Easter Week in Spain

Posted by Alaia (New York, NY ) on 12/23/16 03:36 AM

Hi there - Our family will be flying roundtrip to Madrid arriving on Thurs April 13 (right before Easter Weekend) and leaving the following Saturday April 22. We would like to hit Barcelona, Madrid and Majorca, and I've planned out 2 possible itineraries (below). Which would you recommend if we want to be mindful of the fact that we'll be there around Easter? We'd like to do all the touristy things in Barcelona/Madrid (museums, churches, famous sights, some shopping) while exploring the island and relaxing at the beach in Majorca. Also, we're not sure how long of a layover is necessary for domestic flights.

We arrive in Madrid the morning of April 13 -->

Option #1: 1 hour 45 min layover to fly to Barcelona > Barcelona for 3 nights (April 13-16 which includes Easter Weekend) > Majorca for 3 nights > Madrid 3 nights

Option #2: 5 hour layover to fly to Majorca (this is the cheapest flight option available for us) > Majorca for 3 nights > Barcelona 3 nights > Madrid 3 nights.

Thanks for your help!

Posted by Priscilla

California 🦋

12/23/16 05:26 AM

5211 posts

Alaia,
Given the fact that you only have 9 nights, which translates to 8 full day, I'd suggest choosing only 2 of your destinations.
Keep in mind that every time you relocate from one place to the next, you will lose at least half a day.

If you plan to spend 3 nights in each place, that only gives you 2 full days to explore such a place.
IMO, each of your desired destinations deserves more than two days to explore.

Enjoy!

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

12/23/16 06:49 AM

15582 posts

That's a big week for tourists, so expect some crowds. I don't think there's much of anything special happening in Barcelona for Semana Santa - probably not a great deal in Madrid, though there might be processions Thursday night, beginning around midnight. You should find out what Majorca will be like then. It's a big getaway destination so it may be very crowded then.

It sounds like you already have your rountrip tickets to Madrid. I would not buy a separate ticket for a continuing flight. If for any reason you are delayed - weather anywhere on your route, a mechanical issue, a holding pattern over Madrid to land, waiting on the tarmac for a docking slot, long lines at passport, waiting for luggage (or lost bags) . . . these have all happened to me. If you are late, you miss the flight and neither airline is responsible and the tickets are worthless. You'll have to pay full fare to get on the next available flight, whenever that might be.

If you don't already have tickets, then the best plan would be to fly into either Barcelona or Madrid and fly home from the other . . . maybe you could even find a flight into Majorca (you'd have to change planes in one of the other cities but you'd be on the same ticket so the carrier is responsible to get you to the island).

Barcelona has beaches. Even if it's warm enough to sunbathe, the Mediterranean will be too cold to go into. I'm with Priscilla - you're going to waste too much time going from place to place, espcially if you have to fly in/out Madrid. The best way to get from Madrid to Barcelona is by train, about 2.5 hours ride (plus the extra time to get to/from the station and find your train, go through security, etc).

Posted by David in Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

12/23/16 08:57 PM

7175 posts

I would choose one or t'other - Barcelona or Mallorca - for 5 nights.
If it's not on the same ticket then a same day connection throws up lots of issues, when you consider potential for delays and a missed flight at such a busy time. You can do without the stress of worry on your holiday.

Thu 13 - Arrive Madrid - 2 nights
Fri 14 - Madrid sights (I think all the main ones are open on Good Friday)
Sat 15 - Fly to Mallorca (or train to Barcelona) for 5 nights
Thu 20 - Return to Madrid - 2 nights
Fri 21 - Toledo or Segovia day trip
Sat 22 - Depart Madrid

Posted by Alaia OP

New York, NY

12/24/16 06:02 AM

9 posts

Thanks so much for your advice, everyone! We decided to stay in Madrid once we get there before spending the other half of the trip in Majorca.

Posted by Jack

Port St Joe Florida

12/24/16 03:37 PM

513 posts

If you are in Madrid on Easter Sunday and want to attend an English language church service I can heartily recommend St George Anglican Episcopal church in the Salamanca area of the city. As I recal they have services at 11:00 or 11:30 AM - best to check their website for this special day.