I am planning a trip to southern Spain including Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, and maybe Cordoba between 12/26 and 1/2. I'd like to find out who would open on January 1 to plan my trip. I think all the museums are closed on 1/1 (checked the website of Prado Museum and Alhambra). But what about churches (like the Cathedral in Toledo, or the Cathedral in Seville), Royal Palace in Madrid, stores/restaurants, or public transportation (train or bus)? Which town would be a good place to stay for New Year eve. and New Year day? Madrid, Seville, Toledo, Cordoba, or Granada? Thank you!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
First, 5 cites in six days is little over the top. Cannot speak to Madrid about New Years but most of southern Spain is pretty much shut down from New Year's eve through New Years Day. Last year we spent New Years in Seville and nothing was open except for a couple restaurants in large tourist hotels. The city shut down around 5pm on NY eve. From the TV it looked like Madrid had more action on NY eve.
Posted by
OP
San Jose
52 posts
Hi Frank, Thanks for the tip on Madrid. I'll fly in and out of Madrid so maybe I'll take train to Seville on the 2nd day and return to Madrid for NYE and NYD. I'm traveling on 12/25 and will arrive on 12/26 morning so it's close to 7 days. I'm thinking to use Madrid and Seville as base and do day trips to Toledo, Granada and Cordoba. If schedule turns out to be too tight I'll drop Cordoba and Toledo. Was the weather warm enough during the day to walk around a little bit? Thank you!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
Have you purchased your airline tickets? You really only have six days. Your arrival day, at best, is a half day. Seville to Granada is a 3 three hour train ride and you need a full day. Only last trip we spent nearly 6 hrs in the Alhambra itself. Drop Granada. Spend an afternoon and evening in Cordoba on the way to Seville. It was cool and rainy when we were there. Need a good jacket and rain gear. Granada will be colder because it is in the mountains.