For this Trip, I flew from the US East Coast to Madrid. I took a train to Sevilla where I stayed 3 days before renting a car that I will later return to Malaga, before I departure back to Madrid via Train, stay there for a day+ and fly back to the US East Coast.
I rented a car in Sevilla with Enterprise company. The car and service were excellent, and you can return it to Malaga without any problems.
I used WAZE app to help my road-trip navigation and never had an issue, it even alerted me when there were speed cameras and stopped vehicles on the road.
I also used Google Maps a lot to get walking directions from one place to another. It was convenient if you are not used to which street to take. Just make sure you always carry a phone charger with you.
In general, Spain is super safe to walk around. Cordoba is known for pickpockets, so just be aware and be smart.
Out of all these places, I was mostly impressed with how clean and cute Nerja and the Frigiliana towns were. Olvera Castle and the town were awesome, the Caminito del Rey and Nerja cave were amazing too.
Of course, Sevilla and Malaga are amazing cities, I would say it was ideal to visit Sevilla in April (May is fine too) but after that it gets very hot, so you might want to avoid it if you are flying later. Whereas Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and the whole Costa del Sol area are amazing, and I would certainly be back for more!
These 9 days were amazing, I couldn't have asked for better weather and experience. If you copy this guide, you will have a great time too!
One last thing- I always wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking 16k steps in average/day, so be aware and stay hydrated. You will be fine!
Cheers, Ana
IG Account: @shevisitsplaces (Follow me on Instagram to see reels and photos of all these places, so you have a better feeling for each before you go!