Dee_Dee

I'll be traveling to Andalucía May 2014 and am in search of a good guide book to read beforehand as well as take with me. I'm staying in Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga for a total of 14 nights. I'll have time to do some day trips but will not be renting a car. This trip is all via public transportation. I'm looking for a book with good transportation information, good historical and architectural information on the many sites at each destination, good walks, neighborhood information as I like to meander, off the beaten path ideas, etc. I already have hotel reservations so that information isn't important though restaurant recommendations would be good. My tri-county libraries have Spain only guidebooks so I don't have the ability to read through those that are specific to Andalucía before purchasing. I'm not a fan of the Eyewitness type guidebooks (too many pictures and not enough meaty information). What about the Rough Guide? Lonely Planet? I've used both for other trips when I've utilized public transportation but I'd love to know if any Fodorites have experience or a preference for either for Andalucía.

Any suggestions??? Thanks!

sparkchaser

Lonely Planet combined with the Michelin map.

yorkshire

I heartily endorse the Rough Guide to Andalucia.
I also found the Andalucia.com website helpful for advance planning.

Christina

I actually think Fodors does a good job in their Spain guidebooks. Whoever writes those does a good job. I find it funny the OP mentions basic regular guidebooks but never Fodors.

yorkshire

Christina, the OP wants a book devoted to Andalucia. For large regions, it really is better to have an in-depth regional guide, not just a country guide.

kja

Another vote for the Rough Guide.

Bedar

The Rough Guide is excellent.

Dee_Dee

Thanks everyone! Looks like the Rough Guide is winning so far.

Yorkshire, I appreciate the link for andalucia.com. I hadn't found that site yet. Looks like there's excellent information including such things as bus schedules. I've just started mining it for information and it looks like it will be a great help. Thanks!

Any other suggestions for guide books? I'm all ears!