Planning a route through southern Spain has a secret that few travellers know before they arrive: logistics change everything. Choosing the right place to stay is not just a matter of comfort; it determines how much you can see and the quality of the experience you will have.
Málaga is not just a destination. It is the best starting point in the south. An international airport connected to the whole of Europe, high-speed AVE trains to Madrid in under two hours, and less than two hours by car from Seville, Granada and Ronda. The whole south within reach, with the Mediterranean as a permanent backdrop.
From Chinitas Urban Rooms, in Málaga’s historic centre, you have the city as your home and all of Andalusia as your destination.
Why Málaga is the best base in the south
Not all southern cities work equally well as a base. Seville is large and expensive. Granada has a more limited range of direct flights. Málaga has the most important airport in southern Spain, direct connections with more than 60 countries and a historic centre that deserves several days in its own right.
Staying in Málaga means arriving, settling in once and heading out each day to explore a different side of Andalusia. No unpacking your bags every night. No changing hotels every two days.
The essential day trips from Málaga
Granada — 1 hr 30 min by car / 1 hr 25 min by bus
The Alhambra is one of the wonders of the world. But Granada goes far beyond the Nasrid Palace: the Albaicín district, free tapas with every beer and views of the Sierra Nevada from the city are more than enough reasons to spend a full day there. Book the Alhambra well in advance — tickets sell out weeks ahead.
Seville — 2 hr by car / 2 hr by AVE high-speed train
The capital of Andalusia has a cultural density that is hard to match: the Giralda, the Alcázar, the Santa Cruz district and the most impressive Holy Week in the world. One day is not much, but with well-planned logistics from Málaga, it is perfectly doable.
Ronda — 1 hr by car / 1 hr 45 min by bus
The Tajo gorge in Ronda is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Spain. The white town suspended above the ravine, the Puente Nuevo bridge and the vineyards of the Serranía make this one of the most photogenic day trips in the south. Ideal for a full day or one night away.
Nerja and the coast — 1 hr by car
The Nerja Cave, the Balcón de Europa and the hidden coves of the eastern Costa del Sol are the perfect plan for a beach day with more than just sand. Just one hour from Málaga along a spectacular coastal road.
Antequera — 45 min by car
Less known among international travellers, Antequera hides one of the most surprising monumental complexes in Andalusia: prehistoric dolmens declared a World Heritage Site, the Alcazaba and the Peña de los Enamorados. A complete day out without the crowds.
Chinitas Urban Rooms is 20 minutes from Málaga Airport and in the heart of the historic centre. The perfect base for your route through the south. Book directly on our website and guarantee the best price.
How to get around from Málaga
Hire car — The most flexible option for routes such as Ronda or the coast. Málaga Airport has all the main car hire companies. Bear in mind that the historic centre has restricted access — park at Parking Larios, just 3 minutes on foot from the hotel, and move around on foot.
Bus (ALSA) — Covers Granada, Seville, Nerja and Ronda with frequent services. The bus station is 15 minutes on foot from the hotel or 5 minutes by taxi.
AVE high-speed train — Perfect for Seville and Madrid. María Zambrano Station is 20 minutes by taxi or 10 minutes by suburban train from Málaga Centro.
Suburban train — For getting around the Costa del Sol, including Torremolinos and Fuengirola, this is the most convenient and affordable option.
Tips for organising your route
How many days you need: At least 3 days in Málaga city to see it without rushing. From there, one day per trip is viable for the closest destinations.
When to go: Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) are the perfect seasons — ideal weather, fewer tourists and lower prices. Summer is spectacular but hot; inland trips are best done at the beginning or end of the day.
What to book in advance: Booking the Alhambra in Granada weeks in advance is essential. The other destinations allow for more flexibility.
Frequently asked questions about travelling to southern Spain
Is Málaga a better base than Seville or Granada?
To explore Andalusia as a whole, yes. Málaga Airport is the best connected in the south, and the distances to the main destinations are similar or shorter from here.
Do I need a car to explore the south from Málaga?
It depends on your plan. For Granada and Seville, the bus or train work perfectly. For Ronda and the coast, a car gives you more freedom.
How much does the train from Málaga to Seville cost?
The AVE high-speed train from Málaga to Seville costs between €20 and €50 depending on how far in advance you book and the type of ticket. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
