Spain itinerary

All of your ideas are possible, but it will be a little hectic going from Madrid to Andalusia to Barcelona in only 9 days. Also, while Seville and Granada are smaller than Madrid or Barcelona, they're hardly little villages, and may not seem more restful if that's what you're after. Further, while most of Spain will be hot in August, Granada and (particularly) Seville will be blast furnaces. With just 9 days, I'd just extend my time in Madrid and Barcelona, and use the extra time to take daytrips (or overnights) to smaller places nearby. From Madrid, options include Toledo, Avila, Segovia and El Escorial. From Barcelona, options include Montserrat, Sitges, and (my favorite) Girona. Toledo is one to particularly consider for an overnight instead of a day trip. It gets packed during the day with daytrippers, but after 5 PM they clear out, and you can enjoy a peaceful evening.

Tracy I second Harold. That overnight stay in Toledo is an excellent idea. Toledo is like visiting a small version of Sevilla. You get that Moorish architecture with plenty of sights for an overnight. In Avila and Segovia, you get more of that Spain Romanesque architecture and feel. If you head to Seville the train ride to Barcelona is so long and stops through Madrid. Check the Renfe train web so you can see for yourself. Madrid for three days is plenty and you can visit other towns that are an hour to an hour and half away.

Tracy I second Harold. That overnight stay in Toledo is an excellent idea. Toledo is like visiting a small version of Sevilla. You get that Moorish architecture with plenty of sights for an overnight. In Avila and Segovia, you get more of that Spain Romanesque architecture and feel. If you head to Seville the train ride to Barcelona is so long and stops through Madrid. Check the Renfe train web so you can see for yourself. Madrid for three days is plenty and you can visit other towns that are an hour to an hour and half away.

I third the direction above and this appears to be not 9 full and available days. Do not knock yourself out trying to do too much. Plenty of day trips from Madrid and Barcelona, but there is something amiss if you cannot find enough to occupy most of your time.
If you want a taste of somewhere else which is rarely mentioned, Cordoba is a feasible long day trip from Madrid, by train, at a less than two hours each way.

I fourth Harold's suggestions. He's layed out an enjoyable, doable plan. Madrid will be very hot in August-no need to go any further south. This itinerary will give you a great taste of Spain.

August is supposed to be extremely hot, like Arizona desert hot, in Spain. I'd stay in the North, either along the Basque coast or in high elevations with good breezes.

Andalusia is going to be sweltering murder in August. Being from Minnesota you're going to wilt and not be able to enjoy anything. Do what Brad said. There's more to Spain than you've pulled out of one or two guidebooks. I'd make an even stronger point; if southern Spain is your main focus for visiting the country, go somewhere else and head for Spain when it's cooler.

Thanks for all the advise! After reading the feedback and getting reminded of the heat i've decided to stick to Northern Spain. Harold- thanks for the tip about Girona. I've never heard of it so i looked it up, it looks quite amazing, i'm going to add it to my trip.

As posted above: Sitges is a great place to visit too.