Time in Granada and Seville

Most people typically spend two nights in Granada so as not to be rushed. But a full day allows you to see the Alhambra and maybe walk around in the Albayzin. With another half day you might be able to see the cathedral but that might be tight depending on your timing and if the day and half includes settling into your hotel and departing.

Two days is really a minimum for Sevilla; three gives you a more leisurely pace.

As a rule, consider two nights in a location equal to one full day - days on either side are travel days. Depending on how far you're traveling, you may see some sights on a travel day - but it's probably safest to consider a travel day unavailable for purposes of sight-seeing.

For Granada, I'd want a minimum of two full days (three nights). One full day for the Alhambra and one full day for other sights in town. I'd also plan one evening to view the sunset from the Albaicin, then see a Sambra performance in a cave home there.

For Seville, outside festivals (Semana Santa and April Fair), two nights with one full day may be enough. The Cathedral, Alcazar and surrounding quarter will make a full day of sight-seeing. In the evening you can stroll down to the river to view the Golden Tower. I personally think you can skip the Plaza Espana - it's simply an old Exposition sight with nice gardens for strolling, not really anything historical. They may still have bull fights into early October; I think those start around 7 pm so could be an evening activity if that interests you.

As always, the more time you have, the more there is to enjoy - and the more enjoyable the pace.

I agree completely with Brad on this one. You can easily spend a full day - especially if the weather is nice - at the Alhambra and you should. Do a little reads on Spanish history to understand how important Granada is to Spanish history of 1492.

Two days if you have time would be great for Granada. We were only there for 1 night and I wished we had more time. Sevilla needs at least 2 nights!

Arrive in Granada mid day
Sunset Plaza St Nicholas
Albaicin early dinner
Nighttime visit to the Alhambra (!) Nasrid palace
Sleep
Next day, see the whole Alhambra, including Nasrid palace again.
Optional: Cathedral.

After that, you could catch a late bus or train to Seville, but maybe better to spend the night.

Okay, this is a little unorthodox, but the Alhambra at night is magical and may be the highlight of your whole trip.

We had two nights in Granada staying in the Albaicin and with tickets to the Alhambra on the full day -- we needed three nights/two full days so we could also see the Cathedral and central areas.

Seville needs about 4 nights/3 days

thanks so much for your suggestions, everyone. Sounds like 3 nights in Granada and 2 in Seville should give us enough time to at least see the major sights. Sure wish we could stay for an entire week in each spot!