My husband and I will be flying into Barcelona, spending 24 hrs. there, then AVE to Madrid, and picking up car and driving south. We will get to Madrid early afternoon on Tuesday, and have to be back to Madrid to fly out AM of the next Tuesday. We like the towns, countryside, scenery, history, not alot of art. Like to stay at B & B type places.Would like to get to the top spots- scenery and tourist sites. We don't want to rush like we usually do when go to Europe, but yet know this is a short time to be in Spain. If possible, would like info on staying outside the cities. Thanks.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Toledo -- Recommend the Hostal, La Posada de Manolo, near the cathderal...actually a bed and breakfast...have stayed there on 4 trips now and when I return will chose that one again...No parking adjacent (as in most of Toledo) but nearby there are some lots I think. Sevilla: Would recommend Patio De Santa Cruz in the old Jewish quarters. Again, no parking adjacent, but nearby. Have not stayed there but visited it on my trip in October and will choose it on the next trip. Not sure of any places outside of the towns.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
The route we would take in the time you have suggested: south to Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, and then along through the white hill towns to Granada before returning to Madrid. You could also go down as far as Tarifa, Gibraltar and the south coast if interested. We stayed at a few nice places in April 2010 that were ideal for vehicle travel. Don't know your budget $$? but could pass on more info if you'd like.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
If you leave Madrid early and push it a bit, you can catch Segovia and Avila and still hit Toledo by dark. After that you can poke as slowly as you want through Andalucia. You'd probably need to stay in the city for Toledo since there's quite a bit to see and it doesn't lend itself to a day-stop. You'd also probably want to spend the night in Sevilla since it's a bear to get into and out of and you need most of the day for the alcazar and the cathedral - - plus it has some really neat places for evening grub. I've even done Granada as a drive-in, see the alhambra, and scram operation. For staying elsewhere, I wouldn't even bother with a reservation if you want to stay in rural areas or small towns. For B&B type places, look for 'habatacion' signs, even along the back roads. The smaller towns will also have 'hostals' (note the spelling), small, family-run hotels that often have a small dining room with home-style cooking of regional specialities - - these are one of the all-time good deals in the world.