Andalusia Classic Cities by Rail
Travel by train from Seville through Cordoba and Granada to Malaga, connecting famous Moorish and Christian cities.
The most popular route for first-time visitors, requiring no car rental and traveling one-way without backtracking. Stay two nights in Seville, one night in Cordoba, two nights in Granada for the Alhambra, and finish in Malaga. The pace is moderate with three accommodation changes, skipping the white villages and the coast. It is perfect for first-timers who want to see the core sights using public transport.
From November 2026, high-speed rail services in the region may be reduced or replaced by buses; check Renfe before traveling; July and August are extremely hot.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Seville's Northern Old Town
Seville（Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)、Casa de Pilatos、Seville Cathedral & La Giralda）
Take the airport bus or a taxi into the city (about 30 minutes); walk everywhere in the old town after dropping off your luggage.
It is highly recommended to book Cathedral tickets in advance for peak hours; rooftop tour slots are even more limited.
Stay: Santa Cruz
Day 2 · Royal Alcazar, Santa Cruz & Triana
Seville（Real Alcázar of Seville、Barrio de Santa Cruz、Plaza de España, Seville、Triana）
Walk all day; it takes about 20 minutes from the old town to Plaza de España; cross the bridge to Triana in the evening.
The Royal Alcazar requires timed-entry tickets; try to book the first morning slot.
Stay: Santa Cruz
Day 3 · Train to Cordoba to See the Mosque-Cathedral
Córdoba（Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba、Jewish Quarter of Córdoba、Roman Bridge of Córdoba）
Take the high-speed train from Santa Justa Station to Cordoba in the morning (about 45 minutes); walk about 20 minutes from the station to the old town.
Book Mosque-Cathedral tickets in advance; bell tower tickets must be purchased separately.
Stay: Jewish Quarter and Mosque-Cathedral Area
Day 4 · Alcazar of Cordoba, then Transfer to Granada
Córdoba（Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs、Calleja de las Flores） → Granada（Plaza Nueva、Calle Navas Tapas Street）
Explore on foot in the morning, then take the train to Granada in the afternoon (about 1 hour and 40 minutes); take a taxi from the station to the city center.
The Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs is closed on Mondays and closes earlier in the afternoon during summer.
Stay: Plaza Nueva Centre
Day 5 · Alhambra & Albaicin
Granada（Alhambra, Granada、Carrera del Darro & Paseo de los Tristes、Albaicín、Mirador de San Nicolás）
Take a minibus or walk up the hill in the morning; walk through the Albaicin in the afternoon and return to Plaza Nueva after sunset.
Alhambra tickets often sell out weeks in advance; be sure to book as early as possible.
Stay: Plaza Nueva Centre
Day 6 · Granada Cathedral, then Head to Malaga
Granada（Royal Chapel of Granada、Granada Cathedral） → Málaga & Ronda（Calle Marqués de Larios、Muelle Uno）
Take the train to Malaga in the afternoon (about 1 hour and 30 minutes); if the train is suspended, take a direct bus (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
Stay: Málaga Historic Centre
Day 7 · Malaga Alcazaba & Picasso
Málaga & Ronda（Alcazaba of Málaga、Roman Theatre of Málaga、Museo Picasso Málaga）
Walk around the old town in the morning, then take the suburban train to the airport (about 15 minutes), leaving enough time for your flight.
If your flight is early, choose only one attraction; the Alcazaba should take priority over the museum.