BAHItaly

Still working on an itinerary to keep it interesting and fun for our 18 yr old daughter who likes most things. Flying into Malaga in April for 10 days. Which coastal town is best, what about Nerja or Marbella? Granada looks interesting. Thinking of choicing 3 cities to do day trips from... Any thoughts ?

vjpblovesitaly

I think you should ask her. If she has the time she can be part of the planning. She is an adult.

Ackislander

Ask her what she would like to do.

Ask yourself if you are comfortable with her going out in the evening by herself.

Sassafrass

We saw a lot of university students in Seville and Granada, so young vibes in both places, but especially in Seville in the evening. We met a couple of young women from the US who were students there and guided us to their favorite restaurants. So, one place to consider.

BAHItaly

Our daughter is currently in Belfast doing a gap year with Youth for Christ. She is helping with first part of trip to Ireland. Her only request is sunshine. She will not go out by herself.
What coastal towns have college ages people?
Is Córdoba and/or Granada a must see?

mamcalice

Granada is a must see if you want to visit the Alhambra. It is definitely a must see. Seville was our favorite location and day trips to Cordoba and the white villages can easily be done from there. We loved Nerja. It is much smaller and less "resorty" than Marbella but if you or your daughter want the party scene, Marbella would be best.

bilboburgler

Malaga itself is very nice, Marbella is basically bank robbers and Arab Princes keeping out of the way.

Malaga has a fine Picasso gallery, a great castle, fine shopping, good beach and other sites.

Christina

I stayed in Malaga several days and it's a good choice for a base.

Haven't been to Marbella but the reputation alone wouldn't make me want to stay there. It doesn't seem very well located for day trips, how did you plan to do that from there, and where would you go? I don't know why you find it appealing, it is a destination for "jet setters", rich people, and is practically owned by the royalty of Saudi Arabia or something like that, at least he owns a lot and spends a lot there (and visits a lot).

cruiseluv

My son who is in his 20s is currently working in Spain. He's spent time in Malaga and Sevilla and loved both.

nytraveler

We loved Marbella - well Puerto Banus really - but we are definitely not in the college group. Nice upscale (NOT all arab princes - just lots of middle class folks but definitely adults).

Suggest your daughter have a look at the Let's Go Student Guide and it will provide a lot of info on places to meet local students and popular clubs and bars in any major places in Spain.

Seville, Granada and Cordoba are all must sees based on their unique culture/connections with Span's moorish past - unique in all of europe.

BAHItaly

Thanks for well informed input. Marbella out, Nerja in. Córdoba and Granda in. My husband doesn't like large cities like Seville, albeit, I can convince him to go for 2-3 if that's the general consensus.
Flying into Malaga- have 10 nights- can drive.
Any more suggestions

stokebailey

Seville doesn't have to feel like a large city. My college student daughter and I enjoyed a week in a quiet Triana neighborhood, with one daytrip to Italica/Santaponce Roman ruins.

sandralist

Sevilla felt like a large city to me. Cordoba and Grenada are fine choices.

Bedar

Just remember that April isn't real beach weather. Were I you, I'd be sure to hit Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. You could also go to Ronda and Jerez for the horse shows.

nytraveler

Sorry - April in that area IS beach weather - have been twice and highs were well up into the 80s (since it usualy tops 100 in midsummer).

And Seville is hardly a big city - and definitely a must see.

stokebailey

The reason I mentioned Seville's Triana neighborhood is it seems more small town while being just across the river and walkable just about everywhere. And close to a main bus station for daytrips.

But still nice tapas places, bakeries, market.

bilboburgler

If you enter Seville by train the old centre is pretty small, no motorway in there.

emily71

First, hopefully you've asked your teenager what they want and look at a guidebook or online to make some choices. I'd agree that Andalusia is you're best bet. I loved Granada and with the University there are a lot of college students-both Spanish and foreign. I stayed in Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville and to me it felt like a smaller town, not as small as Granada but not as big as Madrid.

Spring in Spain is fabulous.

kimhe

Agree with bilboburgler and Christina that 3000 year old Malaga city itself could be an ideal base. Genuine and laid-back Andalucian atmosphere, great sights and museums right in the historic city center, tons of fine cafes, terraces, tapas bars, restaurants, theaters and cultural activities. Malaga is a university city and lots of young people here. And beaches. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm

Fine video intro to Malaga city: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Na4yYZH2Hg

Most people will think Granada with the Alhambra and Cordoba with the Mezquita are must sees. Easy to go to both places from Malaga: Cordoba is 50 minutes with the high speed AVE Train, Granada 90 mins with bus (Alsa).

And wonderful Antequera is just some 30 miles north of Malaga city. The first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410. Known as "the heart of Andalucía" 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.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry....era-spain.html

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 etc.). http://www.wild-about-travel.com/201...ing-antequera/

mamcalice

We spent 4 days in Seville and never did I think of it as a large city. We stayed in the Old City and wandered about from there. With the experience of over 20 trips to Europe, it is on my list of the top 5 places we have visited. It would be a shame to miss it on a trip to Andalucia.

Choose your hotel carefully and make sure your are within walking distance of most of Seville's major attractions and you won't think of Seville as a large city.