Hi, I'm going to be in Barcelona for a week from 5th July on; and I have a couple of days (2 nights stay) in between that I'd like to spend in a smaller town where I can relax, drink sangria, eat tapas... and hopefully see a an interesting building or two. From doing some reading, both Toledo and Granada seem to fit the bill -- would greatly appreciate any advice as to their relative pros and cons. Hotel suggestions would also be very welcome.<BR><BR>Thanks much,<BR>Jaideep

I think you will find Granada hotter than Toledo, if weather is a concern. Both towns are interesting, in my opinion. I really loved the Alhambra and the ambiance of Granada better than Toledo. But the hot weather was a bother to me in Granada. I was there in July. Sorry can not give you hotel recommendations.

It would be easy but for one thing. In my view Toledo is a far better town than Granada, much better for just strolling around the old town and with far more to see. The one thing, though, is the Alhambra at Granada which is one of Europe's most fabulous places. I would stay in Granada for a night at a time many times for this but one night would do.<BR>If I had to choose it would be Toledo now with a determination to go to Andalucia, including Granada, another time.

"smaller town where I can relax, drink sangria, eat tapas...". <BR>From Barcelona to Granada or Toledo(and back?) in 2 days does not sound very relaxing to me...<BR>Why not go south to Pe&ntilde;&iacute;scola, 2 hours by train (www.costaazahar.com) or even Sitges (half an hour).<BR>North to Costa Brava or Girona.

Hi Jaideep, between the two I would go to Granada, but if would be looking for a charming small city near Barcelona I'll go to Girona.<BR>Charming, beautiful, not that many tourists... the Costa Brava is very close too...

As earlier mentioned, Toledo (better town) and Granada (Alhambra) are both great for wandering. Way too far for just two days though. Train trip is something like 8 or 12 hours. If you're going to fly, I would stay in Seville (airport there) and it's a great city. Otherwise, sounds like way too much travel time.

Jaideep, I put a vote in for Toledo, I really enjoyed the history of the town, not to mention the fabulous views. Be sure and take a trip to the Parador at sunset with amazing views of the walled old town. Both places will be hot in July. I liked Granda and the Alhambra but our stay at the Hostal del Cardenal was quite memorable in Toledo and quaint. Judy

Thanks very much for all the replies -- in response to a couple of folks who asked this, yes, I'll be flying (either to Granada or Madrid if Toledo), so that'll give me a little more time. But even so, after getting your thoughts, I'm going to try and make it 3 nights instead of two. <BR><BR>It seems Toledo might be the better bet (though I'm still torn) -- does it justify staying 3 days? And if I may ask a couple of logistical questions: is it easy (and reasonable) to arrange the flight to Madrid (or Granada) at an Iberia Air office once I'm in Barcelona? (instead of doing it before I leave for Spain -- flying from Hong Kong?) Also: do you folks recommend taking the train or bus to Toledo after flying into Madrid?<BR><BR>Once again, thanks very much for the help,<BR>Jaideep<BR>Jaideep

There is easy train access to Toledo, and I would assume also bus. I always feel more comfortable having my plane reservations in place before I leave, I found the airport scene rather chaotic in Spain. Judy

Not sure about flights once you're there (may be prohibitively expensive if like the US and you walk up that day).<BR><BR>Toledo is charming, but not sure I would spend more than a day there. My two suggestions would be as follows:<BR><BR>Two nights Toledo and one night Segovia (aqueducts and La Granja palace). We took the train to Toledo (not a fan of buses).<BR><BR>Otherwise (my personal choice), two nights Seville and one night Granada. Hotel advice, Alfonso XIII in Seville and Parador (or some other hotel in the Alhambra itself) in Granada.