I'm visiting Spain the end of March. I'm flying in and out of Madrid. And I only have a limited amount of days. 6 to be exact. So my question is, if I see Seville and Cordoba, is that enough of Andalusia, or do I "need" to see Granada as well? (I'm thinking to omit Grenada since it's the least easy to access-no direct high speed train route.) I'm wondering if Grenada will be more of the same, like Seville and Cordoba? And instead of taking the time to get there, I could see somewhere like Toledo instead?
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
Nothing is quite like the Alhambra.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
The Alhambra is one of the world's great travel sights - and many would say Granada is better than Seville or Cordoba. It would be a mistake to skip Granada. That said, you need to be careful you're not trying to squeeze in too much. I hope your "six days" in Spain does not include your arrival and departure days...
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Have you done any research for these sites??? Granada is not more of the same. The Alhambra is the most visited site in all of Spain - enormous historical value. It is one of the key points in Spanish/Moorish history. Some authors argue that the expulsion of the Moors in 1492 and the consolidation of Spain was, in fact, a key turning point in western civilization.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4604 posts
I agree that the Alhambra is more of a must-see than anything in Sevilla.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Me too, and having dinner in one of the “carmens” overlooking the Alhambra from a distance, as the afternoon sun turns into sunset then into darkness with an illuminated Alhambra, is also a highlight. Any chance of turning your 6 days into 12 or 15?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
While I love the Alhambra, with the limited time you have, I’d stick to Sevilla and Córdoba. Do Granada on another trip.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Doable, yes.
Advisable, ... ???
Day
1. Arrive Madrid then train to Córdoba (1N)
2. Mezquita then train to Sevilla (2N)
3. Sevilla
4. Early train to Granada (1N)
5. Alhambra then late train to Madrid (2N)
6. Madrid
7. Depart Madrid
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Train timings (on current timetable) for Days 4 & 5 above.
TRN13920
Dep 06:35 SEVILLA-SANTA JUSTA (Spain)
Arr 10:01 GRANADA (Spain)
TRN13945
Dep 17:32 GRANADA (Spain)
Arr 19:01 ANTEQUERA-SANTA ANA (Spain)
AVE 2193
Dep 19:29 ANTEQUERA-SANTA ANA (Spain)
Arr 21:45 MADRID-PUERTA DE ATOCHA (Spain)
Posted by
59 posts
Seville was a wonderful day trip for us but I would agree with other posters here that Granada can't be missed. The Alhambra and Nasrid Palace are must see sites.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1029 posts
While I enjoyed Toledo, I loved Granada. The Alhambra is spectacular. If you decide to go to Granada, just make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get your tickets in advance. We went last year in October and purchased them 3 months in advance. Our friends were there at the same time as we were and they tried a month prior and there were no tickets, but they were lucky enough to get pay a tour company.
Sandy
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7810 posts
For only 6 days, I would definitely skip Granada. Otherwise, your whole trip will just be transportation time instead of enjoying each location you’ve chosen. I loved Toledo, but with 6 days, I would leave that for another trip, also.
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
I loved the Alhambra both times I visited there.
However, this year I went with my husband and he said he would have been fine skipping the Alhambra, as he enjoyed Cordoba much more.
With only limited days, I would focus on Madrid, Seville, and Cordoba, and even that is pushing it. I would agree with Toledo, it was a very nice town.
Posted by
US
7 posts
Absolutely do Granada. Alhambra, wandering the Albaicín quarter, getting the best Alhambra views from Mirador de San Nicolás and having the best and cheapest tapas bar in Spain. Besides, is a small, very walkable city. Absolutely a must!