We will be in Andalusia end of September- right now we have 4 nights in Granada ,2 nights Ronda, 4 nights Cordoba. We are traveling by train because we felt that we did not have enough time for the countryside to warrant renting a car . We usual prefer smaller towns but I am now wondering if seeing Ronda is worth the travel time - should we maybe stay in Antequerra instead since it is on the train line - other suggestions for short stay in a smaller town?
Late September is a lovely time to be in Spain. Unless you want to walk the El Caminito del Rey, which is awesome, skip Ronda. Not knowing where you are flying into and out of, would suggest 4 nights Seville, 2 nights Cordoba, 2 nights Granada. Have not been to Antequerra but it looks lovely for a day or two. Malaga is bigger but is a beautiful, comfortable city for a two day stay. Have a great trip!
Have you been to Sevilla? I know its a larger city. In general, I also prefer smaller cities, but Sevilla is amazing. My suggestion would be 3 nights Cordoba, 4 nights Sevilla, 3 nights in Granada. Ronda is nice enough, but the three great cities of Andalusia should have higher priority, IMO. If you haven't seen them already, I highly recommend the RS shows that cover Andalusia. End of September should be a nice time to visit.
We just got back from Andalucia a month ago. Ronda was a lovely town. We were there for 1 night. It’s jammed with day trippers during the day. We really liked it. The Bull Fighting museum and ring- which you can walk into. Many interesting restaurants. Hike down the hill to see the bridge.
It all depends on what is important to you.
I would tend to agree with another poster to add Seville. Maybe 1 night in Ronda. Cut Granada and Cordoba to 3 nights. Which is ample for those cities. Granada and Cordoba can easily be seen in 3 nights. Again, it all depends what is on the list of things you want to see and do.
You have to address the Sevilla omission--been there before? think it's too big for you? etc.
Note that bus travel is also the norm in the region and nothing to avoid.
It is vital to know where you are flying in/out and it helps a ton to know why you picked the region--what is on your list already?
Flying out of Madrid- will have already been in Barcelona earlier in the trip. Decided to skip Sevilla just because it seems like a lot of big cities and we were hoping for a little break in between in a smaller town but maybe I should rethink.
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I totally get wanting small towns versus cities, but you are unlikely to leave the old town, which does not really feel like you are in a city (much like Cordoba and Granada, which are both much smaller of course but you also focus on the historic cores; whereas in Ronda I actually kinda liked walking through the "new town" in evenings with all of the people). If you think you will never get back and are very interested in Andalucia, you may want to reconsider. Of course we all have to leave some thing out of any itinerary (I missed Granada on two trips but I do hope to get there one day).
My visits to Ronda were several years ago and now it seems people often complain about crowds from day trippers. I was out exploring during the day so it did not bother me. But I always think it is a nice idea to choose some lesser visited place on any trip in order to get a breather, a contrast.
I assume you are flying from BCN to Granada, and have accounted for needing at least a night in Madrid before departure?
I am drawn to Antequera for the rock formations and have it on my list for "next time" so I think it would be a nice stopover.
Since so many think 4 nights is not needed for Granada, you could put those nights toward a rural stay and reconsider getting a car, pick somewhere off train line, and then drop the car on arrival in Cordoba. Frequent contributor jaime or others might have a good suggestion. Good luck!
I agree with the posters who recommend including Seville, which is an amazing city with so many important and interesting historical and cultural sites. It is a beautiful city with gorgeous architecture, plazas, fountains, parks, and the amazing Alcazar, Cathedral, Triana, and some small palaces, such as Casa di Pilatos. While I think 4 nights is the minimum for Seville, 3 nights in Seville is better than not visiting Seville. So you could take a night from Cordoba, Granada, and Ronda and add it to Seville. Granada and Cordoba don't really need 4 nights each. Seville is considered by many to be the Queen of Andalusia. If you don't think you will return to Andalusia, try to include Seville on this trip.
Seems like the majority opion in to include Seville so we are thinking now of skipping Ronda and doing Granada 3 nights, Seville 4 nights, Cordoba 3 nights.- Certainly makes the train situation a bit easier and since I doubt we will ever get back to Andalusia sounds like this is a good plan- thanks for all the input
Connie, I think you will be happy with that plan. Did anyone mention to get your Alhambra tickets, very soon. Like now? You will also want to book the Sevilla Alcazar in advance.
Seems like the majority opion in to include Seville so we are thinking now of skipping Ronda and doing Granada 3 nights, Seville 4 nights, Cordoba 3 nights.
I like your revised itinerary.
My mom and I spent 3 weeks in Andalucía several years ago and enjoyed it very much.
Check the weather as your trip approaches as it may still be hot in late September. We were there late September to mid- October.
You may want to consider taking the ALSA Bus, from Granada to Sevilla, as it offers more time options than the train.
If you’ll be flying home from Madrid, do plan to spend your night before departure in Madrid.
Make sure to book your Alhambra Tickets as SOON as your itinerary is set.
If you like ice cream, make sure to go to Heladería Los Italianos, when in Granada!
And… Don’t miss visiting Plaza de España in Sevilla!
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
Edited to add…
I almost forgot to recommend the Equestrian Show at the Royal Stables in Córdoba.
We attended the day show but it looks like all the shows are now in the evening.
Much appreciate all the feedback - already have Alhambra tickets but assume now I should get tickets for the big sites in Seville
Highly recommend the rooftop tour of the Seville Cathedral. It was a highlight of our trip.
We also enjoyed the Seville cathedral rooftop tour and the night Mezquita tour in Cordoba was fantastic.