MarcoSpitz11

I want to travel to Spain with my wife and kids (2 boys ages 15 & 19) and my friend is accompanying me with his wife and his two girls (ages 14 & 18), a total of 8 of us.
We want to spend 18 days exploring the major destinations within Spain. I have listed out the key preferences of our group.
- We are new to Spain and have little idea about places other than Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, Sevilla, Cordoba etc. What would be a great itinerary that covers all the places that I have listed and what else is not to be missed in an 18 day trip?
- We want to drive for a portion of our trip, maybe 2-3 days, and we will take a train/coach or fly the rest of the trip based on convenience. Our driving portion ideally needs to be a coastal route with great food and local entertainment.Would you suggest a scenic 3 day drive from Barcelona down the Costa Dorada to Valencia? Even though its only 345 miles away, can someone suggest an itinerary that allows us to drive at leisure, stay at nice coastal hotels, eat some great food and have a nice night out everyday. We want to stick to the coast as much as possible
- We want to visit Mallorca and/or Ibiza. How many days would this take and what is the best way to get there and around
- As a group, we like to spend only a few hours a day sightseeing, the other times we like to relax at a local bar/restaurant, consume only the local food and wine and let our hair down at night at a club when possible.

Look forward to getting as much information as possible before we leave. We are planning to travel out in May 2012.

Robert2533

At what time of the year are you planning this little adventure?

Since you have some idea of where you want to go, some idea of your budget, interest and language skills would be helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

MarcoSpitz11

Thank you for the reply,Robert. As mentioned, we plan to be there in May 2012. In terms of budget, we are ok with staying in 3-4 star accomodation, if possible, since we are a cohesive group, we wouldn't mind staying in apartments. Can we get reservations for short stays in apartments in Spain? In terms of food, we would like to eat out at local eateries and restaurant as much as possible, moderately priced but highly rated ones. I hope this answers your query.
As for interests, our interests focus on local culture, food and local entertainment with a partial interest in architecture and sighseeing.
We live in England, but some of my family is of South Asian origin. We all speak english, but none of us are very fluent with Spanish, except for the most basic of communicable terms.

330east

Marco, have you bought several guide books yet?

Pegontheroad

My first step when I'm going to a new country is to buy a guidebook. I suggest you do the same. It's very hard to give advice on a general post like this.

Pegontheroad

On my last trip to Spain, I spent the first night in Madrid, then took trains to Córdoba, Granada,Sevilla, and a bus to Málaga. I spent 2 or 3 nights in most of those places and 5 nights in Sevilla. I then rented a car and drove to Zafra, Mérida (wonderful Roman ruins!)and then back to Madrid for three nights.

On a past trip, we went to Madrid, Córdoba, Granada, Sevilla, Barcelona, Avila, Cuenca, and Segovia. In my opinion, the landscape and scenery of Spain is fascinating, varying from hills covered with olive trees to rocky defiles to cultivated farmland as well as coastal scenery, of course. It's been many years since I was on the coastal areas (except for Málaga), but from what I have read, it's often built up with high rise buildings. I have no desire to drive or spend time in those areas.

Inland highways, on the other hand, are very good and easy to drive.

In the 60's I spent a couple of vacations on Mallorca, but I suspect that it's very crowded and touristy. Perhaps you can ask someone who's visited there more recently than I have.

MarcoSpitz11

Thank you for the replies, All. Yes I have bought Lonely Planet Spain edition and I have been reading up on the internet as well. My hope was to get information from folks who either live in Spain or have information to advice me. Thanks Pegontheroad, your information is helpful. I will read with basis of your post.

ribeirasacra

Spain is a huge country and covering a lot of distances is not always easy, especially using public transport. A lot of sightseeing locations can close between 1.30 and 5.00 pm (varies a little).
If you plan carefully you can avoid disappointments.
Travelling in a group of 8 will also need good planning.

kimhe

Don't try to cover too much. I would have divided it into three parts: 1) At least a week in Andalucía/the South, 2)some days in Madrid, and 3) drive and stay along the Atlantic coast in the North. Would make up a great introduction to three very different parts of a very diverse country.

Excellent connections with the high speed AVE train between Madrid and both Córdoba, Sevilla and Málaga in Andalucía. Several cheap flights daily from both Madrid, Málaga and Sevilla to vibrant Bilbao on the Atlantic coast in the North.

Spain is serious festival turf, and most of the festivals goes way back in time and are primarily local events. May is festival time especially in Madrid and Andalucía. Will give you plenty of options to enjoy local food, wine, culture and party.

In May, Andalucian towns - especially Granada and Córdoba - celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spani...es-de-mayo.htm

Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration 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

May is also the month of the famous Jerez horse fair and the San Isidro festival in Madrid.
Feria de Caballo de Jerez: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm
San Isidro in Madrid: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html

San Sebastián on the Atlantic coast is the culinary capital of Spain if not all of Europe. It's also the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2016. The scenic coastal drive towards Bilbao and beyond is full of nice, small villages with fantastic food. Read the article "A different kind of Spain" to get an idea of San Sebastián and the region:
http://marshlands.blogstream.com/

About San Sebastián in New York Times a couple of months ago:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/07...tin-spain.html

About the fascinating Basque region at the Atlantic coast in general: http://tourism.euskadi.net/en/

Broad and updated info about Madrid and Sevilla:
Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do
Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/

Here are some suggestions for great value and very central accomodation in some of these cities (A Hostal in Spain is usually, and in all these cases, hotel standard establishments, usually just a bit smaller and more atmospheric, of course ensuite bathroom, tv, safe etc):

Madrid, Persal: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/pers...l?dcid=1;dva=0

Sevilla, apartments. I recommend the Arenal area, for example the Antonia Diaz apartment: http://www.sevilla5.com/apartments/seville.html

Málaga, Don Curro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/mala...ncurro.en.html

Córdoba, Córdoba Centro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cordoba-centro.en.html

San Sebastián, Alemana: http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html

Getaria (a fishing village close to San Sebastián), Saiaz Getaria: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/saia...hotela.en.html

This can be a trip to remember!

kimhe

...you should take a look at the Moratín apartment in Sevilla. The location is as good as it gets. In the atmospheric and local feel Arenal district, just 5 minutes walk to the beautiful but touristy Santa Cruz area with many of the most obvious sights (La Giralda/Cathedral, Alcázar etc). Many of the best tapas bars/restaurants on your doorstep.

A minimum stay of 3 nights and from 175€/night for 8 people. http://www.sevilla5.com/apartments/seville.html

CathyM

With a large group I'd definately take a good look at eliminating some locations.

For example I'd recommend a minimum of 4 days each in Madrid & Barcelona. This doesn't include time needed tom recover from jet lag. If you plan on day trips you maynalso want additional days. Imalso recommend 4 days minimum for Sevilla withna daytrip to Cordoba. Cordoba actually warrants a couple of days itself but often limited time makes it a daytrip from Sevilla (which works as an alternative). I'd also want at least 2 nights in Granada for a first trip to Andalucia. This is 14 days already with just the minimums and no Valencia or Balearic Islands. With the 4 "extra" nights I personally would probably add time to base locations (Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona) and may also consider a couple of nights in Malaga or exploring the white villages. I wouldn't try to add more regions. Just my opinion I'd definately fly open jaw so you don't have to return to your starting destination. I'd definately consider renting apartments. It will give your group more space and you'll likely have better rates than a hotel.

MarcoSpitz11

Kimhe, Thank you for the ideas and suggestions. Most of the things you mentioned directly address our requirements. Much appreciated. I went through the links, will go through them in detail over the next few days. I will take up the apartment suggestion on review right away.
Cathy, I am not sure if i could spare 4 days each in Sevilla, Barcelona and Madrid but I understand what you mean. I may spend close to that time in Barcelona and Sevilla and probably keep Madrid at 2 days so we can visit the vineyards up north from Bilbao and cover the Balearics as well.

kimhe

Here are nine 4 bedroom apartments in central Madrid. The minimum stay is three nights. In May it would be some 200€+ pr. night. I would have stayed in either the Latina or the Huertas district. http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...bedroom-33.htm

Perhaps splurge in fabulous San Sebastián? Villa Buda for eight people right on the La Concha beach promenade, one of the finest city beaches in Europe. 270€/night in May:
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...tment-77-5.htm
La Concha: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...e_Country.html

Friendlyrentals also have apartments in Barcelona and on Mallorca. In Barcelona, I would have stayed in El Born/Barrio Gótica or Eixample. I don't know Mallorca, but Palma is said to be a great city.

CathyM

Sevilla, Barcelona, Madrid, Balearics, and now "a vineyard near Bilbao" - all in 18 days with a party of 8!

That's 5 very different geographies covering alot of ground. This will be a VERY fast paced trip. It won't allow slot of time for relaxing as you indicated was one of your goals. It will mean slot of time in transit. You'll need to have all of the logistics and accommodation well planned in advance.

Egbert

I would take Cathy's advice. Spain is very big. I would visit Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Malaga. I would not drive the coast from Barcelona to Valencia, it might not be as nice as you think. Bilbao is too far. I would skip the Balearics. What country are you flying from?

MarcoSpitz11

We are flying in from the United Kingdom. The logistics is not really the issue, but I agree we may be commuting quite a bit. If we were to cut out Bilabo (we could combine that with a trip to Portugal for later), I could still make most of the other places you have listed. I will think hard about the Balearics, if I leave that out for now as well, then there's reasonable time left I presume? Egbert, that would pretty much be the same list you have listed. Once again Kimhe, thanks for the listings, saves me a load of web trawling.

Avillar

Hello Marco, here is a Spaniard point of view. I would spend 5 days mínimum in Madrid. It has so much to offer and I would probably head to Andalucia where I would choose 2 cities only probably Granada and Sevilla. Málaga is also a good option, I was there last month and the center has been pedestrianized, it is now lovely.

I suggest you use Maribel Guides (www.maribelguides.com) for tips, from my point of view one of the best about Spain. Accomodation for a group of 8 it is also difficult. I agree apartments will be your best choice. The most reputable agency is Spain Select (www.spain -select.com).

Have you considered taking the fast speed train ( www.renfe.es). only 2 hours from Madrid to Seville and 2,5 hours from Madrid to Barcelona and Malaga. It is however a little pricey.

Well do let me know any further tips from a Madrid local.

kimhe

When it comes to the fabulous high speed AVE trains, you can save more than 50% if you buy tickets in advance at renfe.com.

lincasanova

You will want to look into some sporting activities for your kids, I am sure: mountain biking, horse back riding, go karts or hiking? You will do yourself a favor not moving around too horribly much..in as much as it is tempting to try to see as much as possible, that approach can turn a "vacation" into a scheduled itinerary that CAN cause unnecessary stress, especially when dealing with such a large group.

I would be tempted to rent two cars once leaving Madrid and surroundings to give some flexibility to travel times. It is off season, so outside of the large cities, I think you can leave a bit of flexibility and visit the small towns which will be very interesting.

at www.toprural.com there are entire rural country homes for rent which might make a nice base for one of your stays in southern Spain.

You could also prepare a "castle" tour. http://www.castillosnet.org/spanishc...mapa_index.php

Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca are accessible by air from almost any city. Beware of luggage allowances.
By ferry of course form Valencia and Barcelona.
By fast ferry.. ibiza from denia.

The AVE train frequently has 60% discounted tickets. There are some seats at tables of four which would work out great for your group.

18 days is really not enough to do North, central, south east and an island. Reconsider. There are nice beaches along many of the coastal area near where you will already be.

The drive from valencia to Barcelona can be broken into two nice stopovers for activities. one is the caves at Vall d'uxo.

http://la-vall-duixo.salir.com/coves_de_sant_josep

The other is famous Peñiscola.

http://la-vall-duixo.salir.com/coves_de_sant_josep

Next Tarragona's roman ruins. Beach at Sitges, then visit Barcelona as day trips on convenient commuter train if weather merits staying at beach again. You should be able to get great hotel prices at Sitges during the week.

Consider an open jaw ticket to avoid any backtracking.Fly into Madrid and out of Barcelona or Palma or Ibiza, depending on where your last stop is.

Aduchamp1

I am with those who think that your itinerary is overly ambitious and that you are underestimating the difficulties of constantly moving and feeding 8 people.

I have never rented a vehicel big enough for a convoy of eight, but I would investigate your options including drop off charges.

Somebody will be disappointed by dropping some locations, but it will make everyone else's trip livable.