I've done a fair amount of research and looking for any suggestions to fine-tune our October 2023 itinerary before I book everything. Travelers will be me, my husband, and our 4 year old. We'll spend the first 5 nights in Barcelona (mix of fun and work-related stuff so those dates aren't negotiable). Then planning to rent a car and explore Valencia and Andalucia before ended up back in Madrid (flying into BCN but out of MAD).
We're moderately seasoned travelers, love low-key outdoor activities (short hikes, botanical gardens, etc.) and wandering around smaller towns, with some museums sprinkled in. Not really into churches unless they're a "must see".
Days 1-5 Barcelona
Days 6-8 Valencia (really 2 full days, because I expect we'll stop a bit on the drive down)
Days 9-10 Granada (first day is driving there, second day will be Alhambra in the morning and town in the afternoon)
Day 11 Gibraltar (I know, but we're thinking we could walk/hike at La Laguna de Fuente or have lunch in Marbella on the way, do the rock/monkeys in the afternoon, and head out early the next day)
Days 12-14 Seville (for the drive, thinking of stopping at Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, or Jerez de la Frontera, or Arcos de la Frontera on the way. Then we'll have 2 full days in Seville)
Days 15-16 Madrid (high speed train from Seville to Madrid on day 15, one full day in Madrid, then easy access to airport to fly home)
To note, we originally weren't going to spend any time in Madrid, so I know we're shortchanging it, but my husband think we should give it a day. We're more likely to get back to Madrid before any of these other places, so really just going to check it out and not for the full experience. We're also not too into large cities, especially with a small child, so that last part I'm fine with.
I wish we can add an extra day just about everywhere, but this is what we have to work with. Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions!