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Spain in May

I recently posted about visiting Italy but have changed my itinerary to Spain. My flights have been booked already - flying into Madrid and flying out of Barcelona - and we'll be staying for 12 days in total. My plan is not to stay in Madrid but to catch a train to Seville as soon as we land and how far is the train station from the airport, and how much time would we need between? I'm planning on staying in Seville for 3 or 4 days with some day trips to either Cordoba or Malaga or would I need more time in either place once I decide. We are not really museum type of people and just prefer to wander around on our own and is there more to see in Cordoba or Malaga? From there we'd visit Granada for 2 days then fly into Barcelona. We are planning on staying for 4 days and would that be enough time?

There are so many good options to visit but with only 12 days I really have to narrow it down.

Thank you.

Posted by
2267 posts

Atocha station, from which you'll take the train, is about 30-45 minutes from the airport. There are public transportation options, and a cab is 30 euro flat.

Timing is hard to say, as it depends on your flight's arrival, airport experience, traffic... The safe bet is to book a train well later and wonder the area near the station if you have time to kill. But that's also torture if you arrive quickly. Train tickets will allow changes for a % fee. Have you called your airline to see if you can change the ticket to connect into Sevilla? Even if it costs a bit more, it could be worth it for a smoother connection with airline guarantees.

Posted by
429 posts

With only 12 nights I would skip Malaga. Southern Spain in May is beautiful. Seville 4, Cordoba 2, Granada 3 (on the weekend so you may need to change the order). That leaves 3 nights extra, your flying out of Barcelona so the last night there (fly). I would spend the first two nighs in Toledo. J

Posted by
7175 posts

Don’t bother with Malaga for a trip of only 12 nights.
I’m not a fan of juggling train bookings on flight arrival days. Stay in Madrid and explore the main sights of old Madrid.

Fly in to Madrid (2 nights)
Train to Seville (4 nights) with a day trip to Cordoba
Train to Granada (2 nights)
Fly to Barcelona (4 nights)

Overview of Madrid In One Day ….
•Royal Palace
•City Walk

Plaza de Oriente
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Santa Ana (lunch)
Puerta del Sol
Metropolis Bldg
Plaza de Cibeles
Puerta del Alcala
Retiro Park

•Prado Museum (Free entry from 6PM to 8PM Monday to Saturday ,and 5PM to 7PM on Sunday)

Posted by
20 posts

I'd love to fly directly to Seville but I can't find a direct flight from Toronto so I'd have a connection either way. I think I'll skip Malaga and maybe add a night or two in Madrid instead, that way I won't have to worry about rushing to the train station.

Posted by
20 posts

Any suggestions on what area I should stay in in Barcelona? Close to sights and public transportation since we won't have a car and maybe around a 4 star?

Posted by
2267 posts

mq- Definitely no direct transatlantic flights into Seville, but connecting to a plane would be easier/faster/more convenient than connecting to a train.