We will be in Madrid for 4 days for a conference in late April and will have only 4 days afterwards to see a little of southern Spain. We intend to fly from Madrid to Grenada, spend a night and see Alahambra. Where do you recommend we spend the next two nights? We need to be back in Madrid the fourth night to catch a flight home. I was considering Seville and then fly back/train back to Madrid to come home. Also, how should we get from Grenada to Seville? Should we drive?

Hi

Yes definitely Seville. But do take in the lovely Albaicin area when you're in Granada. You know to pre book for the Alhambra? So train Granada to Seville. Then high speed train (AVE) to Madrid. Check out www.renfe es

Sorry, one more thing. Is there any value flying to Granada from Madrid? By the time you take in airport hassles etc will you save time anyway? I would look at taking a train. That web page should be www.renfe.es

you can fly Vueling M-G for about 25 euros and 45 min. Iberia has more flights per day for about 40 euros.

Since we have so little time, the flight to Granada is cheaper and one hour, as opposed to AVE which is about 5 hours and more expensive.

do make sure that you see the alhambra at night as well as in day-time. I was sceptical about seeing it twice, but was persuaded by DH, and am so glad - by day it is fascinating and wonderful, but at night it is magical.

also, there are far fewer people allowed in, you can wander about in the gardens a bit, smell the flowers [should be some by april]

we stayed at the hotel guadelupe just opposite the main entrance. Big room, full bathroom, nice restaurant, discount on parking in the big car-park opposite, reasonable breakfast [may be extra, can't remember] all for 60E per night. it's dead convenient for the alhambra, and for the town, you just walk down the hill or catch the bus, which run every 5-10 minutes. some go straight through to the albercin, which you should also try to see.

not sure about onward travel - but the renfe web-site will tell you.

Good luck!