Have an opportunity for a timeshare trade (probably Marbella or Malaga) in mid to late November. Not overly concerned about going in the water, but do want some daylight and moderate temperatures. Would do daytrips to Alhambra, Caminito del Rey, Morocco (bracketed by time in Madrid, Toledo, maybe Barcelona).
Your thoughts? Or do you absolutely think I should hold off until March/April?
To be completely honest, based on what you seem to be actually interested in doing/seeing, this sounds like a really, really bad idea.
You can't do worthwhile "daytrips" to any of the places you mention, with the possible exception of Granada - which deserves an overnight. It's not physically possible to do "daytrips" to Barcelona or Madrid or Toledo - that's like doing a daytrip from New York to Washington DC or Miami. You might be able to get yourself there and back in a day, but it would leave you no time to actually be there - so why go?
You could do a "daytrip" to Morocco, but that would be a mistake, since that guarantees you the worst possible experience - no different from doing a "daytrip" from LA to Tijuana and then telling yourself you've seen Mexico. That's exactly what you get with a few hours at one of the ferry ports (assuming the ferry actually goes - not guaranteed in late November). Those coming off the ferry for a few hours get treated to the worst possible experience, a garish, fake, manufactured-for-tourists ride where you're hassled by touts and various hawkers. Morocco is an amazing country and well worth a visit. Just as a "day trip to mexico" doesn't do it justice, you should skip the ferry experience and do Morocco when you can spend at least a few days there (hint: it's cheap and easy).
Whether you "hold off until March/April" doesn't matter. Your plan is not wise at any time of the year, and IMHO you should absolutely stay someplace where you want to actually spend time. There's no "savings" to be had by going someplace you don't really want to be, no matter how much money the "deal" appears to save you.
If you actually want to spend your time in Marbella or Malaga, then shoulder season is fine, but if you think you're going to use that as a "base" for visiting the other places on your list, I don't think that's realistic and in that case your plan seems quite misguided to me. Sorry, I know this isn't what you want to hear. Good luck.
I was there in early December 2017 (right after US Thanksgiving) and the weather was gorgeous. Clear, dry, light jacket needed. The day we went to the Alhambra was chilly and we needed gloves, but we were up before dawn to walk up to be there at opening. Outdoor cafes were lively. We started in Madrid, moved south to Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, and finished in Malaga over 16 days. It only rained one day - on our day trip to Toledo. Not one drop of rain any other time.
I love traveling off season.
We are going to Andalusia area in a bit more than a week. I am anticipating temps to be in mid 70s, at best. For us, this is very comfortable. It is my understanding that it doesn't rain that much that time of year. I'm not sure if you realize how huge Spain is or if you possibly misspoke. Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo would be quite a long distance away. From that area, many would even fly to Madrid and Barcelona. I should think that you could day trip to some of the white villages, Granada (Alhambra--but you'd need to get tickets and it might be too late) Jerez, and maybe Sevilla. I have a few friends that have stayed in Marbella or close to Malaga, and they have done these types of day trips. I think one even went from the coast to Cordoba, so maybe check travel distance to that. You might consider your timeshare stay plus some days tacked on the end to stay in some other cities.
For me, going in November isn't an issue at all. The weather will be mild and there will be far fewer people. The issue to me is, I don't see the places you'd like to go as a day trip from Costa del Sol.
I'm quite sure the OP does not intend to day-trip from Marbella/Malaga to Madrid, Toledo and Barcelona.
But I do agree with the cautions already posted. You may not be aware how reasonable hotels can be in Spain, especially outside Barcelona/Madrid/San Sebastian during the off-season. I don't doubt that the possible time-shares are quite nice, but I'd rather pay out of pocket and sleep closer to what I want to see even though my accommodations might be somewhat smaller than the time-shares, and less luxurious. To me, extra square-footage is a poor substitute for sightseeing opportunities.
I have been convinced by comments on this forum that Malaga is worthwhile for a few days; I have my doubts about Marbella but haven't researched it. I'd recommend only spending as many nights in one of those cities as make sense based on what you want to do in that city and in other places within about an hour's drive or train ride. The Caminito del Rey is within about an hour of Malaga but not quite as convenient from Marbella.
Use ViaMichelin to check on driving times from Marbella and Malaga to places you might like to see. Those times do not include stopping, getting lost, looking for parking, etc. VM will also give you an estimated cost, based on approximate fuel consumption and highway tolls. Use Renfe to check on train times.
As already explained, a trip to Tangier is not a good use of your time. There are much better places within Andalucia (Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, etc.). I'd pick one of those.
How long is your total trip? If this is your first trip to Spain, you'll benefit from having a good bit of time for the Madrid area (Segovia is also an excellent day-trip) and Barcelona (I recommend a minimum of 5 nights if you don't want to tear your hair out, trying to schedule a bunch of attractions that require pre-purchased timed tickets).
One reason to postpone your trip until March/April (and I'd choose April) is that you might have difficulty getting a ticket for a November visit to the Alhambra. It regularly sells out.
I have my doubts about Marbella but haven't researched it.
Marbella has a lovely old town and it's a very worthwhile visit. https://marbellaazul.com/places-to-visit/marbella-old-town/
I certainly wouldn't advocate overlooking it, especially if you're going to be in the area however I do accept that Marbella is predominantly a sun, sea and sand destination for holidaying Europeans.
If you're a foodie then you cannot miss the fantastic village of Benahavis, well regarded as the gourmet capital of the Costa Del Sol. A charming village up in the mountains with steep winding roads through pristine white buildings and an abundance of excellent restaurants. Every meal I've eaten there has been superb. It's less than 30 minutes drive from the centre of Marbella so it's an easy trip for lunch or dinner.
David from Seattle summed it up perfectly. I concur!
