Spain Itinerary

We did ten days over New Years Madrid (2), Cordoba (1), Seville (3) and Granada (3) and home from Malagra. We thought that was a bit rushed. October probably would be best for southern Spain. The other option would be stay in the Madrid area after Barcelona -- Segovia, Toledo, Avila. I would suggest overnights in Segovia and Toledo but both could be day trips from Madrid. Be sure to use open jaw tickets.

Hi Roxanne. I'm going to Spain next May for two weeks and here are the cities we'll be visiting: Barcelona for 3 days, Madrid for 5 days, Toledo and Segovia(day trips from Madrid), Sevilla for 2 days, Malaga for 2 days and Granada for 2 days. Barcelona and Madrid are the two biggest cities so there is more to do and see in each of them. I'm kind of regretting that we're not spending more time in Barcelona as I continue to read about all the things to do there.

the best time to visit Spain are May and September. the weather is mild and the hoards of tourists either have not arrived yet(May) or have just left(Sept).

I hope this helps!

You might want to research Malaga a little more carefully. I don't think it is worth a two visit especially at the expense of an extra day in Seville or a day in Cordoba on the way down from Madrid.

Hello - We just got back from a trip to Spain, and the weather was great late Sept/early Oct. Crowds were not bad either. Awesome time. Our itinerary was Madrid, 3 nights, train to Seville - 2 nights, train to Granada, 2 nights, and then flight to Barcelona,3 nights, returning to LAX. You can buy train tickets for Spain online ahead of time and save money. PS. Guess we are neighbors!

actually, I have researched Malaga (I think you were talking to me yes Frank?) and originally was only going to spend one night there. We are renting a car from Sevilla and taking a leisurely drive to the coast, possibly stopping in Ronda for lunch. We will get to Malaga in the evening, leaving one full day for the city the next day. the following day we drive to Granada. There is plenty to do in Malaga for a day. also, turns out the Alcazar in Sevilla is only open the day we leave Sevilla and I did not get to see it when I was there nearly 30 years ago. so, we will likely not leave town until 11 or 12, so.....

I've been to Cordoba and yea, we're gonna have to forego it this time. just can't do everything sadly.

We were there less than two weeks ago -- it has nice shopping area. We found Almeria with the second largest Alhambra far more interesting especially since it is less well restored. Which gives you a good feel for what a 1000 years of neglect looks like. The weather in late September was very good but still hot.

Just left Spain. Itinerary: Madrid(2); train to Sevilla(2); train to Ronda(1). Wanted to visit the "pueblos blancos," but didn't have a car, which you need if you decide to visit the enchanting white hill towns of Andalucia. Ronda felt rushed b/c we arrived late (missed train) & left early. I'd say a full day + night excluding time for traveling in/out would've been better. With a car, would've added Arcos + nite, maybe stopping in Grazalema +/or Zahara on the way. Rick's Spain book has great tips/routes 4 driving/touring Andalucia, plus great info re: rest of Spain.

Next time I would allow 3 full days in Madrid. Had just enough time for the Prado; strolling thru Retiro. We spent the rest of our time walking around a couple of recommended neighborhoods, doing tapas/bar crawl, drinking wine, and getting accustomed to the nocturnal lifestyle of the Madrilenos.

Sevilla was fantastic; 2 full days was again too short for us, maybe b/c we were still tired from the Madrid experience. Would've added 1/2 day at least, excl travel time, although some people say 2 full days is sufficient.

First 1/2 of Oct warm, yet comfortable. High 70's/low 80's. Also consider Spring. Avoid Summer.

It's a personal choice, depending on what you want to see & do, but in sum (allow for traveling time): MAD 3; Sevilla 2/2.5 -or- couple of pueblos 2.5 + Barcelona (3/4). Of course, there's also Granada, Cordoba (en route to Sevilla), Toledo & Segovia (side trips from Madrid), etc. Many options, but choose/plan time carefully. Again, do check out Rick's book & maybe other source/s. I think reading descriptions about the different places in Spain will help you decide where to go. I initially got hooked on the Spain idea after watching a PBS show w/Gwyneth Paltrow & a couple of my favorite chefs - they did a culinary roadtrip throughout Spain-yum!

Above all, have fun planning & a blast when you arrive! I'm in Morocco now & will hit BCN for 4 days next. This forum really helped!