Ronda or Malaga?
Nov 23rd, 2016, 07:57 AM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow! Thank you everyone for all of your helpful tips. Kimhe, I appreciate all of your information about Malaga.
Here are two options for my revised itinerary, which has us flying home from Seville, instead of Madrid. I have 2 options: 1 for 12 nights that does not include Malaga, and 1 for 14 nights that does include Malaga. For family reasons, I don't know yet if we can stay in Spain for 12
nights or 14 nights.
OPTION ONE: 12 nights
1. Fly Marseilles to Madrid – 4 nights in Madrid
2. Madrid to Toledo – 30 minutes by train – 1 night in Toledo
3. Toledo via Madrid to Cordoba – 1 ¾ hours from Madrid by train – 1 night in Cordoba
4. Cordoba to Granada – 2 ½ hours by ALSA bus (or train if train tracks in Granada are open) – 2 nights in Granada
5. Granada to Seville – 3 hours via train or ALSA bus - 4 nights in Seville
6. Seville to Boston – fly home to Boston
OR
OPTION TWO: 14 nights
1. Fly Marseilles to Madrid – 4 nights in Madrid
2. Madrid to Toledo – 30 minutes by train - 1 night in Toledo
3. Toledo via Madrid to Cordoba –1 ¾ hours from Madrid - 1 night in Cordoba
4. Cordoba to Granada – 2 ¾ hours by ALSA bus - 2 nights in Granada
5. Granada to Malaga –1 ½ hour by ALSA bus - 2 nights in Malaga
6. Malaga to Seville – 2 ¾ hours - 4 nights in Seville
7. Seville to Boston – fly home to Boston
We now have only two one-night stays instead of 4. And we don't have to backtrack to Madrid.
I will also check out flying home from Malaga as tedgale suggests.
thank you!
Here are two options for my revised itinerary, which has us flying home from Seville, instead of Madrid. I have 2 options: 1 for 12 nights that does not include Malaga, and 1 for 14 nights that does include Malaga. For family reasons, I don't know yet if we can stay in Spain for 12
nights or 14 nights.
OPTION ONE: 12 nights
1. Fly Marseilles to Madrid – 4 nights in Madrid
2. Madrid to Toledo – 30 minutes by train – 1 night in Toledo
3. Toledo via Madrid to Cordoba – 1 ¾ hours from Madrid by train – 1 night in Cordoba
4. Cordoba to Granada – 2 ½ hours by ALSA bus (or train if train tracks in Granada are open) – 2 nights in Granada
5. Granada to Seville – 3 hours via train or ALSA bus - 4 nights in Seville
6. Seville to Boston – fly home to Boston
OR
OPTION TWO: 14 nights
1. Fly Marseilles to Madrid – 4 nights in Madrid
2. Madrid to Toledo – 30 minutes by train - 1 night in Toledo
3. Toledo via Madrid to Cordoba –1 ¾ hours from Madrid - 1 night in Cordoba
4. Cordoba to Granada – 2 ¾ hours by ALSA bus - 2 nights in Granada
5. Granada to Malaga –1 ½ hour by ALSA bus - 2 nights in Malaga
6. Malaga to Seville – 2 ¾ hours - 4 nights in Seville
7. Seville to Boston – fly home to Boston
We now have only two one-night stays instead of 4. And we don't have to backtrack to Madrid.
I will also check out flying home from Malaga as tedgale suggests.
thank you!
Nov 23rd, 2016, 07:59 AM
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tedgale, where else did you go in Spain? And how long were you in Spain? You obviously love Toledo! any other favorites/opinions? I like to hear what people like and didn't like.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 08:39 AM
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Obviously Option 2 is better but believe flights from Seville are routed thru Madrid. But, so what ? You'd spend a couple of hours in Barajas, possibly change planes or airline, and be on your way to Boston.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 03:02 PM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bedar,I also found flights from Seville that are routed through Lisbon. It will be interesting to see what is available and what prices are when we are ready to make our airline reservations. Prices change all the time! But to be routed through Madrid will be fine, too.
Nov 23rd, 2016, 06:28 PM
#25
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With Option One, you might consider shifting one night from Sevilla to Toledo, Cordoba, or Granada. Just something to think about.
If you can extend your trip to 14 days, that would be great! I, personally, would cut a night from Sevilla and add one to each: Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada.
You'll see some wonderful things no matter what you choose!
If you can extend your trip to 14 days, that would be great! I, personally, would cut a night from Sevilla and add one to each: Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada.
You'll see some wonderful things no matter what you choose!
Nov 24th, 2016, 07:19 AM
#26
My vote for option 2, since it has more nights, and the travel times are all reasonable.
We did something similar last year: flew into Madrid and out of Malaga, with most of our time in Andalusia. It worked out perfectly. We agonized over the exact number of nights to spend at various stops, as Bedar, kja, Sassafrass, kimhe and others might recall since they helped us through this same process.
We wound up doing something shocking, and dropped Seville altogether. And guess what, we had a fantastic trip with no regrets on that score. Not suggesting this is for you, but it looks like you are also zeroing in on the perfect trip. Can't go too wrong with your decisions at this point.
Our flight out of Malaga did go through Lisbon, and we found that to be a pleasant airport to kill a few hours between flights.
We did something similar last year: flew into Madrid and out of Malaga, with most of our time in Andalusia. It worked out perfectly. We agonized over the exact number of nights to spend at various stops, as Bedar, kja, Sassafrass, kimhe and others might recall since they helped us through this same process.
We wound up doing something shocking, and dropped Seville altogether. And guess what, we had a fantastic trip with no regrets on that score. Not suggesting this is for you, but it looks like you are also zeroing in on the perfect trip. Can't go too wrong with your decisions at this point.
Our flight out of Malaga did go through Lisbon, and we found that to be a pleasant airport to kill a few hours between flights.
Nov 24th, 2016, 09:27 AM
#28
Bedar, I saw that article a few days ago and bookmarked it already, thanks for mentioning. No plans to visit at this time, but it could still happen some day.
I'd definitely return to Cazorla, and in fact anyplace that we went in Andalusia. KarenWoo can expect a wonderful trip!
Happy Thanksgiving.
I'd definitely return to Cazorla, and in fact anyplace that we went in Andalusia. KarenWoo can expect a wonderful trip!
Happy Thanksgiving.
Nov 24th, 2016, 10:46 AM
#29
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nelson - Your TR of Spain was the very best one I've ever read here. My husband also enjoyed it. We are going there once again (!) and may visit Cazorla since it is fairly close to our village. Of corse, we'll be rereading your TR before doing so. Was looking forward to a Macedonia TR. Oh well !
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving
Nov 25th, 2016, 06:47 AM
#30
Bedar, I can easily find a large number of Spain TR's on Fodors that are much better than mine, but thanks for the sentiment.
By the way, some Cazorla olive oil showed up on amazon! I'm biased no doubt, but we think it's pretty darn good.
https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-de-Cazorla/dp/B01CNP2BCE/
Karen, we spent several nights in Toledo and Cordoba and really enjoyed both, so I think you are making a good choice by spending the night in each.
For your dinner at Toledo highly recommend going either to La Erimta or the Parador for the spectacular view over the city. Hopefully a memory like you had at Cesky Krumlov castle.
http://laermitarestaurante.com/lasvistas/
http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/p...edo/gastronomy
In town we had delicious meals at these two restaurants, within a few minutes walk from each other on either side of the El Greco Museum.
http://www.maruxinalounge.com/
http://restaurantedehesademajazul.com/index.php?lang=en
In Cordoba, we had a nice dinner here, close to the Roman bridge:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/amaltea-c%C3%B3rdoba
... and here, right by the Puerta de Almodovar.
http://restaurantecasarubiocordoba.com/
Finally, an absolute highlight of our trip was the mesmerizing flamenco performance at Artes Y Sabores.
http://www.flamencotickets.com/arte-...res-de-cordoba
Our trip was early October and we had perfect weather. Good luck!
By the way, some Cazorla olive oil showed up on amazon! I'm biased no doubt, but we think it's pretty darn good.
https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-de-Cazorla/dp/B01CNP2BCE/
Karen, we spent several nights in Toledo and Cordoba and really enjoyed both, so I think you are making a good choice by spending the night in each.
For your dinner at Toledo highly recommend going either to La Erimta or the Parador for the spectacular view over the city. Hopefully a memory like you had at Cesky Krumlov castle.
http://laermitarestaurante.com/lasvistas/
http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/p...edo/gastronomy
In town we had delicious meals at these two restaurants, within a few minutes walk from each other on either side of the El Greco Museum.
http://www.maruxinalounge.com/
http://restaurantedehesademajazul.com/index.php?lang=en
In Cordoba, we had a nice dinner here, close to the Roman bridge:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/amaltea-c%C3%B3rdoba
... and here, right by the Puerta de Almodovar.
http://restaurantecasarubiocordoba.com/
Finally, an absolute highlight of our trip was the mesmerizing flamenco performance at Artes Y Sabores.
http://www.flamencotickets.com/arte-...res-de-cordoba
Our trip was early October and we had perfect weather. Good luck!
Nov 25th, 2016, 07:05 AM
#31
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Option two is near perfect. The one time I might rent a car is to drive from Malaga to Seville, stopping for an hour or so in Ronda and a couple other small towns like Grazalema. It's a really nice drive through the country and when you arrive in Seville drop the car off right away at Santa Justa. Cars are a major hassle in Granada, Seville and Madrid.
Nov 25th, 2016, 09:44 AM
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nelson, thank you for the links! I found your trip report and will print it out and highlight your hotels.
Egbert, thanks for the tip about renting a car to drive from Malaga to Seville. I'm sure my husband won't mind driving. Your suggestion sounds like the perfect way to see some of the white towns and the countryside, and include everything else we want to do.
Option two is my first choice as well, and that is what I will plan on.
Egbert, thanks for the tip about renting a car to drive from Malaga to Seville. I'm sure my husband won't mind driving. Your suggestion sounds like the perfect way to see some of the white towns and the countryside, and include everything else we want to do.
Option two is my first choice as well, and that is what I will plan on.
Nov 25th, 2016, 09:55 PM
#34
Ronda is plenty for one day. It's not huge, but there are a number of walks and the museum in the bullring. If you did want to take a drive out to some of the closer villages like Grazalema, it's worth it but then more of a dash to do everything. Not sure if it's still doing it, but the local Ford dealership a few years had a rental car you could hire for a half day.
Sep 1st, 2017, 05:03 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
golderb,
This is what we decided to do:
Madrid - 4 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Cordoba - 2 nights
Granada - 2 nights
Malaga - 2 nights
Seville - 4 nights
We fly home from Seville.
I can't believe our trip is literally right around the corner. We leave this Sunday for France to visit our daughter for 2 weeks. then we fly from Marseille to Madrid on September 18, and our two week spanish journey begins!
I plan on writing a trip report when we return. You will have already made your decision by then. (I saw your other post.) We decided to visit Malaga instead of Ronda because we want to be on the Mediterranean for 2 nights, have some fresh seafood, etc. Even though there are interesting things to see in Malaga, we can use this stop as a necessary R&R before we go to Seville. We can either be busy sightseeing in Malaga, or just hang out & relax on the beach. I think the coastal ambience will be a welcome respite from sightseeing, museums, cathedrals, etc.
This is what we decided to do:
Madrid - 4 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Cordoba - 2 nights
Granada - 2 nights
Malaga - 2 nights
Seville - 4 nights
We fly home from Seville.
I can't believe our trip is literally right around the corner. We leave this Sunday for France to visit our daughter for 2 weeks. then we fly from Marseille to Madrid on September 18, and our two week spanish journey begins!
I plan on writing a trip report when we return. You will have already made your decision by then. (I saw your other post.) We decided to visit Malaga instead of Ronda because we want to be on the Mediterranean for 2 nights, have some fresh seafood, etc. Even though there are interesting things to see in Malaga, we can use this stop as a necessary R&R before we go to Seville. We can either be busy sightseeing in Malaga, or just hang out & relax on the beach. I think the coastal ambience will be a welcome respite from sightseeing, museums, cathedrals, etc.
Sep 1st, 2017, 11:44 PM
#37
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Málaga is perfect for just relaxing a couple of days as well, then I will highly recommend to have the freshest seafood lunch in one of the many fabulous chiringuitos/beachfront restaurants, as Málaga as it gets. Right on the Málagueta beach I recommend El Cachalote. http://chiringuitoelcachalote.com/
Or go to emblematic Baños del Carmen for an additional old world feel: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...del-carmen.htm
Or to Pedregalejo with the Acacias beaches and the many chiringuitos, both are very popular with locals: https://www.spain-holiday.com/Malaga...nt-restaurants
Perhaps take a walk in one of the wonderful city parks. The Paseo del Parque along the seafront is probably my favourite park in all of Spain: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/parks.htm
And you can wind down in one of the many great cafés with open air terraces. My two favorites in Málaga and all of Spain are Casa Aranda and Café Central, both right in the heart of town.
Café Central: http://www.cafecentralmalaga.com/en/the-restaurant/
Casa Aranda: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/m...1268164/360734
And I can highly recommend to just get lost in the narrow streets in the Old town, small tapas bars on every corner and this is how we have spent many of our best Málaga nights.
Or go to emblematic Baños del Carmen for an additional old world feel: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...del-carmen.htm
Or to Pedregalejo with the Acacias beaches and the many chiringuitos, both are very popular with locals: https://www.spain-holiday.com/Malaga...nt-restaurants
Perhaps take a walk in one of the wonderful city parks. The Paseo del Parque along the seafront is probably my favourite park in all of Spain: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/parks.htm
And you can wind down in one of the many great cafés with open air terraces. My two favorites in Málaga and all of Spain are Casa Aranda and Café Central, both right in the heart of town.
Café Central: http://www.cafecentralmalaga.com/en/the-restaurant/
Casa Aranda: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/m...1268164/360734
And I can highly recommend to just get lost in the narrow streets in the Old town, small tapas bars on every corner and this is how we have spent many of our best Málaga nights.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
charron53
Europe
7
Jan 23rd, 2011 01:24 PM
