2 weeks in Spain, mostly Andalusia
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Jan 15, 2013 8:13 AM Last Post By: tony_b
jump to
2 weeks in Spain, mostly Andalusia
Hi fellow travelers or citizens of Spain,I'm traveling from Toronto to Spain for about 2 weeks at the end of April/beginning of May and was tentatively planning on doing 3-4 days first in Barcelona, then 3-4 in Madrid, then a week(+) in Sevilla. The reason for the longer period of time in Sevilla is that I 'm looking for a more laid-back, less touristy destination (at least, less so than Barcelona) in order to actually have some relaxation and absorb of the local culture.
I am hoping to stay in Seville, probably doing a rental through vrbo or homeaway. Are there are any neighbourhoods (or even specific apartments) that people can recommend? Also, any suggestions on nice affordable places to eat would be appreciated; we're fairly adventurous with food so I'm not difficult to please (definitely don't want crap though).
I'm very interested in exploring Andalusia. Are there are any specific places that are recommended that would be good day trips? Smaller towns or cities? I'm thinking Granada and Cordoba would be nice. Also any vineyards that are open to the public for tours or as places for lunch? (the quiet countryside really is my preference) :)
That said, of course, we're spending some time in Barcelona and Madrid. Can anyone recommend a nice picturesque neighborhood to find a place to stay, accessible to the central areas (perhaps near the subway/metro), but where we can escape the mad rush of the city center? Any recommendations for good affordable food are also appreciated for those cities. I know there are lots of tourist books listing lots of things to do in those cities, but if anyone has any really interesting historical or architectural sites worth mentioning I'd love to hear about them. I love architecture and history, although after about the hundredth church that gets tired. :)
So overall I'm looking for 1) recommended affordable places to stay (apartments possibly), 2) suggestions on places to eat and historical/cultural sites of interest (less beach and sun, more relaxation and exploration), 3) input on my time allotments to each city/area.
Also, we're taking the AVE so if there's anything else along the way that we can get to easily using the high-speed trains, that is also appreciated.
1
For Seville, stay away from the old Jewish Quarter area if you want a less touristy neighborhood. Hercule Plaza neighborhood is quite nice, so are areas across the river.There are port producers in the region, so check the guide book. Cordoba could be done as a day trip from Sevilla, but Granada can use 24 hours. It is quite nice.
If you're into architecture, the Gaudi houses are must stops in BCN. In Madrid, Fundacion Telefonica, Circulo de Bellas Artes, and Westin Palace Hotel are worth a visit. And the Prado Museum is impressive even if you're not much into painting.
Sevilla
http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157632385370791/
Espana
http://www.flickr.com/photos/youngadventure/sets/72157632399022378/
2
There's a funky unique little town south of Seville called El Rocio.3
1) I cannot help with recommendations.2) There are scores if not low hundreds of places in Andalucia that have interested me for a few hours or a day or two and continue to do so - http://www.andalucia.com/province/home.htm
Granada from Seville I could never see as a day trip at least seven hours return, your door in Seville to door of the Alhambra, whatever transport.
3) You may want to spend a couple of days in Granada, taking time off Seville.
Depending on the time of the journey, there are no, very few and sometimes only one stop on your AVE journeys, research them. Presumably you understand you cannot break your journey without purchase of another ticket.
4
I'm very interested in exploring Andalusia. Are there are any specific places that are recommended that would be good day trips? Smaller towns or cities? I'm thinking Granada and Cordoba would be nice. Also any vineyards that are open to the public for tours or as places for lunch?How many time do you have exactly for that part of your trip? I know a week + but I don't know how many time is that +. Córdoba could be made as a daytrip from Sevilla although if you are interested in architecture and history, you could consider to spend more time there depending on your travel style. It makes no-sense to make Granada as a daytrip from Sevilla so either allow more time to visit Granada or skip it. Other than that there are tons of intereting places in Andalucía and many possible interesting daytrips out of Sevilla but if you plan to visit Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada, you won't have time to visit any other place if you don't want to rush it. BTW, if you are really interested in exploring Andalucía, you should consider to spend all your time there (and even then you would be missing most of its attractions).
5
For less touristy in Sevilla, essential to avoid Barrio Sta. Cruz aka jewish quarter. Try Alameda de Hercules area, la Macarena or Triana across the river.here's this for rentals: http://www.rentalia.com/holiday-rentals-spain/
In Madrid I'd suggest Malasana, but it's kind of a hipster neighborhood now. North of Malasana is more regular. La Latina is where the immigrants are.
A guidebook would provide a wealth of information you could browse at your leisure.
6
2 weeks in Spain, mostly AndalusiaI'm very interested in exploring Andalusia.
You have 2 weeks. You plan on spending "3-4 days first in Barcelona, then 3-4 in Madrid".
So where does the "mostly Andalusia" fit in? And how do intend to explore a region that takes several hours to drive across if you have less than one week?
