2.5 Months in Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia & ??? (Granada? Mallorca?)

I'm not sure where to begin with such broad questions, except to suggest that some primary research might help you focus and narrow (or add) plans. The Rick Steves videos are on YouTube and the SpainRevealed channel might help too.

You'll probably do most of this by train.

Planning where to stay can be sorted after an itinerary is roughed out. I don't know why you say no AirBnB in Madrid—there are plenty (maybe too many)

We have had good luck with month-long stays using AirBnb however here are two other companies that rent long-term apartments. We have arranged for an apartment for a month with Genteel Homes, however, our stay is for December 2024 so I don't have anything to say about the apartment. The group has been very professional and responsive to date.

https://www.homeclub.com/en/destinations/madrid

https://www.genteel-home.com/

If you want to include Andalucia in your itinerary, you should do so at the beginning of the trip, before it gets punishingly hot. Madrid and Zaragoza also can heat up in June.

On a trip of this length, I'd plan a minimum of 5 nights in Seville, 2 in Cordoba and 3 in Granada. There are many other worthwhile stops in Andalucia (Cadiz, Ronda, the white villages, Ubeda, Baeza, etc ), but Seville, Cordoba and Granada are the essential ones. I'd research that area first since it really does need to fall at the beginning of your trip for meteorological reasons.

I was just in the area of Valencia about a month ago on a roadtrip, here's my trip report - https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/undiscovered-spain-mediterranean-roadtrip-2023

Valencia is my new favorite city in Spain, clean, welcoming, safe, and undertouristed. From Valencia you have many options, you can head south to explore La Albufera Wetlands National Park, where Paella originated from. You can also head north and explore the less touristy Costa del Azahar, Peñíscola is certainly worth a look, a Knights Templar crusader castle on a rock that juts out into the sea, surrounded by a whitewashed old town, very Levantine.

Inland from Valencia you find the ancient ruins of Saguntum, which Hannibal invaded to start the the Second Punic War with Rome. You can also head west on the AVE train and explore Cuenca, with its unique medieval town hanging from a cliff. Good hiking nearby in the Serrania de Cuenca National Park, but may need a car.

AND if you do have a car at your disposal, even for a few days, I can strongly recommend a multi day side trip to the nearby Matarraña region. I was just there for 6 days and it was wonderful. Rolling hills, olive groves, medieval villages, and crystal clear wild rivers you can swim in. The best part it is totally undiscovered by foreign tourists!

Here are some of my pictures from our road trip - https://photos.app.goo.gl/sMsd6Wz2fydGKYtr5

I agree with acraven that you should visit Andalusia first because the temps will be much cooler in April than later in May or June. Have you done much research? Your questions are quite broad as another poster mentioned. I recommend buying some good guidebooks, such as Lonely Planet, Michelin Green Guide, Rough Guides or Fodors. Don't use only Rick Steves! He sometimes omits wonderful destinations.

For starters, for Andalusia, I recommend 5 nights in Seville, 3 nights in Granada and 3 nights in Cordoba. Also consider 3 nights in Malaga, which is a wonderful underrated city on the Mediterranean. The tastefully restored historic center is very pretty with marble buildings, lovely architecture, shops, cafes and restaurants. You can visit the Cathedral, Alcazaba, Castillo de Gibralfaro, the Atarazanas Market, many art museums, and the seaside promenade.

I think 5 nights in Madrid is perfect with its outstanding art museums, palace, Retiro Park, etc. Have you considered Toledo? Many people visit Toledo as a daytrip from Madrid. However, you will enjoy Toledo more if you spend a night or two in this well-preserved medieval city. Toledo is over-run with tourists, especially daytrippers by day, and you will have a completely different experience at night, much quieter, when the daytrippers have left.

After your visit to Barcelona, you could consider Girona and the Costa Brava.

Have fun planning! Two plus months in Spain is awesome!

We stay in Valencia for two to three weeks every year. We were last there in February this year. The weather was gorgeous every day, chilly, with clear blue skies. It’s a peoples city with many bike paths and stunning parks. The cycle ride (if you cycle) along Turia Park to the City of Arts and Sciences, is a must. April is a great time to visit after the madness of Las Fallas.

We also stay in Andalucía two to three months yearly. Mostly in Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz. We try to stay one to two months in Seville. We love the contrast between the cities in Andalucía and Valencia.

I have a huge list of excellent airbnbs in all the cites from our many trips. We don’t use airbnbs in Madrid or Barcelona as we don’t stay long enough to warrant and an Airbnb, and find the hotels cost less in both Barcelona and Madrid as opposed to airbnbs.

In Madrid we always stay at Jardines de Sabatini Apartosuites. Its well-priced and opposite Madrid’s Royal Palace, with kitchenettes in most rooms. It’s a lovely hotel with a free tour of the Old Car Museum inside the hotel, which displays vehicles from the early 20th century, if that’s your thing.

In BCN we stay at Gran Hotel Havana 4Sup by Escampa Hotels.

Following this thread as very soon we will be traveling full time from mid April to October. Planning longer (ish) stays.