Spain

andalucia.com Ronda Parador and the white cities are my fav. eurocheapo.com good tips for cities. Might pare back a bit for better experience do Paradors if budget is good.

Happy Journey!

Much faster and more convenient to take the AVE high speed train from Madrid to Córdoba (1h 40 mins) and from Córdoba to Sevilla (50 mins). A car would take more than twice the time, and it's just trouble in the extremely narrow and winding streets of central Córdoba and Sevilla. Hell if you're not familiar.

Bus or train from Sevilla to Cádiz in 1h 30mins. I would have rented a car when leaving Cádiz, going through the scenic mountain region towards Málaga city (through Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ronda).

Leave the car in Málaga and take the bus to Granada in less than two hours.

I would have spent more days in Andalucía (your scehdule is more than hectic, even when going without a car which will cost you much time on several legs) and set for only three-four days in Barcelona.

Your time in Andalucia is crazy hectic. 7 nights for Cordoba, Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga AND Granada! I'd instead take the train Madrid to Sevilla stoping for a daytrip in Cordoba and spend 4 nights in Sevilla. Visit Cadiz as a daytrip from Sevilla. Then take the train to Malaga for 1 night and bus to Granada for 2 nights. This is still quite rushed but at least you're not wasting time packing/unpacking and with 4 nights you may consider renting an apartment. With this limited time I wouldn't rent a car as you really don't have time for exploring - unless you wanted to cut Malaga then you could rent a car between Sevilla and Ronda and spend a day exploring the white villages.

I think you are overdoing Barcelona and mising out on Andalusia. If it were me I would just do the latter. At a minimum you could cut Barcelona to 3 days and add to the time in what is the most uique and fascianting part of Spain - due to its long Moorish heritge.

That is a lot of driving. And how big is your car that has 6 adults and luggage?

Hi J,

>we thrive on hectic travel.

With this plan you will be superhuman.

Enjoy your visit.

I personally think you should leave either Andalusia or Barcelona for another time. I didn't see any days for Madrid which is a shame since there's at least a days worth of attractions.

Are all three couples renting a car? Even minivans in Europe are small and 6 people with luggage will be very cramped. Spain has such good transportation between the big cities in Andalusia and the north that I'd recommend the train, that way at least you can relax for a bit with schedule.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I will take it all on board and plan accordingly. Emily71, we are having a full day and a night in Madrid. It was a tough call but one we had to make.The vehicle is a 9 seater so should be OK for 6 + luggage. Haven't ruled out the train though.

I think it depends a lot on the people involved--while the towns in Andalucia are quite close together, how efficient are you going to be getting 6 people ready and out the door?
And while it may be cheaper to do the rental than buy train/bus tickets, keep in mind you will not only have to pay for parking/find hotels with parking, you will have to navigate in cities with historic cores--not easy driving.
Madrid is easy to get to, so I don't think it is a crime if you skip it this time.
Cadiz, Cordoba, and Malaga are small, but I think you should drop Cadiz and Malaga. Though I liked staying overnight in Cordoba, you could stay longer in Sevilla and visit Cordoba and even Cadiz if you wanted, as day trips. You could then rent a car for the Sevilla to Granada portion and choose a town to stop over in.
Also, I love Malaga, but I just consider it expendable in this itinerary to make the most of the other stays.
Good luck!

Don't when you are doing this but be advised that if is during th summer, Andalucia will be very, very. hot. I am also in the "use public transport" group. A car is a real problem in the cities. Just finding parking can drive you crazy!

Cathy has given an itinerary for a great trip.

We have done Andalusi several times by car - and very much enjoyed it.

But there are a couple of things to note;

Make sure yuor hotels have parking (parking on the street is not a realistic option in city centers)

Driving a large car in smaller towns can be a bear - streets are narrow. Be sure to fold inyuor mirrors whenever you park or they will be nocled off.

If yuo are going in summer be aware that tepa are VERY high - often 100 or more - and allow for that in yuor planning.

The link you have under Nerja with the pic of the little beach with the boats, where is that and is that a hotel?
thank you!