1 night in Granada will not do if you intend to see the Alhambra, for which I think that you now need reservations.

Hi Michael

thanks. i still thinking should i go Grannada as it a bit out of the way. any suggestion on my route?

Skip Valencia. Add a night to Granada and a night to Seville. Fly from Granada to Barcelona.

What are your interests?

Valencia is a bit hard to fit in.
A fast train from Madrid to Valencia
takes one hour and 30min...if you go from Madrid to Valencia for 2 nights ,
return to a Madrid and take AVE from Madrid right away to Seville -
2hour 30 min ( there are numerous trains to Seville and you are at the train station already)you might save some time.
From Seville bus to Granada and fly Vueling from aGranada to Barcelona.

Spain is serious festival turf, and most of the festivals goes way back in time and are primarily local events. Great opportunity to experience the culture.

In May, Andalucian towns - especially Granada and Córdoba - celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/cruces-de-mayo.htm

Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/cordoba-spring-fair.htm

If you go to Córdoba, perhaps also visit the ruins of the 10th century palace city Madinat al-Zahra just outside town? http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/english/ed4/madinat.htm

May is also the month of the San Isidro festival in Madrid, the celebration of the city's patron saint: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html

Córdoba is 1h 40 mins from Madrid with the high speed AVE train and en route to Sevilla. You can save more than 50% on the AVE train tickets if you buy them in advance at renfe.com.

hi Kja

our interest is on architectural/interesting building and landscape. not su much in history

I add up that your trip is 12 nights, if it were me I'd do 4 nights in each place you stop (eliminating Granada and Valencia) or maybe a bit better, 4 nights Madrid, 3 Seville and 5 in Barcelona. I don't like to spend too much of my trip time packing up and moving and I think each of those stops has enough to spend several days. Hopefully you plan to see Cordoba either as a daytrip from Seville or on the way there - the mezquita is amazing. IMO the alcazar and the gardens in Seville are almost as good as Granada, in fact the Alcazar has many of the same features but the gardens are not quite as extensive so again, IMO, it is not necessary to use the time to go to Granada. Barcelona with a few day trips has plenty to entertain for a 5 night stay. Enjoy!

Although I haven't been to the Alhambra yet, I don't think it makes sense to go to Andalucia and not see the Alhambra. My daughter told me that it is one of the most, if not the most, beautiful places she has seen (and she has done a lot of traveling & living in foreign countries). She told me everyone should see the Alhambra in their lifetime.

I have been to Barcelona & you will not see much in 3 nights. We were there in October 2010 for 5 nights & did not see everything. Based on what I have read and from talking to other people, I think you should eliminate Valencia on this trip.

So maybe 2 nights Granada, & at least 4 nights Barcelona, with 4 nights in Madrid, & 2 nights in Seville, or 3 nights in Madrid & 3 nights in Seville??

thanks guys

after hearing from all, i think we will make some changes
1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 4 night in Seville
3) 4 night in Barcelona

and maybe make some day trip to nearby town. i have read a web for a private guided tour to Alhambra from Seville at Euro 130. Does it worth it? as we thinking to use Seville as a base than after that can take flight to Barcelona

any comment about Ronda? thinking to have a trip there also but there is no train connect. Any recommendation?

Your first itinery was way too rushed. Your next itinerary is better however I think you're still trying to cover too much geography in 12 nights. 4 nights in Sevilla just is too short to visit Cordoba and Granada as daytrips and also adequately see Sevilla. I wouldn't visit Andalucia the first time without a visit to Granada - and I don't recommend visiting Granada as a daytrip fron Sevilla ( it's 3 hous each way) Ronda is beautiful but again you just won't have time. As kimhe mentions May is a great time to visit Andalucia as many cities have festivals and it's a wonderful way to experience the culture.

Personally I'd eliminate Madrid or Barcelona and just focus on 2 geographies. Logistically it would be easiest to eliminate Barcelona (and save for another trip). With this option I'd stay 4-5 nights in Madrid and visit Toledo as a day trip (with 5 nights you would probably have time to do Segovia as a day trip). With the 7-8 nights in Andalucia I'd budget 4 for Sevilla as a minimum (day trip to Cordoba) and 2 for Granada. If your visit coincides with the Patio Festival in Cordoba or the spring Feria in Jerez I'd consider taking the remaining 1-2 days and staying in these cities during the festival. Both could be done as day trips from Sevilla but it may be nice to overnight to fully experience these cities during the festivals. Another way to spend these 1-2 days would be to rent a car between Sevilla and Granada visiting the white villages using Ronda as a base. Or spend these 1-2 nights in Malaga. In this scenario I'd try to fly home from Malaga, Sevilla or Granada (with connecting flights) eliminating the need to backtrack to Madrid.

Like CathyM, I plan to visit Spain in May 2012 with my wife and 19 year daughter for 16-17 nights and I found this thread extremely helpful. The places I want to cover are:
1) Madrid - 4 nights
2) Sevilla - 3 nights
3) Torrox (Costa de Sol) - 2 nights. Hire a car on the final day to drop us at Granada visiting Nerja, La Herradura, Salobrena, Almunecar and the La Alpujara on the way. Will this be too hectic?
4) Granada - 3 nights, with a day trip to Sierra Nevada and the adjoining areas (by public transport, if conveniently available, or by car).
5) Barcelona - 4-5 nights

I am confused on certain aspect of this trip.
1) Are we trying to cover too much?
2) Will May be too hot in Andalusia or even Madrid? Our trip begins on May 12.
3) Or will it be better to skip Andalusia altogether and instead move from Madrid to Cantabria and the Basque (San Sebastian/Hondarribia); then come to Barcelona and also spend a few days at Costa Brava?

Will appreciate your advice.

Sorry! I meant to write Katty_lim in my post and not CathyM. My sincere appologies for the goof-up.

OK, it is great that you have clarified your interests. That helps us to make recs that are best for you, not just best for logistics, etc. With your expressed interests, I would concentrate on Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Toledo.

Since your main interest is architecture, then Barcelona for Gaudi's work and Granada for the Alhambra is absolutely essential, IMHO. They are totally unique. You will not see anything like either of them anyplace else. Both cities are also interesting and beautiful and very different from each other, so you will get unique experiences in both places. Food is even very different in each city.

Also, the gardens of the Alhambra are at their peak in May so you can see the whole place and setting at it's best. The landscape around Granada is beautiful with mountains and groves of olive trees.

Granada is not a good day trip from Seville. You need two nights in Granada so you can visit the Alhambra during the day and during the evening. Two days would be better in Granada, so you can do a bit of walking for great views in the lovely areas around the Alhambra.

You need at least three days in Barcelona to see enough to get any kind of feeling for it; four would be better. Concentrate on Gaudi's work: Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila and walk in Parc Guell. For architecture, also look at Palau Musica. It is lovely and unique. The Barcelona cathedral is nothing to write home about, IMO.

Next would be Toledo for the cathedral which is truly a three star sight. All the city is old and beautiful, an architectural feast, and the surrounding landscape is lovely.

Then it is a toss up: Cordoba for the mosque, Seville for the cathedral and basilica and then the alcazar. Cordoba is a good day trip from Seville. The old center (bario) of Seville with a warren of tiny walking passages is very interesting and lovely. Night walks in Seville are lovely.

If you are not into museums and history, and don't want to see the Prado or other museums, or the palace, then you could drop Madrid as a place to stay. When you land in Madrid, take the train to Toledo. Spend a night and the next day and in the evening head to Cordoba or Seville.

Don't try to fit in other places or areas or towns. These four have more than enough to do and fit your personal interests.

My wife and I were married in May of 2011 and went to Europe for our honeymoon. Costa del Sol - Spain, was part of our tour. We spent a week in Spain and loved every second. Below are some videos of our journey that I posted to youtube and I hope can give you ideas of things to do, what the weather is like, and places to visit. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you!

Spain Costa del Sol Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2cw_VHkkUw

Spain Costa del Sol Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZI8BTjUGD0

Day trip to Tangier via Tarifa Ferry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDmww7JI9UQ


Let me know if you have any questions!! Cheers!

thanks guys

any idea, should i take bus or train? bus cheaper but train faster. the problem is i cant get the web information regarding bus schedule and fare. can advise?

Are you referring to your Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona itinerary? If so I'd take the train from Madrid to Sevilla (purchase a web fare which can be reduced up to 60% off the normal price). Then I'd fly from Sevilla to Barcelona. You should be able to find very inexpensive flights. I'd fly open jaw into Madrid and return from Barcelona so you don't have to backtrack.

Try Vueling.com for inexpensive flights. There's a sale for €30 flights right now.

Buses - http://www.movelia.es/default.asp
Train - http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

May might be too far ahead to try and book, but pick an earlier date to see schedules. (I'm trying to plan my July trip but it's way too early for me to get exact prices & schedules, so I just check these sites out to get an idea)

I'm also finding this site quite useful regarding travel and basic information on each city (besides getting help from the good people here on Fodors of course!)- http://gospain.about.com/

Katy - I have never taken the bus long distances in Spain, I have found the trains very pleasant. The train will be a very efficient way to get from Madrid to Seville but a flgiht will be better from Seville to Barcelona. If you pre-book the trains I beleive you will get better rates but in the past some posters have had problems with using the RENFE website - maybe it is better now.

As to the daytrip to Granada from Seville my vote would be no. I think the Alcazar in Seville will be a good example of the architectural style of the Alhambra. People seem to have very differing opinions of the Alahmbra - for some it is a don't miss experience - others are underwhelmed. I found it very similar to the Seville Alcazar (and not nearly as impressive as the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, but I digress). Have a great trip!

Katy - We took the bus for day trips. I would consider finding cheap flights on veuling.com. We flew from Barcelona to Costa de Sol for 35 euros each.

thanks guys
think i have a better idea now.
but is it worth to stay overnight in toledo?

> is it worth to stay overnight in toledo?

I found it magical at night, after day-trippers had left, and was very glad to see it in different types of light. And there was much more that I wanted to do in Toledo than could be done in a day trip. (I spent nearly 2 full days there.)

I guess it depends on what you give up. Would you then spend 3 nights in Madrid and 1 in Toledo? If you don't mind 1-nighters then it would be nice to have the time in Toledo. But it will take time from Madrid.

read from some news in internet about the safety in spain, is it safe for a young Asian couple to travel on our own?

mad- barcelona ( train)
barcelona-Vlc train
fly to sevilla
cordoba/granada/ madrid however you like

regarding safety issues - I am middle aged and often travel with my adult daughter so we are two ladies traveling on our own. The only concern I have is the pick-pockets which are a very busy and efficient bunch esp. in the Barcelona metro, where they got me - only problem I have ever had in numerous trips to Europe. I would be super-vigilant there (either really secure your valuables in like a money pouch OR don't carry alot of cash and all your credit cards with you when out and about). Madrid may have similar problems, maybe Seville less so, just be smart with your stuff.

We usually are out fairly late in the evening - the Spaniards are night creatures - and we feel safe enough even in the twisty narrow streets of the older parts of the cities. There are some areas in Madrid and Barcelona where it may be smart to stay out of late at night (the Raval and El Rastro?) Las Ramblas, hmmm, maybe. But in general, just be smart and you should be fine.

Katty-lim - there was a recent TA thread on this subject. The outcome being there is no directed target at Asians.

Most of my trips to Spain have been solo and I've never experienced any safety issues. I do excerise good judgement and common sense - exactly as I do in my home town. I feel safer walking about in Spain then I do in the US - probably because there are always people walking around in Spain. I'm also very cautious using bus/metro within a city.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187441-i416-k5095752-Asian_A_merican_visitors_and_crime_in_Andalucia-Granada_Province_of_Granada_Andalucia.html

bookmarking

thank you so much

now we have almost done the planning. we are considering shall we drive from Seville to Ronda and stay over night. and next day go to Cordoba?

What does your current itinerary look like? It's difficult to answer your question without knowing the details.

our planning now is

1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Cardoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona

sorry there is one mistake in the earlier post
our planning now is

1) 4 night in Madrid
2) 2 night in Seville
3) 1 night in Ronda ( planning to drive from Seville to Ronda)
4) 1 night in Gordoba ( drive from ronda and return car)
3) 3 night in Barcelona

Personally I'd skip Ronda and add the day to Sevilla.

It appears you've lost a day in your already fast paced trip. 11 days for Madrid, Sevilla, Ronda, Granada and Barcelona is way more than I would want to attempt. Honestly unless you have at least 14 days for all this I'd cut out one area. 11 days is a good amount for a Madrid & Barcelona combination. Or Madrid OR Barcelona, Sevilla and Granada. Or just Andalucia. With your current plans it will be a bit of a blur after Madrid.

Katty- I lived in Madrid for a few months about 10 years ago. It was very safe being an Asian-American in Madrid, but my non-Caucasian friends (some asian, some indian) and I experienced plenty of heckling. Just walk away. But I would second the comment about pickpockets in Madrid and Barcelona. I had my backpack stolen in Madrid. However, you are generally physically safe because the pickpockets are so clever you don't even know they've taken your things until it's too late. Take the usual precautions (ie, men's wallet in front pocket, wear purse in front, beware of gypsy children) and you should be fine.

If you are in Sevilla on May 8, you might see the flamenco dancer Rocío Molina in Teatro Central. National Dance prize winner in 2010 and the most cutting edge flamenco dancer on the current scene. Could easily be the highlight of your trip.

"...one of the finest soloists in the world today"
New York Times, 2009

"Molina has genius: irresistible, all-consuming, all-powerful"
Financial Times, 2011

understand that there is quite a numbers of culture event in May, can we know where can we find the information about it?

can anyone recommend any good and cheap restaurant or bar in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville?

Here you'll find updated info about cultural events in these cities:
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on-madrid
Barcelona: http://www.whatsonbarcelona.com/
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/art.htm

Hundreds of excellent and affordable restaurants/tapas bars in all these cities, but here are some suggestions for low key places that are popular with locals:

Casa Marta in Madrid, close to the Opera and the Royal palace. http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/07/01/casa-marta-madrid/

and lots of places in and around Calle Cava Baja in the Latina district.

Eslava in Sevilla, at least the popular tapas bar is very affordable: http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/

Pinotxo for lunch in Barcelona, inside the grat Boquería food market: http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/05/25/bar-pinotxo-barcelona/

Updated programme on flamenco concerts with the best artists:
Madrid: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=1
Sevilla: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=5
Barcelona: http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?barrio=4

Here are some places where you can see real deal flamenco almost every night. Changing artists all the time, but only top people perform in these places:
Casa de la Memória in Sevilla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187443-d539294-Reviews-Casa_de_la_Memoria_de_Al_Andalus-Seville_Province_of_Seville_Andalucia.html
Casa Patas in Madrid: http://www.casapatas.com/
Tablao El Cordobés in Barcelona: http://www.tablaocordobes.com/home/general/en/1/

Spain is serious festival turf, and May is festival time in both Madrid and Andalucía. Most of the festivals goes way back in time and are primarily local events. Great opportunity to experience the culture.

In May, Andalucian towns celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/cruces-de-mayo.htm

Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/cordoba-spring-fair.htm

Córdoba is 50 mins away from Sevilla with the high speed AVE train.

The Jerez Horse Fair is also celebrated a week in May. Jérez - known for its horses, wines (Jerez/sherry) and flamenco - is about one hour from Sevilla by bus/train. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm

May is also the month of the San Isidro festival in Madrid, the celebration of the city's patron saint: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html

thanks kimhe

wonder where can we get some good tapas in madrid, we will be staying in Ballesta area.

There will be tapas bars and restaurants all around you in youthful Malasaña. Nighttime at Plaza dos de Mayo can be an experience. http://www.notesfrommadrid.com/2008/01/17/plaza-dos-de-mayo-the-real-thing/

You are also not that far from all the fabulous tapas bars and restaurants in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, just off Plaza Mayor.

You live close to one of my favourite breakfast places in Madrid, Valdemeso in C/Mesoneros Romanos. Great breakfast deals, fine tapas and seafood. Affordable three course menu del día at lunchtime.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187514-d2316390-Reviews-Valdemeso-Madrid.html
http://11870.com/pro/valdemeso