I went to Spain for Semana Santa last year, but for various reasons, the trip wasn't entirely successful. The main reason was that it rained 4 out of the 5 days we were in Sevilla, so they cancelled the processions. We did other things, of course, but I was disappointed to miss most of the processions.

I decided I'd give it another try, but this time I'd stay in Málaga for the entire week. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the Spanish Legion, who march on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter).

I thought I'd share my itinerary.

3/26 leave Spokane
3/27 arrive Madrid--wander around town, go to bed early
3/28 day trip to Aranjuez
3/29 train to Cuenca
3/30 Cuenca--hopefully an excursion to la Ciudad Encantada
3/31 early train to Madrid, then AVE to Málaga.
3/31--4/7 in Málaga with day trip to Nerja, also see the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibrlfaro
4/7 flight to Barcelona
4/8 Barcelona-- cathedral at noon to see the Sardana, then hop/on--hop/off tour
4/9 " Monserrat in morning
4/10 " Girona on day trip
4/11 back to Madrid--see the national archeological museum
4/12 depart Madrid--overnight in Seattle
4/13 flight back to Spokane

I've been to most of these cities in the past--at least once, maybe twice or three times. Therefore I'm not spending as much time in any one city as I would have if they were new to me.

Any comments? Suggestions?

Seems like a rather full schedule, but you know best your stamina.

My stamina is not my strong point. But what the itinerary amounts to is

2 days in Madrid
2 days in Cuenca
7 days in Malaga
4 days in Barcelona
1 day in Madrid

Of course I do a lot of running around--some day trips, so I'm hopping on and off suburban trains a couple of times. But if you're right, and my schedule is too full, I can cut out the odd day trip or two.

Aranjuez and Girona are not essential.

i'm excited for you!

i will be in spain for the 1st time ever from april 5th to april 16th.
looks like a few of our days overlap in barcelona and madrid.

abranz: That's very cool. I'll look at your post again. Maybe we could get together for coffee or lunch.

I find day trips rather tiering , but not everyone does.
Girona is a lovely town,
From what I have read, Monserrat takes a day ( have not done it)
Perhaps, once you are in Barcelona or Madrid, you can decide on day trips

We were in Seville during the first few days of SS last year and a few days before SS in Malaga.
( liked Malaga much more than expected)
Wish you a wonderful trip. Love Spain. Going again in Oct...Valencia and??????.

Sounds like a great trip, and I think Málaga is an excellent idea for Semana Santa!

For the Nerja day trip, I recommend Marisquería La Marina for the best fish and seafood. Very popular with locals and as s good as you get a seafood freiduría in all of Andalucía. I always come back for a big splurge here, and the Conchas finas and Vieiras (scallops) in garlic sauce are to die for. http://www.guideofnerja.com/pages/gu.../marina_en.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...Andalucia.html

Málaga-Nerja is about one hour with direct bus and some 1h 25mins with "normal" bus. A taxi would be some 30 mins and 50€.

Perhaps visit the spectacular Nerja caves, the n. 4 most visited sight in Spain after Alhambra, Prado and Reina Sofia.
http://www.cuevadenerja.es/index.php?lenguaje=en

Also a brand new and modern Nerja History museum in the center of Nerja, dealing with the history of the area since the Paloelithic cave dwellers 25 000 years ago until the tourist boom of the 1960's. The scheleton of 20 year old "Pepita" who died 18 000 year ago (not 8000 as said in the article) in the Nerja caves have already attracted much attention. http://propertymarbellaapartments.co...ta-8000-years/

I'll do my best to visit the Nerja History museum, since I find Spanish history, especially the very early history, fascinating.

I was in Málaga for three days of Semana Santa last year and thought it was wonderful.

I'll keep in mind la Marisquería La Marina for lunch or dinner.

I'm glad to see that you are planning to see the national archeological museum in Madrid - I thought it quite enjoyable and very underrated. Enjoy!

I have read histories of Spain, one of them a couple of times, and I was fascinated.

another interested and underrated museum is. Naval museum...close to Prado and free.

Interesting..

Pegontheroad I am going to spain this april i hope to meet u there sience i've no friends there! thank u

so, how is your trip going?