Jose

Well. <BR>November is the most rainy month of the year in Spain. But the rain is not usual in the southern part of the country even during this months. To find rain in the north (Barcelona, Zaragoza) and in the center (Madrid) is possible, but never be sure, we are not talking about Chicago. <BR>And the november of the year 2000 was the rainiest in a century. <BR>Granada is at the feet of the highest mountaints in the Iberian Peninsula, so the night could be cold, but not the day.

Michelle

Last November I too was in southern Spain (rented a villa for a week near Allicante), I agree it was cold. I asked the Spaniards I met if it was always so cold and was told that it was very unusual, in fact one said it was the coldest winter in 20 years! You're right though - no rain, just chilly!

Rachel

Thanks everyone for all your great advice. I will let you know my final itinerary as soon as I have it all planned out.

Sans

Hi Rachel and other members: <BR> <BR>my husband and I are planning to visit Spain and Portugal this november. We will be landing in Barcelona, than take a night train to Granada(reach in morning). Spend 2 nights in Granada and than go to Seville. The problem is that the train schedule of RENFE does not say anything about trains between Granada and Sevile for the month of Novemebr. Thus, anyone who knows about any bus service or any other train between these cities please advise. Anyway, from Seville we will take the AVE train to Madrid. After our stay in Madrid, we will take the train to Lisbon and finally fly out of Lisbon. Also, I would appreciate if someone can tell me about the possibility of taking a day trip to Ronda from Granada--I mean is there any bus service? I will appreciate your valuable inputs. Also, Rachel keep me updated if you find reference for good hotels. Thanks all <BR> <BR>Sans

Esti

Hi Rachel: <BR> <BR>I highly reccommend your trip. I travelled through Spain with my partner exactly one year ago and we had a ball. Needless to say, you can't go to Granada without visiting the 'Alhambra Palace'. It is simply spectacular and takes hours to see properly. A word of important advice: <BR>We travelled from Barcelona to Granada by train. It took TWELVE hours to get there! You see, the train we caught stopped at every single station and it ended up being the biggest waste of time of our holiday - don't make the same mistake we did - find some express train or go by plane. We found that the Olympic Stadium at Barcelona was a bit of a waste of time, a bit depressing now that its all over, but I've been told that the water, music and lights display at night there is beautiful. Gaudi's famous cathedral, 'La Sagrada Familia' is a spectacular sight in Barcelona, as is Gaudi's 'Guell Park'. We found that the train system was fantastic in Spain and so made our way to most places by train. <BR>The most fantastic hotel to stay for a reasonable price in Barcelona is called 'Hotel Colon', Spanish for 'Hotel Columbus'. It is in the centre of everything in the most charming area of all of Barcelona called the 'Gothic Quarter' - fantastic! <BR>A nice hotel in Granada was the 'Hotel Alhambra', we enjoyed the position, but I've also been told that if you book with enough advance you can get into a hotel actually inside the 'Alhambra'. <BR>Travelling by train from Granada to Sevilla is really not a problem - not very far away, and there is a flamenco show that you must simply go to there called 'Los Gallos' (the roosters). Look it up - it is the most famous flamenco show in Seville and was a lot of fun. <BR> <BR>Hope these tips help. <BR>Regards, <BR>Esti <BR>

Cathy

Rachel, <BR>WE also went in Nov. to Spain. We prefered paradors (check out the 5 night card at their web site). We rented a car as you really need it to get to the small towns and paradors. All the cities you mentioned are full of great historical sites. People are friendly esp if you try to speak Spanish. have fun.

query

Could you rent a car and do the drive from Barcelona to the Costa del Sol? Would it be a pretty drive? How long would you give for it? What stops along the way for overnite stays?

John

Hi Rachel, <BR> <BR>My wife and I did a two week (17 day) discovery of Northeastern Spain in October 1999. Basically - Barcelona to Barcelona with a big loop a bit South then West to Toledo/Madrid then North and East through Pamplona and up to a 'France touch' then back to Barcelona. <BR> <BR>Some of the BEST things we did: <BR> <BR>1. Rented a car for the duration. We really experienced Spain . . . a lot of Spain is in the countryside. By the way, driving is a breeze in Spain. <BR> <BR>2. Bought the Paradores 'book' and stayed in castles, monastaries, hospitals, farms, country houses etc. . . . In fact we thought the Paradores were so great we cancelled our other reservations on the spur of the moment and booked Paradores instead (not recommended). <BR> <BR>3. A blend of clothing, it can be chilly in the evening and warm during the day. In the North the Mountains can be a bit chilly, but worth going to see. <BR> <BR>4. Traveled relatively light - 2 20" rollerboards - including room to take home some things. <BR> <BR>If we did this trip over again (and we just may next year) we would spend more time in Barcelona / Sitges / Castel de Felles. (Have been back to Barcelona twice since, but my wife spent three years there as a child and has friends) <BR> <BR>We would add a day or two in Madrid. <BR> <BR>We would drive 100 miles out of our way to stay in the Alcaniz Parador and have dinner at there wonderful restaurant. No make that 200 miles. <BR> <BR>We would make reservations at the hunting lodge in Vic??? (I believe - right on the French border in any case). It is in one of the most scenic areas of the world. On our trip we could not get in (18 rooms or less), but we went there anyway to check it out. Had a really, really great lunch there. <BR> <BR>In any event have fun . . . and save some money for handmade knives in Toledo. They are really great.