Family-Friendly 12-Day Andalusia Road Trip: Malaga, Jerez de la Frontera & Nearby Gems

Day 1: Arrival and Malaga Intro

Malaga, Spain on June 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Start your trip with famous churros and chocolate, a local favorite spot open from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
EUR6, 1h

10:30am

Explore Malaga Cathedral

Visit the stunning Renaissance cathedral, known as La Manquita, open 10:00am-6:00pm. Don't miss the rooftop views.
EUR6, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at El Pimpi

Try traditional Andalusian tapas in this iconic Malaga restaurant located near the Roman theatre, open all day.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Picasso Museum Malaga

Explore Picasso’s artworks in his hometown museum, open 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Mondays.
EUR9, 2h

4:30pm

Walk along Malagueta Beach

Relax and enjoy the sea breeze along the city's most famous beach, open access all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Barra de Zapata

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere, open 7:00pm-midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Day Trip to Ronda and Setenil

Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Malaga

Grab pastries and coffee at Cafeteria La Canasta, opens at 7:30am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Ronda

A scenic 1h45m drive offering stunning mountain views.
EUR0, 1h45m

11:00am

Explore Puente Nuevo and Old Town Ronda

Walk across the famous bridge and visit the Plaza de Toros, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR9, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Secreto

Savor traditional dishes with panoramic views over the gorge.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Setenil de las Bodegas

A 20-minute drive to this unique village built into rock cliffs.
EUR0, 20m

3:00pm

Explore Setenil's Rock Houses

Walk through streets with homes built into caves, free public access.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return Drive to Malaga

Drive back to Malaga (approx 1h30m).
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Meson de Cervantes

Enjoy modern tapas with family-friendly options, open 7:00pm to midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mijas and Marbella

Mijas and Marbella, Spain on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de Estraperlo

Cozy cafe in Malaga serving fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Drive to Mijas Pueblo

40-minute drive to this beautiful whitewashed mountain village.
EUR0, 40m

10:15am

Explore Mijas Pueblo

Wander charming streets, visit the bullring and local artisan shops, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Mirlo Blanco

Enjoy local Andalusian cuisine with views over the coast.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drive to Marbella

A 30-minute drive to the famous coastal town known for its beaches and Old Town.
EUR0, 30m

2:45pm

Stroll Marbella Old Town and Paseo Maritimo

Visit Plaza de los Naranjos and walk along the seafront promenade, open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Malaga

Drive back to Malaga (approx 45 minutes).
EUR0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mercado Merced

Casual dining with diverse food stalls, ideal for families, open until 11:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nerja and Frigiliana

Nerja and Frigiliana, Spain on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafeteria Central in Malaga

Order fresh coffee and pastries before heading out, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 45m

8:45am

Drive to Nerja

1-hour scenic drive east along the coast to the charming town of Nerja.
EUR0, 1h

10:00am

Visit Nerja Caves

Explore stunning prehistoric caves with spectacular stalactites; open 9:30am-7:00pm.
EUR12, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Oliva

Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors, open midday till night.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll through Frigiliana

Short 15-minute drive to this picturesque white mountain village famous for its Moorish architecture.
EUR0, 2h

4:00pm

Return drive to Malaga

Approximately 1-hour drive back to Malaga.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna Uvedoble

Delicious tapas in a relaxed setting in Malaga, open 7:00pm - 11:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 5: Antequera and El Torcal

Antequera, Spain on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Prepare for a day of exploration with a solid breakfast before departure.
EUR7, 30m

8:00am

Drive to El Torcal Natural Park

Approximately 45 minutes from Malaga, known for stunning limestone rock formations and hiking trails.
Free, 45m

9:00am

El Torcal Hiking and Sightseeing

Enjoy hiking easy to moderate trails among unique karst landscapes; park open during daylight hours.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Drive to Antequera Town

Short 20-minute drive to Antequera for lunch and sightseeing.
EUR0, 20m

12:50pm

Lunch at Los Dólmenes

Traditional Andalusian cuisine near Antequera's main square, open noon to 4:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Antequera Alcazaba and Dolmens Museum

Tour historic fortress and prehistoric dolmens UNESCO sites, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR6, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Malaga

Drive back to Malaga (approx 45 minutes).
EUR0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Trillo Resturante

Enjoy a cozy dinner with local specialties in Malaga, open until 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Relax and Malaga Museums

Malaga, Spain on July 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Canasta

Casual and delicious breakfast with pastries and coffee, opens at 8:00am.
EUR7, 45m

10:00am

Visit Carmen Thyssen Museum

Explore Andalusian art housed in a 16th-century palace, open 10:00am-8:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Tapeo de Cervantes

Known for creative tapas and family-friendly atmosphere, open till 5pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Automobile and Fashion Museum

Unique museum combining vintage cars and historical fashion, open 10:00am-7:00pm.
EUR8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Siesta or Beach Time

Relax at hotel or head to Playa de la Malagueta for a restful afternoon.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Vino Mío

Family-friendly spot with Spanish and international dishes, often with live flamenco shows, open 7:00pm-11:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Drive to Jerez Route

Vejer de la Frontera and Jerez de la Frontera, Spain on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Malaga

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Pan y Mermelada, open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Vejer de la Frontera

Approx 2-hour drive west towards beautiful hilltop town Vejer, known for striking white houses.
EUR0, 2h

11:00am

Explore Vejer de la Frontera

Walk through cobblestone streets, visit Plaza de España and enjoy panoramic views, open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Jardin

A lovely garden restaurant in Vejer serving fresh local Andalusian cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Jerez de la Frontera

1-h drive to Jerez, home base for next three days.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Check into accommodation in Jerez

Settle in and relax before exploring.
Variable, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Jerez Cathedral and Alcazar

Explore historic cathedral and Moorish fortress in the city center, open till 7pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Carboná

Enjoy refined Andalusian cuisine with great sherry wine pairings, open evenings.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Jerez Family Day

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain on July 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Royalty

Traditional cafe with great coffee and pastries, open 8:30am to 3pm.
EUR6, 45m

10:00am

Visit Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

Watch horse training and rehearsals, book in advance; open tours usually 10:00am-1:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mesón del Asador

Famous for grilled meats and local specialties, open 1pm to 11pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:30pm

Sherry Bodega Tour (e.g. González Byass Tio Pepe)

Guided family-friendly tour learning about sherry production, must book in advance, open 11am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Alcazar Gardens

Enjoy the peaceful gardens and fountains of this historical fortress, open till 8pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tabanco El Pasaje

Enjoy authentic tapas and flamenco in a traditional setting, open evenings.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Cádiz

Cádiz, Spain on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start early to make the most of Cádiz, with coffee and breakfast options nearby.
EUR6, 30m

9:00am

Drive or train to Cádiz

30-45 minutes travel from Jerez to the historic coastal city of Cádiz.
EUR5-15, 45m

10:00am

Explore Cádiz Old Town

Visit Plaza de San Juan de Dios, Cádiz Cathedral, and Torre Tavira (opens at 10am).
EUR10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at El Faro de Cádiz

Highly recommended seafood restaurant in Cádiz, open for lunch 1-4pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

La Caleta Beach Relaxation

Spend afternoon sunbathing or swimming on this famous city beach, free access all day.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Jerez

Head back to Jerez to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
EUR5-15, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Juanito

Enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine near the city center of Jerez, open evenings.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Flamenco and More Jerez

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Dulcería Casa Romero

Traditional pastries and excellent coffee, opens from 8:30am.
EUR6, 45m

10:00am

Visit Museo del Flamenco

Learn about flamenco’s rich history in this intimate museum, open 10am to 2pm, closed Mon-Tue.
EUR5, 1h30m

11:45am

Jerez Market Visit

Explore Mercado Central de Abastos for fresh local products and souvenirs, open 8am-2:30pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Cruz Blanca

A great spot for traditional tapas extended with modern twists, open all day.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Siesta or Pool Time

Rest at accommodation or enjoy hotel pool for family refreshment.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Flamenco Show at Tabanco La Bodega

Experience an authentic live flamenco performance; booking recommended, shows start around 8pm.
EUR20, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at the venue or nearby

Enjoy light dinner options during or after the show in local eateries near the venue.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 11: Return to Malaga

Jerez de la Frontera to Malaga, Spain on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast before the drive back to Malaga.
EUR6, 30m

9:00am

Drive back to Malaga

Approximately 2h drive, allowing stops en route if desired.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and relax in Malaga

Settle back into your accommodation and enjoy some downtime.
Variable, 2h

2:00pm

Visit CAC Malaga Contemporary Art Center

Explore avant-garde art exhibitions in a modern museum, open 11am-8pm.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Soho District Street Art

Walk the colorful streets with impressive urban art murals, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante Klein

Sophisticated dining with a family-friendly atmosphere featuring Mediterranean cuisine, open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Malaga, Spain on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before departure, depending on flight time.
EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Head to Malaga Airport

Allow at least 2 hours before international flight.
EUR0, 30m-1h
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