1️⃣ Malaga
All the excitement is found in the charming town of Benalmadena to the west, where you can embark on a dolphin-watching adventure, ascend to a breathtaking mountain viewpoint, and explore the stunning Castillo de Colomares, a monument dedicated to the discovery of the Americas.
From Malaga train station, hop on bus M110 to reach this delightful destination. Be sure to have small denomination Euros or a bus card ready, as cards are not accepted. For a convenient return trip, Uber is an affordable option at just 24 Euros from the castle back to the train station. Given the limited bus service on the mountain, it’s often more practical to take a taxi.
If you’re planning a visit to Ronda during peak season, it’s wise to purchase Damas bus tickets well in advance, as early morning tickets tend to sell out quickly. Avoid the Sierra-operated buses, which follow a winding mountain route with numerous stops, making the journey a full hour longer than the Damas service…
2️⃣ Ronda
In the evening, head to the Catalonia Ronda hotel, where you can savor a refreshing drink for just 3 Euros while enjoying a spectacular sunset. Around 7:45 PM, join the queue at El Lechuguita restaurant to secure a spot for the first seating, and indulge in some delicious tapas at a mere 1.4 Euros per plate.
To travel to Granada by train, a transfer is required. The first leg may involve a bus, but the service is highly punctual, and you’ll board right at the train station entrance.
3️⃣ Granada
Near the Alhambra, you can find charming tile fridge magnets for an average price of 2 Euros, a bargain compared to those in Seville…
4️⃣ Seville
On Sundays, the Cathedral offers free entry after 4 PM, with tickets available one month in advance. On Mondays, both the Seville Royal Palace and the Queen’s Palace provide free admission after 4 PM. The Royal Palace can be booked up to three months in advance at no cost, while the Queen’s Palace requires a 1 Euro booking fee and can be reserved two months ahead.
It’s been confirmed that you can enter the Royal Palace 20 minutes early and complete your visit to both attractions in just over two hours.
The Casa de Pilatos also offers free entry on Mondays, but online bookings are not available. Starting at 3 PM, 100 visitors are admitted every hour, leading to long queues. It’s often more convenient to simply purchase a ticket.
The Letoh Hotel is a fantastic choice, located on a bustling commercial street, just a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral. With its modern and clean decor, luggage storage, and a surprisingly low rate of 500 for a night, it’s a great value.
For memorable photo opportunities, consider buying Spanish lacquer fans (around 10 RMB each) and orange woven bags (over 20 RMB each) on Taobao. These items would cost approximately 8 times more if purchased locally 😅
