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Seville/Granada/Cordoba trip

Posted by on

Hello, I am arriving in Madrid on Dec. 31. I plan to take the train directly to Seville and have to be back in Madrid by Jan. 9. I want to definitely hit the three cities (Seville, Granada and Cordoba) but was wondering if I would have time to visit another city/area. The ones I have been researching are the White Towns, Cadiz and Malaga. I am not sure if it is worth it to take time away from the other 3 cities to visit these other areas. For instance, I was thinking of taking a couple days to drive between Seville and Granada and visiting the White Towns but then I realized the roads may be icy and hard to navigate and may be best to leave that for another trip. Also, could you comment on whether Cordoba should be done as a day trip or if we should spend the night (or 2) there.

Lastly, any tips for things to do when most things are closed for Jan 1 and 6th (or particularly interesting celebrations) would be appreciated.

Posted by
5848 posts

I would split it roughly equally between Sevilla, Cordoba, and Granada. If there is time and inclination to do a day trip, I'd make it something close in like the Medina Azahara outside Cordoba or Italica outside Sevilla. I feel like that is the bare minimum for these cities. I think you have listed a good reason to not drive around to villages -- it's lovely to do that in spring but I don't think it would be prime time for that.

Posted by
3410 posts

If you can spend a minimum of a day and a night in Ronda or better yet two nights then you will be seeing the best of Andalucia. Cordoba is a quick day trip from Sevilla by direct train.
A good day trip from Sevilla is Tavira, PT. There’s a 2h bus that’s direct.

Posted by
7702 posts

For planning purposes, keep in mind that places will most likely be closed on Three Kings Day, 6 January. Wherever you intend to be on that day research any special activities that may be occurring and which sites will be open.

I too would split your time equally and not add any additional towns or cities. There are plenty of towns worthy of visiting, but you can see them on your next trip to Spain. Enjoy the places you visit and don’t check boxes just to say you were there.

Posted by
34 posts

After initially planning a full circle via car, now I’ve mostly abandoned car for your 2 week andulicia trip in March. Also based on number of trains etc, we are doing it in the following order: 1) cordoba 2) Granada 3) Seville. Cordoba being closer to Madrid, we can go directly to Cordoba the same day as our arrival into Spain. It’s is better connected to Granada than Seville hence to Granada next - I undertand that these are not the fsstest of trains.

Posted by
1977 posts

While Cordoba can be seen as a daytrip, that is not the ideal or best way to visit Cordoba. Cordoba is a lovely city with many interesting sights to see in addition to the Mezquita. The Juderia is fascinating to explore with its narrow lanes, white-washed walls, and patios and flower pots.

It looks like you have 8 nights on the ground. Seville is larger than Cordoba and Granada with more to see and do. So a possible itinerary could be:
Seville - 4 nights
Granada - 2 nights
Cordoba - 2 nights

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you all for your replies. I have decided to stick to the 3 towns and divide up the nights Seville 4, Granada 2, and Cordoba 2. I have to plan around New Year's Eve/Day and Three Kings Day during this time so I'm not sure how much we will be able to see but we will at least be able to get a feel for the cities.

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