Wondering if you need a car to discover Andalucia? Here's how you can explore Andalucia without the hassle of driving! Discover how to see southern Spain using easy and affordable public transportation options.
By Liza S. | Updated 30 Sep 2024 | Andalucia | Places To Go |
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Do you drive when you travel?
I get a lot of surprised looks when I tell people that I don’t even have a licence! I grew up in Singapore where we have a fantastic network of trains and buses so a licence just isn’t a necessity. Plus cars are crazy expensive here.
So it’s no surprise that when I travel, it’s usually car-free.
The awesome news; I've discovered that exploring Andalucía by train, bus and on foot isn’t just possible—it’s a delight!
Today, I’m sharing with you the joys and ease of experiencing Andalucía’s charm without a car, offering you a greener, more relaxed way to see this stunning region.
Walking tour of Seville
Honestly, walking is the best! There’s nothing like discovering the hidden nooks of Seville or the enchanting alleys of Granada with the freedom of your own two feet. Each step through these historic streets reveals centuries-old secrets and unexpected delights—from street-side flamenco performances to charming bodegas.
Walking the cities and towns in Andalucia also lets you absorb their pulse and beauty at the perfect pace.
I love a good walking tour and I basically take one everywhere I go. I usually use Guruwalk to find a tour that fits my interests and schedule. I find that I always learn something new or interesting on one of these tours!
If you’re visiting Granada, check out our self-guided walking tour that will take you around the lovely Albaicin neighbourhood.
Love the outdoors and want to be in nature? Beyond its cities and towns, Andalucia has lots to offer in terms of natural beauty and attractions. Head out and discover these walking routes in Andalucia.
Bike sharing in Seville
Want to cover more ground? Then bikes are the way to go. You can easily find bike-sharing services in cities like Seville and Malaga, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
For the more adventurous, cycling in Andalucía offers a fresh perspective of its diverse landscapes.
One amazing route to check out is the Via Verde de la Sierra, where the absence of cars makes for a peaceful ride through stunning valleys and olive groves. The gentle clinks of goat bells and the sweeping views make each pedal worth the effort!
Check out our favourite cycling routes in Andalucia here
ALSA runs numerous bus routes around Andalucia and beyond
Without a car, I’ve found trains and buses to be invaluable for exploring wider Andalucía.
Day trips to Cordoba or the white villages like Nerja are hassle-free when you hop on a train or bus, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic routes that crisscross this picturesque region.
Personally, I love travelling by train in Andalucia! It's an easy, comfortable, and reliable way to get around. Buses are great for venturing out to smaller towns and villages that aren’t served by the trains - and they’re typically very affordable.
In my experience, the best bases for day trips by public transportation are Seville and Malaga.
Read my car-free day trip recommendations here:
The bus and train networks in Andalucia are quite extensive but travelling car-free does require doing some legwork in advance to figure out the best routes.
To do my trip research, I like using a platform like Omio which aggregates your options in one place. It’s an easy way to compare travel times, routes, schedules, and prices.
Check it out below by putting in a desired journey and see how it works.
A Caminito del Rey tour is one of the best in Andalucia
While public transportation in Andalucia is fantastic, there are some places that buses and trains don’t reach. That’s when I find guided tours invaluable.
These tours can take you off the beaten path—like a guided hike in the Sierra Nevada or a tour of the white villages —without the worry of navigating roads or traffic.
They’re also great for visiting places that are harder to get to - you can just sit back and enjoy the day instead of worrying about how to get there.
Guided tours sometimes get a bad rep, but with the right tour company, you can have a wonderful experience. You just have to do some legwork to find the right tour for you.
To save yourself some time and research, check out my recommendations for the best day tours in Andalucia in our Viator Shop!
You can also check out of my guided tour experiences and recommendations: Caminito del Rey Tour from Malaga
As you can see, there are plenty of car-free ways to travel that not only allow you to explore Andalucia’s beauty more intimately but also help in preserving the environment.
Exploring Andalucía without a car has not only been a practical choice for me but also a rewarding one. The slower pace of travel allows for a deeper connection to the places I visit and the people I meet along the way.
I hope this encourages you to embrace the adventure of car-free travel in Andalucia!
Need more advice and tips for planning your car-free Andalucia adventures? Hop into our Visit Andalucia Facebook group with your questions!
Need travel inspiration? Get your FREE copy of the 'Ultimate Andalucia Bucket List' which features 13 incredible places and experiences to add to your Spain bucket list.
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Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are my favourite travel resources.
I usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!
To research transportation options around Spain, I like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place. To search train routes, schedules, and prices, I recommend using Trainline.
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)
Looking for tours & activities in Andalucia? I usually use Get Your Guide to get tickets and book tours. Viator also has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. Our Viator Shop has my top recommendations, all in one place!
Guruwalk is my favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.
For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.
For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is my favourite borderless banking service. I love their debit card that's without fees and always use it when I travel.
Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. I personally use SafetyWing and you can get a no-obligation quote from SafetyWing here.
For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!
© Visit-Andalucia 2015 - 2024
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