I spent a week in Spain on a solo trip, rather speedy because I also was there for business. I didn't have time to see much, but just a couple of notes:
Rick says next to nothing about the city of Málaga. Big mistake -- it's a terrific city. There's new development everywhere and the pedestrian core of the city is just great. Affordable AirBnBs in the central district, great nightlife, terrific shopping, museums, and food. Why does he overlook it? I was delighted. Within my limited schedule, I took a day trip to Cordoba on the high-speed. It was worth it, but even in shoulder season, it was PACKED with tourists. I started with the Jewish Quarter -- a mosh pit, mostly, but dipping into the Casa Sefarad where it was much quieter worked well. Saved the "mezquita" Mosque/Church until after lunch. That seemed like the best way to do it. Amazing sights, in all. Then high speed AVE to Madrid for two days. I followed Rick's audio tour of the Old City, and that worked out well. I don't think I would have walked into the "Toro" bar on the Plaza Mayor without it--and it's very friendly in there even just ordering mineral water. I also did his second walking tour but it became less interesting in the second half. I bought my tickets online in advance for the Prado. Even later in the day it was packed (of course). A LOVED the Reina Sophia museum and the chance to see Guernica. Fantastic ! It was my first trip to Madrid, and I've been visiting Europe for more than 40 years. How did I ever miss visiting Madrid?!! I loved it and will go back. In my view, beats Barcelona many times over.
Posted by
Sevilla
1292 posts
Thank you for your trip report. I agree with you that Malaga is a great city to visit; but I also accept that many have limited time and I think compared to Sevilla or Granada it doesn't have the "wow" sights many wish to see in a short visit. I suspect that's why RS ignores it - he focuses on the top sights for time-restricted holidaymakers. But for anyone with more time, it is definitely worth a couple of days or more and there is loads to see. I probably prefer it to Madrid (and definitely prefer it to Cartagena!).
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4573 posts
Yeah, another person who loves Madrid!. Some find it rather mehhh, but I liked it. It's my kinda size of town.
Malaga was the town I researched in grade 4 geography after receiving all the fancy colour brochures in the mail from the Spanish tourist bureau....well, over 50 years ago. I always thought there would be lots to see, and it was a world city of culture in 2017, but I ashamed to say, it got cut from my Andalusia trip that same year. If the Canada to Malaga flights were still running in late October, it would have been kept. As mentioned, Rick cuts a lot of great cities, but he is brutal to cater to those with limited time.
Glad you enjoyed your visits and stopped by to write about them.
Posted by
Folsom, California
540 posts
I went to Madrid about 30 years ago and then again when we visited two years ago. I wasn't sure that I would find much to do again in Madrid.
I came away with a renewed love for that city. We stayed in Plaza Santa Ana, which was enough in itself in terms of restaurants. I did love Reina Sofia and it was wonderful to see the Guernica again. Even 30 years later the I stand in awe at this painting.
We visited the Thyssen and loved it. Skipped Prado as I had seen that many years ago.
My favorite city was Seville, but Madrid definitely held its own!
Posted by
681 posts
Thanks for the trip report. I am planning a trip to Spain in November and am trying to absorb where to go so again thanks.
Posted by
Dundas, Ontario
31 posts
Here is me getting sidetracked...but I was of course looking for something else when I saw Malaga. I too really enjoyed it...went solo as well...I highly recommend it. I had some really good food off the beaten path and stayed in a great Air BNB. I also went to the glass or crystal museum (can't remember what it's called) and its fantastic...something one should not miss. Its also a very clean city and great to walk around in. I would go back there in a heartbeat. I loved Cordoba and while Madrid was OK (museums great) the real belle of the ball is the Cathedral in Toledo outside of Madrid. It is the most amazing Cathedral ...its so worth the trip. Dont' even think about not going.
Thanks for the great report....I should have stayed longer in Cordoba...I loved it there as well.