Once again my wife and I are trying to plan a mini-4 or 5 day vacation. This time for our 5th anniversary. I swear we have been trying to make this trip happen forever.

Anyhow, we are looking at doing one city in Spain and several people have advised us to avoid crowded Madrid and go to Seville. For a nicer, quieter more picturesque experience.

Any thought on that?

Barcelona would be my choice.

We were in Barcelona last month and loved it.

Of course, the capital, Madrid. Most splendid architecture, royal palace, Prado, museums, medieval city centre, nightlife, first-class restaurants, most beautiful landscape and suroundings (El Escorial!)...

Barcelona is no match. I was there last week. But many Americans like it.. probabl< because there is McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Subway on the Rambla, the former main street.

Sevilla is also a tourist trap. Cordoba is much nicer.

But if you want to see one city, go for Madrid. It is the capital. Period.

hi, wayne,

we went to Madrid at the end of feb, and had a good time. [Click on my name to find my trip report]. I certainly wouldn't have described it as crowded though there were lots of people - it is a capital city after all.

about 18 months ago we went to granada - again not by any means crowded, and the alhambra would be a great place for a romantic wedding anniversary celebration, especially the night-time visit.

can't help with Barcelona and Seville - they're still on my wish list!

regards, ann

Barcelona or Seville get my vote. What time of year?? Seville will be very hot in the summer. Seville will have more charm, neighborhoods, older architecture, flamenco, etc. Barcelona will have the gaudi, las ramblas, a bit more energy, more diverse architecture, picasso museum. Really depends on the atmosphere you're looking for. both are wonderful places!

Seville, we're going back for the 3rd time =)

Barcelona, Madrid, etc are nice but nothing can beat Seville!

Seville I think is lovely. Very interesting, a tourist trap? not for me.
On the contray this a city full of locals having their pleasure time everyday, walking along Sierpes, having a d rink by the river, it is a lovely place. But of course is difficult to choose for another person.

In Summer, Baiona (the Parador is outstanding) and Santiago de Campostello, Galecia.
M

Ah I feel like I know Waynehazle after reading his lovely trip report on India. I have an old trip report here on Southern Spain and a new itinerary for getting to Seville. Tell us what you decide.

Barcelona is the only big city in the world which I have felt was worth the trouble. On the other hand, Granada is a "small" city that is pretty good, mainly because the Alhambra is there, secondly for the Albaicin, and last but not least the countryside all around.

The trip would be next month, right around Memorial Day. Looking for that nice relaxed feeling, walking down old cramped roads, seeing beautiful architecture, sitting by a fountain and watching locals do much of nothing.

I want to walk around at night go to a tiny local place, have a glass or two of wine and some interesting food.

Yeah I could do some of this in LA

Bottom line if you have read some of my previous hectic adventures. This one needs to be relaxed and romantic.

WH-I'm looking for similar information as our next trip is supposed to be Spain. All these points and opinions are valid and still the decision is agonizing. I'm leaning toward Seville because a friend said of that southwest area "you can smell the olive oil in the air." Wow. 'Nuff said. But, eventually, I will need to make my way to Barcelona for La Sagrada Familia.

"This one needs to be relaxed and romantic."

My vote goes to Granada.

-e

Salamanca

Santiago de Compostela. You will not regret it!

If you're looking for a slower pace, Seville is the place. Granada?? I did not like it one bit. Found Alhambra boring but that is just me...I did like the Alcazar and have a huge interest in all things history. Seville is so lovely - the neighborhoods, cathedral, alcazar, carriage rides, etc. the orange trees are wonderful!

Hi, waynehazle,

if it's May, then surely it has to be Seville or Granada. The gardens at either should be wonderful. in november, we spent hours just wondering around the generalife gardens [part of the alhambra] and the alhambra gardens proper woudl be lovely at night, that time of year.

I have read a recent thread here praising the gardens in seville as better than granada, so you can't go wrong. In fact, in 5 days you could do both! [2 nights Granada, 3 ngihts sEville].

regards, ann

Granada has the wonderful Alhambra complex (worth a full day and possibly a night visit) and the atmospheric Albaycin (Moorish) Quarter. The spectacular hill town, Ronda, isn't too far - might be nice to spend a night here. For a romantic treat, stay in the Parador with a stuuing view of the gorge and medieval bridge. Another good option: Sevilla/Cordoba - Sevilla is nice, but a much bigger place than Granada. The huge Gothic Cathedral/Giralda Tower and the Alcazar are great sights. Then it might be nice to either take a day trip to Cordoba or stay there for a night. It's just a short train ride away and is a charming and interesting smaller town. La Mesquita is one of the great sights in Spain. There is a wonderful, supposedly authentic (I say that because I am not knowledgable....)Flamenco Show here - Cardinal - close to la Mesquita. My daughter and I went here and the owner gave us the best seats in the house. The musicians dedicated a song to us. Not sure why, but I think my daughter (15 at the time) charmed them with her almost-fluent Spanish. Anyway, the show was a highlight of our trip. If you go, mention to them that it's your anniversary! The owner's first name is Beltran. Have fun; you can't go wrong with any of these possibilities!

I'd chose Barcelona over both Madrid and Seville, if you want to do cities. Barcelona is probably my favorite city in Europe.

Where are you flying from and when are you travelling? You don't have to visit a city if you are flying from a destination within Europe.

There are lots of other destinations in Spain that offer quiet and picturesque, but you would have to fly or drive.

If you want driving distance from Madrid, then consider Avila, Toledo, Salamanca. I can't think of a better combination within driving distance of Madrid (I've done it twice in 4 days).

If you are flying from London, you could consider flying via Madrid to Santiago de Compostela or somewhere in Extramadura. You can fly direct to Malaga and explore Andulusia. You can fly to Bilbao and explore Northern Spain.

Much as I love the major destinations in Spain, I love the remote areas even more.

Regards ... Ger