Spain itinerary- hoping for suggestions
Sep 10th, 2025 | 10:30 PM
#21
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,055
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You're basically asking about April 13th to 20th?
You might be saved because people will have traveled for Easter . Others will be traveling the various dates after including May 1st
Having been to Seville for one religious festival August 15th I'd really suggest taking advantage and going during holy week
Obviously this is your trip but if you actually want to see something you won't see elsewhere don't avoid things like this.
You might be saved because people will have traveled for Easter . Others will be traveling the various dates after including May 1st
Having been to Seville for one religious festival August 15th I'd really suggest taking advantage and going during holy week
Obviously this is your trip but if you actually want to see something you won't see elsewhere don't avoid things like this.
Sep 11th, 2025 | 05:38 AM
#22
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Sep 11th, 2025 | 05:42 AM
#23
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You're basically asking about April 13th to 20th?
You might be saved because people will have traveled for Easter . Others will be traveling the various dates after including May 1st
Having been to Seville for one religious festival August 15th I'd really suggest taking advantage and going during holy week
Obviously this is your trip but if you actually want to see something you won't see elsewhere don't avoid things like this.
You might be saved because people will have traveled for Easter . Others will be traveling the various dates after including May 1st
Having been to Seville for one religious festival August 15th I'd really suggest taking advantage and going during holy week
Obviously this is your trip but if you actually want to see something you won't see elsewhere don't avoid things like this.
Thanks- yes I also was thinking about the idea of not passing up a unique experience. Perhaps overlap at least a bit with Holy Week.
Sep 20th, 2025 | 01:27 PM
#24
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Joined: Dec 2013
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question about Madrid airport hotels
Hello and thanks again everyone for your feedback. It’s all been very helpful.
I have a question about “airport hotels” in Madrid. We have found it very convenient when traveling in France to stay at the Sheraton right inside Charles de Gaulle the night before departure, and avoid having to deal with an early morning scramble to the airport (we usually take wine, cheese, fruit and baguette and have a picnic in the room!).
I was looking to see if there was a similar option at the airport in Madrid and did find a hotel (Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveler) that rents by the hour for short stopovers, or overnight. There are some inconveniences however (e.g., no restaurant, some complaints about noise since it is adjacent to the train station), so wondering about any experience there, or other recommendations for a hotel convenient to the airport? I saw a few on Trip Advisor- Hilton, Axor Barajas, Crowne Plaza, TRYP Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto.
By the way, per some suggestions, I did look into departing by air from our other stays in Granada or Seville, but we must use United for this trip- departure from Granada wasn’t available, and routes from Seville result in very long layovers in Germany and an overnight flight. Our likely flight departing from Madrid leaves late AM so I think trying something like Iberia Express to Madrid from Granada or Seville might be dicey in terms of connections luggage etc and more complicated than just being in Madrid the night before we depart.
Thanks again for any thoughts.
I have a question about “airport hotels” in Madrid. We have found it very convenient when traveling in France to stay at the Sheraton right inside Charles de Gaulle the night before departure, and avoid having to deal with an early morning scramble to the airport (we usually take wine, cheese, fruit and baguette and have a picnic in the room!).
I was looking to see if there was a similar option at the airport in Madrid and did find a hotel (Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveler) that rents by the hour for short stopovers, or overnight. There are some inconveniences however (e.g., no restaurant, some complaints about noise since it is adjacent to the train station), so wondering about any experience there, or other recommendations for a hotel convenient to the airport? I saw a few on Trip Advisor- Hilton, Axor Barajas, Crowne Plaza, TRYP Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto.
By the way, per some suggestions, I did look into departing by air from our other stays in Granada or Seville, but we must use United for this trip- departure from Granada wasn’t available, and routes from Seville result in very long layovers in Germany and an overnight flight. Our likely flight departing from Madrid leaves late AM so I think trying something like Iberia Express to Madrid from Granada or Seville might be dicey in terms of connections luggage etc and more complicated than just being in Madrid the night before we depart.
Thanks again for any thoughts.
Sep 20th, 2025 | 01:56 PM
#25
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 17
We have stayed at Axor Barajas/ Axor Feria every time at the the end of our Spain trips.
They are a short drive to the airport and rental car drop off.
There is a large shopping mall with a Mercadona within walking distance.
Those hotels are convenient for us since we have no interest in Madrid, and we don't use public transit.
They are also close to major highways, making for easy day car trips to places like Pedraza, Siguenza or Somosierra.
They are a short drive to the airport and rental car drop off.
There is a large shopping mall with a Mercadona within walking distance.
Those hotels are convenient for us since we have no interest in Madrid, and we don't use public transit.
They are also close to major highways, making for easy day car trips to places like Pedraza, Siguenza or Somosierra.
Sep 21st, 2025 | 02:30 PM
#26
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 649
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Be aware that Granada in February can be snowy and cold. A few years ago I had a friend who was there in mid to late March, touring the Alhambra in wind-driven snow which was really a shame. Granada is in the mountains. Years ago when I was there for the second time, it was in the fall and we had to add a day to wait out a torrential rain storm with roads closed.
Sep 22nd, 2025 | 04:51 AM
#27
Joined: Jul 2025
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Hi Wisconsin! You are right that Madrid does not have a hotel right inside the terminals like CDG. The Air Rooms is fine or only for a short nap or layover, not comfortable for a full overnight stay.
To spend more comfortable option for a stay the night before your flight, here is some suggestions what I think:
Some excellent, popular options you can go for. As, they have free shuttles, and restaurants nearby:
Ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajasbasic, clean, reasonable hotel; a short taxi ride away from the airport.
Hotel Don Luisa bit on the small and cheap side, close to the airport (no shuttle, but taxis are cheap).
Since you have a late-morning flight, a night stay at any of these hotels will certainly be the easiest and safest way to go.
Flying in from Granada or Seville the same day would already be risky like possible delays, luggage issues, etc. Hence, your plan to already be in Madrid the day before is a good one.
To spend more comfortable option for a stay the night before your flight, here is some suggestions what I think:
Some excellent, popular options you can go for. As, they have free shuttles, and restaurants nearby:
- Hilton Madrid Airportmodern, good breakfast, comfy rooms, free shuttle.
- Crowne Plaza Madrid Airportnice and quiet rooms, free shuttle, great choice for couples.
- Axor Barajas / Axor Feriastylish, guaranteed free shuttle, family-friendly.
Ibis Madrid Aeropuerto Barajasbasic, clean, reasonable hotel; a short taxi ride away from the airport.
Hotel Don Luisa bit on the small and cheap side, close to the airport (no shuttle, but taxis are cheap).
Since you have a late-morning flight, a night stay at any of these hotels will certainly be the easiest and safest way to go.
Flying in from Granada or Seville the same day would already be risky like possible delays, luggage issues, etc. Hence, your plan to already be in Madrid the day before is a good one.
Sep 22nd, 2025 | 08:07 AM
#28
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Be aware that Granada in February can be snowy and cold. A few years ago I had a friend who was there in mid to late March, touring the Alhambra in wind-driven snow which was really a shame. Granada is in the mountains. Years ago when I was there for the second time, it was in the fall and we had to add a day to wait out a torrential rain storm with roads closed.
Sep 22nd, 2025 | 08:12 AM
#29
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Thanks for your helpful suggestions! We had planned to spend the first 5 days in Madrid, then 4 days in Seville and 4 days in Granada. I wouldn't mind going right to Seville from the airport upon arrival and end our trip in Madrid, but my wife doesn't sleep well on planes and is concerned she'll be too exhausted to manage arrival and then having to catch a train etc.
Still thinking about that.
Still thinking about that.
Last edited by WisconsinTed; Sep 22nd, 2025 at 08:24 AM.
Sep 22nd, 2025 | 08:34 AM
#30
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 25
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Your draft looks really balanced. Madrid 3 days, Seville 3, Granada 34 is pretty much the sweet spot. Definitely dont miss Toledo from Madrid and Crdoba from Seville. If youre unsure about renting a car, Id say skip it. Between trains and day tours (check Guided Spain Tours if you want it organized), youll cover way more without worrying about driving.
Sep 30th, 2025 | 10:09 PM
#31
Joined: Jul 2023
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We are planning a spring (either before, or after Easter) trip to Spain. We havent traveled there, although I spent part of a week in Valencia some years ago. Were planning on around 12 days (not including travel there and back). We prefer to stay in no more than 3 locations in a 12 day trip. Have been reading up some and realize we cant see more than just a few high points so have landed on Madrid and Andalusia. Thinking of starting with 3.5 days in Madrid, take the train to Seville for 3 days. Maybe a day 4 day trip to Cordoba? Jerez? Cadiz?
Then move to Granada for 3-4 days, Malaga day trip? Finish by returning to Madrid for departure. Any suggestions for other worthwhile day trips would be appreciated.
Also- considering renting a car in Seville or Granada for day trips to nearby sites if local trains are inconvenient. If renting in Seville, might just drive then to Malaga. I have only rudimentary Spanish. Will driving be challenging with minimal Spanish knowledge?
Thanks for any suggestions!
Draft itinerary-
Day 1 Arrive madrid AM
Day 2 madrid
Day 3 madrid
Day 4 madrid
Day 5- to Seville 2.5 hr train
Day 6 seville
Day 7 Seville
Day 8- Seville/cordoba
Day 9- Seville/other day trip? Jerez? Cadiz?
Day 10- drive, train (2.5 hr) to Granada
Day 11 Granada
Day 12 granada
Day 13- Granada/Malaga
Day 14- return to Madrid, stay ON at airport. Leave day 15
Then move to Granada for 3-4 days, Malaga day trip? Finish by returning to Madrid for departure. Any suggestions for other worthwhile day trips would be appreciated.
Also- considering renting a car in Seville or Granada for day trips to nearby sites if local trains are inconvenient. If renting in Seville, might just drive then to Malaga. I have only rudimentary Spanish. Will driving be challenging with minimal Spanish knowledge?
Thanks for any suggestions!
Draft itinerary-
Day 1 Arrive madrid AM
Day 2 madrid
Day 3 madrid
Day 4 madrid
Day 5- to Seville 2.5 hr train
Day 6 seville
Day 7 Seville
Day 8- Seville/cordoba
Day 9- Seville/other day trip? Jerez? Cadiz?
Day 10- drive, train (2.5 hr) to Granada
Day 11 Granada
Day 12 granada
Day 13- Granada/Malaga
Day 14- return to Madrid, stay ON at airport. Leave day 15
This guide on tourism in Spain might also be handy for planning, https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism...vel-guide-5686.
Oct 1st, 2025 | 07:08 AM
#32
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,573
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Hello and thanks again everyone for your feedback. Its all been very helpful.
I have a question about airport hotels in Madrid. We have found it very convenient when traveling in France to stay at the Sheraton right inside Charles de Gaulle the night before departure, and avoid having to deal with an early morning scramble to the airport (we usually take wine, cheese, fruit and baguette and have a picnic in the room!).
I was looking to see if there was a similar option at the airport in Madrid and did find a hotel (Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveler) that rents by the hour for short stopovers, or overnight. There are some inconveniences however (e.g., no restaurant, some complaints about noise since it is adjacent to the train station), so wondering about any experience there, or other recommendations for a hotel convenient to the airport? I saw a few on Trip Advisor- Hilton, Axor Barajas, Crowne Plaza, TRYP Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto.
By the way, per some suggestions, I did look into departing by air from our other stays in Granada or Seville, but we must use United for this trip- departure from Granada wasnt available, and routes from Seville result in very long layovers in Germany and an overnight flight. Our likely flight departing from Madrid leaves late AM so I think trying something like Iberia Express to Madrid from Granada or Seville might be dicey in terms of connections luggage etc and more complicated than just being in Madrid the night before we depart.
Thanks again for any thoughts.
I have a question about airport hotels in Madrid. We have found it very convenient when traveling in France to stay at the Sheraton right inside Charles de Gaulle the night before departure, and avoid having to deal with an early morning scramble to the airport (we usually take wine, cheese, fruit and baguette and have a picnic in the room!).
I was looking to see if there was a similar option at the airport in Madrid and did find a hotel (Air Rooms Madrid Airport by Premium Traveler) that rents by the hour for short stopovers, or overnight. There are some inconveniences however (e.g., no restaurant, some complaints about noise since it is adjacent to the train station), so wondering about any experience there, or other recommendations for a hotel convenient to the airport? I saw a few on Trip Advisor- Hilton, Axor Barajas, Crowne Plaza, TRYP Madrid Alameda Aeropuerto.
By the way, per some suggestions, I did look into departing by air from our other stays in Granada or Seville, but we must use United for this trip- departure from Granada wasnt available, and routes from Seville result in very long layovers in Germany and an overnight flight. Our likely flight departing from Madrid leaves late AM so I think trying something like Iberia Express to Madrid from Granada or Seville might be dicey in terms of connections luggage etc and more complicated than just being in Madrid the night before we depart.
Thanks again for any thoughts.
Oct 1st, 2025 | 06:06 PM
#34
Joined: Oct 2015
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I did a similar trip, in March 2022. I spent two nights in Cordoba. I but I took a day trip to the Castle of Aldmodovar del Rio. I know some people take just a day trip to Cordoba. Cordoba may deserve a night. In Andalucia I only made time for Seville, Granada, and Cordoba. If I had given myself more time in Andalucia I would have seen Nerja and/or Malaga. Can you take the train to Seville the same day your plane arrives in Madrid and then put all your time in Madrid at the end of your trip? That is what I did. On the morning of my flights back to Michigan, I took a bus from near my hotel in the middle of Madrid, to the airport. Did you investigate whether there are any good flights to Seville that don't require stopping in Madrid first?
First figure out exactly what day trip(s) you think you want to squeeze in. There may be an ancient Roman site near Seville, and Nerja may have ancient tombs that could resemble something I saw in Mycenae in Greece. Check google maps and rome2rio and make sure there isn't a bus or train that would take away your need to rent a car. Check whether you could get a taxi or uber ride(s). I only rented a car 3 times in my life, once in California, twice in Florida. I have traveled to different countries in Europe, 7 times.
First figure out exactly what day trip(s) you think you want to squeeze in. There may be an ancient Roman site near Seville, and Nerja may have ancient tombs that could resemble something I saw in Mycenae in Greece. Check google maps and rome2rio and make sure there isn't a bus or train that would take away your need to rent a car. Check whether you could get a taxi or uber ride(s). I only rented a car 3 times in my life, once in California, twice in Florida. I have traveled to different countries in Europe, 7 times.
Oct 2nd, 2025 | 06:39 AM
#35
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Joined: Dec 2013
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"Can you take the train to Seville the same day your plane arrives in Madrid and then put all your time in Madrid at the end of your trip?"
That's exactly what my current plan is- we will be tired and jet-lagged anyway upon arrival, and that way the last full day in Spain will be enjoying Madrid instead of on trains.
"Did you investigate whether there are any good flights to Seville that don't require stopping in Madrid first?"
Yes- they all connect to the US through long layovers in Germany and make it a 2-day return trip.
I do have Cordoba and Italica as possible day trips from Seville, Malaga from Granada and Toledo from Madrid. I don't think we will get a car, not necessary based on what I've read. Thanks for the feedback.
That's exactly what my current plan is- we will be tired and jet-lagged anyway upon arrival, and that way the last full day in Spain will be enjoying Madrid instead of on trains.
"Did you investigate whether there are any good flights to Seville that don't require stopping in Madrid first?"
Yes- they all connect to the US through long layovers in Germany and make it a 2-day return trip.
I do have Cordoba and Italica as possible day trips from Seville, Malaga from Granada and Toledo from Madrid. I don't think we will get a car, not necessary based on what I've read. Thanks for the feedback.
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