Leah4

I will be leaving for Andalucia end of September for 12 days...returning October 4th. What should I pack for their climate during that period? Will it be hot...cool? Will I require an umbrella, coat...? We land in Malaga...intend to rent a car...drive to Grenada(stay 3 nites), then drive to Córdoba(stay 3 nites), then to Seville(stay 4 nites) and finally head back to Malaga (1 nite stay) before our flight home the next day. Is this a decent itinerary? Besides visiting the renown tourist spots for these cities, are there "must-see" towns/villages in between? During this time of year, will there be any festivals taking place? The drive between the cities I mentioned, is roughly how long? And finally, are there places to park (lots/stations) while we're visiting these cities or should we keep our vehicle at the hotel? I am grateful for your feedback on these inquiries.

sparkchaser

<i> What should I pack for their climate during that period?</i>

The temp will not be varying very much so a few days before you leave, check the 10 day forecast and pack for that.


<i> Will it be hot...cool?</i>

Hot and cool are relative terms. If you live in Floriduh, it will be cooler than that. If you live in Seattle, it will probably be warmer than that. See answer above.


<i>Will I require an umbrella, coat...?</i>

An umbrella is unlikely BUT they are small and do not weigh much so bring one anyway. You probably won't need it. Coat? No. Light jacket? Probably not but I don't know you and how hot/cold you normally get. See answer to your first question above.


<i> Is this a decent itinerary? <i/>

I think it is reasonable. Make sure you either get a car with a GPS or bring along a GPS with Spain maps. That will make your life easier.


<i>...are there "must-see" towns/villages in between?</i>

IMHO, Antequera is worth visiting but given your itinerary, you aren't giving yourself any time to explore any little villages.

<i> During this time of year, will there be any festivals taking place?</i>

Probably. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=andalucia+festivals+fall+2016


<i> The drive between the cities I mentioned, is roughly how long? </i>

https://www.google.fr/maps/dir/Aerop...1!2d37.1773363

You can figure out the others.


<i> And finally, are there places to park (lots/stations) while we're visiting these cities or should we keep our vehicle at the hotel? </i>

Yes, Spanish cities have public parking. Whether you use public parking or park at the hotel depends on the output of the mental algorithm that factors in where your hotel is, what you want to see, how far you are willing to walk, how much public parking costs, weather, and willingness to take public transportation or uber or taxis.

sparkchaser

IME, October is a fabulous time to visit Andalusia.

nytraveler

It should still be quite warm - since the summers are really hot (average high of about 100). No need for anything more than a light jacket or thin sweater to wear in the evenings. Google weather averages by city for specifics.

We have done 2 road trips there and always parked at our hotel to avoid hauling luggage all over the place - but do check since many hotels do not have parking.

If you want to stay in a Parador (for instance near the Alhambra) try to get a room now (we went in April and were too late 4 months out. Also buy tickets for the Alhambra as soon as your dates are final since they sell out quickly.

Other sights you can arrange as you go.

You might want to stop one day in Ronda to see one of the larger White Villages. Charming and esp dramatic with it's gorge.

Leah4

I have a guide and map but the GPS suggestion is wise...thanks a lot. What exactly is a Parador? Is it cheaper to purchase Alhambra tickets on line? If so which site should I check out? I read somewhere that there are two scheduled time visits...which one is better am or pm or does it really matter? I also recall reading that one needs to be present 30 minutes before entry time...is this true too? Again, thank you for your prompt replies...really appreciated

kimhe

Great time of year to go. Septemeber early October is normally warm in Andalucía, expect mostly sunshine and temperatures in 80-90s.

The greatest and most prestigious flamenco festival worldwide goes on in Sevilla from 8 September to 2 October. http://www.labienal.com/en/

The finest flamenco artists in the world on stages all around town every night for more than three weeks. A night at the Bienal could be a highlight of your trip, and a great intro to this beautiful and powerful art so important for Sevilla and Andalucía. http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/home.htm

Tell me when you plan to be in Sevilla, and I'll give you some tips. Buy tickets soon, they start to sell out. I travel to Spain all the time for flamenco, and of course to the Bienal. Programme and online tickets: http://www.labienal.com/en/programa/

Teaser for the 2016 edition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU2PD4A8KQ0

--

The Paradores are hotels in historical buildings, castles, palaces, monasteries, fortresses etc. etc (some also modern), normally set in beautiful surroundings, focusing on local food etc. http://www.paradores-spain.com/

kimhe

From what I understand, you are in Sevilla Friday September 30th to Sunday October 2.

For these nights I would recommend up and coming Patricia Guerrero in the old world Lope de Vega theater on Friday: http://www.labienal.com/en/catedral/
Patricia Guerrero during the last Bienal in 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NacCLcjuMFc

One of the greatest dancers in the world in any genre, Rocío Molina on Saturday night in modern Teatro Central: http://www.labienal.com/en/sin-titulo/
Portrait of Molina in The Guardian, "Flamenco and Beyond": https://www.theguardian.com/stage/20...-bosque-ardora
Trailer from a Molina documentary in the making: https://vimeo.com/167164832

Legendary cantaor/flamenco singer José Mercé with lots of other great artists in the closing concert of the festival in the huge Maestranza theater: http://www.labienal.com/en/antologia...ante-flamenco/
In action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzxyefhCQXg