Southern Spain

[LionsandBears]

We're now flying into/out of Murcia, which is closer to DH's Dad's place. We will fly in Saturday and have Saturday night at his place, then travel Sunday towards Granada. So Sunday is a travel day, then we have until Thursday for site seeing. We then need to drive back to drop off DH's Dad either on the Thursday or Friday, depending on the flights we can get.

Given we have less time for site seeing, I'm thinking we may need to reduce the places we go to. The Alambra in Granada is still definately a must. Out of Seville, Cordoba and Ronda, which places are best, which can be missed? DH prefers to stay in one place for 4-5 nights than keep checking in/out. If we do that, is it best to stay in Granada and do day trips? Is that realistic with driving times, parking etc? Granada seems to be 2.5 hours from Cordoba and Ronda and 3 hours from Seville.

Gracias

[Miss E]

Spain is probably my favourite country in Europe and Cordoba was my favourite place in Spain!

We drove from Madrid to Cordoba to Seville to Granada then to Barcelona. I have to say though, driving in the old part of the cities (which is where everything is) is a nightmare, lots of one ways streets and sometimes impossible to get where you want to with a map. Also parking is really difficult. We ended up just parking outside of the main part of the city and walking to our pension. We were only in each place for 2 or 3 days, so would just leave the car there until we left.

Cordoba is just stunning. Exactly what you imagine spain to be, with whitewashed walls and tiny little alley's everywhere. there are lots of gypsies and it is just generally a wonderful atmosphere.

TBH Seville was a bit of a disspaointment to me after Cordoba, it all seemed so commerical and westernised. But the Plaza de Espana is a must see, it has the most amazing mosaics that cover everything for miles (walls, footopaths, stream, bridges).

Granada was also lovely, quite small, but nice to walk around and enjoy.

I don't think it would be too cold in the south of spain in December, probably no worse than a Melbourne winter. We were there in Oct/Nov and I remember it being mid to low 20's

Have a wonderful time, Spain really is magical.

[Miss E]

Given we have less time for site seeing, I'm thinking we may need to reduce the places we go to. The Alambra in Granada is still definately a must. Out of Seville, Cordoba and Ronda, which places are best, which can be missed? DH prefers to stay in one place for 4-5 nights than keep checking in/out. If we do that, is it best to stay in Granada and do day trips? Is that realistic with driving times, parking etc? Granada seems to be 2.5 hours from Cordoba and Ronda and 3 hours from Seville.

Gracias

Sorry, just saw this. Personally I would go to Cordoba over Seville.

We only spent 1 night / almost 2 days in both Cordoba and Granada. They are tiny little towns. You pretty much see all the sights in one day. The Alambra is amazing, but it really isn't much more than an afternoon activity iykwim?

Personally, I wouldn't base yourself in Granada and drive. They are long drives and you often get stuck behind big trucks (as least I have memories of that). ALso, driving in the cities is difficult and parking is tricky.

[nickle730]

I agree, Seville is lovely, but nothing special. Haven't been to Cordoba, LOVE Ronda.

[wysiwyg]

I would also pick Cordoba over Seville (definitely as Seville longer drive) but have not been to Ronda

[LionsandBears]

Think I have the itinerary down now. Remember, we have DH's Dad with us so there may be issues with walking distances etc.

Sat: Arrive Spain, stay with DH's Dad
Sun: Drive Murcia to Cordoba, stay Cordoba
Mon: See the Mezquita, Casa Andalusi, town etc
Tues: See Alcazar, Jewish quarter, Casa de Seferad. Flamenco show in the evening
Wed: Drive to Granada. Afternoon spent walking around town - Albaicia, Mirador de San Nicholas
Thurs: Alhambra, Monastereo de Cartija if we have time. More flamenco
Fri: Drive back to Murcia, leave Spain

The only thing we'll set in stone is the Alambra, as we need to pre-book. I'm not sure how much flamenco DH can take, but I figure whilst in Spain, see Spanish things.

[Miss E]

Sounds great!

If walking is an issue you might want to check with the alambra. I have memories of having to walk up this huge hill to get there (good 30 mins at a steep incline). I don't think cars were allowed up, but tour buses might of it was a ling time ago... Just thought I would flag it so you can work out a way around it.

You guys are going to have such a good time! I'm jealous!