We are two couples plan I g a trip for 10 nights. We fly into Madrid and out of Barcelona. We are in our 40s. Enjoy beaches and bars as well as exploring. My wife and I have done Madrid south to Costa del sol. Considering Madrid-Toledo-Valencia-Barcelona. Or possibly flying from Madrid to Ibiza then to Barcelona. Definitely want sit spend some time at nice beaches
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
The only trains to Toledo are from Madrid. They are frequent so you could even start your visit there, though with jetlag, you're probably better off in Madrid which is familiar to you. You can either day trip to Toledo while you're in Madrid or you can overnight there before taking the train onward. There are lockers at Atocha so you can store most of your stuff and just take an overnight bag to Toledo. There are AVE trains to Valencia, then train to Barcelona. Or take the cercanias from Atocha to Barajas for Ibiza. Either itinerary seems to work well.
How much time do you want to spend in each place sightseeing? What is your priority - quality beaches with a little sightseeing for variety or lots of sightseeing with a little beach time as a change.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Chain, thanks for your reply. I intended to drive instead of train to give some flexibility. So the main thing we are trying to consider is where to go between Madrid and Barcelona and how much time to spend in each. We'd like a good mixture of sightseeing And quality beaches.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If you want to bypass Madrid and spend time in Toledo then head there on arrival. Otherwise spend a few nights in Madrid and visit as a day trip by train.
Next up, take a high speed AVE train through Barcelona to Girona and pick up your hire car here. Llafranc, Begur, Cadaques, Port de la Selva are some of the great beach places on the Costa Brava you can choose from. Visit the Greek & Roman ruins at Empuries, the Dali Museum in Figueres and medieval Besalu.
Finish up in Barcelona for 3/4 nights after returning the car. If you still haven't had your full of beaches then it's only 40 mins to Sitges by train from BCN.