I'm planning a trip to spain in December/January. Has anyone been to Mucia, Alicante, Albacete, Valencia? Is it worth seeing those cities on the coast of Spain?

Hi Michelle, <BR>I spent a semseter in Spain and travelled throughout the country, so if you want some suggestions, feel free to e-mail me. <BR>I did spend a day in Valencia and was <BR>not thrilled. The Cathedral claims to hold the Holy Grail, but other than that... it's not the cleanest or friendliest city in Spain, and when I was there in 1995 there was some Basque-related terrorism.

Michelle: <BR>Yes, Murcia is worth a visit and you need more than one day to see it all, though all is close in and walkable. <BR>Valencia a ditto and Alicante is on the Costa Blanca. We landed there on Aviaco and flew out of that airport. I don't think much to see in Alicante, but the area surrounding such as Torrevieja is worth while, with it's hugh open air market. Check out www.tourspain.com for lots of info on all Spain areas. Murcia, is also the administrative city for Cartagena and that whole area.

Michelle: This message is to address the note you sent me earlier. I gather if I post the answer, it might help somebody else..... <BR> <BR>I have never visited Spain's northeast coast; we are planning on doing that on May 99. From what I'd been able to find out from friends who live there, Murcia is a province (sort of an american county), which holds both Spain's major naval base and one of the best agricultural regions in the country. There are scattered roman ruins (specially by the coastal towns) and old churches. I'll say, if time is a limitation, there are better choices in Spain. Valencia is in the Costa Blanca ("White Coast"); more touristy. <BR> <BR>We stayed in Seville in a very comfortable hotel across the street from La Feria (site of the 1992 World Fair) called Hotel Regina ($65/night). <BR>Breakfast was included and was very good. The hotel was very nice, good parking, excellent rooms. If you need their phone number, let me know. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps in any way. I recommend that if you are planning to drive, get the Frommer's guide "Spain's Best-Loved Driving Tours". <BR> <BR>

Michelle: <BR>My typo! Correct website for Spain info is www.tourspain.es es as in Espana. Sorry! <BR>Bob K.