We are flying into Madrid mid-October, will be spending 4 days there and then plan to head south to Andalucia by train . We are trying to minimize changing hotels and wanted suggestions on the best way to do this. We were planning on visiting Sevilla, Cordoba (day trip), Granada, the White Hill Towns and taking the ferry from Tarifa for 2 days, one-night in Tangier. We plan to rent a car to get around the White Towns. We have 12 days to do this before heading back to Madrid for a flight home.
Any recommendations and/or suggestions are most welcome!
Posted by
103 posts
To me, this seems exhausting. Granada is not really that close to the other sites you mentioned, so I would cut it out. Sevilla and Cordoba combined is enough for that flavor in my opinion. I would also cut out Tangier, it is a poor representation of Morocco from what people say and wastes a lot of time.
Less is always more for me on my trips. There are tons and tons of beautiful towns in this region that are not endorsed by RS. Carmona, Priego de Cordoba, Antequera to name a few that you will have mostly to yourself. Be adventurous, get off the typical tourist itinerary.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7146 posts
Assuming it’s 12 days to visit just Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, and white hill towns, it’s possible. I’d skip the Tangier and use those days elsewhere. One can get a good feel for Madrid in 4 days. If the Madrid days are part of those 12, then you really need to drop something else.
Twelve days, and even 16, it’s all that long especially when travel time is factored in.
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
We are flying into Madrid mid-October, will be spending 4 days there and then plan to head south to Andalucia by train.
Is this trip for this October, or for 2025?
How many nights will you have (on the ground) for your entire trip, 12 or 16?
Since you’ll be flying to/from Madrid, consider staying there at the end of your trip ( saves one hotel change)
Here’s an itinerary to consider:
- Take train to Córdoba on day of arrival -2-3N
- Train or bus to Granada - 2- 3N
- Train or bus to Sevilla - 4-5N
- Train to Madrid - 4-5N
Keep in mind that 2 nights is equivalent to one full day, 3 nights equals 2 full days, and so on.
If this trip is for next month, do book your Alhambra tickets ASAP!
Enjoy your trip in beautiful Spain!
Edited to add…
If you spend 5 nights in Madrid, you may consider a day trip to Toledo.
Toledo is a beautiful medieval city, but it’s super crowded with day trippers. So if you want experience its magic, do consider staying there at least 1-2 nights.