Hi all! My boyfriend and I, ages 23 and 24, have 9 full days planned to spend in southern Spain in late March. We will be flying into and out of Seville. I have been recommended Granada, so I think we are going to be spending a couple days there as well.

Does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay in city centers? Is airbnb reputable in southern Spain?

How long should we spend in each city- Seville, Granada, somewhere else?

We are not big art museum people, but would rather stay outside and explore. We are very active and don't mind rushing around if that means we get to see a lot of things.

Also, is late March a good time to go to southern Spain? Would it be warm enough to try to take a day or two at the coast?

Thank you in advance for all of your replies!!

I think a couple of days in Malaga would be great! We were there in mid March this year and really enjoyed our three day stay. Staying in the old city center anywhere near the cathedral is ideal. Check out RoomMate Larios- nice place and perfectly located. The weather was mixed while we were in southern Spain. It was unusually rainy this spring but we had plenty of breaks in the rain and it didn’t bother us much. Malaga has a lively atmosphere with a great restaurant scene. The Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro make for a great visit/hike along the waterfront.

everyone seems to love Malaga - nice old city and also seaside pleasures.

Going by train - should IMO if going mainly to cities

Maybe land in Seville - 4 nights - do a day trip to Jerez-de-la-Frontera for sherry house tours and take in practice sessions.

Take train to Cordoba - neat old town with famous cathedral former Mosque - 2 nights

Train to Granada - 2-3 nights - Alhambra takes a whole day and evening

Train to Malaga -2-3 nights

Fly home from Malaga

Book trains at Renfe - Spanish Railways official site - as early as possible -60 or 90 days out I think - for neat discounted fares; www.seat61.com has loads on doing that yourselves online - general info trains and where to go - BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.

How long do you have- Madrid is neat for a few days and has great day trips like to Toledo, which everyone raves about - maybe into or out of there - Madrid to Cordoba/Seville about 2 hours.

https://www.holiday-weather.com/malaga/averages/march/

Not really swimming weather but could be warm enough to sit on beach.

I think PalenQ has given you some great ideas about how to allocate your time, except that I don't think you'll have time for Madrid or Toledo with only 9 days. Check the opening hours for anything that matters to you, as many things in Spain are closed on Monday, and often for all or part of Sundays too; and many things in Spain will also be closed daily for a very long mid-day break. And if the Alhambra is a priority (and it is magnificent, IMO), note that you'll need to reserve well in advance of your trip.

Enjoy!

We spent two weeks in Andalucia and Madrid in mid to late March, 2017. Weather can differ from year to year, but we had great weather. It was mostly sunny and warm during the day. Nights and mornings were cool, especially in Granada. I brought a light down coat and it was perfect. Just be prepared to dress in layers.

PalenQ gives a nice itinerary, but you could also consider a visit to Ronda and/or one of the other "white villages" along the way.
Cordoba can be visited as a day trip from Seville. You can take the train or book a tour from Seville.

Another day trip from Seville is Arcos de la Frontera, (I believe a bus goes there) one of the white villages, in case you can't stop in Ronda. I also think it's on the way to Jerez.

Definitely spend at least 3 nights in Granada if you can. You will want to explore more of Granada besides the Alhambra which takes a whole day.

We flew in and out of Malaga, and I regret not having taken the time to stop and see Malaga a bit, I've heard good things about it.

Also, I've been to Madrid in late March, a few years ago. Perfect spring weather. The week started out mid-60s and warmed to mid-70s by the end. I'd assume the south will be a little warmer... But I agree with kja, you won't have time for Madrid with just 9 days.

As for rentals, try granadainfo.com and Sevilla5.com
We rented from both of them and were very happy with our lodgings.
Also try booking.com.

We spent 5 days in Granada and 5 in Seville just last month. Can't speak to weather for March ... July was mid 30's C (mid 90's F), unrelentingly sunny and broiling every day.

You asked about Airbnb being "reputable" in Southern Spain. We stayed with our daughter and her husband in Airbnbs in both cities, and they were great. In Granada we had a 300-yr old, 3-bedroom house in the Albaicin, a bit outdated but clean and comfortable. In Seville, it was a beautiful and modern 2-bedroom apartment in Centro. Both had nice outdoor patios, air conditioning (absolutely necessary in summer!) and the cost for each averaged about $70 US per night/per couple. These facilities were both likely much larger than you would require for just 2 people, but I see no reason to avoid Airbnb in Andalusia. The Granada property was managed by Brit ex-pats, who we never saw, but were always helpful and available by phone and messaging through the Airbnb app. The place in Seville was owned by a lovely Spanish couple, who spent almost 2 hours with us at check-in, showing us everything in the apartment, recommending restaurants and activities in the area, and providing other concierge-type services. They were also readily available for questions throughout our stay.

This was our first experience ever with Airbnb. It was easy, and the facilities were exactly as advertised. I wouldn't hesitate using the service again.

Airbnb seems to be taking over accommodations for many Fodorite vets - a very great endorsement IMO - everywhere it seems. Soon hotels IMO will be offering such accommodations too.

Yes, many posters have offered endorsements, but PalenQ is ignoring the many posts that offer cautions against the impact of Airbnb (and similar arrangements) on local communities.

All accommodation in Anderlucia has to be registered. Quite a number of properties still operate with out a licence. Things are changing in that portals like AirBnB has to report details to the authorises of all owners. This may mean properties will get removed without notice, if they are found to be illegal. AirBnB at the moment list all sorts of accommodation. But you have to pay a fee to them where has booking you do not.
The weather question can never be answered. It is too variable even for the weather history charts to give you a decent answer. I would not swim in the sea in some locations as Spain has a huge sewerage outflow /pollution problem.