some of the best windsurfing in Europe. What a way to finish this amazing Andalusia road trip!