Best route to travel in Andalucia?
 

We have 6 days to spend in Andalucia and want to see Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. We'll be coming from Madrid and need to return there. Any suggestions on the most efficient route between these destinations to maximize vacation time and minimize travel time? Thanks.

Train to Seville from Madrid (AVE fast speed train from Atocha Station), rent a car in Seville and head out to Cordova and overnight in Granada. Return to Seville via the Route of the White Towns (get a guidebook and a map). Drop the car in Seville. Train back to Madrid. Six days is hardly enough for Andalucia, but it'll give you an idea.

Cordoba is also on the AVE between Madrid and Sevilla, so you could stop there enroute.

I am also in a similar dilemma. I arrive in Madrid on May 2 for a solo 12 day trip. My plan is to spend 4 nights in Madrid and then head over to Granada for 2 nights and then over to Sevilla for 5 nights spending my final night in Madrid. The question is: what is the best way to get to Granada from Madrid - bus or train? Or would I be better off to go to Sevilla first?

We did this last March - coming from Madrid. We took the AVE to Cordoba - spent the night after touring the city and picked up our rental car in the morning. We then drove to Jaen and the "olive country" staying overnight in Cazorla. Next day we traveled to Granada and spent 2 days/1 night there. Then traveled down to Nerja on the coast for a night. Then drove to Ronda for a night. Finally, drove through Jerez on our way to Sevilla - dropped car off at airport and then enjoyed 3 days in Seville.

Elwood -<BR><BR>The train from Madrid to Granada is an experience. It is slow going through many mountain passes, and the scenery is nice but not great. If it is your first trip to the area, do take the train (it leaves from the south station in Madrid.)<BR>The bus is faster, but the scenery is nothing but highway. However, there are many more buses than trains, including overnight buses, so that may be a factor.<BR><BR>I would recommend seeing Granada after Madrid because the change from flatland to mountains, and the accompanying change of weather, will be refreshing. There are more outdoor activities in Granada, again making for a nice change of pace. Also, that is the longest traveling leg and it's good to get it out of the way early. Granada to Seville is easily done on the train. You are going at a great time, enjoy!

Did Spain last fall in Andalucia <BR><BR>Drive down to Granada-2n with stop in Cordoba - tour Alhambra*****<BR><BR>drove to Ronda 1 n <BR><BR>drive to Sevilla-2n ***** medieval legend filled walking tour with American historian and resident Dan O'Beirne [email protected]<BR><BR>left rental car in Seville and trained to Madrid to fly out

We are doing a similar thing the middle of May. Ten day trip. This is our itinerary so far:<BR>Fly into Madrid-1night<BR>Afternoon AVE train to Seville-3nights<BR>Rent Car in Seville drive to Nerja via Ronda<BR>Nerja-5nights(day trips to Granada)<BR>Night train from Granada to Madrid<BR>7am departure flight from Madrid.<BR><BR>I'm wondering how the AVE train "works" in Cordoba? Do you switch trains? Can you take a couple of hours to see the Mosque? <BR><BR>Any suggestions are welcome!