Spain itinerary, suggestions please!
Oct 15th, 2016, 11:39 PM
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Spain itinerary, suggestions please!
My husband and myself will be visiting Spain in 2017, arriving in Barcelona on 20 April and leaving on 24 May. We do home exchange for two weeks and the rest we travel on our own.
Home exchange: Vitoria and Salamanca. The dates of Salamanca cannot change and is 6 May for a week. I worked out an itinerary which includes places on our wishlist, but will appreciate any recommendations.
Want to see: Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Duoro Valley, Lisbon, Andaluca`s best.
I have not book any accommodation yet, but would like to do it now. Not sure if I should include Lisbon, but also, my future trips will not be in the region. So this is my only change.
My plan, only the route:
Vitoria for a week, Santiago, Porto, Duoro, Salamanca 6 May for a week, Lisbon (?) and Seville (or any other suggestion for Andalucia visit. Flying Malaga to Barcelona on 23 May. Have been in Barcelona before.
We are used to driving 2000+ km during our tours of a month.
Thank you in advance!
Home exchange: Vitoria and Salamanca. The dates of Salamanca cannot change and is 6 May for a week. I worked out an itinerary which includes places on our wishlist, but will appreciate any recommendations.
Want to see: Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Duoro Valley, Lisbon, Andaluca`s best.
I have not book any accommodation yet, but would like to do it now. Not sure if I should include Lisbon, but also, my future trips will not be in the region. So this is my only change.
My plan, only the route:
Vitoria for a week, Santiago, Porto, Duoro, Salamanca 6 May for a week, Lisbon (?) and Seville (or any other suggestion for Andalucia visit. Flying Malaga to Barcelona on 23 May. Have been in Barcelona before.
We are used to driving 2000+ km during our tours of a month.
Thank you in advance!
Oct 15th, 2016, 11:53 PM
#2
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I strongly recommend that you consult the <i>Michelin Green Guides</i> for both Spain and Portugal. And, of course, look at the planning threads and trip reports on this board.
Ask the editors to add a tag for Portugal to this post.
IMO, Andalusia is best seen with 10-14 days: 2 or 3 days for Granada, 2 for Cordoba, 3 or 4 for Sevilla, 1 plus for Ronda and other White Towns (depending on your interests), a couple of day sion Malaga....
Enjoy!
Ask the editors to add a tag for Portugal to this post.
IMO, Andalusia is best seen with 10-14 days: 2 or 3 days for Granada, 2 for Cordoba, 3 or 4 for Sevilla, 1 plus for Ronda and other White Towns (depending on your interests), a couple of day sion Malaga....
Enjoy!
Oct 16th, 2016, 12:47 AM
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When in Vitoria (good choice!), make at least a day-trip to San Sebastián by the coast, one of the world's greatest food cities: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/
Spend at least a couple of days in fabulous Málaga before flying to Barcelona. Málaga is now Andalucía's "city of culture with its so-called 'mile of art' being compared to Madrid, and its dynamism and fine dining to Barcelona": https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga
NYT with three Spanish cities on the 2016 "Places to go" list, Barcelona, San Sebastián and Málaga, "Beauty, but now a cultural capital, too": http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...isit.html?_r=3
Just home from my fifteenth visit to 3000 year old Málaga the past fifteen years. Several world class museums, genuine laid-back Andalucian atmosphere, the best both traditional and cutting edge tapas bars, cafés and restaurants, excellent theaters, concerts, nightlife, and major Roman, Moorish and Christian sights right in the heart of the city etc. etc.
http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/
"Málaga: Spain's best kept secret": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
AND, the world's greatest and most cutting edge flamenco dancer Rocío Molina dances in Mercat de les Flors on May 21 and 22. Well worth adjusting your plans to see her: http://mercatflors.cat/en/espectacle...017-diptico-3/
About Molina in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/20...-bosque-ardora
She had a mind-blowing performance in Sevilla during the world's greatest flamenco festival two weeks ago. A never to forget experience: http://www.deflamenco.com/revista/re...bienal1-1.html
A short clip:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/
Spend at least a couple of days in fabulous Málaga before flying to Barcelona. Málaga is now Andalucía's "city of culture with its so-called 'mile of art' being compared to Madrid, and its dynamism and fine dining to Barcelona": https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga
NYT with three Spanish cities on the 2016 "Places to go" list, Barcelona, San Sebastián and Málaga, "Beauty, but now a cultural capital, too": http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...isit.html?_r=3
Just home from my fifteenth visit to 3000 year old Málaga the past fifteen years. Several world class museums, genuine laid-back Andalucian atmosphere, the best both traditional and cutting edge tapas bars, cafés and restaurants, excellent theaters, concerts, nightlife, and major Roman, Moorish and Christian sights right in the heart of the city etc. etc.
http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/
"Málaga: Spain's best kept secret": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
AND, the world's greatest and most cutting edge flamenco dancer Rocío Molina dances in Mercat de les Flors on May 21 and 22. Well worth adjusting your plans to see her: http://mercatflors.cat/en/espectacle...017-diptico-3/
About Molina in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/20...-bosque-ardora
She had a mind-blowing performance in Sevilla during the world's greatest flamenco festival two weeks ago. A never to forget experience: http://www.deflamenco.com/revista/re...bienal1-1.html
A short clip:
Oct 16th, 2016, 01:34 AM
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... correction, Rocío Molina in Mercat de les Flors in Barcelona is May 20 and 21: http://mercatflors.cat/en/espectacle...017-diptico-3/
Two recent clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSRAgZFamSM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreE1gvhcJE
Two recent clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSRAgZFamSM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreE1gvhcJE
Oct 16th, 2016, 02:02 AM
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What about
May 13th: Salamanca dp 12.45 - Coimbra ar 17.45
May 14th: Coimbra - Lisboa
May 15th/16th: Lisboa
May 17th: Lisboa dp 13.45 - Sevilla ar 21.15
May 18th: Sevilla
May 19th: half day trip to Cordoba
May 20th: train to Granada
May 21st: Granada
May 22nd: bus to Malaga
May 13th: Salamanca dp 12.45 - Coimbra ar 17.45
May 14th: Coimbra - Lisboa
May 15th/16th: Lisboa
May 17th: Lisboa dp 13.45 - Sevilla ar 21.15
May 18th: Sevilla
May 19th: half day trip to Cordoba
May 20th: train to Granada
May 21st: Granada
May 22nd: bus to Malaga
Oct 16th, 2016, 03:47 AM
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Vitoria-Gasteiz to Santiago de Compostela is something like a 6 hour no stop drive. Do you want to break this section up or will you do it in one day?
Public holidays are May 1st and in here in Galicia 17th May.
Public buildings may be closed or have different opening times. Prices for accommodation maybe a bit higher too.
Galicia has more to offer than just Santiago and North Portugal more than Porto and Duoro.
Suggestions between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela
Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Bierzo wine area, Ribeira Sacra wine area. Lugo.
Between Santiago de Compostela and Porto.
Rias Baixas wine area, Cangas to visit the Illas Cíes (said to be the best beach in the world, Tui, Valença, Viana do Castelo.
Again this is a long trip more than 8 hours without a stop.
Porto to Duoro Valley is very short. From Duoro to Salamanca maybe Toro wine area, Bragança, Zamora
Again a short day in the car.
You may well need an IDP.
Driving a Spanish registered car in Portugal means you have to prepay some of the tolls in Portugal. You have to read this website on how to make those payments. http://www.portugaltolls.com
It is hard to suggest some real/defined ideas, has you have not suggested any real likes/dislikes apart from the cities listed. There is always more to see in Spain and Portugal than just urbanised areas.
Public holidays are May 1st and in here in Galicia 17th May.
Public buildings may be closed or have different opening times. Prices for accommodation maybe a bit higher too.
Galicia has more to offer than just Santiago and North Portugal more than Porto and Duoro.
Suggestions between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Santiago de Compostela
Burgos, Leon, Astorga, Bierzo wine area, Ribeira Sacra wine area. Lugo.
Between Santiago de Compostela and Porto.
Rias Baixas wine area, Cangas to visit the Illas Cíes (said to be the best beach in the world, Tui, Valença, Viana do Castelo.
Again this is a long trip more than 8 hours without a stop.
Porto to Duoro Valley is very short. From Duoro to Salamanca maybe Toro wine area, Bragança, Zamora
Again a short day in the car.
You may well need an IDP.
Driving a Spanish registered car in Portugal means you have to prepay some of the tolls in Portugal. You have to read this website on how to make those payments. http://www.portugaltolls.com
It is hard to suggest some real/defined ideas, has you have not suggested any real likes/dislikes apart from the cities listed. There is always more to see in Spain and Portugal than just urbanised areas.
Oct 16th, 2016, 02:02 PM
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The OP has begun another thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-itinerary.cfm
Oct 16th, 2016, 09:35 PM
#8
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Thank you very much for all the info! We have decided to visit Spain in 2017 and Portugal as soon as we can. Both countries have a lot to offer.
Please keep on helping me with your valuable inputs. It really helps.
* I put the question on Portugal as well as the question includes both countries. I was advised to.
Please keep on helping me with your valuable inputs. It really helps.
* I put the question on Portugal as well as the question includes both countries. I was advised to.
Oct 17th, 2016, 01:14 AM
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We have now changed our itinerary.
From Vitoria to Santiago de Compostela, you suggested the AP 71 with a stop over which sounds great. My question is about the E70 with a stop over around Oviedo? Which route is the most scenic?
We are interested in history, culture, nature and architecture. We like the country more than cities.
Thank you!
From Vitoria to Santiago de Compostela, you suggested the AP 71 with a stop over which sounds great. My question is about the E70 with a stop over around Oviedo? Which route is the most scenic?
We are interested in history, culture, nature and architecture. We like the country more than cities.
Thank you!
Oct 17th, 2016, 02:04 AM
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I don't know if I understood well but Vitoria for a week seems a lot of wasted time in my opinion. Beautiful city, but you don't need more than one or tow days. The Portugal part I think is well thought. Then about Andalucia, Seville is a must (maybe this will help http://www.hotelnights.es/es/hoteles...la-centro.html), and in my opinion the other two big cities that deserve a visit are Cordoba and Granada.
I wouldnt go to Malaga, though all the coast in that area (Costa del Sol) has plenty of options and beautiful spots. Maybe it would be more interesting in the summer, but you can try. Anyway, if you like nature, spend more days in the north, the most beuatiful part of Spain in my opinion
I wouldnt go to Malaga, though all the coast in that area (Costa del Sol) has plenty of options and beautiful spots. Maybe it would be more interesting in the summer, but you can try. Anyway, if you like nature, spend more days in the north, the most beuatiful part of Spain in my opinion
Oct 17th, 2016, 04:51 AM
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****We are interested in history, culture, nature and architecture. We like the country more than cities.****
We have a load of all of them here in historical Spain.
Vitoria to Santiago de Compostela the most direct route is via this route https://goo.gl/maps/i6ygJoCMP2D2
There is no rule about which is the best or wrong way. It all comes down to time allowance places that come to your attention after doing some research.
The roads in Spain are categorised as given here. If you use the E number you will find they do not appear on all maps or on road signs. More information about that system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intern...E-road_network
We have a load of all of them here in historical Spain.
Vitoria to Santiago de Compostela the most direct route is via this route https://goo.gl/maps/i6ygJoCMP2D2
There is no rule about which is the best or wrong way. It all comes down to time allowance places that come to your attention after doing some research.
The roads in Spain are categorised as given here. If you use the E number you will find they do not appear on all maps or on road signs. More information about that system: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intern...E-road_network
Oct 18th, 2016, 12:29 AM
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<We are interested in history, culture, nature and architecture. We like the country more than cities. >
Then Antequera should be high on your Andalucía list, known as the heart or the crossroads of Andalucía.
Almost right in the middle of the Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga rectangle. Here you'll find dolmens (some 5000 years old burial chambers), Roman baths, a Moorish Castle, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers. Antequera was the first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/antequera
I love the terrace in the corner of the peaceful square in front of the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, the first partly Renaissance-style church in Spain (built 1514-1550). Up here it's totally peace and quiet. Next to the recently excavated Roman baths beneath and looking up on the 13th century Moorish alcazaba/fortress. Great views over unique landscapes (the spectacular Torcal limestone mountain, the Peña de los enamorados (Lover's leap) etc. http://www.wild-about-travel.com/201...ing-antequera/
Close by Torcal limestone mountain. You can drive up here and do several walks, and on a clear day you can see to Morocco: http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm
A tapas tour of Antequera:
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/tapaspain.html
Amd Antequera is only 30-40 mins drive north of Málaga city itself: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/...a-6279309.html
AND NOTE that May is serious festival time in Andalucía, and especially in Córdoba:
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-may.htm
May in wonderful Córdoba: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/festivals.htm
Then Antequera should be high on your Andalucía list, known as the heart or the crossroads of Andalucía.
Almost right in the middle of the Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga rectangle. Here you'll find dolmens (some 5000 years old burial chambers), Roman baths, a Moorish Castle, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers. Antequera was the first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/antequera
I love the terrace in the corner of the peaceful square in front of the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, the first partly Renaissance-style church in Spain (built 1514-1550). Up here it's totally peace and quiet. Next to the recently excavated Roman baths beneath and looking up on the 13th century Moorish alcazaba/fortress. Great views over unique landscapes (the spectacular Torcal limestone mountain, the Peña de los enamorados (Lover's leap) etc. http://www.wild-about-travel.com/201...ing-antequera/
Close by Torcal limestone mountain. You can drive up here and do several walks, and on a clear day you can see to Morocco: http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm
A tapas tour of Antequera:
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/tapaspain.html
Amd Antequera is only 30-40 mins drive north of Málaga city itself: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/...a-6279309.html
AND NOTE that May is serious festival time in Andalucía, and especially in Córdoba:
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/monthlyguide-may.htm
May in wonderful Córdoba: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/festivals.htm
Oct 19th, 2016, 07:48 AM
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Thank you very much to every contribution. We will now save Portugal for a next trip. Please keep in mind that Vitoria and Salamanca are Home exchanges and actually the reason why we visit Spain! We have to make use of it. I cannot change the dates in Salamanca. The following is what we have worked out for now.
20 April: Fly into Bilboa. Stay the night.
Vitoria - 5 nights
Leon (or around) - 3 nights
Santiago (or around) - 4 nights
Somewhere near the coast - 3 nights
Salamanca - 6 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Seville - 4 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Malaga - 3 nights
Fly to Barcelona - 2 nights (Have been to Barcelona before)
Any recommendations are welcome. Normally we like to base for a week, but then again, we do not like long day trips. This time we will try to move on, but at a relatively slow pace. To go to supermarkets and try local foods is our highlight at the end of the day. O yes, and of course we are very interested and enjoy different wines. We drink white wine.
We would also like to experience cultural events,dances, markets. We like the small villages with real atmosphere.
Thank you!!
20 April: Fly into Bilboa. Stay the night.
Vitoria - 5 nights
Leon (or around) - 3 nights
Santiago (or around) - 4 nights
Somewhere near the coast - 3 nights
Salamanca - 6 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Seville - 4 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Malaga - 3 nights
Fly to Barcelona - 2 nights (Have been to Barcelona before)
Any recommendations are welcome. Normally we like to base for a week, but then again, we do not like long day trips. This time we will try to move on, but at a relatively slow pace. To go to supermarkets and try local foods is our highlight at the end of the day. O yes, and of course we are very interested and enjoy different wines. We drink white wine.
We would also like to experience cultural events,dances, markets. We like the small villages with real atmosphere.
Thank you!!
Oct 19th, 2016, 10:23 AM
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Now it looks like a good plan. You could take a day off certain places like Leon, Santiago and Malaga and add them to another town but then again it's better in Spain to spend more time in places and relax and soak it in. Definitely don't miss San Sebastian from Vitoria and Cordoba from Sevilla.
Oct 19th, 2016, 10:36 AM
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<To go to supermarkets and try local foods is our highlight at the end of the day. O yes, and of course we are very interested and enjoy different wines. We drink white wine.
We would also like to experience cultural events,dances, markets.>
Some tips for Málaga based on the above.
The Atarazanas food market, right in the heart of the city, my favourite in all of Spain: https://eastofmalaga.net/2014/07/25/...ry-perception/
All kinds of Málaga wines on barrel in Antigua Casa de Guardia from 1840, not much have changed in here since then: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/an...asa-de-guardia
Peña Juan Breva for real deal flamenco. The finest song and guitar every Friday at 10:30 pm down in the basement. Great atmosphere, mostly local "aficionados" but also very welcoming to interested visitors. Free entrance. A fine and no fuss restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a great flamenco museum in the plants above. http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/tour...breva-group/79
And all kinds of local festivals and celebrations in and around town all the time. Watch out for all kinds of Verdiales events, the Málaga mountains flamenco inspired dance and music tradition. http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/verdiales.htm
This gives you an idea of what might await you in many kinds of Málaga verdiales celebrations. Here's local girl and the finest flamenco dancer on the planet right now Rocío Molina on stage from 3 min 50 secs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct4snqKGdZY
We would also like to experience cultural events,dances, markets.>
Some tips for Málaga based on the above.
The Atarazanas food market, right in the heart of the city, my favourite in all of Spain: https://eastofmalaga.net/2014/07/25/...ry-perception/
All kinds of Málaga wines on barrel in Antigua Casa de Guardia from 1840, not much have changed in here since then: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/an...asa-de-guardia
Peña Juan Breva for real deal flamenco. The finest song and guitar every Friday at 10:30 pm down in the basement. Great atmosphere, mostly local "aficionados" but also very welcoming to interested visitors. Free entrance. A fine and no fuss restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a great flamenco museum in the plants above. http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/tour...breva-group/79
And all kinds of local festivals and celebrations in and around town all the time. Watch out for all kinds of Verdiales events, the Málaga mountains flamenco inspired dance and music tradition. http://www.andalucia.com/flamenco/verdiales.htm
This gives you an idea of what might await you in many kinds of Málaga verdiales celebrations. Here's local girl and the finest flamenco dancer on the planet right now Rocío Molina on stage from 3 min 50 secs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct4snqKGdZY
Oct 26th, 2016, 03:36 AM
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Thank you for your guidance, I really appreciate it.
Just a question before I book our accommodation.
Could it be a better itinerary if I cut Santiago and Galicia out and add it to our future Portugal trip which may be later in 2017?
Then for Spain it will be as follows:
Bilboa and coast(Fly to)
San Sebastian
Vitoria
(So more of the Basque Country. Coastline as well as country/winelands.
Segovia
Salamanca (Home exchange, date cannot change)
Toledo
Cordoba
Seville
Granada
malaga.
Thank you.
Just a question before I book our accommodation.
Could it be a better itinerary if I cut Santiago and Galicia out and add it to our future Portugal trip which may be later in 2017?
Then for Spain it will be as follows:
Bilboa and coast(Fly to)
San Sebastian
Vitoria
(So more of the Basque Country. Coastline as well as country/winelands.
Segovia
Salamanca (Home exchange, date cannot change)
Toledo
Cordoba
Seville
Granada
malaga.
Thank you.
