lindakes

I want to rent a villa for two weeks in the countryside in Spain - spring or fall 2013. Go to local markets, wineries, neighboring towns and villages, local cities and historical sites as day trips. NOT an industrialized, or hyper-touristy area. Any suggestions? Any area near Madrid? Andalusia? (Have already been to Barcalona and the North.)

kimhe

Alhama de Granada: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...d-of-town.html

Or perhaps go to Antequera, the so called heart of Andalucía, some 35 miles north of wonderful Málaga and on the way to Sevilla. Known as the "heart of Andalucía" with its dolmens (ancient burial chambers, some 5000 years old), 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.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/antequera.html

Robert2533

Check Top Rural for a complete list of country homes. If you're interested in visiting wineries (bodegas), you'll need to look at places in the wine producing regions.

WomBatt

I would second Alhama and Antequera certainly and provide other suggestions, if you advise how you will transport yourself. You can only get in and out of Alhama in either direction about twice a day by bus, for example, the times probably not suited to you.

Rubicund

Try Northern Mallorca with www.sealandvillas.com

We've used them several times and the owners they represent have some great properties.

lindakes

Thanks to all who responded. We will rent a car for the two weeks.

WomBatt

In that case find yourself somewhere central, nearly on top of Antequera. For example and at most, an hour and a half to Granada, ditto to Cordoba, two hours to Seville and an hour to Malaga, by car. Or you could train or bus to all mentioned, with your driver(s) fresh and not fraught. Scores of towns and villages with 'something about them' just get the map out and 'google'. Personal favourites within an easy strike, Priego de Cordoba and Osuna.

ekscrunchy

Where have you been in the North? Where have you been near Barcelona?

ribeirasacra

North in Spain covers could cover several areas. For the Spanish North means the Costa Verde, The Green Coast. Some non Spanish North is North east. North of Barcelona.
There are loads of wine regions North of Madrid. Plus you could also head for Portugal too.

lindakes

Again thank you!

ekscrunchy
Beside Barcelona, been to Monserrat, Cordona, Zaragoza,Bilbao, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Basgue country, Leon, all the way to Santiago de Compostela