Madrid - Malaga 12 day trip

Madrid is where ancient and old meet modern and cosmopolitan, where sightseeing, dancing, and shopping go hand in hand.

Spectacular enough to rival the Louvre, this museum is well-known for its revered art collection including best national artists.

Old Madrid offers a range of exploration from small charming residences, to elaborate mansions, to a number of churches.

This must-see museum provides a comprehensive journey of prehistoric, Iberian, Visigothic, Muslim, and Christian cultures.

Housed in an old hospital, this museum holds a most excellent collection of art by 20C Spanish artists.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

This refreshing park is an oasis within Madrid, with peaceful tree groves, a lake for rowing, and enticing spots for solitude.

Dating to the 2C, this ancient Egyptian temple was sent as a gift from Egypt to Spain and was rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid.

Visit this neighborhood for a day full of cultural exploits, as its streets are lined with some of Madrid's best national museums.

Built in the 17C, this is a relaxing plaza to linger in, with its interesting architecture, cafes, and frequent performances.

Situated amid lovely scenery, this charming city offers diverse architecture, cultural monuments, local cuisine, and rich history.

Segovia has an illustrious past dating to Roman times, only rivaled by the beauty of the landscape surrounding it.

This vast 18C palatial complex is the official residence of Spanish royalty, boasting over 2,000 rooms and remarkable decor.

This 16C monastery contains a wealth of artistic elements, such as its chapels, Ruben-based tapestries, and paintings.

This often overlooked museum should not be missed, as it hosts Goya masterpieces, enamel ware, silverworks, and other artifacts.

This neoclassical palace holds a must-see collection for art enthusiasts, with artwork spanning from the 13C to the present day.

Explore the ins and outs of this lovely Spanish town, making sure to check out the iconic windmills.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

Located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park, this 19C glass and iron building is shaped like a Greek cross and is a renowned architectural gem.

Opened in the 18C, Madrid's exceptional Zoo Aquarium features a dolphinarium, giant pandas, and birds of prey.

Housing art and diplomatic memorabilia as well, the armory is best known for its collections of royal weaponry and armor.

This mountain range is rich with lakes, lush vegetation, and wild animals, much of which is preserved in a national reserve.

This 15C Mudejar castle looms over the countryside, featuring excellent architecture, a chapel, and several lovely courtyards.

Cordoba remains as vibrant as it was in medieval times, and its Jewish, Islamic, and Christian cultural history remains evident.

A gem of Moorish architecture, this 7C cathedral has alternately served as Christian and Muslim worshiping site throughout history.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic center is a pleasure to explore given its numerous sites and lively goings-on.

Established prior to Arab arrival, this lovely quarter of twisting streets and alleys is a pleasurable adventure.

On the outskirts of the city, this must-see working archaeological site features terraces, a mosque, and the Abd ar-Rahman room.

Visit Setenil for its fascinating houses built entirely into the cliffs, to the extent that one street is entirely in a tunnel.

Walk along the walls of this narrow gorge to enjoy breathtaking views and a truly unique experience. Children must be at least eight years old.

This palatial complex boasts exquisite gardens, architecturally rich elements, and and collections of medieval to contemporary art.

Once a convent, this church shows a rich transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Dating to 760, this fortress offers a good walk among its towers and walls, with evidence of its Muslim, Roman, and Berber past.

A short walk from the El Chorro campsite leads to a suspension bridge stretching over one of the most stunning gorges there are.

Known as the home of Andalusia's largest bat colony, this cave system offers great views of the area and some archaeological relics.

The capital of Andalucia, Seville is steeped in its history yet fully embraces the modern-day, providing a full experience.

The capital of Andalucia, Seville is steeped in its history yet fully embraces the modern-day, providing a full experience.

This palatial complex boasts fine Mudejar architecture, elaborate gardens, superb interior, exquisite decor, and rich history.

Exploring the historic center is a fun and satisfying activity, given the historical and modern-day atmosphere of the area.

Boasting a rich Jewish past, this quarter is a charming area full of with quaint streets, decorated houses, and a nice atmosphere.

As the third largest cathedral in the world, this one is a perfect example of Spanish Gothic, featuring an elaborate interior.

Visit Setenil for its fascinating houses built entirely into the cliffs, to the extent that one street is entirely in a tunnel.

Arcos de la Frontera is a good starting point for driving through mountainous wilds dotted with picturesque hill-perched villages.

This Mudejar-style palace is a beautiful structure to tour, with architectural details and artworks spanning several centuries.

Allegedly the largest wooden structure in the world, and is nicknamed "unicorn's mushrooms."

This majestic plaza incorporates a canal within its semicircular shape and offers 58 benches, one for each Spanish province.

Once a stately minaret, this cathedral tower dates to the 12C, boasting a height of over 100m and spectacular views of the area.

A trip through the Campina is a worthy road trip from Carmona, as the countryside holds numerous points of historical interest.

One of the largest national parks in Europe, these 50,000ha span wetlands, dunes, and forests, all with a wide array of wildlife.

This 16C palace combines Mudejar, Renaissance, and Gothic styles, featuring fabulous decor and a lovely courtyard.

Housed in a 16C convent, this museum displays a grand array of Spanish artists from the Middle Ages to the 20C.

With a 6km coastline, white sands, and invigorating blue waters, this great beach will fill a joyful day with calm and sunshine.

Walk along the walls of this narrow gorge to enjoy breathtaking views and a truly unique experience. Children must be at least eight years old.

Once a home to bandits on its lofty cliffs, the city now offers an array of historic buildings and monuments, as well as great views.

The old town is quite fun with its historic nature combining intriguing pathways, lovely homes, and prominent Moorish influences.

Home to an excellent bullfighting museum, this impressive bullring is among the largest, oldest, and most attractive in the world.

Erected in the 18C, this monumental bridge is one of a trio and is simply a must-see if you visit the city.

Ronda's clifftop location affords spectacular views of the area, so be sure to seek out the best vantage points throughout the city.

Visit Setenil for its fascinating houses built entirely into the cliffs, to the extent that one street is entirely in a tunnel.

Arcos de la Frontera is a good starting point for driving through mountainous wilds dotted with picturesque hill-perched villages.

Home to a municipal museum on regional natural history, this 14C palace is a lush mix of Mudejar and Renaissance architectures.

Walk along the walls of this narrow gorge to enjoy breathtaking views and a truly unique experience. Children must be at least eight years old.

A short walk from the El Chorro campsite leads to a suspension bridge stretching over one of the most stunning gorges there are.

The capital of Andalucia, Seville is steeped in its history yet fully embraces the modern-day, providing a full experience.

Located in a natural park, this coastline area has an excellent beach, panoramic viewpoints, and a lovely forest.