Hello. My husband and I will be traveling in Spain this September (2/9-16/9). We are flying into Barcelona (2 nights), then driving the few hours to Madrid (3 nights). We chose driving because it is the least expensive way, and we enjoy driving/looking/stopping at our own pace. On arrival in Madrid, will drop the car at the airport, and have arranged for another car when we head out for points south. On our itinerary: 10 days for Cordoba, Sevilla, Jerez, Arcos to Ronda, Granada, and lastly Toledo (2 nights), before catching our plane out of Madrid. Questions: 1. What will be the difference in driving time to Sevilla if we go via the A5 and Merida, or the A4 and Cordoba? 2. Pluses/minuses to A5 route (if we travel south on the A4, it will be the same visual tour going back north)? 3. We have booked hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo. Should we book all our hotels in advance, or is it feasible to find hotels as we go, outside the city centers and driving in for the day? 4. Should we try to squeeze in a day for Morocco?
Thank you for any advice you may offer.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
From Barcelona to Madrid, you can drive if you really want to, but it is much faster and cheaper as well to take the train. The AVE whisks you from city center to city center in 2.5 hours. If you buy your tickets soon you can get the Promo fare of 32 to 36 euros per person. The AVE trains are wonderfulfast, modern, and very convenient. Plus they are much easier on the environment than cars. The Spanish government has invested heavily in their high-speed rail system as a green option for travel between the major cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia). Driving the 390 miles will take you at least 6 hours, plus you have to add the time it takes to pick up and return the car at either end. I don't know what you will pay for the one-day rental, but remember to add gas, plus possible parking fees if you stop along the way. I don't know that there is all that much to see on that route, apart from Zaragoza.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
I have driven in ten or so countries in Europe, including Spain and I recommend that you consider doing more of this on the train. My experience is that there is not as much that is interesting in Spain in between the cities and towns, as there is in some other countries. The only places that you list for which a car is a good idea are Arcos and Ronda (and the latter only marginally). I would definitely try and book in advance for the entire trip, as the margins for error are low if you want the best value, quality, location. I would say you have a lot planned even if you stay in Spain so Morocco might be a stretch.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I agree with the prior posters. Take the Ave train if at all possible. Purchse tickets on line in advance (it can be done if you work at it) and get substantial discounts. I think that you will be able to find hotels as you go, but have no personal experience on that. I have visited Spain about 6 or 7 times in the past few years and it is a wonderful country. The people are very nice and helpful as well. I would not try for Morocco unless you just want to say you have placed your feet in Africa. Pure tourist trap for the main part.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
The good and bad about booking hotels in advance - you can do it online, and many people do.just.that. So... will you find hotels? Yes. Exactly what you want and at the price that you want to pay? Maybe, maybe not. And you may spend considerable time searching...and if your Spanish is iffy... September isn't 'the off season' that it used to be, either. FWIW, I too, would train.
Posted by
OP
Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
17 posts
THANK YOU EVERYONE! I am changing my plans to include the AVE...I'm having some trouble getting the renfe site to work, so I may have to take the alternate route and book with a fee... THANK YOU for all the great support!
OLE!