BigT

Hi All,

I am going to be in Spain in July and will spend 2 nights in Malaga to see the Alhambra and then i have 2 nights free before heading to Madrid. A few questions:

1. Where would you suggest staying to see the Alhambra and the general area? Price up to Euro200 per night
2. What would you suggest doing in the 4 days total, only think I think we must do is the Alhambra, otherwise we are open to suggestions but have 4 nights and then must head to Madrid so advice is appreciated.

we will hire a car.

Any other must do's?

Thanks,

BigT

eliza3

The Alhambra is in Granada - not Malaga- or were you planning on going to Granada from Malaga?

In my view Granada is worth more time than Malaga.

Also, prebook your Alhambra tickets.

BigT

Sorry Eliza you are quite right...too much haste!

We will be flying into Malaga and picking up a hire car. We can drop off anywhere and catch a flight to Madrid, its the bit from Malaga via Granada and after that I am having trouble with.

Cheers,

BigT

PS
Thanks for the tip on prebooking tickets for the Alhambra, I did find the details in another post.

traveller1959

Prebooking is mandatory.

You can spend half a day or so in Malaga. The main attraction is the Picasso museum. Then drive to Granada (quite a scenic drive).

From there, drive to Cordoba. The cathedral is outstanding.

Then you have seen the two most spectacular attractions of Andalucia.

From Cordoba, driving time to Madrid is 4:30.

If you want, you can drive further via Carmona (white town, Roman ruins) to Sevilla and from there to Madrid (5 hours).

In any case, whether you are leaving from Cordoba or Sevilla, you can stop in Toledo on your way to Madrid.

But do not forget that it will be unbearably hot in July. Make sure to book hotels with a/c but be prepared that attractions, restaurants, bars etc. have no a/c.

Madrid will be slightly cooler than Andalucia.

gailw

In my opinion, 4 days is hardly any time at all. Why not stay in Granada for 2 days, see the Alhambra, walk around the old parts of Granada on the other side of the river, stopping at cafes, etc., and do a day trip to Capileira through Lanjaron and one more day trip to one of the towns north or northeast of Granada (?Osuna) instead of spending many hours driving to more distant cities. It is a very boring, long drive from Granada to Madrid, however. Maybe the thing to do would be to find a location partway to Madrid for the next-to-last day, explore there and then leave from there for Madrid?

kenderina

Madrid can be more hot than Andalucia, usually only Sevilla is hotter than Madrid is

BigT

Thanks so much for you advice. I also feel that as time is limited it would be better to base ourselves in one place and take it slower. I planned to fly either from Malaga or Granada to Madrid rather than drive. Any opinions on this?

Any good hotel suggestions for the four nights?

Cheers,

BigT

eliza3

Hi again

I would agree with basing yourself in one place and taking it easier. Of the two Granada would be my choice over Malaga. I haven't done the drive (my husband has) but depending on what time and flexibility you have or want about getting off the motorway, maybe flying is a good option to consider.

Just on a couple of other things - the July is unbearably hot is an oft quoted statement on this board -and one I personally disagree with. I guess it depends on what you believe to be 'unbearably hot'. For me that would be over 40 every day -very unlikey. Seville is likely to be the hottest in Andalucia - high 30's - we were there last July and were fine with it.

Unless ticketing has changed for the Alhambra since last July, purchasing tickets in advance is not mandatory, although it is advisable.There were plenty of people queueing for tickets.

BigT

Living in Thailand I can almost cope with the heat

Thanks

kenderina

Certainly you can !!