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Southern Spain/Portugal in November

A friend and I have about a week in mid-November this year, and are thinking about spending some time in Andalucia (Spain) and the Algarve (Portugal). We're in England for a wedding the week before, and thought we'd try to get a cheap flight down there to see the sights and enjoy some local culture and scenery.

Think it'll be too cold to enjoy the little beach towns in the area in November? Any suggested intineraries for a relatively short trip? And finally, any reason that we can't rely on public transport? Since our Spanish/Portugese is weak, we're trying to travel on a budget, and I've heard that driving can be a bit dangerous down there, we're leaning toward relying on buses/trains.

Thanks a lot!

Posted by
4555 posts

If you're flying out of England, I'd aim to make Malaga (or nearby) your centerpoint for touring the region. There are many spots along the beach that should rent for a good price at that time of year. I've found the weather along the coast to be pleasant in November....mid 60's or so....maybe a little more rain than usual, but that's not much even at the worst of times. From the Malaga area, you can range west to Nerja, Velez-Malaga and Granada, and east to the white villages like Mijas and Rhonda, and even up into Sevilla, although that should rate an overnight stay. Bus travel is excellent, extensive, and inexpensive across Spain...you can find the connections you need from Malaga at http://www.estabus.emtsam.es. And don't worry....everyone speaks enough English along that part of Spain. However, connections to the Algarve are shaky....only two buses a day from Sevilla. That's probably over-reaching yourself for a week.

Posted by
4555 posts

Check that....."From the Malaga area, you can range EAST to Nerja, Velez-Malaga and Granada, and WEST to the white villages like Mijas and Rhonda, and even up into Sevilla, although that should rate an overnight stay." Sorry...I think I was standing on my head when I wrote that!