AP6380

I am going to Spain for the first time in June. I am in my 30s traveling with my dad who is in his 60s. We will have 10 days in Spain before going to see family in Italy for a week. We will be flying into Malaga. I am thinking 3-4 nights in Tarifa because I always need a beach segment of my vacation. We will do a day trip to Tangier. We will get a rental car for these days. After, 3 nights in Granada. It doesn't seem like a car is necessary here, so I am thinking of getting rid of it upon our arrival. I'd like to finish up in Barcelona for a few nights. I know the drive would be probably 9-12 hours. So, I am unsure if we should do an overnight train OR drive half of it one day, have a night somewhere else and then get to Barcelona and then get rid of the car. I hate to say it, but I am NOT a light traveler and am wondering what the storage situation would be on an overnight train from Granada to Barcelona. I do enjoy long, long drives in foreign countries. I am wondering if anyone could suggest an interesting overnight between Granada and Barcelona if we did indeed drive?

I am just starting to research, so if anyone has any budget-moderate hotels that they would recommend, please tell me about it. plus I could use a reputable travel agent in Spain to see what price I could get on flights from Barcelona to Italy. Rental car agencies in Spain??? I know there is a wealth of info. already here, so I will be digging around. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BarbaraMH

We enjoy driving, too, but decided to fly from Barcelona to Granada because we were traveling with our kids and it is a lengthy trip. We flew on Vueling; check out their website at www.vueling.com. Look into them for your flight from Barcelona to Italy. Their prices were great and even though they nickel and dime you (pay for luggage, pay for seat reservation), they were still cheaper, and obviously faster, than taking the train.

Will your dad be okay for a lengthy car trip? My mom did PA to FL recently and it killed her back and legs. (I know it's a bit lengthier, but they did it in 2 days, about 9-10 hours each.)

FrescoTours

Where are you flying to in Italy?
Here are the Spanish Airports that have service to Italy (and a lot more helpful information regarding air travel).

http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite?La...&pestana=mundo

www.aena.es

Good luck and buen viaje!

AP6380

Thanks for your suggestions! My dad would be fine with a long car trip. I will research flights though. I would like to go from Barcelona to Lamezia Terme, Italy.

portuense

think you might struggle to get closer than bari in which case this looks ok...and you defintely don't need a travel agent to do it for you



http://www.edreams.com/edreams/shared/amadeus3/FareItineraryView.jhtml;$sessionid$C2XI1JN1WUSZDQF ISY4BNWWAVCLC0IV0?_requestid=218300

Egbert

I would prefer staying in Seville for a few nights and Granada for two nights. For staying near the beach I would stay closer to Cadiz. Tarifa is nice but very windy on the beach. Daytrips to Morroco are not very nice. I would stay in Andalucia for as much time as possible. I'm not a big fan of Barcelona and I would not drive there. It's not really a nice drive and very long when flights on Vueling are so cheap. If you do drive, Valencia or Teruel would be a nice place to stop.

portuense

it's true that tarifa is not a great base if you want beach time...wind can be a problem so the beaches further west are better. but it is the best place to base yourself if you want to nip over to morocco and i can't agree with egbert; tanger is magical and well worth the effort even if just for a day - better as an overnighter.
agree that maybe flying from andalucia to barcelona is a better bet...it is a v long drive and not the best of spain's fantastic countryside.

AP6380

I have seen pictures of Bolonia Beach near Tarifa and it looks amazing. We will probably hire a private tour guide to get the most out of a day in Tangier. I like cities, so if Tangier is a little gritty that's fine with me

portuense

You're right - Bolonia is beautiful. It's around the main headland so a bit more sheltered and as you've probably seen, there are roman ruins at the back of the beach, some very good ventas/restaurants and some pleasant properties to rent/guest houses.
have a look at this for tangiers

http://www.simonseeks.com/travel-gui...inents__111070