Andalucia

We prefer a rental car because we like to be able to stop anywhere(even for a moment) and take a few photos or check out the area. In Andalucia you can enjoy any of the small towns and then motor on your way. As an example: in Ronda we stopped, took photos, ate lunch, visited the bullring/museum and after about 3 hours headed back down the highway. In Seville there are all sorts of underground parking lots along the river. Easy to find and just as easy to get back out of the city. In Cordoba we had NO problem finding underground parking close to most of the main sites. If you like walking, find parking ASAP and then wander to your heart's delight. It may sound a bit obvious but always make a note of where the parking lot is located. With an automobile you can expand your accomodation base. In Spain we stayed at a few places outside of the cities that could only be reached by car. They were quieter and CHEAPER than in town! Driving is easy, highways are great and the drivers know what they're doing. Some posters will swear against driving but I wonder if they have even tried it! We're open to all modes of transport and don't just stick to one. Enjoy your travels.

If all you want from Andalucia are the cities, a car is an unnecessary burden - extra expenditure for parking and not in use in cities where all 'sites' you might wish to see on a first visit are walkable or a bus ride away.

We live in Andalucia so we do drive most places. Driving between towns and cities is easy,driving within the cities less easy. And driving within the old parts of the cities, especially Seville, can be a nightmare - and something to be avoided. However, driving does give you much more flexibility and if you research where the parking stations are you should be fine. A good GPS will show them and they are all signed with a blue P. Another option is to park at the train station and taxi in. To me, it would depend on how much time you have in total and how much time you plan to spend in places other than Seville, Cordoba and Granada as you definately do not need a car when you are in those cities. We know almost nothing about trains or buses in Andalucia but the train site is www.renfe.com and you can see it in English.