I have been to Europe a number of times, but never to Portugal, and only to Barcelona and the Pyrennes in Spain. It is time to begin looking for Frequent Flyer tickets for next year, and I need some suggestions as to where to fly into? I will probably end our trip visiting a friend in Italy, so don't need help there. I will look for a budget airline ticket from my last place in Spain to Genoa or Pisa. I will probably be 4-5 days in Portugal, and 6 in Spain. We are not opposed to renting a car where necessary. I have read most all the previous posts related to Spain and Portugal, but haven't dug in to Rick's books yet. I would appreciate some advice on where to fly into and your favorite "must see" locations. I do like quaint and countryside, mountains and sea, mixed with a little big city for the major sites. I like to stay at least 2 nights, and preferrably 3 in one place. Thanks for sharing.
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Los Angeles/Madrid
14 posts
Obviously your choices of airports are: Barcelona, Madrid and maybe (depending on your carrier) Sevilla. Each offers a different flavor of Spain. Barcelona, as you know, is a beach city that has a bit more of a "european" feel to it. Madrid is a beautiful capital city with plenty of nightlife, museum, and cultural appeal. Sevilla gives you a taste of the Andalucia region and is a good city to visit to experience Moorish influences in Spain. Granada, another Andalucian city, also provides this unique cultural intersection.
Cities you may want to consider when planning (divided regionally):
Catalunya: Barcelona, Zaragoza
Madrid: Madrid, Segovia
Castilla y Leon: Salamanca
Andalucia: Sevilla, Granada
Galicia: A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela
Zaragoza is triving with a new high speed train line and new buildings built for an exposition currently underway.
Madrid provides you with top quality museums (El Prado, La Reina Sofia) and attractions (El Parque del Buen Retiro, Gran Via). It is also a good place to see a bullfight (Las Ventas Plaza de Toros). Segovia has an ancient roman aqueduct and the local speciality is "Toston"- a roast suckling pig.
Salamanca is a "young feeling" city with an old University that is regarded as Spain's best. It is where the 'purest' form of Spanish ("castellano") is spoken.
Sevilla provides thrills with La Giralda tower, has an old castle, and its beautiful Jewish Quarter still retains a unique feel. Granda's main draw is the impressive Alhambra palace. Both are good spots to catch Flamenco if you're so inclined.
A Coruna is a coastal town in Galicia that provides wonderful views and even better seafood (try the "pulpo" a Galician speciality) and Santiago de Compostela is the end of a religious pilgrimage route with a stunning cathedral.
Fly into Madrid or Barcelona and pick out the cities you think you would enjoy. Can't go wrong with Spain- its beauty will always call you back.