A Coastal Road Trip Through Southern Spain

Seville → Valencia

From the Atlantic shores of Cádiz to the Mediterranean glow of Valencia — 8 stops, 7 days, 1 unforgettable journey along Spain's most storied coastline.

~1,070km
Total Distance
~12h
Drive Time
8
Stops
7
Recommended Days

The Route

Eight stops along the Costa de la Luz and Costa Blanca → Costa del Azahar
🔗 Interactive Google Maps — route with driving directions, zoom and pan

Costa de la Luz (Seville, Cádiz)
Costa del Sol (Málaga, Nerja)
Costa Blanca (Alicante, Altea, Calpe)
Costa del Azahar (Valencia)

Stop by Stop

Detailed itinerary with attractions, restaurants & driving info

📍
1
Starting Point
Seville (Sevilla)
Departure — Andalusia's Fiery Capital
Spain's most romantic city — Moorish palaces, flamenco in Triana, and tapas bars that don't open till midnight. The starting point of your coastal adventure.
Must-See Before You Leave
🏛️ Attractions
Real Alcázar & Cathedral
Moorish-Renaissance royal palace and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Barrio de Triana
Cross the Guadalquivir to Seville's flamenco soul — ceramic studios, riverside tapas, late-night bars.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
Ático Sevilla
Rooftop terrace bar with 360º views of the Cathedral, Giralda, and Guadalquivir River. Craft cocktails, sunset vibes, right in the city center atop Hotel Lobby.
aticosevilla.com ↗ Ático Sevilla 📍 Maps
📍
2
1 Day
Cádiz
Europe's Oldest City · Atlantic Peninsula
🚗 126 km from Seville
⏱️ 1h 26m drive
📍 Cumulative: 126 km
A silver city on a narrow peninsula, washed by the Atlantic on three sides. Phoenician roots, Moorish walls, and the best fried fish in Andalusia. La Caleta beach is a postcard.
Explore Cádiz
🏛️ Attractions
Torre Tavira & Old Town
Climb Cádiz's tallest watchtower for a camera obscura view, then wander the whitewashed barrios.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
La Caleta Beach
The iconic urban beach flanked by castles — featured in Bond film "Die Another Day."
andalucia365.com ↗ Andalucía 365 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
Restaurante El Faro
Legendary Cádiz institution — tortillitas de camarones, fresh fried fish, sherry pairing.
cosasdecome.es ↗ Cosasdecome 📍 Maps
Mare (Michelin Guide)
Modern Andalusian cuisine on Plaza de la Candelaria — elevated local seafood.
guide.michelin.com ↗ Michelin Guide 📍 Maps
📍
3
2 Days
Málaga
Birthplace of Picasso · Costa del Sol's Cultural Capital
🚗 223 km from Cádiz
⏱️ 2h 30m drive
📍 Cumulative: 349 km
Far more than an airport gateway — Málaga is a city of Moorish fortresses, a world-class Picasso museum, a stunning cathedral, and a booming food scene. The Soho district has become Europe's street art hotspot.
Explore Málaga
🏛️ Attractions
Museo Picasso Málaga
"This unmissable museum in the city of Picasso's birth" — Lonely Planet's Top Choice.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Alcazaba & Roman Theatre
Moorish hilltop fortress with lush gardens — "a taster of Granada's Alhambra" (Lonely Planet).
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Málaga Travel Guide
Full Lonely Planet guide — cathedral, Soho district, tapas bars, beach clubs.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
9 Best Things to Do in Málaga
Lonely Planet editor picks: from Mercado Atarazanas to Pedregalejo beach.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
🏨 Hotels
Charming Duplex in the Heart of Málaga (Marriott Homes & Villas)
46 m² one-bedroom duplex apartment in the city center, 5 min walk from the Alcazaba and Malaga Cathedral. Fully-equipped kitchen, AC, Wi-Fi. Sleeps up to 3 guests.
homes-and-villas.marriott.com ↗ Marriott Homes & Villas 📍 Maps
Victoria XXIV (Marriott Homes & Villas)
1-bedroom apartment on Calle Victoria in La Victoria neighbourhood, at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro. 6th floor, open-plan living with queen bed, full kitchen, elevator. 15-min walk to the historic centre and Calle Larios. A/C, Wi-Fi, parking, pets allowed.
homes-and-villas.marriott.com ↗ Marriott Homes & Villas 📍 Maps
📍
4
1 Day
Nerja
Balcón de Europa · Caves & Hidden Coves
🚗 55 km from Málaga
⏱️ 50 min drive
📍 Cumulative: 404 km
The eastern edge of Costa del Sol — rugged cliffs, crystalline coves, and a spectacular cave system with the world's largest stalagmite. The Balcón de Europa promenade juts over the Mediterranean with panoramic views.
Explore Nerja
🏛️ Attractions
Cuevas de Nerja
Spectacular cave system — "one of the most spectacular caves in Spain." Huge galleries, ancient paintings.
cuevadenerja.es ↗ Cueva de Nerja 📍 Maps
Balcón de Europa
Iconic clifftop mirador — "I lean over the railings, let the Mediterranean breeze hit my face" (TravelCousin).
tripadvisor.co.uk ↗ Tripadvisor 📍 Maps
🏖️ Beaches
Playa de Burriana
Nerja's premier beach — "crystal clear waters and fine golden sand" (Visit Costa del Sol). Chiringuitos & kayaks.
visitcostadelsol.com ↗ Visit Costa del Sol 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
El Lagar Restaurant
4.7★ on Sluurpy — presa ibérica, revuelto, pan con alioli. Plaza Balcon de Europa location.
sluurpy.com ↗ Sluurpy/Tripadvisor 📍 Maps
📍
5
1-2 Days
Alicante
Castillo de Santa Bárbara · Costa Blanca Gateway
🚗 350 km from Nerja
⏱️ 3h 30m drive
📍 Cumulative: 754 km
The longest drive leg follows the ancient Roman Via Augusta. Alicante is "a dynamic, attractive Spanish city with a castle, old quarter and long seafront" (Lonely Planet). The Castillo de Santa Bárbara crowns Mount Benacantil with sweeping views.
Explore Alicante
🏛️ Attractions
Castillo de Santa Bárbara
16th-century castle atop Mount Benacantil — "sweeping views over the city from the ramparts" (Lonely Planet).
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Alicante Old Town (El Barrio)
Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, tapas bars, and the Santa María basilica.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Palmeral of Elche (UNESCO)
"UNESCO World Heritage Site: vast date palm plantation with over 200,000 trees" — 15 min from Alicante.
blog.wayro.ai ↗ Wayro Blog 📍 Maps
📍
6
1 Day
Altea
White Town · Blue-Domed Church · Costa Blanca Jewel
🚗 50 km from Alicante
⏱️ 45 min drive
📍 Cumulative: 804 km
"One of the most beautiful coastal villages on the Costa Blanca, known for its whitewashed old town, blue-domed church" (Elle Blonde). Climb the cobbled streets to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo for panoramic sea views.
Explore Altea
🏛️ Attractions
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Whitewashed houses, craft shops, blue-domed church — "Mediterranean charm in its purest form."
costablanca.digital ↗ Costa Blanca Digital 📍 Maps
🏖️ Beaches
La Olla Beach & Cap Blanc Cove
Dog-friendly beach and crystal-clear cove between the marina and Playa del Albir.
comunitatvalenciana.com ↗ Comunitat Valenciana 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
La Naya by El Xato (Michelin Guide)
Michelin-listed restaurant in Altea — creative Mediterranean cuisine by the sea.
guide.michelin.com ↗ Michelin Guide 📍 Maps
Olla Beach Restaurant
"Mediterranean cuisine, cocktails, and live music" — right on the beach in Altea.
ollabeach.es ↗ Olla Beach 📍 Maps
📍
7
1 Day
Calpe (Calp)
Peñón de Ifach · 332m Limestone Icon
🚗 12 km from Altea
⏱️ 15 min drive
📍 Cumulative: 816 km
"One of the most photogenic destinations on the Costa Blanca — famous for the giant Peñón de Ifach" (SpainRoam). A 332m limestone rock connected by an isthmus, natural park, hiking trails, and bird colonies. Every beach has a view of the rock.
Explore Calpe
🏛️ Attractions
Peñón de Ifach Natural Park
"A symbol of the Costa Blanca — 50,000 m² limestone rock rising 332m above the sea." Hike the isthmus trail.
calpe.es ↗ Calpe Tourism 📍 Maps
Calpe Beaches Guide
"Many long, sandy beaches make up Calpe, and every beach has a unique and stunning view of the mighty Peñón."
explorecostablanca.com ↗ Explore Costa Blanca 📍 Maps
Calpe Travel Guide 2026
Complete guide — old town, gastronomy, Ifach hike, summer fiestas.
spainroam.com ↗ SpainRoam 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
Restaurante Atenea (Beachfront)
"A culinary gem nestled along the beach" — Mediterranean dining with sea views in Calpe.
grubbio.com ↗ Restaurante Atenea 📍 Maps
📍
8
2 Days
Valencia
Final Destination · City of Arts, Beaches & Paella
🚗 100 km from Calpe
⏱️ 1h 15m drive
📍 Cumulative: 916 km
"Spain's third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city" (Lonely Planet). Birthplace of paella, home of the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and miles of urban beaches.
Explore Valencia
🏘️ Neighbourhoods
Ruzafa (Russafa)
Valencia's trendy Soho — multicultural, eclectic, full of energy. Art galleries, independent shops, Mercat de Russafa, charming terraces and the city's best restaurant scene.
visitvalencia.com ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
Valencia's historic core — 2,100 years of history in 1.5 km². Cathedral, Lonja de la Seda (UNESCO), Central Market, and the labyrinth of El Carmen barrios.
visitvalencia.org ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
El Carmen (Nightlife)
Valencia's bohemian nightlife heart — medieval streets, urban art, ceramic-tile bars and tapas-and-flamenco quarters. The oldest, most diverse, cosmopolitan nightlife area in the city.
visitvalencia.com ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
Benimaclet (Cool Music Bars)
Valencia's alternative student quarter — cheap pints, live music venues and vinyl bars. Home to El Pulso Pub, La Gramola and a laid-back bohemian scene away from the tourist trail.
thesketchytraveller.com ↗ The Sketchy Traveller 📍 Maps
🌳 Parks & Green Spaces
Jardín del Túria
Valencia's green lung — 9 km of parkland in the former Turia riverbed. 136 hectares of gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities and cultural venues stretching through the heart of the city.
visitvalencia.com ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
Jardines de Monforte
One of Valencia's most romantic gardens — neoclassical design dating to 1860, hidden behind a wall north of the Turia Garden. Sculpted hedges, fountains and a serene escape from the city.
visitvalencia.com ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
Jardín Botánico
University of Valencia's botanical garden, founded in 1567 — one of Europe's oldest. Tropical greenhouses, medicinal plants and a tranquil shady retreat near the Quart Towers.
jardibotanic.org ↗ Universitat de València 📍 Maps
Jardines del Real (Viveros)
Valencia's oldest and largest park — royal gardens dating back centuries. Fountains, sculptures, butterfly house and the city's most popular green escape, just north of the Turia riverbed.
comunitatvalenciana.com ↗ Comunitat Valenciana 📍 Maps
🏛️ Attractions
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Lonely Planet Top Choice — Santiago Calatrava's architectural masterpiece. Oceanogràfic, planetarium, science museum.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
🏖️ Beaches
Playa de la Malvarrosa & Arenas
"Stretching north from the marina, the beginning of Valencia's long beach" (Lonely Planet). Promenade, joggers, paella restaurants.
lonelyplanet.com ↗ Lonely Planet 📍 Maps
Cabanyal Beach
"Immortalized by Joaquín Sorolla" — Valencia's most authentic urban beach. Explore the old fishing district.
visitvalencia.com ↗ Visit Valencia 📍 Maps
🍽️ Restaurants & Markets
La Pepica (Since 1898)
"The Picassos of paella are the cooks in La Pepica's sprawling kitchens" (Frommer's). Beachfront paella since 1898.
lapepica.com ↗ La Pepica 📍 Maps
La Pérgola
Historic family-run kiosk bar on Paseo de la Alameda. Tapas, sandwiches and Mediterranean classics near the old riverbed gardens. 4.2★ on Sluurpy.
sluurpy.com ↗ Sluurpy/Tripadvisor 📍 Maps
☕ Cafes & Breakfast
TALLAT Coffee Roasters
Specialty coffee roaster and café in El Cabanyal. Small-batch roasting, direct producer relationships, minimalist space. Built on passion, powered by community.
tallat.coffee ↗ TALLAT 📍 Maps
BOSCON Coffee Roasters
Specialty coffee roaster and brunch spot in El Pla del Real. Single-origin beans from Latin America and Africa, roasted in-house. Gluten-free friendly.
bosconcoffee.com ↗ BOSCON 📍 Maps
Top Notch Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee bar in Ciutat Vella. C/ de Martín Mengod 10 — tucked in the old town's quiet streets with a focus on quality beans and a cozy, minimalist vibe.
instagram.com ↗ Instagram 📍 Maps
Café Colomer
Specialty coffee roaster and café near UPV. They roast their own beans, serve a full food menu, and double as an art gallery. Plaça de Fra Lluís Colomer 7, Algirós.
cafecolomer.com ↗ Café Colomer 📍 Maps
Blackbird Café
Specialty coffee bar in L'Eixample, just off Ruzafa. 4.4★ — popular with locals for quality espresso, brunch and a relaxed atmosphere. Carrer de la Reina Na Maria 7.
europeancoffeetrip.com ↗ European Coffee Trip 📍 Maps
Bluebell Coffee Roasters
Women-led specialty coffee roastery and café run by sisters Yolanda and Marian Valero. Roast their own beans, serve brunch and pastries. Carrer de Buenos Aires 3, L'Eixample.
bluebellcoffeeco.com ↗ Bluebell Coffee Co 📍 Maps
🏨 Hotels
AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott
4-star hotel near the City of Arts and Sciences. Modern rooms, rooftop pool, fitness center, AC Lounge bar. Avenida de Francia 67, 46023 Valencia.
marriott.com ↗ Marriott 📍 Maps
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Splendini Bar i Discos
Tapas, craft beers & vintage vinyl records. Jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop and Latin grooves — DJ sessions and live events near Estación del Norte.
instagram.com ↗ Instagram 📍 Maps
HIFI Valencia
Valencia's first audiophile club — hi-end Admire Audio speakers, Technics SL-1200 turntables, rotary mixer. Vinyl-led DJ sets, live acts, cocktails and craft beer in the barrio de Jesús.
hifivalencia.com ↗ HIFI Valencia 📍 Maps

Trip Summary

All stops at a glance — distances, times, and recommended stays

# Stop From Previous Cumulative Drive Time Recommended Stay Highlights
1 Seville 0 km 2 days (pre-trip) Alcázar, Cathedral, Triana
2 Cádiz 126 km 126 km 1h 26m 1 day La Caleta, Torre Tavira, El Faro
3 Málaga 223 km 349 km 2h 30m 2 days Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, Soho
4 Nerja 55 km 404 km 50 min 1 day Caves, Balcón de Europa, Burriana
5 Alicante 350 km 754 km 3h 30m 1–2 days Castillo Santa Bárbara, Old Town, Elche palms
6 Altea 50 km 804 km 45 min 1 day White old town, blue dome, La Olla beach
7 Calpe 12 km 816 km 15 min 1 day Peñón de Ifach, beaches, Atenea
8 Valencia 100 km 916 km 1h 15m 2 days City of Arts, Malvarrosa, La Pepica paella
TOTAL ~916 km ~11h driving 7–9 days 8 stops · 4 coastal regions

All References

Sources cited throughout this itinerary

[4] Mare — Cádiz (Michelin Guide)— Michelin Guide
[6] A guide to Málaga, Spain— Lonely Planet
[7] Museo Picasso Málaga— Lonely Planet
[8] Alcazaba, Málaga— Lonely Planet
[10] Cueva de Nerja — Official Site— Cueva de Nerja
[11] Balcón de Europa — Reviews— Tripadvisor
[12] Playa de Burriana, Nerja— Visit Costa del Sol
[13] El Lagar Restaurant, Nerja— Sluurpy/Tripadvisor
[17] Alicante Travel Guide— Lonely Planet
[18] Old Town Altea Guide 2026— Costa Blanca Digital
[19] La Olla Beach, Altea— Comunitat Valenciana
[21] Olla Beach Restaurant, Altea— Olla Beach
[22] Peñón de Ifach, Calpe— Calpe Tourism
[23] Calpe Beaches: A Complete Guide— Explore Costa Blanca
[24] Calpe Travel Guide 2026— SpainRoam
[26] Valencia Travel Guide— Lonely Planet
[28] Playa de las Arenas, Valencia— Lonely Planet
[29] La Pepica — Since 1898— La Pepica
[30] Cabanyal Beach, Valencia— Visit Valencia
[32] Seville Travel Guide— Lonely Planet