Sevilla or Granada?

Sevilla is a spectacular city with so much to do, so I guess that would be my choice. BUT, the Alhambra is amazing, and I consider it a don't miss. Please don't do it on a day trip from Sevilla. It's too far, the Alhambra should get a full day.

It really depends on the day trips that you want to do (and how you will do them), but I think the ideal (if you can) is to stay in Granada at least two nights to see the Alhambra, with a longer stay in Sevilla.

Agree on Seville- great city with so much to do! Recommend doing a Tapas food tour.

I am glad I pre planned and had a fulfilling trip to Andalucia by staying 3 nights in both Granada and Seville (with a daytrip to Cadiz) and 1 night in Cordoba and Malaga. The first two Tapas are free in the province of Granada with each drink.

Sevilla would be my choice. 4-5 nights sounds great there. Lots to see with terrific atmosphere. Cordoba is an easy day trip as well. Sevilla’s alcazar with its Mudejar architecture is solid stand-in for the Alhambra. In some ways I found it more varied and interesting, and actually preferred its gardens to the Generalife.

As spectacular as the Alhambra is, I didn’t find Grenada nearly as charming. It is mostly pretty workaday imo. Grenada is also pretty remote. It certainly feels like its own place, but also then demands extra time and effort to get to. Honestly, after three nights (including one with a lively city-wide festival) I felt fairly bored with the place.

I feel there are more day trip opportunities to popular destinations from Sevilla (Cádiz, Córdoba, Carmona, Jerez de la Frontera, etc.) than Granada (Úbeda, Jaén, Motril, etc.) It’s really a personal preference.

Granada is a city of 250K residents with its major attraction being the Alhambra. I’m not sure about the daytrip possibilities.

Four to Five days in Granada would be more than most would want.

Seville has a population of 700K and a metro population of more than 1.5 million residents. Seville has a number of attractions such as the Alcazar, the Cathedral & Giralda, the Plaza de Espana, the Barrio Santa Cruz—in addition to the city itself. The daytrip possibilities include Cordoba, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera and Cadiz—to name a few.

When considering all these things, where to allocate five days becomes clear.

See both, plus Cordoba.
The Alhambra is great as is the Granada Cathedral/Royal tombs, and the Sacromonte area
Seville is magnificent. All of it. Be sure to see the flamenco museum and a show.
Cordoba is great. Don't miss the flower patios.

I agree with the most recent comment. I do understand the appeal of a"home base" to really explore an area and do day trips. But, what I've found in my trip planning is that some areas lend themselves better to that strategy than others. My limit for day trips is generally 2 hours round trip. Others are willing to do more. And, there are some cities with magnificent sites that really only need time a day or two. To me, it seems a shame to be so close to the Alhambra and not see it, but in terms of cities, I really love Sevilla and Cordoba more than Granada.

I would spend 4 to 5 days in Seville, which is a beautiful city with many, many important historical and cultural sights. Lovely plazas, fountains, parks, and gorgeous architecture.

Be sure to spend 2 nights in Granada so that you can spend a day at the Alhambra, which is magnificent. And take the night time tour, also.

You can either visit Cordoba as a daytrip from Seville, or better yet, spend a night or two in Cordoba.

I also prefer longer stays. However, imo Granada is not to be missed and deserves at least one night. I visited both Sevilla and Granada twice before, each time for 3-nights each. I was sad to leave Granada both times but felt ready to move on from Sevilla despite its many sights and larger size. Granada has soul and is a place to linger and enjoy free tapas!; kind, interesting, and more approachable locals; the Alhambra by day and night; Flamenco in the Caves; and the moorish influences of the tea houses, baths, and restaurants. Given 5 nights for a first time visit I would spend two in Granada and three in Seville. You may be able to visit Cordoba enroute from Seville to Madrid.