Madrid is a great base when your aim is to explore the South of Spain. After spending a few days in the capital, start your 3.5 hours drive to Cordoba where you can spend the night and the following morning exploring the city. Highlights to see:

• Puente Romano bridge: Watch the sunset over the Guadalquivir River, then enjoy a walk in the city before dinner in Ermita de la Candelaria.
• A visit to the Mezquita/Catedral: A stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.
• Palacio Viana: Beautiful 18th century gardens.
• Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos: A beautiful place with lots of greenery and impressive towers. The kids will love the maze like gardens.

Restaurants

🍴Ermita de la Candelaria (local)

🍴Bodegas Mezquita Ribera (tapas next to the river) 

🍴Argus (Mediterranean) 

Hotel tip in Cordoba: H10 Palacio Colomera, historical building at the heart of the city centre.

Journey to Seville for lunch at Restaurante San Fernando (beautiful courtyard setting) and spend the afternoon at a rooftop for drinks. Highlights to see:

• Climb La Geralda Tower: Its relatively easy, and the kids will enjoy it. From the top, you will have a panoramic view of the city.
• Visit the Alcazar: Arrive early to avoid crowds, family guided tours are available.
• Horse Carriage Ride: A unique was to explore to city while keeping the kids entertained.
• Guadalquivir River Boat Cruise: Not a must unless you have a little one who is a boat enthusiast.
• Flamenco show: A must see in Seville!

Restaurants

🍴Restaurante San Fernando (beautiful courtyard setting)

🍴Milonga´s (steak lovers)

🍴La Cochera Del Abuelo (18th century carriage house-local cuisine)

🍴Canabota (Seafood lovers, One Star Michelin)

🍴Abades Triana (river views)

🍴Espacio Eslava (quick tapas)

Hotel tip in Seville: Hotel Colon Gran Melia. Beautiful hotel with big family rooms- 10 min walk from major attractions.

Next stop is Cadiz, a hidden gem amongst the locals. Its a historic coastal city known for its golden beaches and vibrant atmosphere. The area is also known for its fresh sea food (calamars are to die for!), and it is a famous surf hub. Highlights to see and do:

• Playa La Barossa: Spend the day and take up surf lessons. Keep in mind it is the Atlantic, and the water temperature can be cold. Stop by Serena Beach Club for amazingly fresh seafood and live music.
• Old Town Cadiz: Head there for an early dinner after a day at the beach.
• Whale Watching in Tarifa: Highly recommend Marina Blue, as they take a very small group on a comfortable motor boat. The crew is professional and super insightful. Opt for the Killer Whale experience, you will not be disappointed! Afterwards, go to Bibo Beach house for a late lunch, where you will eat great and unwind after a long day at sea.
• Day Trip to Gibraltar: All the main attractions are on the Rock of Gibraltar: Ride the funicular to the top, check out the botanical gardens, take a selfie with the monkeys, step inside St Michael´s cave and visit the Moorish castle.
• Zahara De Los Atunes: Spend the day at the beach in this charming fishing village, known to have one the best sunsets in the world.
• Vejer De La Frontera: Enjoy stunning sunset views from the bars around the castle then head to dinner at El Jardin Del Califa.

Restaurants

🍴Bibo Beach House by Dani Garcia (trendy in Tarifa)

🍴Jardin Del Califa (Jerez de la Frontera)

🍴Serena Beach Club (chiringuito with live music in La Barrosa)

🍴La Candela (Andalucian in Cadiz center)

🍴Restaurante Cataria (seafood in Sancti Petri)

Hotel tip in Cadiz: Iberostar Selection Andalucia Playa. It in on the best beach of the area (La Barrosa), and you can take the kids to the sister hotel right next door to make use of the kids club facilities and kids pool.

Next and final stop, Marbella. Highlights to see:

• El Chiringuito Puente Romano: A must when in Marbella! The food is great with a super cute kids menu and the atmosphere is equally enjoyable!
• Puerto Banus Beach: Here you will find a lot of water sports and activities.
• Marbella Old Town: Walk around and have dinner in the Plaza De Los Naranjos.
• Marbella Buggys: Book a buggy with Mabella Buggys for a fun adventure day- kids of any age can ride as co-pilots.
• Trocadero Playa: A chilled restaurant by the beach. One of our favorite things to do in Marbella with kids.
• Aventura Amazonia: If you are adventurous and love nature, this plan if for you!

Restaurants

🍴Chiringuito Puente Romano (not to miss!)

🍴Trocadero Playa (beachfront restaurant in Nagueles)

🍴Boho Club restaurant (lunch in beautiful gardens)

🍴Besaya Beach (beachfront with live music)

🍴Leña (steak lovers)

🍴Soul Marbella (international & brunch)

🍴Roostiq (farm to table restaurant)

🍴Tragabuches by Dani Garcia (Andalucian)

Hotel tip in Marbella: Hotel Don Pepe, Gran Melia. Centrally located hotel and right by the beach. The kids club is just fantastic!