easygoer

Hi, I'm planning our 14 night September trip to Spain and would appreciate your expertise. We've been to Madrid and want to concentrate on the Andalusia. I read many trip reports but am confused on the best itinerary. We will be renting a car in Madrid and probably fly out of Malaga. We haven't been to Toledo and I thought it would be nice to go from the airport to Toledo for the first night. Any recommendations on how to break this trip up and hotels 200E down, would be apprecriated.

Toledo - 1 night or 2 with day trip to Segovia?
Cordoba or Parador at Jaen
Seville
Ronda - Parador?
Marbella
Granada - Parador?

What am I missing? Thanks in advance!

artlover

If you want to concentrate on Andalusia--and IMO there's plenty to keep you occupied there for 14 nights, you might be better off flying in and out of Malaga and renting a car from there.

But if you're absolutely determined to see Toledo--and it is a wonderful city (but so are Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, etc.), you might be better off taking the train to Seville and picking up a car after your time there.

From Toledo, you'd have to go back to Madrid to do this, but as you know, it's only a short trip.

easygoer

Thanks for the suggestions. Any thought on how long to spend in each city. We like to have bases for day trips. Thanks.

fee24

I had 14 nights in Andalucia a few years ago. we were based in Casares and visited Tarifa and Cadiz in one day which ws too much. Cadiz was fascinating. We did drive to Granada and booked into a hotel for the night which was the best thing to do. The Alhambra took us 8 hours and we still didn't do it justice. It is exhasuting but worth every minute! Ronda is also wonderful and there are fabulous drives all round this area. You can't miss Gibraltar; some folk hate it but I have been 4 times and think its amazing. Casares is worth visiting, it is one of the most photographed villages in Spain. As you can see, we stuck nearer the coast and loved Marbella and Puerto Banus. You should definitley do a couple of days on the Costa. For eating, try Benahavis!

I am a fan of this region of Spain and have been back twice a year since. I can't get enough of the mix of real Spain and its wonderful culture and countryside combined with all the glamour and bling on the Costa. Enjoy!!!!

susanspeaks

Hola! We leave one week from today for first trip to Andalusia- I would love any feed-back from you experienced travelers on our itinerary/hotel choices. My husband and I are mid 50's, VERY casual travelers.
We fly RT to Malaga-
2 nights in Nerja (Hotel Venecia)
1 night in Tarifa (La Estrella de Tarifa)
1 night Arcos (La Casa Grande
2 nights Ronda (Don Miguel)
2 nights Seville (Adriano OR Becquer)
2 nights Granada (Macia Plaza)
Thanks for your advice!

kaudrey

Hi,

I'll try:

If you fly into Madrid, go immediately to Segovia. Spend 1 night in Segovia, visit it that day and part of the next day.

Go to Toledo the next night, spend 1 or 2 nights there.

I'd stop at Cordoba on the way to Sevilla. I didn't stay overnight there. But others might suggest you do.

Spend 2 days/3 nights in Sevilla (arriving in the evening after spending the day in Cordoba).

Spend 3 days in Ronda and visit the other white towns from there, in addition to hiking around Ronda (I LOVED Ronda.

2 days in Granada was plenty for me.

I didn't go to Marbella so I can't really help with that part. But, spend whatever days you have left there - or spend more time in the other places if you don't want to move around too fast.

In Sevilla, I stayed at Hotel Alcantara, which was basic but perfect location and very clean - might be too "budget" for you - it was only around 70 euros for a double.

In Ronda, the Hotel San Gabriel is beautiful and in the old part of town - I'd highly recommend it. It was my favorite hotel in 2 weeks in Spain.

I stayed in town in Granada so I can't comment on the Parador.

Hope this helps a little.

Karen

zootsi

We recently spent 10 nights in Andalucia, and could have done more. A few comments:
We spent 2 nights in Seville at the Amadeus. Seville was wonderful, could have easily stayed another 2 nights.
The Andalucian countryside is very beautiful - you might want to consider a night or two in a rural setting. We stayed at the Hotel Arridih in Arriate just outside Ronda. Ronda is very beautiful, but realize it's a city.
We stayed 2 nights at the Hotel Parisio del Mar in Nerja, and again could have easily stayed another two nights. It was truly a 'paradise'.

easygoer

After reading more posting I have narrowed down our 14 night itinerary to two choices.

#1 would be to fly into Madrid and out of Malaga. We've been to Madrid already but have not been to Toledo.
Toledo - 2 nights
Cordoba - 1 night
Sevilla - 3 nights
Arcode de la Frontera - 1 night
Ronda - 2 nights
Granada - 3 nights
Nerja - 2 nights

#2 would be fly in and out of Malaga and spend more time in Andalusia.
Granada - 3 nights
Jean - 1 night (Parador)
Cordoba - 1 night
Sevilla - 4 nights
Arcos de la Frontera - 1 night
Ronda - 2 nights
Nerja - 2 nights

Please let me know your opinions. This is our first trip and your help would be appreciated. - Lynne -

zootsi

I personally think 3 nights in Granada may be too much. Perhaps a night in the Alpujarras between Granada and Nerja?

easygoer

Hi zooties, can you recommend a town and hotel. I have the Fodors guide and not much is listed. Thanks. - Lynne -

easygoer

Sorry I mis-spelled you name zootsi!