Hello, I am leveraging a few days before a couple weeks of work in Europe begins. I will arrive in Madrid the morning of Saturday March 18th and need to be in Strasbourg Tuesday evening March 21 for a business meeting beginning March 22. So 3+ days that I would like to explore Southern Spain, hoping it is a bit warmer. Any suggestions on where to go? My preference is to stay at the same hotel for the three nights. The other trick is that I need to end up near an airport that I can fly into Strasbourg or a nearby airport (this could also be early Wednesday morning if I can arrive before 10 am). I am open to renting a car. Thanks very much. Kate
Posted by
Washington DC
28083 posts
You'll need to fly from your Spanish base to Strasbourg, and I'd definitely do that on March 21. Far too risky to wait till the day of a 10AM business meeting, no matter what flight options might exist.
You can explore flights on Skyscanner.com. I did a quick search for flights from Spain to Strasbourg and found that, apparently, only Madrid has non-stops (barely worth considering at $947, though). So you're going to need to spend some quality time on those flight schedules to see what is the least objectionable option. If flights back from Madrid have to be one-stoppers for reasons of economy, you may as well try to find a one-stop connection back from whatever city you decide to visit.
It's likely to be quite a bit warmer in Andalucia than in Madrid, so going south makes sense. I'd suggest Seville, with a possible day-trip to (or in-transit stop in) Cordoba. I think that's the best use of your time, because there's rapid rail service on the Madrid-Cordoba-Seville line. Alternatively, you could consider Granada, but it's not as well located for a short visit, and you'd first want to verify that you could get a ticket to the Alhambra; they do sell out.
Check rail schedules and fares on the Renfe website. It's prudent to wait till you arrive in Madrid to buy the initial rail ticket since it's impossible to know when you'll be ready to hop on a train. Unfortuately, that ties you to paying a last-minute price rather than the cheaper early-purchase (non-changeable/non-refundable) price for a promo fare. Should you decide you need to fly back from Madrid, you could buy the return rail ticket to Madrid now and save some money on it.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
If you haven't been to Madrid then stay there - plenty to do!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I'd stay in Madrid if you've not spent time there before.
Tue Mar 21
Easyjet EZY3906
Dep 14:30 Madrid
Arr 16:50 Paris
TGV 5416
Dep 18:58 AEROPORT CDG2 TGV ROISSY (France)
Arr 20:58 STRASBOURG (France)
Posted by
OP
21 posts
HI - I have been to Madrid before, and will spend five days there at the end of my trip. Thanks
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
Millerkate,
If you'll be spending time in Madrid at the end of your trip, then I'd suggest going to Sevilla for your 3 days.
You could visit Córdoba en- route to Sevilla ( leaving your luggage at the bus station, across the street from train station), or en-route back to Madrid.
Another option would be to spend your 3 days in beautiful Toledo-- an easy 30 minute train ride from Madrid.
Enjoy!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Sat
Madrid to Salamanca
Sun
Salamanca to Avila
Mon
Avila to Segovia
Tue
Segovia to Madrid
For flight to Paris & train to Strasbourg
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
You could also take a train to Malaga, or a cheap Vueling flight to Malaga for a few days. Stay in Malaga and do day trips on either the local bus, local train, or do a day trip to someplace like Granada. It probably won't be that warm here. I am in Nerja now and it is a little on the cold side. Some days are warmer than others, but not swimming weather for sure! It would be tight, but you could do it.