Toledo or Granada

When faced with this choice in 2014, we picked Granada. I was happy with the choice; there was a lot to see and do. Granada is beautiful and I loved visiting the Alhambra. I don't think there's a bad option, though--Toledo is on my list for a future trip to Spain.

I would probably opt for Granada because it is more unique (if that is possible). The Alhambra is Granada is special so you will not see anything similar through out Spain or even Europe. Toledo is similar to a lot of other fortified, walled, castled cities of Europe. It is well preserved and worthy of visit especially overnight.

Which one would you pick, your son or your daughter? ;)).... both cities have enough charm and allure on its own to be worth a visit, it's difficult to pick one: Toledo vs Granada

PS Yet if you ask me, I'd choose Barcelona, LOL!!!

I'm not sure how you figure you only have time for one. Toledo can be a 30 minute daytrip from Madrid, though an overnight is better. Granada is 3 hours from Sevilla or Cordoba, more from Madrid and needs at least 2 nights to properly see the Alhambra and city.

Anyway, the Alhambra is one of the most popular sites in all of Europe. It is an amazing example of Moorish design and architecture and takes a few hours to scratch just the surface. The city of Granada is not my favorite, but the Moorish quarter and city center will keep the average person occupied for a day.

Toledo is smaller but has an incredibly rich blend of history, religion, architecture and culture - if you know where to look. You can find physical ruins from the Roman era, Visigothic era, Moorish era, Jewish religion and culture, the Catholic Reconquista and even the Spanish Civil War. And it is a very charming hill town with winding pedestrian-only streets.

Both, Toledo as a day trip from Madrid if necessary. I'd skip any other sight in Central and Southern Spain for these 2 if I had to.

If you seriously can only do 1, then I'd vote Granada. But you really can't go wrong, both are wonderful. The Alhambra is one-of-a-kind, and Granada is so different - it's really it's own place, completely unique. But you'd need a full day for the Alhambra and a day for the rest of the city (be sure to have a lot of time for wandering the Albayzin).

Thank you all. It seems that Granada wins or rather my husband. I was pulling for Toledo. Sadly our time is limited but it seems we can't lose.

It really depends on the bigger picture of your trip.
Toledo can be managed with just 10-12 hours as a day trip from Madrid.
Granada really needs a 2 night stay, as well as time consuming travel to and from.

The voice from down under is correct. Please lay out your entire intinery in order to help provide the best perspective to answering your question.

Just visited both of these cities in May/June. I think it boils down to this. Toledo is a better town and also has the magnificent cathedral. Granada is not nearly as charming a town but has one of the best sites in Europe: the Alhambra. IMO, Granada requires 3 nights(2 full days), one for the Alhambra and one for the town including the Albaycin which I think is the nicest and most interesting part of town.
We had 2 nights in Toledo which is about ideal but would have been happy to have another night just to relax and enjoy.

So it really depends on how much time you have and what you are most interested in seeing.

There is no comparison hands down Granada for WORLD FAMOUS Alhambra site. But Toledo is a very interesting medieval town which is worth a day trip from Madrid

I've been to both. I'd say Toledo is my don't miss for northern Spain and Granada is my don't miss for southern Spain. Eventually I hope you will get to spend time in both places. That said both north and south have many other great cities/sights.

I'd base your decision on which required the least travel time/expense and fit my itinerary best.