From Seville, drive your campervan along the A-92 motorway towards Granada. Take a break from the long drive that kickstarts your southern Spain road trip 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 head to Granada, one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Its location at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and its Islamic heritage make it one of the most visited places in the country.
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 garden area attached to La Alhambra, and the old narrow streets of Albaicín, Granada’s most interesting neighbourhood.
Almería’s location on the southeastern tip 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 make a film—you’ve come to explore its wonderful coast. Sunny days are guaranteed, as this area is the only region in continental 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 small Moorish village with whitewashed houses—a great addition to your southern Spain road trip.
Continue your southern Spain road trip driving west along the Mediterranean Sea. Facing south on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, La Alpujarra is an enchanting region of small villages boasting incredible 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 all, La Alpujarra has about 50 small villages. Lanjarón, the region’s gateway town, and Órgiva, its capital, are both worth a stop.
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 visiting.
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 place by blending 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 city’s Renaissance cathedral and the Church of Santiago, a great showcase of Málaga’s varied architecture.
And don’t forget the tapas! With a bustling food scene, the city offers a fantastic range of bars and top restaurants.
As your campervan enters the last leg of this thrilling southern Spain road trip, you begin one of the most incredible itineraries you can do in Spain: the White Villages Route.
It includes 19 villages of whitewashed houses, some set in stunning natural surroundings. For example, Setenil de las Bodegas is built straight into the bedrock of a narrow river gorge, while Zahara de la Sierra has its ancient castle perched atop a craggy rock overlooking the surrounding lake and plains.
Take your pick — you won’t be disappointed. Some of the villages lie within Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, which contains several hiking routes of extraordinary natural beauty.
On the final leg of this southern Spain road trip you’ll find rolling green hills, limestone peaks and huge griffon vultures, and Grazalema itself is one of the white villages definitely worth checking out.
