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Short trip to Madrid and Andalusia - hoping for feedback

Posted by (Montreal, QC) on

I just booked a short trip (unfortunately, I don't have more time) from Montreal to Madrid. My plan is to fly in on Monday, February 21 (flight is supposed to get in around 3pm). My original thought was to head straight to Sevilla, but if there are delays, that could get messy.

So my plan for now is:

  • Overnight in Madrid on Monday, February 21
  • Depart for Sevilla on Tuesday, February 22. Stay in Sevilla for four nights, with a day trip to Cordoba.
  • Depart for Granada and stay for three nights.
  • Return to Madrid on March 1, and have a few days in Madrid before my flight home on March 4.

I'm torn about whether to head to Toledo the day I arrive and stay overnight there, since I would only be in Madrid one night anyway, before continuing on to Sevilla. On the one hand, this seems like a lot to manage flying in in late afternoon, but trains to Toledo are frequent and inexpensive. It looks like I would then take the slower train to Sevilla from Toledo. Any thoughts about this? Alternatively, I could visit Toledo on March 2 or 3 for a day trip. Or save it for a hopeful future trip to Spain.

It looks like Renfe tickets do not get more expensive for the slower, regional trains (e.g., Madrid->Toledo or Sevilla->Cordoba) but that Madrid->Sevilla, Sevilla->Granada, and Granada->Madrid should be booked early.

Any tips on where to get an affordable PCR test in central Madrid or, alternatively, in Granada?

It's more moving around than I typically prefer to do but I just don't have much time. I've traveled extensively in Europe but this will be my first time in Spain outside of Catalonia.

Thanks and take care,
Eliza

Posted by
27616 posts

I think Granada is worth 3 nights (if not 4), but a lot of people do only stay there 2 nights. I would at least try to get their early in the day.

The Madrid-Toledo train is a fast train. It's the exception to the general rule that tickets on such trains get quite expensive if you buy them late. The Madrid-Toledo fare never changes. There may even be a slight discount for a round-trip ticket; I haven't checked.

When you head from Toledo to Seville, you will be taking that same train back to Madrid and changing trains there. Toledo is on a spur rail line with service only to Madrid. I have checked in the past, and that's the fastest way to get to Seville. I don't think there is even direct bus service from Toledo south to Seville. You could cobble together a bus + train itinerary (check rome2rio.com for options), and I guess it might be somewhat cheaper, but that would be a hassle. I don't like using mixed-mode transportation when there is an alternative. If your bus runs late, you could easily miss your train and have to buy a replacement ticket.

I love Toledo and think it's very efficient to avoid two separate hotel stays in Madrid by heading right to Toledo on your arrival day. The issue is that just spending the first night there after flying to Spain would be way too little time for me; I'm basically useless on my arrival day. I'd plan two nights in Toledo before moving on.

Posted by
568 posts

Any tips on where to get an affordable PCR test in central Madrid or, alternatively, in Granada?

Democratest offers PCR tests for €60-€95 (higher prices for weekend testing and/or faster result turnaround) and is available in Madrid, though not in Granada. I've used it twice (though for antigen tests) and have been happy. I'd recommend checking carefully to make sure there's a location and an appointment available that meet your testing requirements.

It looks like I would then take the slower train to Sevilla from Toledo.

Just as an FYI, the only passenger rail service from Toledo is to/from Madrid, so if you are going anywhere else in Spain, you will be changing trains in Madrid -- in most cases (including to Andalusia) it will be at the same station (Atocha).

Posted by
7024 posts

Granada deserves 2 full days, meaning 3 nights.

Quiron Prevención offers PCR tests for 88€ with results in 24 hours. It has testing centers throughout the country; 5 in Madrid and 1 in Granada.

Posted by
5288 posts

Hi Eliza,
Here are a few suggestions to consider:

  • Spend your first night, plus a few hours the following morning, in Toledo. Toledo gets very crowded with day trippers so you’ll be able to enjoy this beautiful medieval city without the crowds.
  • Spend your first night, plus a few hours the following day, in Córdoba before heading to Granada or Sevilla
  • I agree with staying 3 nights (two full days) in Granada.

  • Have you booked your Alhambra tickets? If not, make sure you do ASAP. Pre-Covid it was recommended to book 3 months in advance!

  • Prebook your long distance AVE train tickets for Madrid to Sevilla, Granada to Madrid, etc.

Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
968 posts

I like the idea of going straight to Toledo or Cordoba upon landing, only if the trains are frequent. It is difficult to gage how much you need at the airport to collect luggage, etc. There can be a lot of waiting around.

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