My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip to Spain in November. First trip to Spain but have only 7 days - we're flying into Madrid but not sure what other city to add or should we? ... Barcelona, Seville. Any suggestions?
Also a friend told me recently about a town that's supposedly the shoe capital of the world??

DMary
In November Madrid starts to be a little cool. Maybe heading towards the South would be a good thought. Seville is great and it should still seem warm.

Marbella and the Costa de Sol will be warm too. Cadiz is still warm in November so you have a good choice of cities and villages to visit this late in the year.

Can't help you about the shoe capital though.

Blackduff

You can stay around Madrid: Avila, Segovia... see other posts in the Forum. But in November it is more likely you'll find better weather in the south. There you have monumental capitals as Seville, Cordoba or Granada, monumental smaller cities as Antequera, Ronda, Carmona or Osuna. And the Malaga coast.
About shoes, I know Fuensalida, in Toledo province. It is a small town and many many stores and factories; in the east they make many shoes as well, in Elche and around, though am not familiar.

I used to live in Elche and was surprised to hear it was the shoe capital of the world, but it is. However, that does not give you any more options than you would have in Madrid. In fact, you will have less. Their are shoe factories in an industrial area outside the city, but they are not retailers and they ship to the rest of Spain, not necessarily to Elche, which is only about 200,000 people. Barcelona has fabulous shoes (I am here now and drooling down the streets), and in 7 days you could get a good overview of the 2 biggest cities in Spain. If I were you, though, I would stay in Madrid and visit nearby towns/cities like Toledo, Segovia, Sevilla, etc).

Go South. I've been to Southern Spain many times in November and I think it is a great time to enjoy cities such as Granada, Seville, Cadiz, and Marbella. Since you have only 7 days, I would fly from Madrid to Malaga, rent a car and explore the above cities plus a day for the White Towns route. Please let me know if you would like me to suggest a driving route + hotels and sights. Spain is absolutely wonderful!!

With just a week I would see the sights in Madrid with perhaps a side trip to Toledo thrown in. Then, because it is so easy, hop a high speed train to Seville and head back to Madrid for the return flight. It is not worth it consider a trip to Elche just for shoes when as Laclaire says shoes are available all over the country. This program should keep you busy for seven days.

RE: Shoes in Spain:
Your friend is on the right track; shoes in Spain are GORGEOUS and, on average, leather shoes are of the best quality. Do agree with LCl and others, though; no need to head out anywhere specfically, i.e. there are great shoe stores in Madrid. I happened to favored buying shoes in Seville (Calle de las Sierpes). The last pair I bought (Nov 2004) still looks like new, even though I have wear them quite a bit

To reiterate: previous posters are right on the money; go South for better weather and more enjoyable sightseeing. Best shoulder season to do Madrid and environs is either April or early May.

Another vote for Andalucia in November.

I am positively drooling about the thoughts of abundant shoe stores in Spain not to mention other leather offerings... I know I should be thinking of museums and history but call me Imelda, but I love shoes!!!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - I am leaning towards Madrid and Seville and or Toledo as suggested by Raydotman and Laclaire. We only have 7 days and not relishing hopping from town to town. We have reservations at AC Palacio Del Retiro in Madrid. Any suggestions for Seville or Barcelona if we decide to go there instead?

cool weather will not hinder our movements though - we're from San Francisco! However, it's been in the 80s the last 3 days which is totally unheard of - with no sight of any fog rolling in! Great time to visit SF!

I was in Madrid a few years ago in November, it was s little chilly and rained once but you just need a jacket. Some nice days too but then went to Seville and it was beautifully warm there, love the palm trees. Cordoba was perfect too.

a shoe store i like, which can be found now in many large cities, is called "Fosco" or "fosca". they are medium priced but current designs and colurful at times, without being too trendy and cheap looking.