We will be first time travelling to Spain end of August for 12 days, flying to Barcelona and thinking to visit Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, Valencia. Family of 5 (kids 15, 19, 22)
Trying to finalize our trinary and would love to hear from fellow travelers thoughts on this itinerary to stay economical and enjoy this trip. I have drove a lot in USA Canada but never experienced driving in Europe but some friends have recommended it.
Hotel vs Airbnb
Rental car vs Train, bus, air
Are you spending time in Barcelona? It will be your most expensive city. You really don't have time for 6 cities in 12 days. Plus, it will likely be hot, which will slow you down. Also, I just gotta say, you can't go to Andalusia without going to Cordoba! Well, you can, but. . . My recommendation would be to fly in and out of Madrid. Immediately upon arrival to Madrid, train to Cordoba, 3 nights, train to Sevilla, 4 nights, train to Granada 3 nights, and then Madrid. Either do day trip from Madrid to Toledo or stay a night in Toledo which would be my recommendation. If possible, I'd try to get a 5th night in Sevilla.
That whole trip could be done by train.
Thanks for the great tips, yes we are flying to and from Barcelona and likely spend last few days there before flying home.
I am thinking to drop Granada or Seville and add Cordoba after Toledo
Well, then you could consider spending most of your time in Barcelona/Catalunya. Great cities close to Barcelona are Girona, Besalu, Sitges. Maybe add some time in Madrid/Toledo.
My thought is that it’s too many stops for 12 days. How about Madrid, Valencia (very fast train connection) and Barcelona? You could add in some day trips if you wanted to but I’d find that absolutely plenty to keep me busy for 12 days. Also, it will be VERY hot, likely 35C and above most days which is 95F so you have to be able to cope with heat well.
Valencia is a great place to visit in the summer because of the beach. As you can imagine it’s quite difficult to do a lot of city based sight seeing in this heat so I’d slow down your itinerary and aim to do more in the evenings when it’s getting a bit cooler. Most things in Spain stay open quite late so this is very possible.
I’ve been to Spain in August a few times and enjoyed it immensely so don’t be put off but I’d just advise pacing yourselves and don’t try to do too much.
If you’re just going between major cities then you won’t need a car. The trains are faster.
August will be hot in Spain, so consideration needs to be given to how much history your family wants and how much pool or beach time.
I love the history and the museums. But your fam may have different choices.
We’ve been to Spain twice, probably 5 weeks total and we have friends who live there. Barcelona is just fantastic with architecture and art (the Picasso and Miro museums) and it has beaches in town. So that’s worth at least three, perhaps four nights.
Highways in Spain are excellent, so that may be liberating for your family of 5, in terms of travel. You should compare car rental costs vs train fares for five.
Both Segovia and Toledo are reasonable day trips from Madrid. Four nights in Madrid could allow you to have one day in each plus one day - and 3 nights - in Madrid. Or a day in Segovia, two days in Madrid, and a few hours in Toledo as a stop on the way to Cordoba. Check drive times. Barcelona to Madrid is probably 4-1/2 hours. Madrid to Cordoba via Toledo is about the same. Madrid has three fantastic museums, if art and museums appeal. The Prado (one of the world’s greats), the Thyssen (wonderful for impressionists and 20th century art) and the Reina Sofia - modern art, but perhaps most importantly, studies for - and the final masterpiece of - Picasso’s Guernica.
Cordoba and Granada would be a great pair of cities to visit in the south. Remarkable cities and great sights including the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada, as well as places that were central to the triumphs and glories of two of the most famous monarchs of all time - or tyrants depending on your point of view - King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Historic and interesting as Seville is, I just don’t think you have the time to include it. With Cordoba and Granada as parts of your trip, I am not sure that Seville adds that much given your 12 day limit.
Or, if beaches are a higher priority, you could head back to Barcelona from Madrid and wander up to Figueres (Dali was from there) and the coast near there.
I’ve never been to Figueres and thereabouts, nor Valencia, so I have nothing to offer there. Should we get back to Barcelona to see the Sagrada Familia once it is finished, Figueres and costal sites near there are of interest to me.
Have a great trip, whatever you do.
Before you decide to drive between major cities in Spain, check the estimated driving time on ViaMichelin.com versus the time by train on renfe.com. You'll see that sometimes the train takes half as long as driving, or even less. Also keep in mind that you can pack a picnic for the train and won't need to stop driving for toilet breaks.
Thank you so much for all wonderful travel tips, i am definitely going to drop some destinations and keep it simple for everyone's enjoyment.
Please consider…….
Barcelona and Madrid offer huge menus of opportunity plus easy day trip access to wonderful nearby destinations. Travel is easy via subway systems and interconnections to trains. Focus your research on these destinations and you will find a plethora of opportunities for all ages and interests.
To maximize your vacation time please minimize the travel time/stress/expense of moving from city to city.
Rent an apartment in each location in order to have. Room for your family to spread out, take advantage of having a kitchen plus may have a clothes washer. Focus on air conditioning functionality. Selecting a quiet neighborhood with rooms facing a quiet interior courtyard will prove a delight.
Heat bakes your meat and your mind. Heat chews into enjoyable tourist time.
Early in the morning, late in the evening with a siesta in the middle of the day increases your enjoyment of an August stay.
STAY HYDRATED!
Thank you for the great tips.
We have dropped the car rental idea and likely going to use train or bus for intercity transportation
Do you recommend family friendly neighborhoods close to city local transit in Barcelona, Madrid , Seville, Cordova ?
I will book bnb/hotel now but wondering if it is good idea to buy train and attractions tickets now for visit in August September ?
Barcelona: we prefer the Eixample district which avails walking to a number of high interest locations.
Madrid: we prefer the La Latina district.
Be sure and google these areas to understand the recommended areas and also alternative areas.
Cordoba: we recommend a day trip instead of an overnight.
Seville: we love staying right in the heart of things near the cathedral.
High speed trains have become more competitive, cheaper, comfortable with train stations being in the heart of the cities. Recommend reservations and we are comfortable with second class seating.
I still feel you have too many destinations for 12 days, and your cities aren't that close.
In Sevilla, I'd stay in the old Jewish quarter within walking distance of all the alcazar, cathedral and other old town sights. Don't miss the Plaza de Espanya.
Cordoba is a decent choice for a day trip, but it is a stunningly beautiful city with plenty to do for 3 full days. It is so much more than the fabulous mezquita. IMO, It really does Cordoba a disservice to day trip it.
In Madrid, we enjoyed staying right on Puerta del Sol, and it was an excellent location for public transportation.
Thank you for great suggestions, I was planning to do hop on hop off city bus tours in Barcelona and Madrid and possibly in Seville if available and then follow up visits to one or two major attractions in each city. We have done this routine in France and Portugal that kept Kids interested and energetic.
