Looking for a holiday in southwest Spain? This road trip is perfect for exploring Andalusia in 7 days and discovering the wonders of the Costa de la Luz. You’ll find must-see places, things to do, good places to eat and places to sleep. Ready for an unforgettable vacation in Spain? Climb aboard a converted van and follow the guide!
Andalusia in 7 days: first stop, destination Tarifa
Depart from the agency in your Vanbreak van, heading for the Atlantic coast to Tarifa. It’s best to take the AP-7 highway, which is not free but much safer and faster than the coastal road. Tarifa is where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, facing the Moroccan Rif and the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s a town full of charm and a must-see on your road trip through Andalusia. Thanks to its unique geographical location on the Strait, the windy town has seen significant economic development based on water sports (windsurfing and kitesurfing). Finally, Tarifa is only 32.5 km from Tangiers and 14 km from the Moroccan coast, so you’ll have no trouble catching a glimpse of the African continent!
Tarifa: Kitesurfing Paradise
To spend the night after visiting Tarifa, we recommend you take the road back to Bolonia. Take the Punta Paloma exit (10 min from Tarifa by van) and turn left at the campsite to reach the Volaré “chiringuito” (beach bar). Very quiet spot, overlooking Valdevaqueros beach. Another off-season spot is Bolonia beach. If you would like to take kitesurfing lessons, you can do so through our partner Free Ride: http: //freeridetarifa.com/. Olivier & Vanessa, kitesurfing enthusiasts, will be delighted to introduce you to this sport.
Favourite restaurants in Tarifa: Casa Lola, Vaca Loca (for its meats), El Lobo (raclette, tartiflette… run by a Belgian), Café Azul Bar for a good brunch. Short walk along the seawall to the isla de Las Palomas between sea and ocean. The nightlife is quite lively, so take advantage of the many small bars in the historic center.
Day 2: El Palmar
Departure for Cadiz. Don’t hesitate to stop off in Bolonia to admire one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Turquoise waters and fine sand as far as the eye can see… There’s also a lovely walk to the top of the dune, which children love. Then continue your journey to Vejer de la Frontera, a sublime little white hilltop village. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few tapas and immerse yourself in Andalusia.
Surfing in Andalusia
Surfing at El Palmar
Spend the night at the El Palmar surf spot. In summer, it’s very busy. It is therefore preferable to sleep in a paid parking area next to the lighthouse, where showers are available. You’ll be more comfortable parking your van there. But out of season you can find a spot facing the ocean without any problems and fall asleep lulled by the crashing waves.
Favorite: Casa Francisco seafood restaurant, delicious but budget-friendly. Pizzeria Dolce Vita run by Italians, excellent pizzas! To rent surfboards or take lessons, ask for “kiké” surf school 9pies: official partner VanBreak: http: //www.escueladesurf9pies.com/
Day 3/4 of Andalusian road trip: Sancti Petri – Caños de Meca
After a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean, we invite you to join us in Canos de Meca, a small town with hippy origins. Here you’ll find splendid beaches and a very special place: La Jaima. Open only in July and August, this bar-restaurant is well worth a visit. The best part is enjoying a mojito in front of the sunset, the view is breathtaking. Don’t forget to make a detour to Trafalgar Lighthouse, the historic site of the famous 1805 battle of the same name.
We then head for Cadiz to the Sancti Petri nautical port, a magical place to spend the evening. Discover a lagoon populated by small fishing boats, its fort clinging to a rock and a few paintings to be found on the white walls. You can spend the night in the middle of the village or right next to the lagoon.
Favorite: El Palomar de la Brena restaurant in the heart of Barbate Park, where you can visit the world’s largest dovecote and understand its strategic functions. Kayak excursion from the port of Sancti Petri to discover the marshes or a sea trip around the military fort: http: //www.sanctipetrikayak.net/
Day 5: Cadiz
Breakfast among the boats of Sancti Petri. Departure for a tour of Cadiz. Cadiz is one of Spain’s oldest cities, built on a rock like a peninsula. After Christopher Columbus’s transatlantic crossing in 1492, the Spanish ships bringing back the treasures of the Americas chose Cadiz as their home port, and the city became one of the richest in Europe.
The belle of Cadiz
Its cobbled streets are very narrow and there are few parking spaces. The best thing to do is leave your van in a covered parking lot and explore the city on foot. The Cathedral is surprisingly well worth a visit, and the walk along the city walls is also very pleasant. To discover the city, it’s best to let yourself go and explore its narrow streets, to feel just how good it is to live here.
Next stage in your 7-day tour of Andalusia: departure for Puerto Santa Maria and the Playa Las Dunas campsite for a peaceful overnight stay.
Favourite: La Casa del Farero restaurant in Sancti Petri (delicious tapas and magnificent setting), La Caleta beach, Cadiz.
Day 6: Arcos de la Frontera / El Chorro
Arcos de la Frontera is a white village just 65 kilometers from Cadiz. Situated on the top of a cliff, the town enjoys a splendid view. Visit the Plaza del Cabildo and its viewpoint, as well as the 11th-century Castello de los Duques. Admire its marvellous churches and buy delicious cookies in the Convento de las Mercedarías.
Then it’s on to El Chorro to spend the night in this splendid natural park north of Malaga. It is also one of the most visited natural sites for photography enthusiasts. We give you 5 good reasons to visit El Chorro:
The Caminito del Rey
(famous via ferrata, breathtaking scenery, safe to do with the whole family), water activities, paragliding, climbing and local gastronomy to keep your strength up. So, convinced?
Via Ferrata: El Caminito de Rey
Day 7: Back to Malaga, capital of the Costa del Sol
Enjoy a stroll along the beaches of Puerto Santa Maria before the return trip to Malaga. Please note that it’s a 3-hour drive to Agence VanBreak.
What better way to round off your road trip than to discover the capital of the Costa Del Sol: Malaga. This booming city offers great cultural diversity.
Tapas and Flamenco
Malaga Mercado Central
For easy parking, opt for the “Muelle Uno” harbor parking lot for access to the city center – below the Musée Pompidou. A stroll along the marina, with its dense summer activity, reveals the city’s dynamic character. Cross the “Parque de Málaga” to reach the heart of the city via Calle Larios, admire the Plaza de la Constitución and pass through the very typical El Pimpi bar, admire the famous Roman Theatre. Then head to the “Terraza de la Alcazaba”, the city’s finest roof top, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Alcazaba citadel, cocktail in hand. The Alcazaba can be visited in about 1 hour for 2€, a mini Alhambra. You’ll have a superb view of the whole city from high above.
Malaga is also home to 2 cultural highlights: the Picasso Museum (the painter’s hometown) and the Pompidou Centre. For the last night of your camper van road trip, we recommend the beaches of Los Alamaos, at the entrance to Torremolinos (on the Málaga side). There are large parking lots where caravans and other converted vans regularly park.
Favourites In Malaga, drink a cocktail on the roof top of the La Terraza San Juan in the heart of the historic city center, discover a selection of craft beers brewed on site, accompanied by a cheese platter of the world at La Fabrica in the Soho district, stroll through the exotic park. El passeo del parque, enjoy grilled sardines (espetos) in the “chringuitos” (beach bars) of La Malagueta or in the Pedregalejo district.
Check Out, end of 7-day Andalusia tour
On your way to VanBreak, we recommend you fill up with fuel, water and oil changes at the station opposite our parking lot: Station Essence Hidrocarburos Alhaurín. You can clean your van in comfort.
Looking for a good deal for your next vacation in southern Spain? Rent a converted van or mini motorhome for an unforgettable road trip in Andalusia.
Planning a longer stay? Discover Seville’s Alcazar and its famous Spanish Steps, or Granada’s Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Sierra Nevada or the magnificent Cabo de Gata natural park… Discover our 15-day itinerary, to see even more Andalusian treasures.
Prefer to visit the Mediterranean coast? Don’t miss the wonders of eastern Andalusia! All our travel tips and the region’s must-sees in our
7-day Mediterranean Coast road trip
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