Hi there! Husband and I are planning our first trip to Spain in May.

Where do you recommend we visit? Barcelona or Madrid? or anywhere else in Spain?

We like museums,but are looking forward to relaxing, eating and drinking. Thanks in advance!

FOr how long will this trip be? Madrid is a compact city, and much can be seen in 3-5 days,although I'm sure you could keep busy there for an entire week without much trouble. I'd combine Madrid with another area or city. I've only been to Madrid (with day trip to TOledo) and really loved it. I'd definitely like to see more of Spain.

When I went to Spain, we stayed a few days in Madrid and rented a car and drove through the Andalusia region, staying in the paradors (hotels in old castles) along the way. It was one of the best trips I've taken and I would definitely recommend that if you have the time and feel comfortable driving in a foreign country.

I was in Spain for the first time about three years ago. My mother and I arrived in Madrid, spent one night there and took a bus to Cordoba. We stayed in Cordoba one night and took another bus to Grenada - where we stayed at a fabulous hotel near the Alhambra. We stayed there two nights and took another bus to Sevilla - a fantastic and lovely city. From there we went back to Madrid. We were there for 9 days and really enjoyed the trip. It might be a lot of traveling, but I like to pack my trips. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, Andalusia is perfect. I have never been to Barcelona and am dying to go - so I can't really recommend one over the other, but our trip to Spain was unforgettable.

It really depends on the time that is available to you.

In my opinion, Madrid with one or two day trips can comfortably fill five days.

Andalusia -- Seville, Granada, Cordoba -- would need about another eight days.

Personally, I find Madrid and/or Andalusia more rewarding than Barcelona.

Thanks for the fast replys! We are going for 1 week. Its very hard to pick, but thanks for the info. I know where I can start looking.

I enjoyed Barcelona more than Madrid, but for 1 week, I'd pick an area. Either do Madrid/Toledo day trip/Cordoba and Sevilla, or Barcelona and a town or 2 near there. I didn't see any of the other towns near Barcelona, so I can't comment on where to go (except a day trip to Monserrat was very worthwhile).

Karen

Hi Belle !! I´m a spanish from Andalucia and found your question in the web. Any information you may want to know regarding my country, you can email me to [email protected], will be a pleasure to help you. (By the way..I prefer Madrid and surrenders rather than Barcelona) Cheers

You may what to read Maribel's recommendations on visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla and the Basque Country. You can download free copies of her guides at: http://maribelsguides.com

She offers her insight on a personal level that you might find helpful and useful.