So few of us follow up after asking for advice—so here I am, being the unicorn. A mini trip report and a sincere thanks to all who helped shape this unforgettable journey through Spain.
I sailed into Barcelona, Uber’d to Sants, and took an IRYO train to Madrid. I allowed an hour to find space for my 45lb suitcase (back injury = careful planning). Turns out, four giant bags were already hogging the luggage rack. The attendant insisted I snatch my bag overhead—thankfully, a teen stepped in to help. Once settled in my oversized seat, I watched the attendant personally roll and store 20+ bags for other passengers. Learning my lessons early!
From Atocha, I arranged a ride to my apartment in Las Letras. I loved this neighborhood—walkable, full of restaurants, and a Carrefour Express two doors down. Spent a week there and took an easy day trip to Toledo by bus. Toledo - while scenic, the crowds and constant car traffic in the tight lanes were overwhelming. Might be better in the late afternoon.
Next up: Sevilla, via IRYO (this time: luggage success). Stayed in Centro, right across from the cathedral—flat, central, walkable (even to Triana). I did a flamenco and tapas tour with Spain Food Sherpas, a rooftop tour of the cathedral, and visited the Alcázar solo. Day trips to Carmona and Córdoba were both worthwhile—Carmona’s market day was a highlight, and Córdoba (hot and packed, but dispersed tourists better than Toledo) was still worth it. Temps hovered around 104°F, so I embraced the 10pm light dinner culture. I loved this city, pulsing with the warmth and spirit of its people.
Then came the destination I wasn’t sure about—Granada—but everyone here was right, it deserves more than a day trip. For me, two nights weren’t enough. Stayed in flat Centro at the Aurea Catedral—excellent location, amazing service, and balcony views of (you guessed it) another cathedral. I loved the vibe: authentic, buzzing, full of locals. I hiked up to Sacromonte, further up to the Abbey, got lost in Albayzin, and rode the little red minibus to spend a few lovely hours exploring the Alhambra.
Vueling flew me back to Barcelona for my final week. It was Primavera Festival week, so accommodations were tight. I stayed near Placa Catalunya at Petit Palace Museum, which included a killer breakfast buffet (homemade Torta de Queso for breakfast dessert, anyone?). The Eixample location was leafy and peaceful, but steps from everything. I joined a nearby gym, walked past Casa Batlló every morning, and only used public transport once—to get to Parc Güell. I explored as many barrios as possible, appreciating their uniqueness.
My final day trip was to Girona, where I recalled scenes from Game of Thrones and walked the 14th-century walls with panoramic views of the region. Totally worth the effort.
A few extras: I made sure every hotel had AC and soundproof windows (bless); all trains and flights were on time—except 1 out of 6, I believe. I stuck to my slow-travel plan and found joy in wandering—not racing to tick off attractions. The pace was both gentle and full of beautiful surprises.
Spain was magic. Thank you, forum friends.
