Eight road trips, from Marbella to the andalusian capitals

Marbella, located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, is an excellent starting point to discover Andalusia. From here you can reach all eight provincial capitals in just a few hours, each with its own character and heritage. We suggest a practical guide with distances, driving times, what to see along the way, and the essentials of each city for a one-day visit.

When it comes to choosing the most suitable vehicle for these trips, it largely depends on your preferences and the number of people you are traveling with. At Cafisa Rent a Car, we offer a wide and varied fleet: from small cars that are perfect for couples, to larger vehicles with extra seats that can accommodate up to 7 passengers. We also have vans available, making it possible for groups of up to 8 people to travel together in a single vehicle.

If you’d like to check which vehicles are available for the dates of your trip, as well as their rental prices, you can do so in our booking section.

Whether you need a vehicle for long journeys or simply to move around the city where your hotel is located, a rental car is the perfect solution, giving you access to any destination in the most comfortable and time-efficient way.

Let’s now take a look at these eight possible routes from Marbella.

Málaga

• Distance and time: 60 km – 50 min.
• Route: A-7 eastbound.
• Along the way: the coastline between Marbella and Málaga offers Mediterranean viewpoints; Mijas Pueblo is worth a short detour.
• In Málaga: the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, the Picasso Museum, and a stroll along Calle Larios. End with the view from Gibralfaro Castle over the bay.

Seville

• Distance and time: 260 km – 3 h.
• Route: A-7 to San Pedro, A-397 across the Serranía de Ronda, then A-92 to Seville.
• Along the way: the mountain road through Ronda offers spectacular scenery; the town of Ronda itself is worth a stop.
• In Seville: the Cathedral and Giralda, the Royal Alcázar, the Santa Cruz quarter, and Plaza de España. Finish the day in Triana by the river.

Granada

• Distance and time: 180 km – 2 h 15 min.
• Route: A-7 east, then A-44 to Granada.
• Along the way: the Costa Tropical with towns like Salobreña and Almuñécar.
• In Granada: the Alhambra is the must-see, followed by the Albaicín and its views, plus the Cathedral and Royal Chapel.

Córdoba

• Distance and time: 240 km – 2 h 45 min.
• Route: via Málaga, then A-45 north to Córdoba.
• Along the way: endless olive groves of the Cordoban countryside.
• In Córdoba: the Mosque-Cathedral, the Roman Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter. In spring, the patios are a delight.

Cádiz

• Distance and time: 180 km – 2 h 15 min.
• Route: A-7 westbound, then AP-4 to Cádiz.
• Along the way: the Campo de Gibraltar with views of the Rock, and Tarifa where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.
• In Cádiz: the old town, the New Cathedral, La Caleta beach, and the views from Torre Tavira.

Huelva

• Distance and time: 300 km – 3 h 30 min.
• Route: via Ronda and Seville, then A-49 to Huelva.
• Along the way: the Sevillian countryside and pine forests near Doñana.
• In Huelva: Casa Colón, the Wharf of the Caravels at La Rábida, and a stroll downtown. Seafood is another highlight.

Almería

• Distance and time: 300 km – 3 h 30 min.
• Route: A-7 along the Mediterranean coast.
• Along the way: the Costa Tropical beaches and the arid landscapes of Almería.
• In Almería: the Alcazaba fortress, the historic quarter, and if time allows, a detour to Cabo de Gata.

Jaén

• Distance and time: 250 km – 3 h.
• Route: A-92 via Granada, then A-44 north to Jaén.
• Along the way: the vast sea of olive trees.
• In Jaén: the Renaissance Cathedral, Santa Catalina Castle with city views, and the Arab Baths.

From Marbella, the whole of Andalusia is within reach. Each capital reveals a different face: the Atlantic breeze of Cádiz, the mountains of Granada, the monuments of Seville, or the warm welcome of Huelva. Eight road trips that showcase the cultural and natural diversity of southern Spain, all starting from the Costa del Sol.