This was my first international girls trip and the kickstart to my obsession with the old world charm of European cities. If you have a week, you can comfortably see and enjoy a good chunk of Southern Spain. We flew into Mallorca because of a great flight deal, but you could also fly into Seville for this itinerary. Split your time between Seville and Mallorca with a day trip to Cordoba and a full day or two to Granada. And while each of these cities are located in the same general area, each one is charming in its own (and very different) way and full of unique things to do and places to see. These are a few of my favorite sights and experiences in each of the cities we visited.
Palma, Mallorca
Calla Major Beach
There are tons of great beach spots in Mallorca. In fact, I’d love to go back and just spend a week in Mallorca, rent a car, hike, and beach hop the entire time. But if you only have a short period of time, Calla Major is a great beach because of its location in Palma, the capital of Mallorca. It’s public, located close to several restaurants and hotels, there’s plenty of space on the sand to find a spot, and while there are some rocky sections, there are plenty of areas where you can swim and lay out. While it’s not a nude beach, some women do choose to go topless, so if you have kids just make them aware of the cultural differences.
Placa Major
Dive into the lively heart of Mallorca’s capital city at Plaça Major, a bustling central square that serves as a captivating hub for exploration. Numerous cobblestone alleys branch off from the square, offering a delightful array of both well-known retail brands and charming local establishments, including eateries, bars, and boutiques. Throughout the year, Plaça Major comes alive with a variety of street performers, musicians, and a vibrant craft market tailored for tourists. This area serves as an excellent starting point for venturing into the enchanting Old Town and all the old world charm that awaits you here in Mallorca as well as in other parts of southern Spain.
Seville, Spain
The Settas and Plazas
The Settas form an architectural umbrella over the center of the city. Day or night, the Settas are a great spot for fantastic views of the city. Climb up during the day and enjoy the landscape of red roofs, or visit at night to see the city sparkle under the stars. In addition to the Settas, there are several plazas that are worth a walk around. There are plazas scattered around the city, but my favorite is the Plaza de Espana. The semicircle plaza hosts some spectacular tile work and tiled tableaus representing Spain’s major cities. All of the plazas offer a pleasurable place to take in the city’s atmosphere, but the Plaza de Espana is truly something special.
Wandering the Streets
As in most European cities, the walkability calls to those of us spend most of our suburban lives shuttling around in a car. The feeling of walking from place to place surrounded by unique scenery is a fresh experience and one many of us crave. Casco Antiguo and Barrio de Santa Cruz are the central and oldest areas of the city and are absolutely worth wandering for hours. Spend ample time shopping, eating tapas, or sipping coffee or wine while people watching and soaking up the atmosphere.
Food Tour
Another great experience that compliments your wandering is a food tour. I took this evening food tour HERE. A tour with a local is something I always recommend at the start of your trip. We not only sampled several Spanish tapas, drinks, and other traditional and iconic dishes, but we got an overview of the food culture of the city as well a tour filled with historical and cultural information. We learned what tapas was all about which prepared us for how to order food during the rest of our trip. We visited the city’s oldest tapas bar and explored the culture of Iberian ham. And it was also on this tour that I found one of my favorite drinks which I ordered over and over again on this trip: tinto de verano. It’s red wine with lime soda….it sounds weird, but it’s delish.
Tapas
I feel like tapas tradition demands a spot of its own in this activity list. Tapas are a popular and traditional style of Spanish cuisine. The tradition of tapas involves serving small portions of various dishes, which can include a wide variety of ingredients such as olives, cheese, cured meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.Tapas are often served in bars and restaurants as snacks to accompany drinks, encouraging socializing and sharing among diners. My favorite tapas dishes include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), albondigas (meatballs), and croquettes (breaded ham and cheese fritters). And the fabulous thing about tapas in Seville, is that they are super cheap allowing you and your travel companions to grab a cheap bite and try several different kinds during your visit.
Flamenco Lesson
I booked this traditional flamenco dance lesson on a whim, and it was the activity that made me want to delve deeper into travel experiences. We booked this lesson HERE and it was a great choice even for an absolute novice at dance. I haven’t taken a dance lesson since I was a toddler in tutu, and I still had a great time in this class. You didn’t have to have a partner and there were dancing enthusiasts, pros, and beginners all in the same group so no one felt out of place. Watching the instructor was like a show on its own, and I really enjoyed meeting the other tourists. We even went out for a drink as a group after class. Taking a lesson before going to a show is another way to feel more invested in the flamenco experience. There are several spots to find a show including Casa del Flamenco or Casa de la Memoria.
Alcazar
The Alcazar is a royal palace complex. Walking around the Alcazar in Seville is a captivating experience that takes you through centuries of history and intricate architectural beauty. I recommend the audio tour that highlights some of the historical events that occurred in the castle. Throughout your walk, you’ll come across hidden corners, charming courtyards, and secluded passages, each unveiling a new aspect of the Alcazar’s architectural splendor. The blend of Islamic, Christian, and Mudejar influences creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere, making the Alcazar a must-visit destination in Seville.
Cordoba, Spain
Take the train ride over to the city of Cordoba for a day trip. I don’t think you need a full day in Cordoba but you do need around four hours to take in the sights which include some Game of Thrones scenery. The Mosque of Cordoba known as the Mezquita Cathedral is a unique mesh of Christian and Islamic architecture that’s been layered on top of each other throughout centuries. As dynasties shifted and different rulers took control of the city, the building expanded and more and more intricate and ornate details were added. The red and white striped arches are one of the well known parts of the mosque. Every section of the building boasts a unique design and is worth an hour or two to meander around. During the rest of your visit, wander through the narrow, winding streets of the historic Jewish Quarter where you encounter whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flower-filled balconies, creating a picturesque scene. Take a few moments to walk down towards the Guadalquivir River which gracefully meanders through the city, offering scenic waterfront views and charming bridges as well as some recognizable scenery from Game of Thrones.
Granada, Spain
Alhambra
If you only visit one castle, cathedral, or major monument in southern Spain, it needs to be the Alhambra. You could skip out on all the other castles and cathedrals mentioned above and spend a few hours here and get your absolute fill of stunning Moorish architecture. Seeing the type of design detail involved in this stunning piece of historical architecture makes you wonder how Europeans could have possibly not recognized the brilliance of the Islamic people during that part of history. We booked HERE with Get Your Guide for a skip the line ticket and included audio tour. Walking through the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is like stepping into a mesmerizing tapestry woven with the threads of history, art, and architectural splendor. As you wander through the sprawling complex, you find yourself immersed in a world where the Moorish legacy unfolds in every intricate detail. The Nasrid Palaces, adorned with delicate stucco work, intricate tile mosaics, and serene courtyards, transport you to a time when Islamic artistry flourished. The Generalife gardens, with their lush greenery and vibrant blooms, provide a tranquil escape, offering breathtaking views of the Albaicín district and the Sierra Nevada mountains beyond. The Patio de los Leones captivates with its central fountain surrounded by twelve intricately carved marble lions, and the Hall of the Ambassadors leaves you in awe with its ornate wooden ceiling and panoramic windows framing the city below. This was an absolute mesmerizing experience and you must give yourself three to four hours to take it all in.
Arab Bath Houses
This is hands down the most decadent travel experience I’ve ever had. I would return to Granada just to go to the Hammam Al Andalus. There are several bath houses in the city, and if they are anything like this one, then they are fabulous. First of all, it’s stunning. Every room is covered in exquisite tiles. As you wander from room to room to pamper yourself, you are also surrounded by a captivating visual experience. Each room focuses on a different way to relax. There are steam rooms, cold plunges, a large soaking pool, hot pools, a large hot stone relaxation area, and a massage room. There are places to sit and take tea, and when it’s time for your massage, attendants in white robes come and walk you to the designated area. This is a co-ed spa so bathing suits are required. There are women and men’s changing rooms and when you enter. You shower off, change into your suit, and then head quietly into the bath house. Take time to explore each room and after your massage, spend some time laying on the large warm stone to settle into complete relaxation. Afterwards, the changing room has everything you could possibly need to shower and freshen up including hair dryers. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more decompressed as I did during this experience. Phones and pictures are not allowed, but trust me, Do NOT skip this!
Doors
Ok, I know this feels random. But one of the things that captivated me throughout our entire trip was how every door in every city seemed to be unique and full of character. Whether it was doors to an apartment, a church, a restaurant, a school, a store, or any other dwelling, they were just charming! Looking back, I wish I’d taken more pictures so I could create a larger collage of door pics. Trust me, it is one of those things you will constantly notice and appreciate.
I enjoyed your trips Dana. Keep them coming. Living vicariously here.😎
Thank you! I enjoy sharing! I know we have a February and April break coming up…let me know if you decide to go on a trip. I’d love to hear about it!
I enjoyed your trips Dana. Keep them coming. Living vicariously here.😎