rimekim

Hello all, I will be traveling to Spain with my wife and my 2 kids (5 yo and 2 yo) in May for 16 days. We arrive at Malaga (12pm) and depart from Valencia (1pm). Our initial plan is to stay 6 nights in Andalusia, 5 nights in Madrid, 3 nights in Barcelona and one in Valencia.

I'm looking for advice/comments in the Andalusia part of our trip. Here's our preliminary plan:
* Sunday. Arrive at Malaga at 12 pm. Spend the day. We're travelling from Canada so with the jet lag I'm not planning on doing much this day.
* Monday. Take a day trip to Ronda (1 h 45 each way). Return in the afternoon and spend another night in Malaga.
* Tuesday. Spend the morning in Malaga, then take the bus to Granada (2h). Spend the night there.
* Wednesday. Visit the Alhambra, then take the train in the afternoon (5pm) to Seville.
* Thursday. Spend the day in Seville,
* Friday. Spend the day in Seville or take a day trip to Cordoba. Night in Seville.
* Saturday. Take the train to Madrid.

As I said, this is still preliminary. We could cut Ronda and/or Cordoba if it's too rushed. We could also cut one night from Malaga to give more space to Seville maybe. Or maybe cut a day from Madrid or Barcelona to spend it in Andalusia.

We have traveled with our kids before. We'll have our baby carrier for our girl (2 years but petite) and an umbrella stroller for the boy for when he gets tired. That has worked fine for us in the past. So more than physical fatigue is keeping them distracted which is important. Oh, and we all speak Spanish so that's one less thing to worry about.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks!

kja

IME, visiting the Alhambra is better accomplished with a visit of at least 2 nights, so that you have plenty of time for a day visit (at least 1/2 day and maybe more) and time for an evening visit. With children, you might not want to do that, but you might want to give it some thought. And remember to book well in advance.

2 days for Seville is not much, IMO, and Cordoba itself is worth at least a day visit in addition at least 2 or 3 days in Seville. Cordoba's Mezquita is, IMO, one of the most awesome buildings in the world, so consider making time for it.

Although you are asking only about your time in Andalusia, I would also add that 3 nights is very little for Barcelona and 1 night gives you very little time in Valencia.

Hope that helps!

MyriamC

With such small kids I think half a day at the Alhambra and a few hours in the Mezquita is more than plenty!
With the above schedule there is not much leasurly activity for the kids planned.

Christina

I agree, I didn't spend any more time than that myself looking at those old buildings. I think the schedule is pretty good except rushed for Seville. You might cut Cordoba if you must. I agree the Mezquita is an interesting building, but there is no time in Seville this way.

Robert2533

I would not plan on going to Granada is you cannot spend at least a couple of nights. And as far as taking your children (5 yo and 2 yo), you might find it a waste of time. The children will not enjoy it or understand what it's all about, like some here. If you want to visit yourself, then you might ask your hotel to arrange a baby sitter.

Bedar

I think your 5 yo might enjoy the Alhambra but won't remember much. Depending on how much they charge for kids, I'd take them along because you certainly must visit it !!

nytraveler

IMHO I wold stop bouncing back and forth to Malaga and just go to Cordoba, Granada and Seville for the days you spend there.

Also - be very aware of tee heat in southern Spain -even in May. We've been twice in April and it was definitely already summer hot - highs well into the 80s. With little kids you ned to be even more aware of keeping them hydrated and avoiding heat sickness. You may find some things closed in the afternoon due to the heat - reopening again at 6 or 7 pm.

And be ure you loding has good AC and a pool to relax in.

rimekim

Thanks for all your comments. I'm wondering if it would be best to cut Ronda. I've heard that it's worth it if you spend the evening but not so much for a day trip. If we cut it we could spend all Monday in Malaga en head to Granada Tuesday morning. That would give us around 30 hours in Granada. Or maybe go from Malaga to Granada Monday afternoon to spend 2 nights there as some have suggested. Should we plan on spending more time on Granada vs Malaga?

I think we'll probably cut one day from Madrid (from 5 to 4) to have one more day in Seville.

What are your thoughts?

MyriamC

With two little kids I would spend more time in Málaga. You can take them to the beach for a few hours. Or to the children's playground in the Málaga Park across from the Plaza de la Marina. Visit Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, etc. Much more to do for children at the Costa del Sol!

Shops re-open at 4 (5 at the latest).

progol

MyriamC's suggestion is a good one -- I'd also consider adding more time to Malaga because of the activities available for your kids. Having the beach almost at your door step is a great advantage of Malaga! And the city has much to offer adults.

While I enjoyed Ronda, I would not make it a day trip with the kids -- in fact, I'd probably not make it a day trip without them! But way too much driving for the experience.

kimhe

You should be aware that May is serious festival time in many cities and villages around Andalucia, lots of both old and new festivals with food, drink, music, dance, song and fiesta spirit. Could be great experiences and fun for the kids, but you should know a little about what awaits you.
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-may.htm

Cordoba in May is something special: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/festivals.htm

MyriamC

I think Ronda is a good base for driving the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos but with 2 little children ???

Bedar

The OP is taking the bus. Would cut Ronda and not spend much time in Malaga. Go on to Granada and, as suggested, to Cordaba. From there to Seville and cut a day from Madrid. Take the train to Madrid.

rimekim

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. We'll be taking all of this in consideration.