Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Tossing around a family spring break in Spain and want to see Las Fallas plus other good cities/sights - need help for efficient/great plan!

Tossing around a family spring break in Spain and want to see Las Fallas plus other good cities/sights - need help for efficient/great plan!

Old Aug 6th, 2014, 12:47 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Tossing around a family spring break in Spain and want to see Las Fallas plus other good cities/sights - need help for efficient/great plan!

I know how many great people there are here who know Spain and who graciously share travel advice. I can really use your advice here.

My husband, then- 16-year-old daughter and I are considering going to Spain for this year's mid-March spring break. We last went to Spain 7 years ago on spring break (at the time, with our son who is now in college and for some reason prefers to go with his buddies, not his parents). We spent the week in Madrid, with one side trip to Segovia, and we had a fabulous time.

SO -- now it's seven years later and we're thinking of going back. We did not see Las Fallas last time and I would like to see it this time unless it too wild/crazy for a family with a teen daughter.

I'd like to see as much as possible, without having too arduous an itinerary/travel schedule; I'd also like to try for as much good weather as possible. We'd be arriving March 13 or 14 and departing March 21. Would seeing Barcelona, Valencia, the Alhambra and/or a good beach and (what else?) be reasonable and worthwhile? I'd even consider a couple of days back in Madrid as we enjoyed it very much. But as I said I want to be smart about the travel schedule....and I want nice travel (not the slow train to Oxmox - high-speed trains are fine) and I want to stay in pretty good places.

I realize I can "research this myself" and I will, but I'm hoping someone who is already familiar with these areas and what makes sense for what I'm wanting for my family and our limited time can advise me.

I love Spain, and my daughter doesn't remember most of the trip from 7 years ago. My husband has not been to Spain except for the Madrid/Segovia trip. How can I best plan a trip to hit the highlights of that area in such a way that we will love it, and not be frazzled and frustrated by it? And what highlights am I missing I should not miss?

Thank you!!
bakerstreet is offline  
Old Aug 6th, 2014, 01:32 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 42,600
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
IMO you need to make a decision as to just which sites are most important between the four places you have mentioned. In a week even I think this would be doing "too much."
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Aug 6th, 2014, 02:19 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You only have 6 to 7 days, so, as already noted, you need to plan carefully. If you want to see Las Fallas, then you should plan on spending 2 to 3 days in Valencia. The Cremà de la Falla Oficial de la Plaza del Ayuntamiento happens at 1:00 am the morning of the 20th. Based on that, I would fly into Barcelona for a few days and then head down to Valencia by train, flying home from Valencia (connecting flight).

You just don't have enough time to add in Granda and the Alhambra (2 days minimum).

It's too early for beach weather for Spaniards.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Aug 6th, 2014, 02:29 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wouldn't bother with Barcelona. You don't have enough time. Fly to Madrid, take the train to Valencia, do the Fallas and beavh, train to Granada then Cordoba, and back to Madrid and home. Unless you're a Scandinavian, March isn't beach weather in Spain.
Bedar is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 09:28 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Valencia to Granada by train? Not a good idea. There is only one direct train, departing at 11:34 PM, taking nearly 8 hours to cover the distance. They could do Valencia-Madrid-Granada by rail, but it's still a long day because the Madrid-Granada train doesn't depart Atocha until 5:05 PM.

Flying would be expensive for a family, and there are no direct flights between the two.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 12:21 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Madrid and Valencia for Las Fallas could be just excellent! One day in Madrid, go to Valencia with the high speed AVE Train in no time for Las Fallas for two-three days and then back to wonderful Madrid with day trips to Toldeo and/or Cuenca.

Toledo: http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres...os/toledo.html
Cuenca/Toledo: http://www.theguardian.com/spanish-t...a-toledo-spain
kimhe is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2014, 02:19 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There is no easy way to do Valencia-Granada, as mentioned. You CAN do Valencia-Sevilla on the AVE.. but can get no closer.
lincasanova is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 09:17 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This is EXACTLY the sort of advice I was seeking - thank you! I had no idea the transportation between Valencia and Granada was an issue.

So it sounds like my choice will be Madrid and Valencia, or Barcelona and Valencia.

Can you help me with suggested accommodation in Valencia? I'd like to be in the "heart" of the action for Las Fallas, in a nice hotel. A suite would be nice (there are three of us, and I may invite a Spanish exchange student to stay with us, so maybe 4.) I would really appreciate your recommendations. And lincasanova, aren't you an expert on Las Fallas?
bakerstreet is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 09:38 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Lin will most certainly give you excellent info about Valencia and Las Fallas, but I just have to share this video of the central food market in Valencia. This is (also) what life is for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds8ryWd5aFw
kimhe is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 10:14 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, you can do Cuenca on your way to or from Madrid on the AVE. I will warn you that it may be quite cold.

Be prepared for sticker prices during Fallas.

I know one really convenient place that doesn't hike them up during Fallas. "Orange Room" in Valencia. These are two private bedrooms per floor in historic flat "right smack in the heart of old town near market. These two bedrooms, each with ensuite bath, share a living room kitchen, so when you rent both rooms, no stranger is using the room across the living room/kitchen. Idea for families.

Otherwise .. what is your budget? Look up the dates you think you will be here and come back to me and I will help you choose between your finds. An Apartment might be better.

However.. all said.. noise at night MAY not have been on your agenda. There is nothing wrong with getting out of downtown and closer to a normal setting, although there are Fallas and their tented cubs on many streets across the city, but 90% of the noise is downtown.
lincasanova is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 10:22 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just saw plaza picasso apartments have two bedroom apartments left with free cancelation. I would grab something like that.. they will not be around in awhile.Not downtown but along the riverbed area.. not far from bus and metro. I have had people there before and they were happy.
lincasanova is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 10:26 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, have seen the Pio XII flats. They are new and well located. Closer to metro than picasso , and also have 2 bedrooms still left and free cancellation. Few hotels have rooms for 4. you will need 2 rooms or as you say.. a suite. Try to google a search for suites in valencia. Since I don't know your budget I am thinking it will be astronomical for those dates especially. Try the Westin. I know they have suites.. and gorgeous ones.
lincasanova is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2014, 10:29 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
this place looks really nice and excellent location.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/sing..._room=57162401

also free cancellation.
lincasanova is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
amandarawrrr
Europe
27
Aug 23rd, 2018 01:37 PM
sharvester
Europe
16
Aug 21st, 2018 08:50 AM
basp27
Europe
5
Aug 28th, 2015 11:33 AM
BBJI
Europe
10
May 16th, 2011 07:30 AM
eyeball
Europe
5
Aug 23rd, 2005 04:06 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -