My husband, 15 yr old son and myself have a week in Spain during the 1st week of July this year. We will be entering the country at Barcelona and of course want to see the sights there. We have 7 nights total. Would like to add Granada.
Need advice on:
1) Is it worth adding Granada on this trip and what would be the best way to travel there from Barcelona?
2) Any other suggestions on what we could do besides Barcelona?
Thank you!
Although you could easily spend a week in just the Barcelona area, I'd say going to Granada for a few nights would be worth it. With 7 nights, I'd spend 4 nights in Barcelona, with a day trip to either Montserrat Monastery or the beach town of Sitges. Then I'd fly to Granada and spend 2 nights, reserving the Alhambra for your 2nd day in Granada. Then fly back to Barcelona to spend your last night before flying home.
Vueling Airlines has reasonable flights between Barcelona and Granada, see www.skyscanner.com for options. I recommend reserving tickets to the Alhambra at least a month ahead of time, as they can sell out. I would also reserve several sites in Barcelona ahead to save yourself from standing in line, such as any of the Gaudi sites (Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Parc Guell) as well as the Picasso Museum.
I appreciate your saying ".....on this trip." As it indicates an understanding of more trips will occur.
Your journey occurs during a time of hot weather chock full of tourist and these factors will impact the efficiency of the trip. Hence a recommendation to rent an apt and stay in Barc for the duration of the visit. Barc offers a rich menu of opportunities to explore and excellent public transportation.
Some thoughts:
Do your research on sites and then use the web to buy tickets for planned times of entry. Be sure and learn the tactics for bypassing lines as a result of your pre purchase of tickets.
Immediately adapt to local clocks for eating times and entertainment. You will have ample daylight late into the evening to utilise to max your experiences.
Do take in a concert at the palau academy of music.
Do plan several daytips. There are opportunities to take a cable car up a mountain to cooler air, go to wonderful beaches and visit ancient roman ruins.
I really hope Enric reads your post as he provides expert advise on finding ways to fully explore his home city and surrounding area.
Is your departure flight from Barcelona as well?
What time is it? This makes a big difference as to the possibilities for your final night.
Can you secure Alhambra tickets for the time you plan to be in Granada?
To emphasize, do not buy plane tickets to Granada until you have your Alhambra tickets. While there are tons of tickets available now for that week, they will sell out.
If you can secure Alhambra tickets, and have to depart from Barcelona.
Barcelona (4nts)
Flying to Granada (2nts)
Barcelona (1nt)
But if you can't secure Alhambra tickets, and can depart from Madrid.
Barcelona (4nts)
AVE train to Madrid (3nts)
With 6 or 7 days in Barcelona, it would be worth looking into the Barcelona Card or Art Ticket, depending on whether you are more interested in a speedy jaunt through history/science/art/other attractions or a more leisurely exploration of art museums.
The Barcelona Card includes free entry into a broad array sites including the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona (a must see that is also conveniently located near the city center), Modernisme Museum cataloguing important work by contemporaries of Gaudí in the Art Nouveau movement, and the awesomely interactive CosmoCaixa science museum. Six attractions include a Skip the Line pass, which will be helpful as you're traveling at the height of tourist season. You can see everything included here: http://www.barcelonacard.org/discounts/
The Art Ticket allows free entrance to six museums, including the Museu Picasso and Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. http://articketbcn.org/
It's also worth noting that neither card includes the must-see Gaudí attractions, so definitely make sure you set aside enough time to visit a few of those.
Thank you all so very much for your prompt and useful replies! Still figuring out our final itinerary taking into account all your suggestions. What a helpful forum! Thank you Rick Steves et al!
