We're planning a 6 or 7 day trip to Spain in December as part of a longer trip where we're flying in and out of Paris. This will be our first time in Spain -- ideally, we'd like to see Barcelona, Sevilla, & Madrid, but doing all three in such a short time seems like too much. Of the three areas, which two would some of you recommend, or are there other must-see areas? I understand there are some inexpensive airlines that fly between these cities and Paris -- that would probably be our best bet considering the time constraints. Has anyone had experience with these flights?

Thanks for any info!

Liz

Given the time frame, I'd pick Barcelona and Sevilla. Save Madrid for later. It has some interesting sights but I liked the "feel" of the other 2 cities much better. Barcelona has an edge over Madrid (IMO) for being more compact and having more interesting sights (thank you Gaudi!). Plus since it's in Catalon, it has a different vibe than Madrid and/or Sevilla. Regarding air travel, yes there are several airlines with reasonable cost flights between the 2 countries. Should be no problem to find one and book it here or there.
Have a great trip!

For budget airlines between European cities, check www.whichbudget.com. I had three flights this summer in Spain on Vueling Airlines, www.vueling.com, for 10 euros each plus tax.

iberia and air france sometimes have better schedules for little more and are very competetive. do not ignore them.

I understand the Barcelona/Seville suggestion, but you will do a lot of flying or you will spend a lot of time on a train.

I was in Seville earlier this year, and I thought it was a very hectic place--nothing like I remembered from years ago. Things may be different in December.

If you have six nights I suggest you go to Granada for (2) nights. Rent a car, and then Cordoba, Mallega, Ronda, Seville. That's what I would do.

Make reservations for the Alhambra in advance.

I would do Andalusia - one flight and then you're on the ground with IMHO the best/most unique parts of Spain within a couple of hours drive.

I'm not a fan of Madrid - little to do and winter weather can be awful.

And while Barcelona can be charming I wouldn't spend a week there - esp since the beach is not an option.

I agree with sticking with one location for 6 or 7 days and I also agree with Andalucia for this time of year.

Hi elizrg;

I'm with the others for Andalusia; I love Sevilla and La Mesquita in Cordova is unforgettable. I believe there is a high speed train out of Madrid Atocha station to Sevilla and you could do that on the day of arrival.

Also, your interests could play a part in this as well. If you are an Art Lover then Madrid would give you a lot there, The Prado, for instance, and then a couple days in Toledo might be nice. I recommend Hostal del Cardenal in Toledo-- very romantic.

I've been to Madrid several times but if time were an issue I would skip it all and go straight to Andalusia....

Even if you fly between cities, 6 or 7 days are really not enough time for many 'must sees' in Spain. December, your best bet would probably be South, Moorish Spain: Cordoba, Sevilla, Cadiz, maybe Granada if you can fit it in.

You can fly between Paris (CDG) and Barcelona (BCN) on Vueling airlines or between Paris (Orly) and Sevilla on Clickair, a new discount airline: http://www.clickair.com or http://www.vueling.com
BTW
It is possible to daytrip (AVE) Madrid-Sevilla. We did it: caught 7:30AM AVE from Atocha (arr. 10:00); caught 8 PM AVE from Sevilla (arr. 10:30 PM). Got a 25% discount on 'same day return.'

I have also taken the all-preferente sleeper train, Barcelona to Sevilla. Quiet & comfortable.
http://www.renfe.es

www.clickair.com
is a new airline started 1st of Oct based in Barcelona offering very interesting rates, for the moment they go to few places but one of them is Sevilla.
For a few days Barcelona and Sevilla is a very good choice. If you have a strong interest in paintings them you cannot miss Madrid.

I flew from Barcelona to Seville for very cheap a few months ago. Iberia has good rates sometimes (check the internet price often as it changes). Whichbudget.com will give you all the possible airlines that serve this route.

For 6 to 7 days, you can do the following. Each are definitely doable with little stress:

From Paris,
a) Fly to Madrid and spend 2 days (There are great sites and museums there, despite what someone wrote earlier). Daytrip to Segovia (1 day). From Madrid, take train to Toledo (1-2 days), followed by train to Seville (2 days). Fly back home from Seville.

b) Fly to Madrid and spend 2-3 days. Daytrip to Segovia (1 day). Daytrip to Escorial (1 day). From Madrid, go to Toledo (1-2 days). Fly home from Madrid.

c) Fly to Barcelona and spend 3-4 days.
Fly from BCN to Seville and spend 3 days. Optional: Day trip to Cordoba (1 day). Fly home from Seville.

Thanks to all the great suggestions from this board & Maribel's website, we now have a good idea of our itinerary. We also gained an extra couple of days in Spain because of a schedule change, so we will leave Paris on 12/18 and will return for our flight home on 12/27. We still are hoping to get to Madrid (we're big art fans), Toledo, Seville with a possible stop in Cordoba, and Barcelona.

Here are my questions: I noticed that Maribel's Barcelona guide shows Dec. 25 and 26 as holidays in Barcelona -- these would be the bulk of our time there -- is it true that most tourist attractions (i.e., Gaudi sites) are closed on those dates? Does the same hold true for Madrid & Seville?

I'm assuming that we'll have to go thru customs in Paris when we fly in from Spain. If so, how much time should we allow between flights? Would two hours be enough?

Thanks!

elizrg;

If Maribel says it then it's true! She would know since she goes often.

I have not been in Spain at Christmas but have been during the Easter season and everything is closed for days afterward and before, so I can sympathize with your situation. The Spanish are very traditional that way. I don't know about Madrid but I would bet that Sevilla would be the same.