I'm a little worried that our itinerary for a trip to Spain for 2 weeks will be too packed and filled with one night stays. We're going to Madrid, Seville, a few White Hill Towns, Basque country, Barcelona, and possibly Granada. I'd like to get some opinions on whether travelers considered Granada a must-see destination. I know this is very subjective, but I'd love some input!
Thanks,
Dolly
It looks like you're planning at least 7 stops in the two weeks....far too much. You'll barely have time to open your suitcase before you'll have to depart for your next destination. I fear you will be disappointed, and exhausted, at the end of your trip.
With two weeks, you have time to do one of two loops; Madrid-the Basque Country-Barcelona., or Madrid-Sevilla-Granada, but not both. You want time to "smell the roses."
So, which loop to you take? That depends on what you want to experience. The southern loop, Andalucia, is the heart of stereotypical Spain; flamenco, dark-haired women, sun-kissed orange trees, olives, etc. It's this region that was dominated by the Moors for 750 years, and understanding that civilization's impact goes a long way to understanding Spain itself. Granada, with its Alhambra, is the center of this Moorish influence. It was the last city conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella in the centuries-long war by Christians to oust the Moors, and has the best preserved Moorish fortress in the world. It's also Spain's most popular tourist attraction.
The other loop takes you through parts of the country that are more rugged; the weather and the land are rougher. The people themselves are hardier, with a history of farming in the mountains or earning a living from the sea....no nice warm year-round sunshine here. They're still friendly, but much more reserved than their southern brothers and sisters. This is an area that was only occupied by the Muslim invaders briefly, or not at all, and they are proud of their "Christian" roots. This loop also takes you to two areas which many local residents don't even think should be part of Spain; the Basque country, with its unique culture and language, and Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, where the language, and the ethnic ties, are closer to France and Italy than they are to the rest of Spain.
Either loop would be great..but slow down so you can enjoy yourselves no matter which one you choose.
Two years ago, we did a similar trip to Spain. Madrid, Barcelona and spent a week around Malaga. While in Malaga, we visited the White villages of Ronda and Mijas. Beautifull! Also visited Marbella, which we like it a lot. Also went to Gibraltar(not recomend it) and a tour to Marruecos(we love it). We had to choose between Sevilla and Granada and ended visiting Granada on a tour. The tour only took us to the Alhambra which was amazing, but were dissapointed because couldn't see anything else. We rented a car there for a week and it was very easy to drive around. We only took tours to Marruecos and Granada(you do better on your own). We stayed at Mijas Costa (between Malaga and Marbella) and were at the same driving distance to Sevilla or Granada. We were there in june and it was veeery hot. Enjoy yor trip!
You knew the answer when you asked the question. Of course, it is. It is all personal opinion but Granada is one of the must see sights in all of Spain. The Alhambra is these most visited site in Spain by both locals and tourists. Think Disneyworld. And you really need a full day just for the Alhambra.
But your trip is all over the place -- there are major distances between Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville. Please, look at a map. You will have to spend half or more of your time traveling. Last year we took 10 days -- into Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada and home from Malaga and was a very rushed trip. I think you should focus on either southern Spain or northern Spain. Cannot do both in two weeks,
Thank you for your detailed and helpful replies. I think we'll probably take the advice and do the Southern loop this time, and hope to return in the future for the northern loop. But this is still a decision we have to make, so I might be posting another query soon about Basque country so that we can make a really informed choice!
I would agree with the majority that you're packing in too much in two weeks. We just got back from two weeks in Spain (3 nights in Barc, 4 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in Sevilla, 2 nights in Granada, last night in Madrid and flew home the next day). We were pretty well exhausted by the end and felt like we left a few stones unturned in a couple of the cities, especially Barc - big, spread out city with things to see in all corners. We loved the Alhambra and liked Granada, but honestly, it was our least favorite of the four cities we visited. Hope this helps and have a great time.
I did Spain in 17 days. Barcelona 3 days, Valencia 2 days, Granada 3 days (I just did not want to leave), Seville 3 days, Cordoba 1 day, Madrid 3 days. It was a whirl wind trip. if properly thought out and well planned, any compacted trip is possible. You may need a vacation from your vacation. I have done 5 cities in Germany in 10 days. It was exhausting but it was feasible and I did not regret it. But in your trip, just understand that sometimes train rides are long. My train trip from Valencia to Granada was something like 9 hours. I would trim off the northern part of your trip and save the Basque for another trip.
Keep in mind that in Spain, nightlife is key. Dinner is late and you'll want to spend some time experiencing Spanish evening culture. You are wise to cut it back to avoid fatigue or missing Spanish culture and life.
Grenada was not my favorite city, but La Alhambra is not to be missed if you are in Andalucia. It is just hard to get to and so you must plan on 2 nights there in order to have a full day for La Alhambra.
Don't forget Toledo. If you are in Madrid, it is worth at least a day trip, if not an overnight.
