My husband and I are planning to spend 2 weeks in Spain (12/19 - 1/2). We fly into Madrid and leave from Barcelona. In between, we would like to visit Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, and of course Madrid and Barcelona. Any suggestions for other places that would be worth taking time away from Barcelona? Also, what would be our best choice for a combination of trains, buses...and maybe driving? We are interested in sites of historical interest (particularly Jewish history), art, architecture, and nature.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Sevilla and Arcos de la Frontera are a must.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Keep in mind that you will have some dead time - both Christmas and New Year days along with part of the prior day. We were in Seville over this past New Years. It started closing down around 5 pm on NY eve and all of NY day. I assume something similar for Christmas. All very do able by train especially -- Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada and I would insist that you put Seville in there. You absolutely must have advance reservations for the Alhambra in Granada and it will take most of the day.
I might suggest you save Barcelona for another trip and come home from Malaga. That would shorten you travel time and needs. Also keep you more in the south where the weather might be a touch better.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Hmmmm. Not much Jewish history in Malaga, a lot in Barcelona. With two weeks, I'd probably spend three nights in Madrid as follows: upon arrival get a car and hotel and take subway to Prado; spend the next day poking around the Plaza Mayor, spend the next day on a trip to Avila and Segovia and back to Madrid. The fourth day would be spent heading south with a half-day pause in Toledo. From Toledo it's about four hours to Cordoba. The southern cities are only a couple of hours apart (and I agree with adding Sevilla). Figue maybe four days down in this area, then a mean eight hours to Barcelona (Valencia is a good overnight spot if you want to break the trip). That would give you maybe four or five days in Barcelona -- three is pretty much enough, so there's a couple left over to pad someplace else. Disagree about reservations for Alhambra; last time I was there it was spring/summer and had no problem gettin in at all; can't imagine a problem in winter. Keep in mind that there's a lot of history in Granada besides the Alhambra. Also keep in mind this is advice from a non-practicing protestant advising on Jewish history in a country where the state religion is Catholicism.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Ed, before recommending no reservations look at their time frame. You may have been lucky with tickets in the spring but we made the same assumption last January and almost regretted it. We were in Granada last January 5th and we very lucky to a get a reservation via the hotel. That time frame is very popular with the locals and the placed was packed that week. Second, the Alhambra is the most popular tourist site in all of Spain. Trust me when I say you absolutely need reservations. Getting them now is not too early.
Posted by
San Francisco, California, United States
16 posts
I have travelled Madrid --> Cordoba --> Sevilla --> Granada --> back to Madrid, by train. It was comfortable, reliable, and efficient, so I'd recommend it. I bought tickets at the counter at El Corte Ingles department store in Madrid city center a couple of days before the trip. I spent a couple of nights at each of those places. Toledo can be visited either as a day-trip from Madrid or on your way to Cordoba. I know people who flew between Madrid and Barcelona with budget airlines (Ryan air?) and had good experiences.
Posted by
Baltimore
20 posts
Clara,
I would recommend when in Barcelona, take day trips to Tarragona (south) and Cadaques (north). If you would like to stay there overnight, they have wonderful little hotels and alojamiento. I think you will love it. I also believe you can get around Spain by public transport and unlike Italy, you never really have to use a car. I think buses and trains will serve you well, you will just need to plan ahead.
Buena Suerte,
Andrea
Posted by
lubbock, tx, usa
4 posts
We just returned after 3 weeks in Spain/Portugal. That AVE fast train - 1st class - we had reservations from Madrid to Barcelona was WONDERFUL.
Treated like first class on airlines. Very bleak countryside so a good way to go fast. We stayed at the Opera in Madrid - $100w/breakfast & nice & you are a block from the PALACE. Loved Granada; stayed at the Alhambra Palace hotel - they have a tourguide that will walk you thru the park to the Alhambra 3 hours, 300 steps, 3 miles - cost $80; have lunch there - very nice. ( We picked up car at Barcelona airport on west side of town & drove along coast for a week - $100 + in tolls - turned car in Seville at airport. )