Need advice re: amount of time in Seville and surrounding area
 

We're planning a 3 week trip to Spain and Morocco in the fall. We plan to visit Barcelona and Seville. We would like to visit La Mezquita and Alhambra. Would you suggest doing those as day trips from Seville or to go to Cordoba and Granada and spend a night in each place. We will only have about 9 days in Spain. Thanks!

I wouldn't suggest visiting Granada as a daytrip from Sevilla - it's 3 hours each way. Cordoba is an easy daytrip fromo Sevilla - only 45 minutes by train.

9 days is a very short amount of time for Barcelona, Sevilla & Granada. I normally recommend a minimum of 4 days each in Barcelona & Sevilla and 2 days in Granada. I'd try to add at least 1 more day for Spain. 4 days in Barcelona will give you a taste of the city but probaly no time for daytrips. 4 days in Sevilla will give you a day to visit Cordoba (or you could visit Cordoba en route from Granada to Sevilla).

I day-tripped from Seville to Cordoba, saw its Alcazar, Mezquita and Jewish area, walked the bridge, ate one of my best meals in Spain there, and trained back to Seville after 6 or so hours. For myself, I was glad not to have stayed o/n there. But Granada, ahh, I stayed 3 nights I think, and loved the city. The Alhambra was breathtaking as was the city. Loved my accommodation, the Carmen de la Alcubilla del Caracol, a short walking distance from the Alhambra itself. It's a long day-trip from Seville but lots do it. I liked Granada better than Seville.

I would spend 4 nights in Barcelona. Fly to Granada for 2 nights, using your 1 full day there to book tickets to see the Alhambra. Then train to Seville for the last 3 nights. Use 1 full day to train to Cordoba (as BowenLinda describes) - it is an easy and most rewarding day trip! (one of the highlights of Spain in my opinion).

If at all possible, add an extra night in Seville as CathyM suggests.

Thanks Cathy - I appreciate the comments. I was worried it would not be enough time.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. They have been very helpful!

Honestly, I think you're trying to jam in too much in the time you have. You will be too frazzled to enjoy yourself! I'd suggest concentrating on Andalucia (southern Spain) and saving Barcelona for another trip. Besides, the great thing about Andalucia (where I've lived since 2004) is the relaxed pace of life. My guests often arrive in Seville eager to jump off to other parts of Spain, but soon find they prefer to linger over coffee at a tiny cafe table and watch the world stroll by. You may find this to be a welcome respite from the bustle of the rest of your trip. Good luck with your plans!

You are probably right Karen. Its so hard to narrow down the places to visit because they all seem fabulous!!! Thanks.

You might be in Sevilla during the largest and most prestigious flamenco festival in the world, the Bienal de flamenco. Takes place between Sept 6th and Oct 7th. Performances every night in theaters around town. Light years from the tourist shows. Predominantly a local and knowledgeable crowd. A flamenco night at a Sevilla theater could be an experience to remember.

Thanks you so much kimhe!! That may make us try to schedule the trip a little earlier than originally planned.

9 days is just enough for a taste of Andalucia. Plan another trip to Barcelona.

I agree with PRLCH's itinerary. I think you need two nights in Granada. I went to Spain in September (Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Sevilla)and Granada was my favorite city. It has such a unique charm and the free tapas are pretty awesome too! The Alhambra definitley deserves a full day.

I would day trip to Cordoba from Sevilla but allow yourself enough time in Sevilla too. And you must see a flamenco show of course!

One of the great things about Seville is the quality of flamenco every night of the year. Of course, you'll get the best at the Bienal, but if your trip doesn't coincide with it, you can still see wonderful shows, for instance at Casa de la Memoria in Santa Cruz, the funky but wonderful Carboneria, or some of the smaller venues in the Triana district across the river. Whenever you're in Seville, be sure to include flamenco in your plans!