Just started looking into planning a 10 day trip to Spain in late October early November. Husband and I in early 40's.. Flying from US into either Barcelona ,Madrid, or Malaga . Have a weeks timeshare to exchange in Malaga so looking to use that as home base for at least part of the time.. From my initial research was thinking of flying directly into Malaga.. From there doing trips to Granada , Gibraltar , Ronda, and exploring any other cities nearby.. Interested in eating our way around.. Would love to see olive and wine tasting tours? Then was thinking of heading to Seville for a night.. Flamenco? Then to Cordoba or Pueblos Blancos for a night then to Madrid for a night? Or should we leave Malaga and head north up the coast to Barcelona stopping along the way? Or can fly into to either Madrid or Barcelona and work our way to Malaga? We are trying to avoid tourist traps but still want to see Spain!! This is all a bit overwhelming so any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! We are not big on museums and also wondering if we should rent a car or rely on public transport?
Posted by
FL USA
1527 posts
We typically base out of malaga so this is in our sweetspot.
First, fly directly to Malaga, but purchase an ooen jaw ticket so you may depart from Madrid.
Second, great time of year to visit w reduced crowds and heat.
Third, are you w RCI? If so our choice is the Beach Club resort. PM me if you are RCI for some tips.
Fourth, rent a car. We prefer hatchbacks for the purpose of the rear cover being able to hide stuff you leave in the vehicle. Yiu will need an IDP available from AAA for $20.
Fifth, we routinely day trip to Granada, Ronda and points in between. Online review the michelin maps to acclimate w distances/roads. Also use google earth street view to gain some benchmarks to understand your route. We like to view what the intersections/highway interchanges look like so we know what to look for.
Sixth, learn how to reserve/purchase tickets for Alhambra. We also have a tip on where to park for your day in Granada.
Seven, drop the car and take the train to Seville for a couple of nights.
Eight, take the AVE train to Madrid and early morning of day prior to returning home.
Nine, pack lite.
Ten, adjust rapidly to the time schedule of Spain and stay up late to eat and partake in so many activities. Too many travelers allow their USA based stomach clock define their journey and miss out on some great experiences.
Barcelona will be on your next trip to Spain.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Can not comment on much of your travel as my area of concentration has been more in the northern part of the country. But, as to Sevilla, check out Really Discover Sevilla Tours...small and well managed. Their groups are considerably smaller than some of the larger companies, but this means you can actually hear the guide and enjoy the time. They can also get you headed to a fantastic Flamenco Show...smaller venue, get there early and sit as close to the front as you can.. A memorable experience from my trip..
Posted by
69 posts
Agree with flying into Malaga and out of Madrid.
You could day trip (by car) to Granada, which is about 90 minutes from Malaga. Park in Alhambra parking lot. Walk down the hill through the Puertas Gambas into the old city. Take #31 bus from Plaza Nueve back up the hill. Alahambra tour alone consumes, at the very least, 5 to 6 hours.
You could day trip to Ronda, 2 1/2 hours taking the northern route through Cartama, Pizzara, etc. Tour Ronda, the Gorge, the bullring and take the southern route, 3 hours through the beautiful Marabella, back to Malaga. You can actually see the Rock of Gilbraltar coming down from the Sierra Ronda Mts to Marabella this way. You could also stay in Ronda overnight (Hotel Ronda). With the day-trippers and bus tours gone, you have the town to yourself.
You could day trip to Cordoba, less than 2 hours from Malaga. There is free parking under the shopping center just SE of the old city center. Have a Tortilla Espanola in the old Jewish Quarter. Tour La Mezquita that afternoon, minimum 4 hours.
You could day trip to Seville, but this might be where you start your swing north to Toledo and Madrid. With a rental car, you could leave Malaga, stop overnight in Ronda, continue the next day through the Pueblos Blancos by way of Grazalema to El Bosque to Arcos, then up to Seville for 2 or 3 night visit. Stay in the Barrio Santa Cruz. You can car park near the Jardines (look for Vineria San Telmo as a map landmark) just SE of Santa Cruz and walk the couple of blocks into the Barrio. Visit the Alcazar early, the Plaza de Espana late. Sit at a tapa bar, order "dos canas, por favor" (two small chilled glasses of beer, usually CruzCampo) and enjoy the beautiful vibe of flamenco, music and food of Seville.
From Seville, head north, visiting Toledo along the way, leaving your car at Barajas Airport in Madrid, then sightseeing Madrid, visiting the Prado and the plazas for a couple of days before heading home.
Ed
Posted by
Seattle
50 posts
Ten days will go by fast! Does that include the day of your flight to Spain and day of flight from Spain?