We are trying to go from barcelona to southern spain and see Granada, Gibraltar, and Tarifa efficiently. We are limited on our time. This is for 2 adults and 2 teens. We have looked at flilght into both Malaga and Granda as well as trains which don't seem to be very efficient. We ae lookng at hiring a car and driver. We had looked at renting a car but then we have the problem of renitng a car in Granda and dropping it in Gibraltar. Any suggestions on the best most efficient way to get around to these locations?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Couldn't you drop the car in La Linea? Or if that wouldn't work, run it an hour and a half up to Malaga - - and Marbella's only half that far.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
Barcelona to Andalucia is usually problematic. Not what you are asking and I know not your experience of Spain, but with this 'We are limited on our time.' - are you quite sure you want to expend valuable time travelling about three quarters the length of the country, by whatever transport, to see Gibraltar and Tarifa (or even Granada)?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23460 posts
Spain has an excellent bus system that is often overlooked by tourists. The bus system is often better and sometimes faster than the train. But would raise the question about your limited time and vast distances that are you trying to cover. Even in a car that is a lot of travel time.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Carol; we need more info! Give us timelines (how many days that you plan on spending and where) and provide us with entry and exit points. Will you be flying into Barcelona/BCN? But where are you leaving from, or, what is your next /last stop. We did this route in May. We flew from the States into BCN and flew home from Malaga. We took a cheap flight from BCN to Granada (use Whichbudget.com to search for one of the awesome lo-cost inter EU airlines. Our Vueling flight was $63 EU/PP). We drove to Seville, Terrifa, Ronda, etc. We rented our car in Granada and dropped it off at the Malaga airport. Use the AutoEurope website to check pick-up and drop- off locations and options. Terrifa is good for no more than two nites. The tour of Gibralter by one of the local cab(van) drivers is awesome. We drove almost to the top...don't miss it!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
A couple of thoughts: Can you drop the car off in Tarifa, or other nearby Spanish location to save the expense of dropping in Gibraltar? During my visit, I'm spending more time with more stops between Barcelona and Granada. I'll drive the leg from Toledo to Granada. If I weren't doing that, I'd take a bus - it's faster and cheaper than the train option. Ultimately, we decided on a car to avoid being dependent on bus schedules - and be able to stop anywhere we want on the way.