jamestl

Hi everyone,

Looks like I've found a great resource here!! I've enjoyed reading the prior posts about traveling in Spain, etc. and have found it all incredibly useful. However after reading and searching through the forums I've not found anything that would inform how I should structure my trip to Spain that's coming up. It's our first time there so please excuse the newbie questions.

We'll be flying into Barcelona on 6/3 (morning) and leaving from Seville on 6/11 (noon). Our original thought was to stay at Barcelona for three days and then driving down the coast before flying out from Seville. Based on everything that I've read here it seems like that may be rushed. Is driving the best way to travel here? We would appreciate any advice on how we should structure our itinerary to maximize enjoyment from the trip (where to spend time and where to skip, etc.). I'm sure this won't be our last time in Spain but we want to make it memorable!

Thanks a bunch for your help!!!

Best,
James

iris1745

Hi' It seems like you are locked in with flights, so consider this thought. Three days in Barcelonia, three days in Granada and four days in Seville. From Seville you could be a tour of the 'white towns'. Driving will not work, as it would be almost nine hours to Granada. So fly, Barcelonia to Granada [1 1/4 hours] and inexpensive. www.kayak.com Then take the train to Seville. This itinerary would work. See www.maribelsguides.com for downloads of information. Richard P.S You can also e-mail Maribel, who has great experience in Spain, for information.

RalphR

I agree with iris about flying part of the way. The "white towns" are very beautiful and well worth seeing. Of the ones we saw, Zahara de la Sierra was our favorite, build high on a hill with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Grazalema was also top notch. And, in my opinion, no trip to Spain should go without a trip to Ronda - don't think it's officially considered one of the "white towns". Check out my recent trip report from our trip a couple of weeks ago.

Egbert

I like iris's advice. 3 days in Granada (you could do 2 and spend one night in Malaga), 4 days in Seville is excellent, you can do a daytrip to Cadiz, Cordoba or Ronda from there. You might find Seville the best part of the trip. I would not drive from Barcelona, it is a long boring drive that will take valuable time out of your trip. Fly or take the AVE train whenever possible. Granada to Seville by bus or train, doesn't matter, more bus trips per day. Read maribelsguides for a great trip.

kimhe

A couple of suggestions.

La Boquería in Barcelona is one of the best food markets in Europe. Just off central Las Ramblas. Excellent tapas bars inside. http://www.boqueria.info/Eng/index.php
http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_d.../tapas/el_quim

Great atmosphere in the El Born area around the beautiful Santa María del Mar church. http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Excellent introduction to the tapas scene in Sevilla. http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/

Some recommendations:
http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletapas/category/eslava/
http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...l-rinconcillo/
And two excellent places close to the cathedral:
http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...ga-santa-cruz/
http://azahar-sevilla.com/sevilletap...ceria-giralda/

If you want to experience real deal flamenco, I recommend Casa de la Memória in Calle Ximenez de Enciso, 28 in the Santa Cruz district. Up and coming artists (occasionally some of the absolutely very best) in an intimate setting with very limited seating. 15€ as opposed to the 30€ tablaos (flamenco clubs/restaurants) with the optional 30-40€ dinner.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalusia.html

Robert2533

I have to say you would have been far better off working with a professional, but some of the advice you're found here can be of some use.

With only 8 days from beginning to end, time is of the essence. Flying from Barcelona to Granada and then taking the bus to Sevilla would be your best option. Forget driving down the coast.

jamestl

Thank you everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it!!