Planning 7/8 days in Andalucia

[jonk]

Hi all

I'm going to Spain for 3 and a bit months soon, but the first stop on my itinerary is Andalucia

I will get into Sevilla by train on the night of the 20th.

Current plan is

21st Sevilla
22nd Sevilla
23rd afternoon train to Cordoba
24th Cordoba, train to Granada arriving 9pm. BTW this is a Sunday, when the timetables say Daily do they mean Daily?
25th Granada
26th Granada, leave to...?

29th fly out at night from Malaga. Don't know where to because the La Liga fixtures still havent been released.

[Ben]

I have a friend who had a similar amount of time to you and a similar itiniary. It looks like you have a couple of free days left, is that right? In that case you could consider adding a night in Cadiz after SEville and before Granada - it's a really different, and I think special, place.

[rod]

I agree with Ben about adding Cádiz to the beginning of your itinerary. Cádiz is different, and while there are some great places between Granada and Málaga (I would think that - I live here!), most of them are not on train lines and travel isn't so easy if you've only got a limited amount of time. One possibility might be Ronda?

[jonk]

Thanks for the replies guys. I might fly out of Seville instead of Malaga so am thinking maybe this instead..

21st Sevilla
22nd Sevilla
23rd afternoon train to Cordoba
24th Cordoba, train to Granada arriving 9pm. BTW this is a Sunday, when the timetables say Daily do they mean Daily?
25th Granada
26th Granada, bus to Malaga in the morning, stay in Malaga
27th, bus to Ronda, stay in Ronda
28th bus to Cadiz in the morning, hang around Cadiz
29th Rent a car and go to Gibraltar, check out other stuff in the area, go back to Cadiz
30th head to Seville in the morning and fly out. Not sure if will head back to Seville on the 30th or the 31st because I'm waiting for the La Liga fixtures to come out

[imc]

Mejor que ir en coche desde Málaga a Cádiz a través de la costa, es ir desde Ronda a Cádiz a través de la sierra y ver los pueblos blancos.

[jonk]

Mejor que ir en coche desde Málaga a Cádiz a través de la costa, es ir desde Ronda a Cádiz a través de la sierra y ver los pueblos blancos.

ok thanks for that! but how will i see the costa? Is it even worth seeing -- given that I am going to see the coast in and around Barcelona the week after? Los pueblos blancos me parecen bonitas. I guess I'm going to see a bit of the coast in Malaga anyway. I guess I have been a bit worried about the ease of renting in Ronda?

Thanks so much for the answers already. I have adjusted my schedule to take your answer into account

[Berti]

Buenas!
If you are travelling by coach from Malaga to Cádiz, the route will at various times hug parts of the coast and eventually afford views over to Africa as the coach climbs past Gibraltar, however once past Tarifa it's route is more inland and the final part of it's route from Chiclana to Cádiz is not so inspiring.

If you make the journey by car you have more options, the main one being that at "Los Barrios" you have the option to take the recently completed (upgraded) direct route inland to Jerez and then onto Sevilla. Although inland this road is the gateway to many fantastic narrow roads into la Sierra de Grazalema. However I doubt you will have time to explore in detail that area, but the main road does go very close to Medina Sidonia, which is a very old hilltop town, with a certain charm.

If you choose the coast option from Los Barrios,as in the coach's route, you will climb behind Gibraltar ( I personally see little charm in Gibraltar) and have a chance to park at the mirador and see the straights from an evelated position, from there you descend past Tarifa following the coast at times very close at other times inland a km or so.

With a car it is possible to detour off the main road and see Bolonia and later Trafalgar, Zahara de los Atunes, Barbate coast and even continue on the coast (narrow road) through Roche until Conil and Chiclana. But to stop at them all in one day is not in my opinion maximising your time. From Chiclana you must rejoin the main inland road which takes you on into "a/ San Fernando/ Cádiz or "b/ Jerez/ Sevilla.

Another interesting option for entering Cádiz old town is to take the old ferry 40mins or the new catarmaran 20mins from El Puerto They both dock alongside any ocean cruisers that may be in port.

The coastal route in summer obviously can at various times of the day in summer be very busy.

There is also a good train line from Sevilla, through Jerez, El Puerto, Cadiz(see links page on this site for Renfe timetable.

If you are thinking of the ferry across the bay, post accordingly and I will go find the links for their timetables.

If you enter Jerez by train from the south, you will feel uninclined to get off as you see some very ugly highrise housing, but the centre of Jerez is quite something.
You do not have a lot of time, if I were you I would choose a relaxed schedule and pick what for you is our preferances and spend quality time, rather than rushing through as much as is possible.:thumbs-up:

[Ben]

Forget Gibraltar, please! (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2007/08/08/gibraltar-let-em-keep-it-please/)

[jonk]

Forget Gibraltar, please! (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2007/08/08/gibraltar-let-em-keep-it-please/)

That was a hilarious read :thumbs-up: However it's more of a notch-in-the-belt kind of thing for me, same reason I'm visiting Andorra as well. *edits*now I'm not sure about Andorra..doesnt look so worth it

@ Berti. :o ;D :thumbs-up:

I don't have that many questions yet because I don't know half the places you were referring to, or haven't read much of them! As soon as I finish this post I'll go through yours in more detail and check out some of this stuff on a map.

I'm really unsure about Gibraltar now... even with the notch thing.

[Ben]

It's not a notch worth notching, believe me. Even if they did miraculously ged rid of those apes before you get there!

[jonk]

It's not a notch worth notching, believe me. Even if they did miraculously ged rid of those apes before you get there!

lol ok I think I'm going to take a look at Berti's post for some options around Cadiz. Will want that day to be fairly relaxed.

[imc]

Si tienes problemas para alquilar un coche en Ronda, puedes hacerlo en Málaga e irte desde allí a Ronda en coche. Tienes varias opciones para llegar desde Málaga a Ronda. Puedes tomar la carretera de la costa hasta Fuengirola, luego hacia el interior hasta Coín, y desde allí, pasando por Alozaina, Yunquera y El Burgo hasta Ronda. Es una buena vuelta pero merece la pena. También puedes seguir por la costa hasta San Pedro de Alcántara y desde allí hacia Ronda a través de la sierra.

Hay una línea de tren que llega hasta Ronda, pero sale de Bobadilla. Si no me equivoco, es la línea que llega hasta Algeciras.

[lmv]

lol ok I think I'm going to take a look at Berti's post for some options around Cadiz. Will want that day to be fairly relaxed.
My husband and I are heading to Andalucia next month (as nutty as it seems to do as Americans with our pathetically weak dollar to euro exchange). We have to fly in and out of Madrid, but then have about 10 days to head to Seville and then the coast. I have considered the same kind of itineraries as have been posted here. However I am caught in the typical dilemma of not really wanting to check in and out of different hotels each night or every other day and wanting to see as much as possible. (Oh, and relax and not spend a lot of money even though we are in our 40s and not about to do backpacking/hostel type of stay). Neither of us has been to Spain before.
My husband, while loving Italy and France, is also in the mood to spend more time at the beach (and pushing for something closer/cheaper). But I am excited about seeing Moorish Spain and los pueblos blancos.
SO, I have a few questions -- and Ben, I'm a regular listener of your podcast and know you're into beaches, so am looking forward to your perspective.
1) Is there one particular town in the region that is a central base you might recommend that would have a lot to offer -- but perhaps not the hottest spot so slightly more reasonable price -- where we could take day trips by train (or I suppose bus) to see other towns?
2) We know we will want to spend some of the time staying at the beach and are looking for which beach areas have the sandiest beaches and clearest water. We are not particularly looking for the wild partying spots (though if that's where the nicest sand/water is we would be okay).
Thanks for any suggestions in addition to the helpful info you all have already provided to jonk. (In some future post, I'll try to write in Spanish!)

[switch007]

Sorry to hijack this thread a bit but it's kind of related :p

Can anyone recommend any villages in the Malaga/Cadiz region that act as a good base for day hiking? (10-20km)

Thanks!

[Juanjo]

Sorry to hijack this thread a bit but it's kind of related :p

Can anyone recommend any villages in the Malaga/Cadiz region that act as a good base for day hiking? (10-20km)

Thanks!

Grazalema/Ronda

[Berti]

[quote=switch007;56413]Sorry to hijack this thread a bit but it's kind of related :p

Can anyone recommend any villages in the Malaga/Cadiz region that act as a good base for day hiking? (10-20km)

Buenas Switch!
From your profile I am not sure of your location/knowledge of la Sierra de Cádiz you probably would get more detailed info from a thread on "Senderismo en la tierra". However I can give you some info here.

Two points to consider are that some of the routes in Cádiz are by permit only, due to ecological reasons. Secondly quite a few do not permit dogs.

The villages/small towns,as well as Grazalema which has already been listed, that are well placed in La Provencia de Cádiz and I have personally visited are : in no particular order:

Alcalá de los Gazules
Zahara de la Frontera
Ubrique
Bencocaz
Benamahoma
El Bosque
Jimena de la Frontera (on the border of Malaga/Cádiz.

[switch007]

Thanks both of you! I think I will probably stay in Ronda first :)

[imc]

Hola Switch, en esta página puedes encontrar información sobre rutas de senderismo en Andalucía: http://www.rutasdelsur.es/inicio

[Embug2000]

I have just returned from a 12 day trip to Madrid and Andalusia. I would suggest making Madrid a stop for a few days, 2 or 3, it has ready train access or bus transportation to many of the surrounding areas. I would definitely suggest a day trip to Segovia, El Escorial and el Valle de los Caidos. There is plenty to see in Madrid, the Prado, Reina Sofia, El Palacio Real, Parque de Buen Retiro, etc.

Then you could head to Granada, in my opinion this is a must see!

Sevilla can be a base for a day or two. The Cathedral, Alcazar and Casa de los Pilatos.

Then the beach for a few days, Costa del Sol has lots of little towns in which you will find many English speakers due to the large amount of Brits that vacation there. Malaga has many interesting places, Picasso's museum and childhood home, among others.

As far as cheaper accommodations there are plenty of budget friendly options. I would search the internet before you leave and make some reservations.

[lmv]

Thanks so much
In spite of my English here, i'm definitely not looking in particular for places where there will be a lot of English speakers (and mindful that more Brit vacationers likely means not likely to find the kind of deals/less known or popular spots).
I should clarify that we are definitely champagne taste/ (and mainly now due to the weak dollar) beer budget ... so what I was wondering about were more spots that those of you who know Spain much more would possibly be able to suggest. I have been and will continue to do an insane amount of Internet research, just looking for hidden gems.

And still wondering about the sandiest beaches. (from my research Zahara de la Frontera looks like the most appealing beach but can't totally tell if it's a good spot to plant ourselves (and not finding the kind of deals I'm talking about).

thanks again!

[lmv]

PS. Thanks for this link! It's a great lead

[Berti]

Just to correct a typing error of mine. :blush: In the list(below) that I posted earlier, Zahara de la Frontera should read :Zahara de la Tierra.
There are two Zaharas in Cádiz. Zahara de los Atunes, which is on the coast and Zahara de la Tierra which nestles inland at the foot of Puerto de las Palomas. Zahara de la Frontera does not exist and was my error.

Did not want to confuse anyone making travel plans.

Alcalá de los Gazules
Zahara de la Frontera :o (updated) : Zahara de la Tierra :thumbs-up:
Ubrique
Bencocaz
Benamahoma
El Bosque
Jimena de la Frontera (on the border of Malaga/Cádiz.[/quote]

[jonk]

I'm a +1 on wanting to avoid English speakers.

Also I'll be staying in Madrid for 2.5 months later on so I have no doubt I'll see it really well.. :) But thanks Embug.

[imc]

Just to correct a typing error of mine. :blush: In the list(below) that I posted earlier, Zahara de la Frontera should read :Zahara de la Tierra.

Creo que es Zahara de la Sierra :)

[Berti]

Gracias IMC tienes razón, en estos días el sol esta quemando mis sesos! :thumbs-up:

[jonk]

Thanks for the replies guys. I might fly out of Seville instead of Malaga so am thinking maybe this instead..

21st Sevilla
22nd Sevilla
23rd afternoon train to Cordoba
24th Cordoba, train to Granada arriving 9pm. BTW this is a Sunday, when the timetables say Daily do they mean Daily?
25th Granada
26th Granada, bus to Malaga in the morning, stay in Malaga
27th, bus to Ronda, stay in Ronda
28th bus to Cadiz in the morning, hang around Cadiz
29th Rent a car and muck around for the day. Cruisy jaunt throughout the region sampling regional delights.
30th Wake up early and head to Seville and fly out at 12:15 to La Coruña

Thanks for the help guys, am going to plan around this itinerary. Want to try out the couchsurfing network.

[Juanjo]

Thanks for the help guys, am going to plan around this itinerary. Want to try out the couchsurfing network.

Why not plan to take the Ronda/Algeciras train for some spectacular views of "real Spain".

[switch007]

Hola Switch, en esta página puedes encontrar información sobre rutas de senderismo en Andalucía: http://www.rutasdelsur.es/inicio
No he visto esta página antes! echo un vistazo, gracias! :)

también, hay alguien que sabe dónde puedo alquiler un 'GPS de mano' en Andalucía? no confío en mi con las mapas jaja

[jonk]

Why not plan to take the Ronda/Algeciras train for some spectacular views of "real Spain".

Bus to Algecira, train to Ronda? I have heard of this train trip, is it as good as people say?

[tailormadeandalucia]

Hi imv,

I live in Cadiz Province. The sandiest beaches can be found between Conil and Tarifa. Playa de los Alemanes and Bolonia to name a couple. They are stunning and are never rammed full. I think you mean Zahara de los Atunes don't you? Either that or Conil de la Frontera are ideal places to base yourself from, but are heaving in summer. It might be an idea to base yourself slightly inland to save money and have a wee bit of space and less stress. Somewhere like Medina Sidonia or Vejer de la Frontera...

[lmv]

Gracias Cadiz guru! I did mean Zahara de los Atunes and had just picked up the error before Berti corrected earlier post. I will check out the suggestions though! I think if we can't stay right on the beach our preference would be to stay in one of the little towns with cool winding, narrow streets (although that's thinking more about the charm of walking around, not driving.) At this point we are thinking we would be too stressed if we take rent a car ... but maybe would have to if we are staying inland?

[imc]

Bus to Algecira, train to Ronda? I have heard of this train trip, is it as good as people say?


No he viajado nunca en esa línea, pero atraviesa en parte el Parque de los Alcornocales, así que supongo que el paisaje debe estar bien :)

[Hullite]

Ben,

In that case you could consider adding a night in Cadiz after SEville and before Granada - it's a really different, and I think special, place.

Since you have outed Cadiz on this site I might as well write a report on my trip there last week. I was spending a week with a Spanish friend at her home in San Fernando and we went into Cadiz 4 times. It is truly magical.

If I get time I will post it on this forum tonight; glass of Manzanilla in hand, tears running down my cheeks....

[Cide Hamete Benengeli VII]

Hi, what restaurants did you like when you were in Spain.

[allan]

Hi, what restaurants did you like when you were in Spain.

Spain isn't really restaurant country unless your budget runs to El Bulli.
Well, having said that, I suppose I should make an exception of Catalunya
in general.

Mainly Spain is bar country, but bars which function as "restaurants" as
well. Very informal but damned good food. There are exceptions of course, as anywhere.

Allan

[ValenciaSon]

1. La Matandeta
Direccion: Carretera Alfafar-saler KM 4, 46910 Alfafar
Telefono: 962 112 184

2. L'Alter
Direccion: Calle Juliet 3, Picassent,
Telefono: 961 230-537

3. Palace Fesol
Direccion: Hernan Cortes 7 46004, Valencia
Telefono: 963 529 323

4. Horchateria Daniel
Direccion: Avenida de la Horchata, 4146120, Alboraya
Telefono: 96 185 66