I have been to Granada and La Alhambra twice and loved it. This is my husband's first trip to Spain, and part of me feels that he must see it while we have the chance. The only problem is that going to Granada would be our only reason for going that far south. I have found that the best option for us would be to get on a night train from Barcelona to Granada, stay the day, and hop on a late bus to Madrid that night. That would give us 12hrs max in Garnada and get us into Madrid late. We would then have the next 2 days in Madrid. If we do not go to Granada, we can have a little more breathing room on the whole trip and maybe take a day trip from Madrid to Toledo or Segovia. I could give up a day in Barcelona (4 days w/trip to Montesrrat), but netiher one of us has been there, so I am really trying not to. Thank you!!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Your husband MUST see the Alhambra....it is the key to understanding what Spain and its history are all about. Give up the day in Barcelona...three will be enough for you to see all you want.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
I'm with Norm on this one. But, what I'd give up is the day for Monserrat. The monastery is a modern reproduction. The original was destroyed, by Napoleon's army, I think. There's a long line of people waiting to get up close to a little black statue of the virgin Mary. Even though a sign clearly states "No photos," each and every one stops and has a photo taken. The ride up gives you some good views, but nothing so awesome that it warrants giving up some part of Barcelona or the Alhambra.
Posted by
San Leandro, CA, USA
632 posts
You haven't indicated how much time total you have available, but with the info you have provided, I would strongly suggest that you forgo Granada this trip and save it for the next time when you can give the south of Spain at least 7 to 10 days time (Granada, Seville, Cordoba, maybe Nerja or the White Villages)...I love Barcelona so I'm not impartial, I'd spend a week there easily...but maybe 4 days in Barcelona with side trip, and 4 days in Madrid with side trip.
In any case I hope your stay in Spain is as nice as ours was...
Posted by
OP
Pdx, Oregon
11 posts
Thanks to everyone!! It is nice to have other points of view to consider.
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
Interesting comment, Norm. I hadn't thought of things that way before, but you do have a point. On the other hand, rushing down to Granada, dashing through the Alhambra, and zipping up to Madrid hardly seems the "Spanish way" to me. Personally, I'd skip the South on this trip, hit Toledo instead, and leave Andalusia as a reason to return. You, and Spain, deserve the time required to explore the South calmly.