Must See In Spain
 

What are some must-see places in Spain? We are looking for both interesting cultural places as well as some adventurous, off-the-beaten-path places. Any suggestions for a 10-day trip???

Caryn, <BR>Last year we spent two weeks in the Barcelona area. Barcelona is great; very cosmopolitan, lots to see and do. We drove to some of the mountains and down the Costa Brava. This year we are heading to Seville, Cordoba,and Granada for a bit of Moorish Spain. I suggest you check karenbrown. com for Inns and Intineraries.You'll get some ideas for a memorable trip. Oh, I am also going to a flamenco festival in Jerez de la Frontera...ole! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

In my opinion, if this is your first trip to Spain, spend some days in Madrid and then head out to Andalucia (Southern Spain; Seville, Granada, Pueblos Blancos, etc...). In Andalucia, you'll find plenty of everything; interesting sites, adventurous places, and tons of opportunities to get off the beaten track. <BR> <BR>We are going back to Spain in May. When are you going?

I have to agree with Maira-Southern Spain is wonderful. We spent 12 days there last year starting in Madrid. Seville was beautiful, Granada is a must see for the Alhambra and the drive up to Ronda was breathtaking. There is wonderful Moorish architecture all over Southern Spain. From the Costa del Sol area you can easily get to Ronda, Granada, Gibraltar and many other places that we didn't have time for.

Maira and Kris "the drive <BR>up to Ronda was breathtaking".. <BR>It sounds as though you drove; we are planning an early fall trip Madrid to Seville via fast train and then thinking about driving very much the route you describe. <BR>Can you provide some feedback on driving conditions -- roads (narrow, hairpin turns, etc.?) -- any problems we normally don't encounter here in USA? <BR>This would be our first fly/drive trip in Europe and we are a bit nervous about it. <BR>Thanks

Marion-we did rent a car once we got to the Costa del Sol. We typically prefer to take trains when we travel but we decided it would be more efficient to drive while on the coast as our hotel down by the beach was miles from anywhere. We had no difficulties driving, but the road up to Ronda was quite steep with lots of twists, turns and dips. Definitely not good for driving once the sun sets. The locals, if you drive too slow, just zip around you at the first available opportunity. Another option would be to take a day trip there-although they are more expensive than doing yourself, you wouldn't have to worry about the drive. The roads along the coast were fine.

Caryn: <BR>Based on the Costa del Sol, in a place like Torremolinos, you get to see Mijas in 1 1/2 hrs., Granada & The Alhambra in 2 hrs., Ronda in 2 hrs., Cordoba in 2 hrs., Nerja & The Caves in 1 1/2 hrs. travel time. Malaga is the town next to you, with the Alcazaba atop the hill, Picasso Museum & the Must See Main Cathedral. Someone advised to take the tours to these places & we did. You go right in to such places as The Alhambra, you get the Bull Ring tour & museum when you go to the old walled city of Ronda & afterward a 2 hour walk through the old part with a savvy tour guide. Ditto for Cordoba & the old Jewish quarter, the cathedral built inside the former mosque, etc. Road to Ronda,leaves much to be desired - beautiful ride though past the White Mountains. For the 2nd. half, see Sevilla & drive to Madrid where you round out the vacation with day trips to Segovia & that area. In the Costa Calida area, there is Cartagena, Murcia, Lorca, Caravaca de la Cruz. More off the beaten path than the Costa del Sol sights, but of equal interest to history buffs. <BR>Bob K. <BR>

The Moorish architecture of Granada is<BR>unexcelled, even in Morocco. Seville is<BR>also extremely beautiful & interesting.<BR>We found Segovia to be striking - a<BR>fairy-tale castle, an eye-opening Roman<BR>aqueduct. I have never found the Costa<BR>del Sol attractive. It is highly deve-<BR>lopped - like Florida. There are nicer places to see.

Please don't visit Spain without spending 2 or 3 days in Seville ! <BR>It was a charming city and I loved <BR>climbing the Giralda tower for a spectacular view of the whole city.. <BR>It's next to the Alcazar - the 14th <BR>century palace with wonderful tile work and fabulous gardens. <BR>Stay at the Dona Maria hotel...it's a <BR>perfect location, a beautiful hotel <BR>and has an added bonus: a rooftop <BR>pool that provided us with a cooling <BR>evening dip after a rather warm day of sightseeing ! <BR>The drive from Seville to the Marbella/Malaga coastal area was also beautiful...in June we passed endless fields of sunflowers. <BR>They were so gorgeous and an unforgettable picture. <BR> <BR>