We arrive in Seville by train from Madrid September 28. I've booked two nights in Seville, near the Cathedral. We have five additional nights before returning to Madrid for 2 nights, then back to Pittsburgh. With only a week, what would you recommend? The amount of history there is overwhelming. We enjoy natural scenery; the beach a little; "old stuff"-- Christian, Jewish and Islamic history; Roman ruins ... we're open to hiring a car and are comfortable using buses and trains. Have been to Morocco but admit to interest in a day-trip to Tangiers and wandering around the casbah and souq.... thank you.
Posted by
12 posts
Hello darylrc,
We are travelling in the same region a couple of weeks earlier and plan to spend 7 days minimum.
We will be renting a car in order to visit Cordoba to Huelva.
Just so you know, I have posted a request for Tangier tour guides in the "General Europe" forum.
Have a wonderful trip!.
Posted by
California 🦋
5225 posts
I'd add an extra night to Sevilla & Madrid, then I'd stay in Córdoba for 2-3 nights.
When in Madrid you may consider visiting Toledo.
All these cities are easily accessible via train, so there's no need to bother with renting a car.
Enjoy!
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I'd split the remaining time between Cordoba, a hill town, and Granada. With 5 nights thats 2-1-2 or 1-1-3. If you are interested in the Christian, Jewish and Islamic history of the area, Cordoba and Granada are the absolute key sights. Perhaps drive from Cordoba to Granada by way of the hill towns (Ronda, Zahara, Arcos, others) to get some natural beauty, staying one night in one of the towns
I've done Cordoba as a day trip from Seville (actually on the way to Granada - leave Seville EARLY, and leave Cordoba in later afternoon) and it is easy (45 minutes by train). You can see the Mesquita, wander the old town, and see the Roman bridge. However, it is always nicer to spend the night.
I've spent a week Granada once, along with shorter visits other times. I'm a little mad about the place, but I have also done plenty of day trips from it (beach, the renaissance towns of Baeza and Ubeda, hiking in the Alpujarras...).
I have not been to Tangier but my impression is that it is not worth it if you have been or are planning on a trip to Morocco. Which I why I haven't done it in several trips to Andalucia - I still plan on doing a bigger Morocco trip at some point. Take that for what it's worth, as I have no first hand knowledge ;) However, your time is limited and there is so much in Spain that I wouldn't take the time.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Ronda and the hill towns would figure if you were keen to rent a car. Otherwise this would be a great option utilising public transport.
Day 1. Extra night in Sevilla (1 night).
Day 2. Train to Jerez (2 nights).
Store bags at your hotel and continue on to Cadiz for the day.
Day 3. Day trip by bus to Arcos de la Frontera.
Day 4. Day in Jerez then late train to Córdoba (2 nights).
Day 5. Mezquita and other sights.
Day 6. Train to Madrid.