We are planning a late October-November trip to Andalusia. Flying in and out of Madrid with 23 nites to work with.
We would likely start with 2 nites in Toledo before taking the train to Cordoba for 3 nites. Then picking up a car in Cordoba for 7 nites in Ubeda, Cazorla and the Alpujarras before returning the car to Granada. Three nights in Granada before heading toward Sevilla for 3-4 nites(train) Then back to Madrid for 1 nite before flying home. This leaves 2/3 additional nights, Antequera, Ronda and Carmona look interesting. We are not really interested in any coastal cities. We are flying with AA miles so open jaw is not really an option. Hoping to avoid or minimize heat and crowds, we can adjust dates accordingly. We welcome your comments. Brad
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1610 posts
I notice you are not spending any time in Madrid which has some outstanding art museums. We love retiro park, the royal palace and wandering the neighborhoods. You could spend your extra nights in Madrid.
I would definitely spend 4 nights in Seville, not 3.
You should not have problems with heat or crowds in late October and November.
Posted by
11159 posts
I agree totally with the poster above! Sevilla needs more time and Madrid deserves several days too.
Posted by
4413 posts
I assumed you had ruled out Madrid for a reason--either you have been there previously or are not interested in spending time in a large city. I do agree that all stops could be extended, but I'm a big fan of Ronda. The new town is actually as entertaining as the old town, the sunset got actual applause, there is good hiking in the area. I always thought Antequera's rock formations looked interesting but have not been there. I have Gaucin bookmarked too, looks like a nice hiking base.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4574 posts
Keep in mind that time frame won't be stifling hot, but Granada end October was skirt and sandal weather, whereas Madrid and Toledo could benefit with gloves early November. Also, high season accommodation prices were effective in Granada to end October in 2017. This means not Wall to Wall crowds, but the Alhambra and gardens had plenty of tours. Just give them 10 minutes to move on.
Posted by
OP
424 posts
Thanks for the input. We will probably give Sevilla another night or two, we were there 10 years ago and got a taste. Val you got it right we have been to Madrid on previous Spain trips and large cities are not a priority. I enjoy researching and planning these trips. We are all fortunate to be able to travel. Brad
Posted by
Washington DC
27138 posts
Carmona works as a day trip (by bus) from Seville if you don't want to add another hotel change.
Priego de Cordoba is similarly positioned vis-a-vis Granada, also with bus service, but it's a place you might manage to see before you return the car.
I suspect the Alpujarras could be pretty chilly in November, so be sure you pack a warm layer. For that matter, you might need it in Ubeda. I hit a combination of rain and distinctly not-warm temperatures in Ubeda at the beginning of April 2019. Incidentally, Ubeda is known for ceramics. I very much regretted that Ubeda was my first stop on a very long trip.