My husband and I (age 30) are headed to Spain for 10 days and definitely want to go to Barcelona. Where else would you recommend we go? I have read the other forums and it seems like it may be hard to get to other cities from Barcelona. Is that the case? We are thinking about skipping Madrid this time around. Where else would you suggest we go and could we do three places? I am afraid if we pick too many places we will spend the entire time traveling. We want our trip to be a nice combination of sightseeing and just relaxing and enjoying the culture/wine/food.

Thanks in advance for your advice

It is easy and cheap to fly from Barcelona by Vueling
Seville ( day visit to Cordoba) or Malaga, or ...Granada

www.vueling.com

What are your interests? What time of year is this trip?

You mention Sevilla. If you're interested in Andalucia you could do Barcelona and Sevilla for 4 nights each and Granada for 2 nights. I'd try to book the flights open jaw so you don't have to backtrack to Barcelona. This would be just enough time to see these 3 places at a moderate pace.

Danon, CathyM, thank you both so much for your quick reply. We are booking our trip for mid May. As for our interests-- for sightseeing, we definitely lean towards more historic sites rather than art museums. We are foodies and will definitely be taking advantage of local cuisine. At the same time, we are very active- love to hike, bike and just walk around new places. I just read about Spanish Trails which has a cycling trip to wineries (that one-day trip pretty much sums us up!) Thanks again for the great advice.

Mid May is a wonderful time to visit Andalucia and Sevilla is perfect for just wondering around and exploring. Alternatively you may consider San Sebastian for 4 days - you could fly from Barcelona. But if this is your first trip to Spain I'd probably visit Andalucia.

Thank you. It is our first trip to Spain so I think we will take your advice and visit Andalucia. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on place or things we must do for either Barcelona and Anadlucia. I will also be doing own research too of course!

Thanks again!

This site gives good and updated info about Sevilla:
http://www.exploreseville.com/

Here's a great guide to tapas bars/restaurants in Sevilla by district/barrio. Azahar lives in Sevilla and knows what she's talking about. Be sure to visit other areas than the beautiful but touristy Santa Cruz district. I love both Arenal, San Lorenzo/Alameda/Macarena and Triana. These areas are very different, but they have all got lots of more local feel and atmosphere. http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/

Experience real deal flamenco at Casa de la Memória right in the middle of the Santa Cruz district. Popular with tourists, but some of the finest artists perform here on a regular basis. Always both song, guitar and dance, the three basic elements of flamenco. Should at least give you a glimpse into how wonderful this art can be: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html

And perhaps relax in the Arab bath house Aire de Sevilla?
http://www.airedesevilla.com/

When in Sevilla you should also see the ruins of the Roman city Itálica. 10 mins and 20€ by taxi or frequent buses from the Plaza de las Armas bus station. The allegedly most successful and competent of all the Roman emperors, Trajan, was born here. A fine tapas bar/restaurant right in front of the entrance:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italica

Córdoba in May is something special. The "cruces" celebration in the beginning of the month is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/co...pring-fair.htm

If you go to Córdoba, perhaps also visit the ruins of the 10th century palace city Madinat al-Zahra just outside town? http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...d4/madinat.htm

May is also the month of the famous Jerez horse fair, Feria de Caballo de Jerez: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm

Kimhe, Albinga- thank you both for the great advice. I will have to take some time this evening to go through all the sites you have shared. I'll let you know what I decide to do (and may even ask a few more questions!) Appreciate all your assistance.

-Jacquelyn

And remember, May is a perfect time of year to go to Andalucía, spring blossom is here in full and the summer heat is still some weeks away. Also great time of year for the North of Spain, spring is well underway here as well although you might expect some rain. But beautiful and extremely green!