Help with trip to Spain
 

Hi,
I am traveling to Spain and arriving in Malaga on the evening of 7/3. I am trying to determine how many nights to spend in Marbella vs. Seville. I hear there are other cities we should also consider visiting from Marbella (Girabaltar, Granada, Tangier, Morocco) and Seville (Cordoba). I am leaving Seville on the evening of 7/8 to fly to Barcelona for a few nights.

I was hoping to get recommendations on the following. We don't want to run around too much so appreciate the recommendations.

Which cities would you visit from Marbella? How many nights would you stay here vs. Seville (I will be in this part of spain from the evening of 7/3 until the evening of 7/8).

Would you spend the night in Granada and then go to Seville?

Is it worth going to Cordoba or should we spend more time in Seville?

thanks,

Lauren

Based on a recent week-long trip to Andalucia, with 5 days I would spend one night in Granada and then move to Seville for 4 nights. If you want, take a day trip to Cordoba from Seville or to one of the white villages. We spent 4 days in Seville and took one day trip to Ronda.

If you want to spend a night in Marbella, it will be a fairly hectic trip to visit Granada, Seville and Cordoba. The Alhambra is incredible and definitely should be on your itinerary but takes only 1 day to visit.

I agree: 1 night in Granada and 4 nights in Seville (time in Seville includes a day-trip to Cordoba).

' I am trying to determine how many nights to spend in Marbella vs. Seville.' and 'Which cities would you visit from Marbella?'

Essentially, with the little time you have, no time whatsoever in Marbella.

I'd spend one night in Malaga, in the evening of the second day move to Seville for two nights and then 2 nights in Cordoba.

All by train (so civilised) and if you must do Grenada (and I would) then just go for the day from Malaga or Cordoba.

Marbella I'd drop

I agrees with the others who recommended Granada and Sevilla. You only have 5 nights. This will barely give you time for a night in Granada and 4 nights in Sevilla (with a daytrip to Cordoba). You just don't have enough time Gibraltar, Tangier and Marbella. It will likely be quite hot so you'll probably not be able to sightsee during the afternoon hours.

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide your advice. Is there anything worth seeing in Malaga? Also, I am surprised you don't think we should spend any time in Marbella but glad to get advice from people who have been there before.
Thanks again,
Lauren

There is definately alot to see in Malaga. The issue isn't on what is worth seeing. I think the concern is you have a limited amount of time so need to pick what is realistic to see at a reasonable pace in 5 nights for Andalucia.

http://www.malagaturismo.com/home.jsp?id_idioma=2
a little Picasso, Catherdral, Fortress, Shopping,

'Surprised'. What do you know of Marbella that is value to you. You seem to know little of anywhere mentioned. Such a shame you seem to be relying on a forum rather than real book or web guidance. Go where you 'hear' about and think suits you.

http://www.thingstodoinmarbella.com/activities.aspx

as you can see, nothing. It's kinda famous in Britain as dullsville for the blingy wealthy.

Not to mention veddy veddy British!!!

Marbella used to be a charming little place. But even in 1970-71 it had a jetsetter enclave. Then I hear it became very high-end. Such a pretty little town--too bad.

I don't know you but Marbella is a jet set resort with little to interest the average tourist...or the more sophisticated traveler looking to explore the culture of Spain. It could be in any country. One look was all I needed...I can see this type of place in the USA.

Many places have lost their charm as the jet setting, condo buying sunseekers descend on an area. There are many other wondeful places to see "Spain" without the glitz. If you want the Andalusian flavor try some ot the lesser promoted areas..If it is the beach area of Costa del Sol..try to google "less well known towns /villages"> Malaga is sort of interesting but crowded and if you would like to be in Tijuana you'll love Tangiers...

I quite like Marbella, but maybe you could consider staying just outside Malaga at Torremolinos (sometimes maligned but which many find atmospheric). From there you could visit both Malaga and Granada. Malaga is also (in my view) underrated but which I find very romantic. On route to Seville you could visit Marbella (rather than stay there) and if you want a very slight deviation (on route) visit the rarely mentioned coastal gem: Estepona. There is a very inexpensive but nice hotel at Torremolinos called the Periquito; its next to the beach and a tree lined promenade which takes you to the fish restaurants at La Caruna (minutes away).... heaven.

I would skip the costa(Marbella is not real Spain) and include Cordoba but each one to their own!
http://theartichokeadventures.blogspot.com.es/