Hello! My husband and I are going to Spain at the end of the month, and I can't decide on where to spend last 2-3 days of the trip. I've spend hours and hours reading and still can't decide. Out trip is pretty short, total of 8 days.
Feb 25 - early morning landing in Madrid ( flying in from the US)
Feb 25-27 - Madrid (2 nights)
Feb 27 - Morning train to Seville
Feb 27-March 2 - Seville (3 nights), might do day trip to Cordoba one of these days
March 2-4 ???
March 5 - 10 am flight from Madrid back to the US
Our plan was to go to Granada for the last 2.5 days of the trip, as my friend who lives Madrid said it's a must and so do most people on forums I read. But I'm having doubts given it's 5 hour bus ride back to Madrid ( or 4.5 train ride with change of trains). Also since we're flying back from Madrid Sunday morning we'd have to get back to Madrid on Saturday. So my question is - do you still think it's worth time investment to visit it? FYI tickets to Alhambra are still available for the dates we would be there. Is Alhambra just as beautiful this time of the year as it would be in the summer? Am I better off staying closer to Madrid and maybe spending more time in Cordoba, or adding Toledo/Jerez/Cadiz to the trip instead? I really wanted to visit Ronda as well, but again am deterred because there is no direct train from Seville. Since our trip is so short I'd like to minimize the time we spend on transportation.
Few more details about us - couple right at 30 yo, first time in Spain, things we enjoy on vacation - lots of walking ( and walking tours), local foods/ drinks, people watching, taking photos, enjoying beatiful views, local markets. Not a history lover, so haven't heard of Alhambra until researching this trip. Would probably visit .an art museum. Thank you for your help!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If u can move your Madrid stay until the end ...
Feb 25 - Arrival in Madrid. Direct to Toledo (2 nights)
Feb 27 - Morning train to Seville (3 nights) - day trip to Cordoba ??
Mar 02 - Morning train to Madrid (3 nights) - day trip to Segovia ??
Mar 05 - 10am departure from Madrid
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Madrid and Seville stays are already locked in, as well as the train from Madrid to Seville on Feb 27th.Options I'm considering now:
1) stick with original plan and go to Granada
2) spend all 3 days in Seville -> Cordoba March 2, stay overnight -> back to Madrid March 3-4, day trip to Toledo on March 4th -> back to US March 5
3) spend all 3 days in Seville -> Cordoba March 2, stay overnight -> March 3 either train or car rental and go to Ronda ( if with car then maybe another hill town), stay overnight -> march 4 make our way back to Madrid in the evening for Sun flight
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
Cordoba is fabulous and worthy or more than 1 day. I would stay one night in Cordoba at least! You did not mention where in the US you were coming from. If it is the west coast you will have jet lag to deal with and I would allow more than 2 nights in Madrid because you really only have the day you arrive - tired from traveling, a night, a day, a night and then the next you are leaving for Seville. Not enough time in Madrid for sure!
I would keep the 3 nights in Seville, spend at least one night in Cordoba, and definitely go to Granada. You can take a train/bus there which will cut down the travel time. Yes, it is worth the trip.
YES definitely add Toledo!!! that is an easy day trip from Madrid. The train to there goes from Madrid, and back.
When my daughter came last year, she had a week. We did: Madrid 2 days, Toledo 1 day, Cordoba 1 day, Seville 1 day, back to Madrid via train for 1 more night before she left. It was a busy trip but she enjoyed it. She said she loved Cordoba and wished she had more time there.
Another option would be to stay longer in Seville and rent a car there. You can then go to Ronda and Granada as day trips.