My husband and I went to Madrid and Seville last May and absolutely loved both cities. Here's my trip report

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35130833

In Seville we went to the Arab Baths at Aire de Seville and it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Here's a link to their website

http://www.airedesevilla.com/eng/index.htm

Oops, my previous link to my trip report didn't work, hopefully this on does...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35007554

My grandparents (who were Spaniards), used to go years ago to the Balneario de Cestona, near San Sebastian. I just googled it and it still exists.

Hi cruiseluv,
Were you grandparents from the north?

Here's another old-time Cantabrian balneario that's been fashionably updated, just south of Santander. We were there last summer.

Balneario Puente Viesgo
www.balneariodepuenteviesgo.com

Here's another I love in Galicia in the Rías Baixas on the island of La Toja (where the black soap comes from):

Hesperia Gran Hotel La Toja
http://tinyurl.com/54vtap

Galicia is chock-a-block with balnearios.

See
www.balneariosdegalicia.com

Hola Maribel,

Yes, they were from Asturias. Maybe that's why I like that area so much!

The alacazar (seville) and Alahambra (granada) are amazing palaces and gardens. They will be different than what you have seen because they are moorish. I'm surprised more people have not really focused on these places.

Happy travels

The OP wrote:

<b>We'd much rather be in 80-degree weather than 70-degree weather.</b>

With that in mind, how much sense does it make to recommend a trip to Northern Spain in <b>spring</b>??

That's why I didn't, Cowboy..though it is my favourite destination in Spain.

Northern Spain is wonderful, but for a first trip, take the advice of most posters and spend a few days in Madrid (including day trips or overnights in Segovia and Toledo), and then head to Andalucia (Sevilla, Cordoba, and Granada at least with some of the nearby countryside) - plenty of palaces, gardens, and castles (the colonial architecture in Puerto Rico owes a lot more to Andalucia than Asturias or Galacia.) Do not miss Alcazar palace and Gardens or the Casa de Pilates in Sevilla.

Also wine-growing regions around Montilla or even Jerez. White villages. Plus of course sunny Mediterrnaean beaches.

If you are planning to go next spring, there may still be time to get a reservation to stay at the Parador in the Alhambra in Granada.

Great baths! Aires de Sevilla is an old arab style bath centre. With different temperature pools etc... It also has its own &quot;Teteria&quot; (tea shop) where you can relax drinking morrocon style teas.

Old Cities, Seville is quite a nice old place, it has a lovely Cathedral and quite a few things to visit.

Castles, the Merida and Caceres area has some AMAZING old castles, lots of roman ruins as well. You shouldn't miss their yearly &quot;Classic Theatre Festival&quot; which is held in the old roman amphitheatre!.

Wine, if you are interested in sherry, don't miss Jerez (between Seville and Cadiz), it has plenty of bodegas you can visit, and some great places to eat. Also if you love horses, you can't miss the different horse shows which are held in this town. And if you are interested in Flamenco music, this is where it all beggan! This town also has some lovevly arab baths to visit (smaller than the place in Seville) called Hamman Andalusi. There are plenty of nice beaches nearby, and is pretty well conected by train with Cadiz and Seville.

Madrid has good museums, but it isn't as exciting as a city that size should be.

Barcelona is an amazing place, it has nice beaches, and if you are into architecture, then that's the place to be.

Costa de la Luz has some fantastic beaches, probably one of the best beaches in the country, Bolonia, white sand, and not very busy either, with some lovely white villages nearby.

Zaragoza is also a nice place to see, and has a lovely city centre.

Granada has the Alhambra, one of the candidates that made it to the final for &quot;new 7 wonders of the world&quot;. Spring time is fine there, summer is REALLY HOT, and winter is REALLY COLD though.

Cordoba has the Mezquita which is magical, and plenty of old buildings and some ruins arround, also some great food (don't miss the SALMOREJO!)