What is your favorite place in Spain?

You are right that Barcelona is not like the rest of Spain. It actually has more of a Parisian feel to it. But it is a great city.

Sevilla has a lot of magic to me. I fell in love with flamenco and the Alcazar and there are many easy daytrips nearby. Toledo is another other Spanish city that I love. The layers of history and culture are everywhere. But it is smaller and you might get bored after a couple of days there.

Last on my list is Valencia. It doesn't have the knockout attractions as the other cities, but it has such a laid back vibe with the character and architecture of Barcelona but the culture and food of Spain. And a beach. Because it doesn't have the big name attractions, it is often overlooked. Now 7-10 days would likely be too many and Sevilla would give you more options for regional trips, but Valencia would be a good place to just chill out.

Thank you for the input Douglas! Sevilla is #1 on my list! I'm going to look into Valencia as I have heard about it but not really done any research on it. Toledo I've also heard is great, i haven't looked into that either yet

Toledo is definitely on my list of places I would revisit.

kbm,

My favourite spot (so far) is Granada, but Barcelona is a close second place. In Granada the Alhambra is spectacular and well worth a visit, and also Sacromonte and the Gypsy Flamenco show there. In Barcelona La Sagrada Familia is a "must see" (IMO), La Rambla is a nice place for a stroll (be vigilant for pickpockets there) and as I recall there are nice beaches in Barcelona.

7-10 days in one place in Spain is difficult, because distances are great. If you want to stay in one place, Barcelona offers the most, both within the city and day tripping by train to Montserrat (monastery, mountain hikes); Figueres (Dali Museum - not a standard art museum) and Girona (medieval center), Tarragona (Roman ruins); wine-tasting/village tours.

With a week in Seville, you could day-trip to Cordoba (Mezquita) and Jerez (sherry, horses) by train. Getting to a beach is at least 1.5 hours driving. With 9-10 days and 2-3 night stays, you could see more of Andalucia or get in a couple of days of beach time. But based in Seville, I don't think there's all that much to keep you interested.

Andalucia (flamenco, Moorish architecture) is what most of us think of as "Spanish." But it's no more Spanish than Catalonia for the tourist, just "different" Spanish. You'll get great food and wine and experiences everywhere.

I loved Barcelona on my first visit there and I'm very much looking forward to being back there in March. I also loved Andalucia and will be returning.

Deciding against Madrid at the outset crosses a few Spain 'must-dos' off the list - Prado, Royal Palace, Toledo, Segovia. So what remains possible in ten days ...
Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona (4 nts)
Day 2 - Barcelona - Sagrada Familia + Park Guell
Day 3 - Barcelona - Ramblas + Bari Gotico
Day 4 - Barcelona - Passeig de Gracia + Palau de la Musica Catalana
Day 5 - Travel to Granada (2 nts)
Day 6 - Granada - Alhambra + Albaicin
Day 7 - Travel to Sevilla (4 nts)
Day 8 - Sevilla - Cathedral + Alcazar
Day 9 - Sevilla - Santa Cruz + Plaza de Espana
Day 10 - Sevilla - Excursion to Cordoba for the Mezquita

Granada. More specifically, Albayzin at sunset or Alhambra Generalife Gardens. I also love Seville.

Barcelona is wonderful, and I'm going back this spring, but it's not "Spanish". It's Catalan, and may well be the capital of its own country someday. For "Spanish" you want Andalucia, or central Spain like Toledo.

Between the big cities, I'd choose Barcelona, though. I love art and find Madrid great for that reason, but to me it doesn't have the personality of Barcelona or the southern cities.

Thank you for your suggestions! I feel a lot better knowing that so many people here like Barcelona, I found so much that I want to do there. Djp_syd, that itinerary looks great. I do need to look into Granada.

The places that most interest me (so far) are San Sebastian, Barcelona, and Sevilla. Would it be possible to see see all three places on this trip? Maybe if I add more time to Spain by taking some time away from Paris or the Amalfi coast? What would be the best way to travel between them & order of seeing them? All three sound great, and admittedly, it seems like Spain will be the main attraction for our honeymoon.

Barcelona and Seville. Madrid? For me, it's meh.

The problem with your question kbm, is that you will get a list of just about every city in Spain. As you have, because it's a huge country with so many wonderful places to see and visit and everyone has favorites. And so now you are thinking of making the whirlwind trip all across Spain rather than focus on a particular city and region as you seemed to initially be thinking. In my experience, 7-10 days is not enough to see multiple regions of Spain, or at least no more than 2 regions easily connected (and you've already eliminated Madrid so that makes it harder since Madrid is so well connected to other parts of Spain). You would be better served to spend time in one region using one city as a base and possibly do daytrips and maybe overnight in another regional city (for example only, one can base in Sevilla and make numerous daytrips as well as spend a couple nights in Granada which is only 3 hours away).

You can of course choose to make the whirlwind trip, but I notice that in France and Italy you are focused on just one city or region each. Spain is worthy of the same consideration.

My overall favorite place in in Spain (which has lots and lots of fabulous places) is Segovia.

In November 2013, we stayed for a week in Madrid, visiting that city as well as Toledo, El Escorial, and Segovia. The next week, we headed north to Bilbao/San Sebastian, before flying to Barcelona. So If you swapped out Madrid with Sevilla in the above formula, it would be possible to visit Sevilla, San Sebastian, and Barcelona in a single trip, but you'll only have a short time in each place.

We took the 5-hour train from Madrid to Bilbao - souyou'd have to see if a train, plane (or maybe a rental car?) would be how you'd want to get around. Vueling Air was much cheaper flying from Bilbao to Barcelona than San Sebastian to Barcelona, so that influenced how we traveled. Advance congratulations on your wedding and honeymoon!

Barcelona is my favorite city in the world. Some people say it's more like Paris than it is like the rest of Spain. While I agree that it's very different from the rest of Spain, I don't see much similarity to Paris. Barcelona is unique. I see that you have a good, long list of its attractions. Go for it.

For what it's worth, this is my Spain Top Ten ...
1) Alhambra, Granada
2) Mezquita, Cordoba
3) Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
4) Prado, Madrid
5) Cathedral, Seville
6) Alcazar, Seville
7) Guggenheim, Bilbao
8) Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela
9) Old Town, Toledo
10) San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Another vote for Barcelona, I rarely want to return somewhere, but this city is on my list. The only thing to be cautious about is your purse - otherwise it's magnificent. If you want to add some others in Spain, I second the recommendation for Granada and the Alhambra (bucket list material, trust me) and Sevilla.

If you want "beach" you might also consider doing a loop around the Mediterranean instead of heading to Paris (I'm not hating on Paris). E.g., Barcelona, Marseilles, Cinque Terre, Almafi.

I would have to add ditto marks for Barcelona and Sevilla - two of the most special cities we have ever visited, but very different. Sevilla is a very romantic city and easy to get lost in! Trust me, we got lost after trying to find a way around the Semana Santa processions (Holy Week, the week before Easter). Didn't know we were going to be there that week, but it was one of the best experiences! The Plaza de Espana there is so amazing - all the intricate tile work, fountains, walkways, etc.! Barcelona is spectacular and you have all the sights already researched. Don't miss Barcelonetta - really great vibe in that neighbourhood. Parc Guell is not to miss. Oh, everything there is not to miss! We stayed in Madrid for 4 days but two of those were side trips to Toledo and Segovia - both wonderful cities as well. Segovia's aquaduct is quite something to stand beneath and walk it's length. We were 3 days in Sevilla with a side trip to Granada/Alhambra - one of the most beautiful sights on our Spain vacation. Five days in Barcelona with side trips to Montserrat (IMO not to miss - this is still one of the most memorable places we've seen, great views, hiking trails, chapels, and the boys' choir every day at 1:00 pm - beautiful!). Also side trip to Tarragona, old Roman ruins and nice place to walk about. I could go on and on, but I think you probably get the picture! So envious - we will definitely return to Spain one day! Enjoy!

As a big city party girl, my favorite is...Madrid. No big surprise, right? I adore the museums and the palace, but mostly I love how walkable it is, the inviting sidewalk cafes, the giant park where the city relaxes, the pulsating night life, everything you'd expect from a big city.

It's also great for day trips and its position in Spain makes it relatively easy to get to other destinations. One of my favorite cities in Europe.

I too like Madrid for all those reasons Emily. Many on here are not so enamoured. It's not better or worse than Barcelona or Sevilla, just different.

All my gushing about side trips from Madrid! I must echo the comments about Madrid, we did enjoy our time there as well. Very walkable, Parc Retiro is lovely, beautiful Plaza, unbelievable little side streets where we stumbled across the best meal we had there - a little place in a little street, good sampling of tapas and a few beers each all for 40 euros. Sorry, don't remember the name! It was near an Irish pub! Anyway, I wouldn't dis' Madrid at all, like the previous posts say, it's just different from the other cities.

Thanks everyone!

As of right now, this is our itinerary. How many nights would you recommend for each place?

I'm not sure about the order yet because I'm not sure which airport we're going to fly home from, but I'd like to keep San Sebastian at the beginning of our trip for better weather. I like the idea of going north -> south for better weather also, and I also like the order of big city, small city, etc. that I have now.

6 nights Paris
3 nights San Sebastian
6 nights Barcelona
6 nights Seville
2 nights Granada

Day 0: Depart Leave US (JFK, Boston, or Hartford)
Day 1: Arrive Paris
Day 2 Paris
Day 3 Paris
Day 4 Paris
Day 5 Paris
Day 6 Paris
Day 7 fly Paris -> San Sebastian (Bilbao) 5 hr 30 min
Day 8 San Sebastian
Day 9 San Sebastian
Day 10 San Sebastian -> Barcelona 3 hr 50 min
Day 11 Barcelona
Day 12 Barcelona
Day 13 Barcelona
Day 14 Barcelona
Day 15 Barcelona
Day 16 Barcelona -> Seville fly 4 hrs
Day 17 Seville
Day 18 Seville
Day 19 Seville
Day 20 Seville
Day 21 Seville
Day 22 Sevilla -> Granada train 3 hrs
Day 23 Granada
Day 24 Granada -> home

Also, any recommendations for day trips from Paris? I'd like to see more of France than just one city

WOW !!! 7-10 nights in Spain has now become 17 !! Well done.

Seville is the bigger city and bigger airport - it will give you more departure options than Granada. I would finish there. I would also take a day from Seville and add it to Granada to even the pace out.

For Paris, I would spend a day at Versailles, but if it's your first time you will be well occupied all the other days.

Take a good look at flight options before you commit to that order of travel. You may find that flights from Granada do not connect well with a long-haul flight back to the US. Also that airport is subject to flight delays due to high winds, at least according to what I have read on other forums.

Since you are OK with an internal flight, I suggest you fly from Barcelona to Granada instead of Sevilla. Then head to Sevilla. And since flights from there will still have a connection in Madrid ( or Barcelona), consider taking the train from Sevilla to Toledo (change trains in Madrid) and spend a night or two there. It was our favorite place in Spain, along with Granada. You can reach the Madrid airport from Toledo in time for afternoon flights back to the US.

• Day 17 Seville
• Day 18 Seville
• Day 19 Seville
• Day 20 Seville
• Day 21 Seville
• Day 22 Sevilla -> Granada train 3 hrs
• Day 23 Granada
• Day 24 Granada -> home

Instead, I would do a loop from Seville (3-4 nights) to Granada (2-3) to Cordoba (2-3). Cordoba is much better as an overnight than a day trip. Ending your trip in Cordoba gives you the option to fly out of Madrid (2.5-3 hrs by train to the airport). Or Cordoba > Granada > Seville if you want to fly out of Seville.

Flights home to the US will depart from Madrid or Barcelona. Any other departure city will require a connection, which can be problematic as many international flights leave in the morning.

Oh and just to add another stop on your already amazing sounding itinerary - Córdoba! The Mezquita there should be a wonder of the world. Take a walk across the Roman Bridge for lovely views back across the river. It's a side trip from Sevilla and it looks like you'll have lots of time to fit it in. A scenic train ride to a beautiful sight - another "not to miss" city and sights. I believe others on this forum would agree!

My favorite cities in Spain (thus far) are Córdoba & Toledo.
I've visited the other cities on your list except for San Sebastián.

I agree with Chani's suggestion to spend a couple of days in Córdoba & to travel in a loop.
We flew into Madrid then traveled to Córdoba >> Granada >> Sevilla >> Toledo >> Madrid.

Lola's advice also sounds great since it includes visiting Toledo.

Both Córdoba & Toledo are better experienced in the morning & late afternoon/evening once the hordes of tour groups have dissipated.

Keep in mind that it will be hot in Andalucía in September.

We were just there last month & it was in the 90's in Sevilla & Granada. Madrid & Toledo were in the 60's.

Edit: You may like to zip line across the Tagus river in Toledo:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187489-d8322868-Reviews-Fly_Toledo-Toledo_Province_of_Toledo_Castile_La_Mancha.html

I didn't try it, but it sure looked like fun!

Cordoba is definitely on our list of day trips! And I will definitely check into flights home from Madrid or Barcelona.

It was in the 90's in October?! Wow.....
It's tough because our wedding is on August 19th and I don't want to wait too long to leave for our honeymoon, and I would also like beach weather in San Sebastian so it's difficult to time out.

Remember, in Spain you are talking about a collection of different cultures:

What I think of when I think of "classic" Spain is probably the Castillian areas (Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla-Leon). In those areas, my favorites include Toledo, Vallodolid (with it's three castles in the area), Burgos and Salamanca (great cathedral).

Another "classic" Spain is Andalusia, which has both Moorish and Christian influence. My favorites there are Granada (the Alhambra), Sevilla (great cathedral and Alcazar), and Cordoba (great Mezquita and surrounding quarter). You can also add some white towns in the area.

I'd probably pick one of these two areas, not both, to see in 10 days. If not those, pick one of these:

Barcelona is a great city but it's Catalon, not Spanish. It's kind of a mix of French and Spanish culture. If you chose Catalonia, I'd focus on Barcelona but make some trips up the Costa Brava.

The north coast of Spain (Donostia, Bilbao, Santander) is Basque country, it extends into France along the Atlantic. Unlike France or Spain, it has its own cultural identity and unique language. The area is often rainy. It's best seen in the high summer months of July and August.

The northwest part of the country has Gaelic history and culture, again completely different from other parts of Spain.