Trips from Madrid
 

I was considering a brief trip to Spain in April/May - 6 days/nights (not including travel). I would fly in/out of Madrid, but would also like to visit at least one other city. I was thinking Seville or perhaps the Costa del Sol. Is Seville a good day trip? Or would you recommend spending more time there? I love the beach, so that is my draw to the coast. Are Malaga/Marbella primarily resort towns? Any other interesting sites there? I also noticed Cadiz is not too far from Seville on the opposite coast. What are the beaches like there? Also, I would be taking the train, not renting a car. I'd love to hear your thoughts - thanks!

the weather in Spain was unbelievably nice when we visited in April, but it was hectic due to Easter & feria. Easter is early April this year, but the 2007 Feria de Sevilla is 4/24-29 & lodging, transportation, etc., all become more precious during the special events.
http://feriadesevilla.andalunet.com/#

I did actually dip my toe in the water in Cadiz, but brrrrrrrrr... chilly and windy! There are nice beaches for getting sun, tho'! I can't imagine the water being that much warmer on the Sol side, but that doesn't stop the vacationing Northern Europeans from dipping. ;-)


My world traveler friend did the Barcelona/Costa del Sol trip & had a blast. He went to the Salvador Dali museum, Montserrat & caught a ride with a family going to their vacation home down on the coast. Barcelona seems less affected by the Feria circuit than the Andalucian territories.

Thanks for the response! Were you in Seville during Feria? What was it like? That was actually the week I was thinking of going. I'm thinking maybe 3 nights in Madrid & 3 nights in Seville. Could I do a daytrip to Cadiz from Seville if I wanted to soak up some rays? Any other good day trip destinations?

Cadiz might best be saved for a couple-nights trip, my opinion, anyway... I'd stay in Sevilla and really see the outskirts, local color & maybe one of the outlying towns. But if you're there during Feria, you'll probably be too exhausted to roam anyway! ;-) We were early for the Feria, but the flamenco scene was getting more intense in the weeks leading up to it. I regret not wandering more out of the central city - we stayed on the Alcazar side of the river for the most part - and seeing some of the night life in the barrios. But there's so much to do even in the central zone: get lost in the narrow alleyways, bullfights, dining.

I'd love to parade with one of the icons (?) that look like huge Mardi-Gras floats. Hundreds of people, noise, pride, fun!

If you're only there for 6 days/nights (not including travel), I would suggest you consider places near Madrid that you could easily do as day trips such as Segovia or Toledo or Salamanca or Avila. Segovia and Toledo are both fantastic, and while Seville is also, it really warrants more time and a longer trip (as would getting to Costa del Sol). Save those for another trip. They'll still be there--I hope!