Andalucía is a special part of Spain — it has small hilltop towns, bustling cities, and some incredible scenery. I found it surprisingly easy to explore by using trains and buses there. Though road tripping would be a blissful way to see this part of Spain, sometimes it's nice to not have to worry about a car.

Whether you need a car in Andalucia in 2026 depends entirely on your itinerary. If you are only visiting the "Big Three" cities—Seville, Cordoba, and Granada—you definitely do not need a car. These cities are perfectly connected by the RENFE high-speed AVE trains (Seville to Cordoba takes only 45 minutes) and are highly walkable or served by excellent local buses. However, if your dream is to explore the famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) like Ronda, Grazalema, or Setenil de las Bodegas, or if you want to visit the remote beaches of Cabo de Gata, a car is essential. Public buses to these rural areas are infrequent and can turn a one-hour drive into a four-hour ordeal. In 2026, a popular "hybrid" strategy is to take the train between the major cities and rent a car for a 3-day loop through the mountains. Be aware that parking in historic city centers like Granada or Seville is notoriously difficult and expensive, so always book a hotel with a dedicated garage if you choose to drive.