A month in Andalucia
 

We'll be traveling one month in Andalucia (2 adults & a 6 years old), mid-August to mid-September (5 days in Lisbon and the rest in south of Spain) I need someone's advice on my itinerary, someone perhaps living there. I'm planning with major detailing, not that I am crazy or compulsive, just very enthousiastic. What I would like is for that person to exchange e-mails with me, in order to let me know what is right and not in my planning, tips, suggestions and advise. If you wouldn't be bothered by the kazillion questions I'll be asking and can correct my spanish (cause I do intend to speak it before I get there); I need your help.

I hope you're aware that mid-August to early September is 'Peak season' for Beach resorts in Andalucia; and inland Andalucia is very hot!

Try to make reservations before you go: 3-star or better (i.e., air conditioned). I don't know if 2005 is a year for Sevilla's Bienial de Flamenco but if it is, you'll want to be in Sevilla toward the end of your stay.

The last time I was there, we stayed at Hotel Santa Maria in el Puerto de Santa Maria: air conditioned, rooftop pool and just across a parking lot fro tme ferry to Cadiz. Tell Cristina at the desk that el Irlandes recommended the Santa Maria - I've stayed there 3-times for varying lengths of stay. I've heard all sorts of good things about el Monasterio de San Miguel in el Puerto (5-star lujo) but haven't had an opportunity to stay there.

The Bienal was last year :) But Sevilla is still not to be missed!!!

Agree on the weather issue - esp with a small child. Be sure all of your lodgings (and your car) have good AC and a pool - since touring in the afternoon is often not possible. (Afternoon temps are often 100 or more that time of year - hellishly hot.)

I lived in Sevilla last year--it's an amazing city and Andalucia is an amazing area. I highly recommend staying in El Centro (downtown). There's a fairly good (air conditioned) hotel on Calle Reyes Catolicos, in a GREAT location, called Hotel Puenta de Triana. You'll be close to the shopping district, close to the best restaurants in town and right across the river from the artsy, always interesting Triana-area. The hotel staff is very nice and I'm sure your six year old will enjoy the novely of staying across the street from a Pizza Hut in Spain! But, don't forget to enjoy the rest of Andalucia, as well...and Lisbon, which is my favorite city in the whole world. The people are SO friendly and the scenery is amazing!!

I've lived in Southern Spain for 23 years. I speak Spanish - If you think I can help you let me know how I can contact you by email

Thank you ehw... you can reach me through Virtual Tourist's mail... I'm there as a member and use the same nick: Vibi68. Let me know your e-mail address so that I can reach you for questions I might have or advice I might need. Use this http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/s/?m=2&s= to enter my nick and find me.