I am in the early stages of planning my first trip to Spain this April. I’d love feedback on my one week solo plan with a focus on Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla. (I know this makes for a very tight itinerary, but I work in a school so have to travel within the constraints of our one week spring break. I am hoping to use this week as a scouting trip for a longer, more relaxed trip with my elderly mom through Andalusia next December.)
I am a 45 year old female, and I speak Spanish. I am most interested in exploring Moorish architecture and history on this visit. I also love delving into regional music and seeing local artisan crafts. Finally, I would love to have some great bites along the way.
The only nonstops from San Francisco to Spain were via Barcelona, so I will be starting and ending my trip there. I will be in Spain at the end of Semana Santa—too late for Good Friday processions but hope to catch the Easter morning processions in Malaga before I head to Granada.
Questions:
1) Any recs for the best bike or e-bike tour in Barcelona? Since I have such a short time there, I’d love to get a feel for the city on bike to help me plan out future return trips.
2) Should I cut a night from Granada and head to Cordoba early so that I can have more time in Sevilla at the end? Currently I have 2 nights in Granada, 1 night in Cordoba, and 2 nights in Sevilla, before flying back to Barcelona for the final 2 nights.
3) Is it worth attending the Sacromonte cave flamenco show in Granada if I am planning to see a flamenco show in Sevilla?
4) Is it worth visiting the Nasrid Palaces and Mezquita at night in addition to touring them in the day?
5) Where are the best places to see and shop for local artisan crafts in Andalusia? I am interested in leather work, jewelry, ceramics, etc.
6) Where are the best local markets to explore for produce and small bites?
7) I am an avid gardener and would love to try growing the precious teardrop peas (guisante lagrima) from this region. Are there any places along my trip where I could pick up seeds?
Here’s my current draft plan:
FRI 4/3 (Good Friday): Land at 4:45 PM, overnight at Room Mate Pau hotel
SAT 4/4: Morning bike tour of Barcelona,
Afternoon visit to Casa Batllo
8:35 pm flight to Malaga, overnight at Hotel Boutique Teatro Roman
SUN 4/5 (Easter): Watch Sunday morning processions in Malaga, then take afternoon train to Granada (overnight at Aurea Catedral)
Check out sunset at San Nicolas Viewpoint or night tour of Nasrid Palaces
Dinner at Mirador de Morayma
MON 4/6: Morning visit of Alhambra
Lunch at Los Diamantes
Afternoon wander around Albaicín and/or Cave Museum
TUES 4/7 Early morning train to Cordoba.
Visit garden courtyards, followed by lunch at Casa el Pisto. Possible afternoon visit to Hammam al Andalus.
Dinner at Mercado de la Victoria or Regadera
See the Roman Bridge illuminated and/or take Soul of Cordoba night tour?
WED 4/8: Morning at Mezquita, lunch at Casa Pepe de la Juderia or Casa Mazal
Afternoon train to Sevilla
Cathedral rooftop tour
THUR 4/9: Morning bike tour of Sevilla.
Afternoon: Wander Plaza de España or visit Palacio de las Duenas.
Dinner at La Azotea or Casa Robles.
Evening flamenco performance at Tablao Alvarez Quintero or Centro Cultural Casa de la Memoria.
FRI 4/10: Visit Alcazar de Sevilla
Evening flight to Barcelona
SAT 4/11
Visit Sagrada Familia
Evening concert at Palau de la Musica Catalana
SUN 4/12
Morning visit to Park Guell
2 pm direct flight home
Thank you in advance for any feedback! Again, I recognize that it’s a tight schedule, and since I am traveling solo, I can be flexible with cutting out activities as I go if needed.
I also know that I will need to book tickets to the major sights well in advance, especially to the Alhambra on the Monday after Easter Sunday. All of the hotels I have booked are refundable, so I can adjust as needed.