We will be traveling in Spain for a month using the train system. We start in Barcelona mid-February (staying outside of Barcelona) for about 9 days but otherwise do not have plans made yet. We tend to try and not do the typical touristy things. Any suggestions that could help us finalize our plans would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance:)
Posted by
Washington DC
28965 posts
We really need to know more about your interests. Spain has a lot to offer.
Posted by
8809 posts
Sometimes staying outside a city creates more waste of time, just commuting into the city. Be sure to compare lodgings close in vs. outside the city. Also, you will have to pay for transportation.
Barcelona is worth 4-5 days
Next, I recommend taking the high speed train to Madrid and spend 4-5 days there with day trips to Toledo and Segovia. Toledo is the real gem of Spain. It was the capital of Spain (Castle) 500 years ago and is very well preserved. Segovia has an amazing 1800 year old Roman aqueduct that was still working until the mid-20th Century.
Then proceed south to Cordoba and spend at least a day there on your way to Seville. Seville is the next gem of Spain, you need 4 days there. From there you should consider visiting Malaga and nearby Rhonda, then to Granada to see the amazing Alhambra. Spend 3-5 days in this portion of Spain.
Valencia is an option as well as a day taking in the Rock of Gibraltar, which is British.
You still have some time left over, but make sure you are satisfied with what you want to see at each place. Use TripAdvisor.com under things to do for the key sites.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7621 posts
February is the wild card since weather can vary. If you don’t want to do typical touristy things, then don’t go to typical tourist destinations. For me that means getting a rental car and visiting small villages and nature areas that don’t make it onto most tourists radar. If may take some research to find villages with things of interest to you, but you will be we rewarded. There are a number of cities that might suit your needs as well; where there are no wow sites, but we’ll worth spending some time in.