Granada or no Granada?

I would say Granada is a must, I prefer it to Seville (which I also love). The Alhambra is singular, absolutely amazing, and the town itself is very atmospheric. That said, Seville's cathedral is great (much better than any church in Granada). Seville's Alcazar is impressive, especially if you can't get to the Alhambra. Seville is bigger, but the main area for tourists is barrio Santa Cruz, which is traffic free and very pretty. Granada's oldest section, the Albayzin, is grittier, less sanitized, but I prefer it. The rest of the town of Granada is more standard, but still interesting to me. Granada has more hippies, a bohemian (or in some cases faux-bohemian) thing. It also has hills (and views of mountains) while Seville is basically flat. Of the three, Madrid is my least favorite - and I do like it. It's a must for art, and if you're into nightlife. Otherwise, it's a pleasant city with some great things, but I feel limited time is better spent in Seville, Granada, or numerous other places.

Opinions will vary on this topic.

We did both on our last trip to Spain. If you don't do the Alhambra you can get a similar experience by visiting the Alcazar in Seville which is a similarly elaborate palace and gardens. But I guess if I had to choose just one of the two, I would probably go with the Alhambra and Granada. But if other things attract you to Seville, you could leave the Alhambra for another day.

The don't miss site IMHO is the Mezquita in Cordoba. YOu can see our visit here:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/the-mezquita-at-least-the-catholics-had-the-good-sense-not-to-destroy-it-when-they-desecrated-it/
We just loved it and had never seen anything like it before. We did it as a day trip from Seville where we stayed a week (which was a bit longer than I would advise for that.)

The Alhambra in Granada is the most popular tourist site both local and foreign in Spain. There is not an equal to it. It is terribly significant to Spanish and Moorish history. It was the last outpost of the Moors before being totally defeat by the Spanish. Granada is when Ferdinand and Isabel are buried there. Washington Irving wrote Tales of the Alhambra while staying in the Alhambra. It is about as rich in history as anywhere in Spain or Europe. I would skip Madrid before skipping Granada. But it depends on whether you like that kind of history.

Thanks everyone, your information is very helpful!

I actually preferred the Real Alcazar in Sevilla to the Alhambra (though I loved that, too). You will see similar architecture in both. I would say you should spend your time in Sevilla, since there is more to see there. If you decide to spend time in Sevilla, Cordoba is an easy drive (about 90 minutes). I also suggest you see La Mezquita there. It was one of my favorite sites in the area.

This is ancient history. I was in Spain in 1976 and Granada was my least favorite city. I much preferred little Ronda and Sevilla is a gem without the gritty, industrial atmosphere of Granada. Good luck.

Personally Madrid is my least favorite city in Spain - because it has no history. I love history, particularly up to the 16th century. Madrid has one of the outstanding art galleries in Europe and some nice parks but it has no medieval center which are my favorite parts of European cities.

I'd personally skip Madrid in favor of Granada and Sevilla, which together will use up most of your week.

Itineraries are personal things; use my opinion, but decide based on what you like.

Karin,
Yes, Granada with a visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens (on the same ticket).

I would also recommend staying overnight (two nights is great) at the Parador in Granada. It is said to be the nicest of all the paradors in Spain. The full prices might look a bit frightening, but if you are over age 55 (or maybe it is 50), check to see if the Golden Day special is available when you are planning to visit. That special offer is quite a nice deal, and it includes a lovely breakfast buffet. Worth it to get a deluxe room, which comes with a balcony and a lovely view.

I can't say enough nice things about the parador and its location. It was nice to be able to have the short walk to our room to dump jackets as the day warmed and to freshen up a bit before seeing the rest of the Alhambra grounds and buildings.

Then also take the local bus over to the other side of town to view the Alhambra from afar...great photo opps.

Having now been to Granada and the Alhambra, we would advise to not miss it. But order tickets ahead.

If you follow the recommendations and visit the (amazing) Alhambra, you might to give CORDOBA a go too. There you find the Catedral of Cordoba, just celebrating it's 775th anniversary. Another astonishing Moorish piece of history in Spain!

It is certainly possible to do it all if you are concentrating on the 'must do' in each location.
1 Madrid (2 nts)
2 Madrid - Museums
3 Granada (2 nts)
4 Granada - Alhambra
5 Sevilla (2 nts)
6 Sevilla - Cathedral & Alcazar
7 Cordoba (1 nt) - Mezquita

I agree with Brad!