my husband and i are trying to decide which area to visit this may. both seems appealing. we look for a laid back atmosphere when traveling. we enjoy the small towns and authentic atmosphere. anyone have an opionion on which area would be best to visit? any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
Costa Brava is in the North of Spain. Wheather is different, not as warm during winter, not as hot during summer (as compared to Andalucia). Also it's a completely different culture as it's part of Catalonia where people speak Catalan rather than Castillano (Catalan is a mix of French, Castillano and some local dialects). Food is different, towns look different. Andalucia was part of the Arab world for quite a long time which is still visible and which also has had some impact on their food and lifestyle. In my very own personal opinion Andalucia is more of what we as "foreigners" expect from Spain, it's more stereotypical Spanish. And, if that's of any importance to you, the beaches are nicer as well.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
This a tough one. I have been to Costa Brava, and plan to go to Andalucia next year. Costa Brava was very nice, very laid back, nice to drive around, food and sangria was good, lots of things to do if you want (Girona, Cadaques, Figueres, Empuries) and the beach is nice. But we also went to Barcelona for 4 days, and i have to say that was the highlight of our trip. It is a big citie but so easy to visit and very laid back. There is lot a of day trips you can take from Barcelona (Montserrat, Stiges, Penedes). I am sure you will have a great vacation either way.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I agree with Andreas....if you want a taste of the roots of Spanish culture, go to Andalucia. The white villages, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada....the heart of flameco. It's here you will find the mix of Arabic, Jewish, and European culture that makes Spain unique. Plus, there's the option of side trips to different destinations like Gibraltar (to say you've been there) and Tangiers....both easily do-able as day trips from the Costa del Sol area.
Posted by
USA
4 posts
A quick bit of advice... If you go south it's a very Middle Eastern type of place, beautiful, arid and worth seeing. Two things I learned were, 1st most poeple don't speak a lot of English in smaller towns making ordering food or getting directions frustrating. 2nd if by chance you decide to go to Granada there's one of the most amazing places I didn't get to see, the Alhambra. You MUST purchase tickets before you go!!! http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/The_Alhambra.html
I flew thousands of miles to be turned away at the door in tears, don't let this happen to you. Check all websites, if possible for anything you plan to see.
Good luck!!!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
You may find cheaper Alhambra prices at their official retailer's website. You can chose the morning session or the afternoon session (starts at 2:30), and the time printed on your ticket is the start of the half-hour windown by which you must enter the Nazrid palaces portion of the Alhambra, or lose the chance to see the jewel of the entire place. Access is VERY strictly controlled.