Traveling within Spain
Aug 10th, 2001, 09:41 AM
#1
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Traveling within Spain
My friends and I are planning a trip to Spain for Oct. 2001. Not sure if we should fly into Madrid or Barcelona. We definitely want to see as much as we can, but are limited in time. How is the transit system in Spain? Are we better off taking buses or trains, from city to city? Will a concierge be willing to help, or should we try to plan this via a travel agent (although I would rather not). I would welcome any advise or thoughts on this topic. Thank you!
Aug 10th, 2001, 09:55 AM
#2
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personally, i would fly into madrid - it's more centrally located. You can hope on a train or bus and head out in any direction. Although, Barcelona is gorgeous! so depending on how much time you have perhapds you could go into madrid and out of barcelona.... <BR> <BR>i found the trains pretty good the last time i was there. you have to remember to reserve i think. i have heard the buses are really good too. <BR> <BR>we're going in september and actually renting a car - is that an option for you? <BR> <BR>i think you can easily plan a trip from here or with books. i have received amazing advice from this site. <BR> <BR>hth <BR>JP
Aug 10th, 2001, 09:55 AM
#3
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I would suggest a trip within Spain by using the railway network just if you are interested in visiting cities. Unfortunately this network in Spain is not as in other countries as Switzerland or Japan where you can go anywhere interesting by train including superb landscapes. You could do it in Spain taking buses but the problem is that is really difficult to get bus routes schedules via internet so it makes it difficult to plan ahead your trip. So I would recommend to mix long journeys by public transportation as fast trains ( Ave, Intercity, Talgo, etc ) or even flying, with renting a car in certain places and drive a bit. <BR> <BR>You will have probably better chances to move if you fly into Madrid instead of into Barcelona, I would just suggest you to fly into Barcelona whether you are interested in going to Southern France but if not I think I would prefer Madrid since Spain is a bit centralized in terms of communications. <BR> <BR>Are you interested in anything in particular?Maybe I could suggest you a couple of things.
Aug 10th, 2001, 10:07 AM
#4
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Pedro and JP, <BR>Thank you for your responses. I am going to look into flying into Madrid and then flying out of Barcelona. The reason being is that one of my friends parents (who will not be with us on our journey) have a villa in Mallorca. We were hoping to stay there for at least 2 nights to chill out on the beach. I'm assuming that Oct. in Spain, should still be relatively warm. How many nights do you think we should allot to Madrid, Barcelona? Is renting a car there scary in terms of driving??? By the way Pedro, any suggestions are welcome.
Aug 10th, 2001, 10:21 AM
#5
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If you are planning to just base in those two cities and also make a trip to MAllorca I think you will not need to rent a car. Anyway I do not find scaring driving in Spain except within the cities because of its sometimes narrow streets, but overall it is not a problem. From Madrid you could make day trips or even stay overnight in some of these cities: Toledo (marvelous but a bit touristy, the kingdom of daytrippers), Segovia (more local flavour, an scenic city, wonderful roman aqueduct, beatiful surroundings as Hoces del Duraton Natural Park, La Granja Palace or Pedraza de la Sierra ), Avila ( rough, high and walled, the highest capital of province in Spain has its own character ), El Escorial Monastery always imposing or the picturesque town of Chinchon. <BR> <BR>From Barcelona, I would choose Montserrat, Tarragona, Sitges and Girona ( not too much touristy and atmospheric old jewish quarter as well as an impressive gothic cathedral ) <BR> <BR>But if you have more time, another must see would be Salamanca, Sevilla, Santiago, Granada, Cuenca, Ronda, Cordoba, and several small incredible villages as Albarracin, Baeza, La Alberca, Santillana del Mar, Grazalema, Almagro, Ainsa, etc
Aug 10th, 2001, 11:33 AM
#7
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You can often fly between the cities for a reasonable price, especially if you book the internal flights at the same time as the transatlantic flight. I went to Madrid-Bilbao-Barcelona-Sevilla-Madrid this way last year (and took the train to/from Cordoba-Sevilla). The domestic portion priced out at about $60 a leg.
Aug 10th, 2001, 11:50 AM
#8
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We spent 10 days in Madrid two years ago. We did day trips to Segovia, Toledo, and El Escorial. We preferred the buses over the trains for day trips and short distances - faster, more comfortable, and cheaper. However, the AVE is best if you want to go to Sevilla. We loved Spain, and so did our children.
