Hi! I'm going to Spain early Dec for 10 days, first time, this is a vacation, not a backbacking thing, looking for mid range accomodation can I get anything nice for $100 per night. I'm looking for itinerary sugestions. Like to avoid the large cities. What about Seville 3 days and then south to the Malaga area. There are lots of cheap deals to Malaga this time of year? Could I base my self there and get some beach weather, also see moutains, good food, wine. <BR>Or what about Mallorca in December? Any suggestions would be appreicated. thanks!

Malaga should be mild enough but you may want to check out the weather in Seville before going. Seville is unbearably hot in the summer but they ski nearby in the winter. I have it on good authority that Granada goes sub zero (C) in the winter, Seville may not get that harsh. Try <BR> <BR>http://www.andalucia.com/ <BR> <BR>for a start, you may get some pointers there. <BR> <BR>The Sevillanos say they can ski in the morning visit the beach in the afternoon and get back home for dinner so the mountains around Seville are easily accessable from the coast. Its 2 or 3 hours drive from the coast, but not necessarily from Malaga.

Hi Angela <BR> <BR>Try to schedule a few days in Nerja, a pretty, unspoilt, typically Spanish town 40 minutes east of Malaga by car. I'm sure I wrote a reply to someone about this place on the forum-if you do a search, you'll find it. I have spent New Year in Nerja a few times and the weather can be beautiful - warm and sunny. I also definitely recommend Granada, further east, for the amazing Alhambra Palace.

Hi Angela, <BR>I second Zoe's response! We are leaving for Nerja in a few hours for a two week holiday. We were there last year and loved it so much that we had to go back!

Sorry, I'm thinking of trading my brain in for a newer model. I think I'm getting confused between Seville and Granada re skiing and access to the coast. <BR> <BR>Thinking about it overnight I'm pretty sure I mean Granada with ski-ing in the mountains and a couple of hours access to the beach. I am sure however that Granada gets pretty cold in winter as the guide on my recent tour lived there and remarked on it, if you're lucky it may not be as early as December. <BR> <BR>Sorry for the confusion but when you're a worldwide jetsetter like me (if wishes were airmiles...!) things get a little blurred.

Off your beaten path, just a bit, Madiera, a short flight from Portugal, is at its best in December, with spring-like weather and incredible flowers.

Angela-- you are right about the number of incredible packages based on Malaga. So, if anything, take advantage of a good deal and use Malaga as a home base. Day trip possibilities include Granada, Ronda, Mijas, Gibraltar, other Pueblos Blancos. Seville is at least an overnight (absolutely A MUST!!!). I'll say if you get a good package deal, even if limited to hotel in Malaga, is worth it. <BR> <BR>For more independent travel, the recommendations you got so far are excellent, in my opinion. The Sierra Nevada in Granada is outstanding for winter skiing.