Itinerary help - Andalucia
 

I am finalizing plans for an October trip to Spain for family of 4 (kids 8 & 11). We will spend 4 nights in Madrid with day trips to Toledo and Segovia, followed by 5 nights in Andalucia.

Here are some possible itineraries for Andalucia:

1. Sevilla (2 nights) - Ronda (1) - Granada (2)

2. Sevilla (2) - Vejer de la Frontera (2) - Ronda (1)

3. Sevilla (2) - Vejer (1) - Granada (2) with stop in Ronda

Any thoughts on which of these would be best? I want to see the Alhambra, but wonder if the kids would enjoy time on the beach and in a small village in option #2 over seeing the Alhambra.

#3 would give you sevilla & the alhambra and a night near the beach so it's a good option but there's a lot of driving there. why not make it sevilla 2, vejer 2 (stopping at ronda on the morning you leave, probably about 2-2.5 hrs drive, then another 2 hrs max to granada) and a night in granadas. you only need one night if you're pushed and you can choose your time slot at the alhambra

As a guide to the kids' reactions: I appreciated the Alhambra a lot more when I was 27 than when I was 9.

Would I be making a mistake to save Granada and the Alhambra for another trip?

if you plan to visit again then, no. that way you could split your time between sevilla and cadiz province. less driving, more time to see things. good idea

I'd choose second option too.

I too would leave the Alhambra until the kids are older, it's a lot of walking around, if there are not able to appreciate the beauty of it.

But you could always go twice, I want to go back again.

Do bear in mind that the roads are often smaller and slower than we presume and who wants to spend most of the holiday sitting in a car.

Spaniola

Honestly, with only 5 days in Andalucia I'd base myself in 1 or 2 cities - particularly with 2 young children. I think you'll end up enjoying the trip much more.

You'll likely be taking the Ave from Madrid to Sevilla arriving mid-day at the earliest. So, this only actually 1 full day in Sevilla. I'd add at least a day to Sevilla and drop one of the other cities. I'd even be tempted to base myself in Sevilla for the entire 5 nights and rent a car for part of the time doing daytrips.

You'll also need to consider if you need to return to Madrid for your flight home. If so, you may need to spend your final night in Madrid if your flight leaves in the morning.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I've decided to leave Granada out of this trip after thinking about how hectic the last few days would be. Better to be enjoying Vejer and the beach than spending our vacation in the car.