anaolim

I'm going to Spain next september/october for about 10 days. It's my first time there and it'd be great hearing suggestions about beautiful places to visit. I was thinking of spending 4-5 days in Madrid and then go to Barcelona. Which are other cities worth visiting? Inexpensive tips are welcome! Thank you.

carylspall

Its cheaper to fly between cities in Spain than it is to take the train.
4 days in Madrid would probably be enough -take a trip to Toledo by bus or train while youre there.

We were in Madrid,Barcelona and Valencia last time we went to Spain.
All so different.

Seville is apparently very lovely too.

nytraveler

It depends on your interests. IMHO Madrid is worth no more than a day - a large, modern, hot, dirty city with not a lot to do unless you're into partying til 5am..

What I enjoy most in Spain is Andalusia - Seville, Granda, Cordoba, the white towns etc - which reflects much more of Spain's unique past and has a completely different feel from most other places in europe.

So if you tell us more about your interests (history, architecture, fine wine, gourmandizing, beaches, partying etc) people can give you a better idea where to go.

anaolim

Thanks you all for your answers. Well, I'm much more interested in architecture, history, beautiful natural landscapes than in partying, shopping or spending time on beaches. It doesn't sound a good idea for me rushing through a lot of cities, getting stressed about packing and unpacking too much in a short period of time.(forgive me if my english isn't not very correct!). I've also thought of going to North Spain instead of Barcelona and enjoy Santiago de Compostela and its surroundings... a few villages along the way of Santiago... What do you think?

cruiseluv

Hi Anaolim,

I think that spending 4 days in Madrid is not too much. You can easily do daytrips from there to Toledo, Segovia and Avila.
My favorite area in Spain is Northern Spain, and there my very favorite is Santiago de Compostela. Airfares between Santiago and Madrid are usually inexpensive. You could base yourself in Santiago and do day trips from there by bus or train( La Coruña, Pontevedra) or if you are planning to rent a car you could travel south , check out the Rias Baixas and some lovely towns along the way ( such as Pontevedra, Baiona).
In Santiago there are all sorts of accommodations, from the very expensive to more budget.

I agree with your comment about packing and unpacking , check-in and out of hotels... You end wasting a lot of time ( although I have done it I didn't enjoy it).

NEDSIRELAND

There's a Bienal de Flamenco in Sevilla from about mid-Sep thru the first third of October. The venues are such that you don't have to wait until late at night to see a Tablao Flamenco. There are Performances/Competitions in many theaters and even the la Maestranza Plaza de Toros.

I love northern Spain and Galicia. If I were to map out a trip to Santiago I would go via Bilbao and Santander, but that would be more than a 10-day trip.

ggmestre

Hi Anaolim,

I agree with cruiseluv! Four days in Madrid is not too much. Get a hotel in the Barrio de Salamanca. Dont stay in the center around Puerta del Sol because that area has gotten really bad
with prostitues, pickpockets and drug
addicts. Chek out Hotel Velazquez.
I would also go to Barcelona and 4 or 5 days that is not too much either. Barcelona is a beautiful city with a lot to do and see.
For northern Spain I would fly to Santiago de COmpostela but to see Rias Baixas and all the sorrounding area in 10 days you need a car but I think since you never been there before, Madrid and the sorrounding areas and Barcelona is a nice start!
Enjoy it!

anaolim

Thank you all for these valuable tips. I've really appreciated them!