Madrid, Granada and Seville- opinions and suggestions please!

If I had extra time in that area, I'd spend it in Cordoba or Toledo rather than on a detour to Nerja. Or, since you plan to rent a car, you could try to catch one or two of the white villages. But I am not a beach person, so I am obviously biased.

How much time you need in Madrid depends to a considerable degree on how interested you are in its art museums and whether you want to take day-trips while staying there. The most frequent day-trips are to Toledo (though I think it's worth more time than that) and Segovia. To me, Madrid itself is not all that distinctive a place compared to your other destinations. However, it does have lively nightlife and a youthful vibe.

I would agree that staying in one of the Pueblos Blancos would be worth it. I would particularly recommend Ronda--a delightful town with the oldest bullring in Spain. We had our best meal in Spain in Ronda!

I wouldn’t give your extra day to Madrid. Nerja, Ronda or Cordoba are possibilities. If you go to Nerja, be sure to go to nearby Frigiliana, a charming white town to explore. And the beach on the edge of Nerja - Burriana, is a lot nicer than the ones off the Balcony of Europe area of Nerja.

Look through the RS guidebook or YouTube those locations to see what appeals to you.

I agree with acraven. I would look at more time in Cordoba and Toledo. Toledo is an ancient, really interesting and scenic town with an extensive history. Cordoba has the amazing Mezquita and is a really scenic, cute town. Madrid is lively, but I would concentrate my time in more historic and scenic towns. You could use a train for most of the trip. The only exception would be if you choose to ad Pueblos Blancos between Granada and Sevilla. The area is beautiful. I think you have plenty in Andalusia and would not sidetrack to nerja. Have a great trip!

What do your daughters want to do? I would think some beach or pool day would be a welcome break for them.....assuming this is a summer trip.

It seems to me you are going to all big cities, which makes driving a hassle. I would NOT drive in Granada, the only fight I saw in Spain was between a husband and wife trying to get their car out of a tight space in the center of Granada.

But do your daughters want to see the beach. I'd spend at least 3 days in Sevilla to see everything. You could always take the train to Cadiz if you want to see a beach/boardwalk.

I would spend the extra night in Cordoba, a very beautiful small city and less crowded than some of the others. The Mezquita is magnificent, and there are other interesting sites and things to do, such as the gardens of the Alcazar, Palacio de Viana, wandering through the Juderia, and strolling along the Roman Bridge. The Roman Bridge at night is gorgeous all lit up and with views of the illuminated Mezquita. We saw many Spanish families strolling along the bridge, their children riding bikes, and socializing with friends. I don't think people who see Cordoba as a day trip really appreciate its beauty and historical significance.

Toledo is another historically important city, and beautiful, and is better seen if you stay at least one night. It is very, very crowded with tour buses during the day, and is so much more enjoyable at night.

My personal preference is Cordoba, with Toledo a close second.

I don't know anything about Nerja.

I, too, recommend traveling by train. They are very easy to use and reasonable. However, if you decide to visit a white town, a car would be better for that area, I think, based on what I have read, not firsthand experience.

Thanks to everyone for comments and suggestions.
I know many mentioned taking the train, which was our original plan but given the timing a car will work better. We will pick the car up as we leave Madrid and then return it when we get to Seville, so not driving in the cities. I like that the car will allow us to see the smaller towns and have more flexibility.
I know parking in Granada will be a hassle but just intend to park and leave the car. Trying to strategize the Granada hotel with that in mind.
So, revised schedule will likely be 3 nights in Madrid, departing for Cordoba on the morning of the 4th. 5th and 6th nights in Granada. Spend the 7th day making a scenic trip from Granada to Seville. Nights 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be spent in Seville.
Thank you all!!!
Caroline

You may want to take a look at Casa Del Aljaraife in Granada. Our 3 night stay there was terrific, and it included secure parking. Damian, the owner, met us when we arrived in Granada and we followed him to the parking garage. Rooms are large, so they should be able to accommodate three people. Damian will procure your Alhambra tickets for a very nominal fee. He and his wife provided us with some of the very best customer service that we had in Spain. https://www.casadelaljarife.com/es/

Don't miss Toledo, plan on about 6 hours there.
Good plan, also consider a day trip to Segovia from Madrid.

I would not want to drive into Toledo. It is San-Francisco-hilly with steep and lots of ups and downs. Cordoba is my favorite Spanish city and Toledo is not far behind. Madrid is the least interesting of your cities. Unless you want to spend many hours looking at European paintings in its 3 top notch museums, 2 full days is enough. I'd take the train to Cordoba and stay 2 nights, then rent a car to drive to Granada. Or you could stay 1N in Cordoba, rent a car, spend 1N in Ronda and see some of the white villages (pueblos blancos) on the way to Granada.