Advice/recommendations sought for an impromptu get-away to Spain beginning in early September . (Prior to that we are visiting close friends at their home outside of Allicante).
I've booked our first night at the Palador Granada. Our thought was to either spend one more night in Granada and then move to Cordoba for one night or reverse it to one night in Granada and two in Cordoba. Sevilla also looks very enticing. Should I switch to Sevilla instead of Cordoba? Jaen?
Thank you!
I have visited all 3 towns u mention. My suggestion is Sevilla for sure.
Hopefully u can also visit a white hilltown while to and fro Granada.
Sevilla for sure. We enjoyed seeing the Mezquita on a day trip from Sevilla (easy 45 minute train) but Sevilla has so much more than Córdoba.
You don't mention if you are returning to Alicante? Or how you are travelling?
I assume you meant Parador in Granada - definitely book a 2nd night and secure Alhambra tickets.
Sevilla and Córdoba are too far and require more time than you have. Twin Renaissance towns of Baeza and Ubeda are an easy drive from Granada if you have a car. Listed with UNESCO they feature compact historic centres with wonderful architecture.
Sevilla over Córdoba, in my opinion. It is the heart of Andalucia and wonderful. Cordoba is great too but you are limited on time. Jaen is ok but certainly not worth skipping any of the other 3.
Granada is my favorite city in the area, and would be in contention for my favorite place, period. But I concede that Sevilla is the best choice for your 2 nights.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
We've got a car and end in Alicante for our last night.
We've narrowed it down to 3 options.
Granada for 2 nights at the Parador de Granada and one night at the Parador de Ubeda. Alternately we could begin in Ubeda and end in Granada. Much to explore. Nice scenic route.
Granada and Sevilla or just Sevilla. Great city options to explore and experience. Good food options too. Nice scenic route.
White Hill Towns - stunning scenery. low key and definitely appeals to us too. Very different trip....but could be absolutely wonderful.
Would welcome your suggestions on the above. I'm going to continue researching today and try to finalize everything by tomorrow.
Thank you again!
You have about 3 hours drive from Granada to Sevilla, and then another 6-7 hours back to Alicante. So, for me, that makes Sevilla an impractical consideration.
Even an early departure for the hill town of Ronda after 2 nights in Granada, would really only give you the afternoon there. The following day would still be about 6 hour drive back to Alicante.
With only the 3 nights at your disposal I think Ubeda remains the best option.
I was staying for 2 days in Cordoba and 2 days in Sevilla a month ago. It was an amazing experience discovering both of the cities, but if I had to choose, I think I would choose Cordoba because of its unique atmosphere, the Mosque and its huge and beautiful city center. But I think you can't make a bad decision, both cities are beautiful! Anyways, if you would like to know more about this Cordoba, check out my article: http://hotelscordoba.com/blog/why-should-you-visit-cordoba
My vote is for Cordoba.
Sevilla may have more to offer than Cordoba, but you must stop to see the Mezquita in Cordoba - it is unique and a wow. I find that Cordoba is quieter and much more romantic in the evenings that Sevilla and has a good medieval Jewish quarter. if you are there on the right day, you can see an Andalucian horse show at the Royal Stables. The Alcazar in Sevilla far excels the one in Cordoba, but is much like what you'll see at the Alhambra. The Alcazar in Cordoba does have lovely tiered gardens. I didn't find the cathedral in Sevilla to be much different from the one in Granada. You'll probably see a better flamenco performance in Sevilla, but that doesn't mean you won't find a good one in Cordoba.
Desi,
Are you already there? Have you decided where you'll be going?
I'd add another vote for beautiful Córdoba!
However, it's quite a long trek, especially if you have to head back to Alicante.
Enjoy your trip wherever you've chosen to go!
We just got back home last night.
I wanted to thank everyone for their input. The trip was FANTASTIC! We ended up doing 3 days 2 nights in Granada, staying at the Parador de Granada. It was perfection! Alhambra was breathtaking and I actually think I prefer it to the Taj Mahal which we visited in February. We really enjoyed visiting the city and even managed to find a Mother-of-the bride gown at Pronovias.
Ubeda was also beautiful. The Parador de Ubeda was very nice and the people lovely. We drove back to Elche via the 315 - a beautiful route. We stopped at the Parador de Lorca for a late lunch and to try to see the sinagoga remains.
Again the trip was one of our favorites.
We are now thinking of a couple of more city visits (long weekends when we can get away). One to Seville, one to Cordoba and Toldeo.
