Hola, I'm looking for travel advice as a solo traveler and first-time visitor to Andalucia in December. I will visit Sevilla (Dec 19-23), Cordoba (Dec 23-26) and Granada (Dec 26-Jan 2). I'm American living in Paris. I have so many questions...

1. Booked Alcazar gardens already but tickets to mezquita (Cordoba) and Alhambra (Granada) are not available (not sold yet, it sold out). Will more tickets be released in the coming weeks?

2. Would you recommend the food and activity tours on GetYourGuide for each of these cities? Because they look overpriced and very touristy to me.

3. Where does one go to see fireworks or make fun plans for New Year's Eve while in Granada? I'll be there Dec 26 to Jan 2.

4. Is there anybody local in any of these cities (Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada) who speaks English or French and would like to show a perfect stranger around in your city? I am looking for local perspective. Something that I won't get from a travel guide company. In return, I'll be getting to buy you a drink!

Please let me know your advice for a great trip while I am visiting there. Gracias.

Hi everyone!

I'm doing my first solo/friends road trip across Andalusia from December 2nd to 11th (with the option to extend until the 12th/13th if it's worth it). I've been dreaming of this trip for a long time and love driving, exploring detour routes, and soaking in local vibes.

Above all, I'm looking for recommendations on authentic tapas bars, local bodegas, and great spots for a drink that aren't pure tourist traps.

Here is my tentative draft:

• Dec 02: Pick up car in Seville early morning ➔ drive to Jerez for a sherry bodega tasting/lunch ➔ head to Cádiz for the afternoon and overnight.
• Dec 03: Scenic drive through the Pueblos Blancos (e.g., Arcos, Zahara de la Sierra) ➔ overnight in Grazalema. (Is Grazalema lively enough for dinner in early December, or will it be completely dead? Would Zahara or another village make for a better overnight base?)
• Dec 04: Caminito del Rey early/mid-day ➔ drive to Ronda to explore and sleep there.
• Dec 05: Drive to Málaga – coastal vibe, food markets, and overnight. A couple of friends will join me here.
• Dec 06: After lunch, head to Granada for the evening.
• Dec 07: Full day in Granada (Alhambra, Albayzín, Arab baths).
• Dec 08: Friends leave. Need advice here: Should I push east toward the Tabernas Desert / Cabo de Gata for something unique and off-road, or head straight to Córdoba?
• Dec 09: Explore Córdoba (Mezquita, Judería) ➔ late afternoon drive to Seville, drop off the rental car.
• Dec 10 & 11: Full days exploring Seville.
• Dec 12 (or 13): Open end. Can fly out or extend an extra day or two.

A few specific questions for you:

1. Food & Drink: Any must-visit tabernas, freidurías, or hidden tapas spots along this route? (Especially in Cádiz, Granada where free tapas rule, and roadside stops).
2. Logistics check (Dec 04): Does doing Caminito del Rey between Grazalema and Ronda make sense driving-wise, or should I reorder to avoid zigzagging?
3. Alhambra tickets: Nasrid Palaces tickets are sold out on the official site for Dec 6–7. Any reliable workarounds (Granada Card / Dobla de Oro / guided tours)? If I can't snag a ticket, is it worth adding an extra day in Granada on Dec 8 just for the Alhambra?
4. Dec 08 fork: Is the Tabernas Desert detour worth the driving hours in winter, or should I allocate that extra time to Córdoba/Seville instead?
5. Pacing: Since I have flexibility until Dec 13, where would you add the extra day?

Any insight, brutal honesty on drive times, or secret scenic detours are hugely appreciated. Muchas gracias!