Jibboo

I feel like my list of places to go is overly ambitious, We would like to see Madrid, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, & Malaga and will be traveling by public transportation.
Anyone have suggestions on how long to spend in each place or what we should save for another trip?

laclaire

That is not an overly ambitious list for 10 days, though the trip might be a bit superficial.

I would go in a circle: Madrid- (train)-Granada-(bus)-Malaga-(bus)-Cadiz-(train or bus)-Sevilla-(train AVE)-Cordoba-(train)-Madrid.

When are you going? What are you interested in seeing? Madrid is a big city, Granada has the Alhambra and much more, Malaga and Cadiz are beaches, Sevilla has lots of nightlife and a great atmosphere, and Cordoba has a lot of religion (Jewish, Muslim and Christian).

Claire

Jibboo

I certainly don't want superfical that's why I'm trying to see what my best options are, what to remove and what to leave in.

Honestly I'm thinking about taking Madrid off the list. I'd like to see it but at the same time I live in a big city, so something a little more low key would be nice.

Also Malaga is only on the list because of the jardn de concepcion. Is it worth it?

That being said, how should I split my time between the remaining places?

We are a young couple who likes to move, love the outdoors and nightlife. We would also love to do some sherry tasting.

Pausanias

FWIW --

Made a nine day trip to Spain some years ago. Flew into Madrid, spent four days, overnight train to Granada, spent one night. Train to Seville for the balance and flew out of Seville. We wished we'd spent less time in Madrid and more time in Seville. However, in addition to its native attractions, Madrid is a good spot from which to take day trips. I think we liked the more exotic feel of Seville over the rather large, impersonal city of Madrid.

laclaire

I personally don't like Madrid and think that it could be left off. I also think that you could spend the whole 10 days there, as there is a lot to do and see. However, if you are already thinking about saying no, then nix it and move around.

As for Malaga, again, not a favorite of mine, though I do spend considerable time there. I have never been to the garden you cite, but it is outside of Malaga.

If you guys like nightlife and the outdoors, I think that spending your first day in Madrid is a good idea. Get over the jetlag and maybe go out a bit. Granada has a beautiful city and the Alhambra is a must see. If you do want to go to Malaga, go on a weekend and enjoy the nightlife. In the summer there are tourists and during the academic year, there are tons of students.

I don't find Cadiz particularly interesting, but the beaches are beautiful and the region has a great landscape. Sevilla is a big city by Spanish standards, but has a nice, towny feel. I would spend quite a bit of time there. In fact, if you take out Madrid, that should be your main place.

Cordoba can be done in a day and a night. The synagogue, the mosque cum cathedral, the little streets and the white white houses. . . tapas and then you are ready to move on.

If you want to do sherry tasting, stop at Jerez de la Frontera and, yes, I will say it, get plastered. Sandeman's medium dry is my poison of choice and I have been known to buy a bottle, hop in the car, and head to Cadiz for some sundown beach drinking. The Sandeman Bodegas sometimes have horse shows that are quite spectacular.

Claire

Jibboo

Ok everyone great advice so far. So this is my updated plan what do you think?

arrive Madrid 2 days (finace really wants to go there after all)
Sevilla 3 or 4 days
Granada 1 day

Now here's where I'm stuck
I need to add cadiz and jerez in there but should I actually stay there or do day trips from sevilla?

I also wanted to do a day or two in Ronda, where should it fit it in? and last but not least we will probrobly fly out of Malaga.