- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Looking to build itinerary for Spain 2025
Posted on 2/20/24 at 2:47 pm
Posted on 2/20/24 at 2:47 pm
My wife and I have decided on Spain for Easter of 2025.
We have made several trips to Europe, first time in Spain. My wife is Cuban so she is looking forward to finally being confident in speaking in a foreign country.
It looks like we will be in country for 9-10 nights. It will be late April, and we aren't looking to hit any beaches.
No preference on where to fly into, this early we can be flexible on best price/dates. Roughly we would like to do a few nights in Barcelona and Madrid, and then one other city- looking at Seville or Valencia. In past Euro trips we have always preferred the smaller towns rather than the big cities- Tuscany over Rome, coastal Ireland over Dublin, Greek Islands over Athens. I get that Barcelona and Madrid are "musts" but are they really? We aren't into art/architecture, and wouldn't consider ourselves foodies. We love to immerse ourselves in the local scene and enjoy the fresh food- not into Michelin ratings.
We are interested in a day trip to Montserrat, so that has me thinking 4 nights in Barcelona, 2 in Madrid, and 2 in Seville or Valencia.
I did the extended TD Google search and read some opinions from past travelers, just looking for some help in fleshing out our trip. We don't mind renting a car, but I see that Barcelona and Madrid are well connected by high speed rail. Any help is appreciated.
We have made several trips to Europe, first time in Spain. My wife is Cuban so she is looking forward to finally being confident in speaking in a foreign country.
It looks like we will be in country for 9-10 nights. It will be late April, and we aren't looking to hit any beaches.
No preference on where to fly into, this early we can be flexible on best price/dates. Roughly we would like to do a few nights in Barcelona and Madrid, and then one other city- looking at Seville or Valencia. In past Euro trips we have always preferred the smaller towns rather than the big cities- Tuscany over Rome, coastal Ireland over Dublin, Greek Islands over Athens. I get that Barcelona and Madrid are "musts" but are they really? We aren't into art/architecture, and wouldn't consider ourselves foodies. We love to immerse ourselves in the local scene and enjoy the fresh food- not into Michelin ratings.
We are interested in a day trip to Montserrat, so that has me thinking 4 nights in Barcelona, 2 in Madrid, and 2 in Seville or Valencia.
I did the extended TD Google search and read some opinions from past travelers, just looking for some help in fleshing out our trip. We don't mind renting a car, but I see that Barcelona and Madrid are well connected by high speed rail. Any help is appreciated.
15
Posted on 2/20/24 at 3:15 pm to slinger1317
Daughter taught school outside of Zargoza for a year. We went to visit a few years ago for 2 weeks.
We didn't get down south to Valencia, and I've heard it nice. Consider the time of year, temperature etc.
BUT..
I will say our time in Asturias was magical. It's in the "green part of Spain". The Picos are spectacular. And have I got the place to stay for you! Casa Ortiz!
The coastal region is amazing. Bilbao and San Sebastian are really cool towns.
Consider going into that region. You wouldn't be disappointed.
Either way, fly into Barcelona and stay a few days. Beautiful city. Then take the high speed train where every you end up.
Selected Photos
We didn't get down south to Valencia, and I've heard it nice. Consider the time of year, temperature etc.
BUT..
I will say our time in Asturias was magical. It's in the "green part of Spain". The Picos are spectacular. And have I got the place to stay for you! Casa Ortiz!
The coastal region is amazing. Bilbao and San Sebastian are really cool towns.
Consider going into that region. You wouldn't be disappointed.
Either way, fly into Barcelona and stay a few days. Beautiful city. Then take the high speed train where every you end up.
Selected Photos
This post was edited on 2/20/24 at 5:17 pm
Posted on 2/20/24 at 4:20 pm to slinger1317
You MUST have dinner at Diver XO in Madrid. Absolute best meal and dinner experience my wife and I have ever had. We also did the wine pairing as their sommelier just won the award of "best sommelier in the world." It's worth a detour and even scheduling around making sure you can eat there.
Posted on 2/20/24 at 4:53 pm to SuperDomed
quote:
You MUST have dinner at Diver XO in Madrid. Absolute best meal and dinner experience my wife and I have ever had. We also did the wine pairing as their sommelier just won the award of "best sommelier in the world." It's worth a detour and even scheduling around making sure you can eat there.
I just checked out the website and honestly that is about as far you can get from what we enjoy. That sounds like a miserable waste of 2-3 hours for us. Different strokes for different folks I guess
Posted on 2/20/24 at 5:16 pm to slinger1317
Forgot to mention. Part of our time there was during the Easter Holidays. For people in Spain, Easter is a big holiday. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of their most cherished and highly anticipated festivals.
The church groups participating in the processions are traditionally called cofradías (brotherhoods). Each brotherhood has its own history, traditions, and rituals associated with its participation in the processions.
LOL! I'd never seen that before. Initially thought I was at a Klan Rally. Here's one photo.
BTW, the Pilar in Zaragoza is one of the most spectacular churches you'd ever see.
Now that I think about your trip, I'd plan around where to see the best ones. Will be CROWDED though and availability of hotels and restaurants might be something you flush out more.
Some articles...
LINK
PS: Don't know if you love history or not, but our day trip to Belchite was amazing! Over 5,000 lives lost during the Spanish Civil War. They never rebuilt the town and now it's like a national park.
The church groups participating in the processions are traditionally called cofradías (brotherhoods). Each brotherhood has its own history, traditions, and rituals associated with its participation in the processions.
LOL! I'd never seen that before. Initially thought I was at a Klan Rally. Here's one photo.
BTW, the Pilar in Zaragoza is one of the most spectacular churches you'd ever see.
Now that I think about your trip, I'd plan around where to see the best ones. Will be CROWDED though and availability of hotels and restaurants might be something you flush out more.
Some articles...
LINK
PS: Don't know if you love history or not, but our day trip to Belchite was amazing! Over 5,000 lives lost during the Spanish Civil War. They never rebuilt the town and now it's like a national park.
Posted on 2/20/24 at 7:03 pm to slinger1317
I’d say Barcelona is more of a must than Madrid, though that could just be me - Madrid is decidedly less touristy, both are massive cities by European standards though.
Spain has a lot to offer.
Out of Madrid you can do Toledo or Salamanca as day trips or one-nighters in the area.
From Barcelona you have Girona and Costa Brava, with beautiful blue waters washing into lovely cove beaches or “calas” - Cadaques is a picturesque and monied seaside town on the Costa Brava.
I think Andalucía in the South will have the most quintessentially Spanish culture and elements which may be familiar to your wife.
Seville is the biggest city, Málaga the second a nice coastal city.
For smaller cities there is Cordoba, Cádiz, Granada among others.
Based on your description I would say of there’s any can’t miss city for yall it’s Granada hands down.
I would do as a “Southern Itinerary”
Madrid/Toledo (3 days) > Granada (3 days) > Málaga/Nerja (3 days)
Or
Madrid/Toledo (2 days) > Cordoba (1 day) > Sevilla (4 days) > Cádiz/Jerez de la Frontera (2 days)
Northern Route:
Barcelona (3 days) > Girona/Costa Brava (2 days) > Bilbao (2 days) > San Sebastián (2-3 days)
I think San Sebastian or Granada would be the must-sees per your criteria
Spain has a lot to offer.
Out of Madrid you can do Toledo or Salamanca as day trips or one-nighters in the area.
From Barcelona you have Girona and Costa Brava, with beautiful blue waters washing into lovely cove beaches or “calas” - Cadaques is a picturesque and monied seaside town on the Costa Brava.
I think Andalucía in the South will have the most quintessentially Spanish culture and elements which may be familiar to your wife.
Seville is the biggest city, Málaga the second a nice coastal city.
For smaller cities there is Cordoba, Cádiz, Granada among others.
Based on your description I would say of there’s any can’t miss city for yall it’s Granada hands down.
I would do as a “Southern Itinerary”
Madrid/Toledo (3 days) > Granada (3 days) > Málaga/Nerja (3 days)
Or
Madrid/Toledo (2 days) > Cordoba (1 day) > Sevilla (4 days) > Cádiz/Jerez de la Frontera (2 days)
Northern Route:
Barcelona (3 days) > Girona/Costa Brava (2 days) > Bilbao (2 days) > San Sebastián (2-3 days)
I think San Sebastian or Granada would be the must-sees per your criteria
Posted on 2/20/24 at 7:17 pm to slinger1317
Barcelona - Madrid - Seville by high speed train with 3 full days in each. Get your food, culture and leisure in Barcelona. In Madrid, hit the museums and take a day trip to Toledo or Segovia. Use one of the days in Seville for a day trip to Grenada and the Alhambra.
Posted on 2/20/24 at 8:30 pm to AUFANATL
Awesome info guys. Thanks for the feedback
Posted on 2/20/24 at 8:37 pm to Nole Man
The casa Ortiz looks exactly like something we are looking for.
Just doesn’t seem easy to get to. From what I’m seeing it’s like an 8 hour train ride from Barcelona or Madrid?
Just doesn’t seem easy to get to. From what I’m seeing it’s like an 8 hour train ride from Barcelona or Madrid?
This post was edited on 2/20/24 at 8:41 pm
Posted on 2/20/24 at 9:18 pm to slinger1317
We rented a car, but that sounds about right. You’d have to pivot to want to go to the northwest part of Spain. It’s beautiful. Picos are spectacular.
Posted on 2/21/24 at 10:57 am to purpgold718
My previous post was admittedly a clusterfrick.
But as an avid Spain vacationer (and hopefully soon to be second home owner) have to reiterate an Andalucía dominated itinerary will probably serve your desires best.
Other regions mentioned are from parts of Spain where a language other than Spanish is (also) spoken (e.g. Basque and Catalan).
Andalucía speaks only Spanish, albeit a very fast paced variant that can be hard to follow however it is an accent which largely influenced Carribean Spanish (i.e. Cuba) and Andalucía is easily the most similar culturally to broader Latin America of anywhere in Spain (save for the Canary Island) if you could say such a thing.
Generally like Bavaria for Germany, Andalucía is the most representative of Spanish imagery, cliches and stereotypes from Siesta, to sun, to fun loving people, Flamenco, bullfighting, you name it - except the Spanish as a whole generally have a fond view of the Andaluces unlike the rest of Germany towards Bavaria
I recommend flying into Madrid as a starting point, getting at least solid two days to get your bearings, then on your way out you can do a day-trip or one-nighter in Toledo a quaint medieval town that once was the capital of the Spanish Empire and seat of the crown.
Afterwards head down to Granada, spend a solid 3 days there, this is Andaluz and Spanish culture at its finest, truly one of the most magical cities I’ve ever visited, the Alhambra can only be done justice by first seeing it from the lookout point Mirador de San Nicolás,in the Albacín - the old Moorish quarter.
The sheer imposing size of it perched in on the hilltop majestically amidst the mountains and picturesque old world cityscape is arguably the biggest wow factor of any cultural site I’ve visited the worldover.
Then of course to finish taking in its splendor the inside must be toured, the central palace is only accessible with a tour I believe which is still a must-do but arguably the real crown jewel of the grounds is the Generalife the former “summer cottage” of the fortress.
Later take in the city, its clean streets, its fun-loving and friendly locals and the tapa culture which dictates that ever beer you order is accompanied with a free tapa.
Let that magic soak for a few days, then I would follow up Granada with a 1-2 punch of Sevilla and Córdoba before heading home - probably allowing at least 2.5 days for Sevilla and 1 full day for Cordoba.
As a bonus add-on, time allowing, check cheap flights from Sevilla to Barcelona with regional budget carrer Vueling - and spend a few days in Barcelona, before flying back to the US from there.
A general pro tip for airfares, is to book or look at (at least shop around and compare with airfares to Madrid or BCN) transatlantic legs in/out of major continental airports such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam and then separately book the connecting flights to and from Spain with regional budget airline such as Vueling or Transavia.
Alternatively, you can rent a car starting in Madrid and just tour around Andalucía from there at your own pace.
I really think something like the above will really offer what you’re looking for but good luck with whatever you choose.
But as an avid Spain vacationer (and hopefully soon to be second home owner) have to reiterate an Andalucía dominated itinerary will probably serve your desires best.
Other regions mentioned are from parts of Spain where a language other than Spanish is (also) spoken (e.g. Basque and Catalan).
Andalucía speaks only Spanish, albeit a very fast paced variant that can be hard to follow however it is an accent which largely influenced Carribean Spanish (i.e. Cuba) and Andalucía is easily the most similar culturally to broader Latin America of anywhere in Spain (save for the Canary Island) if you could say such a thing.
Generally like Bavaria for Germany, Andalucía is the most representative of Spanish imagery, cliches and stereotypes from Siesta, to sun, to fun loving people, Flamenco, bullfighting, you name it - except the Spanish as a whole generally have a fond view of the Andaluces unlike the rest of Germany towards Bavaria
I recommend flying into Madrid as a starting point, getting at least solid two days to get your bearings, then on your way out you can do a day-trip or one-nighter in Toledo a quaint medieval town that once was the capital of the Spanish Empire and seat of the crown.
Afterwards head down to Granada, spend a solid 3 days there, this is Andaluz and Spanish culture at its finest, truly one of the most magical cities I’ve ever visited, the Alhambra can only be done justice by first seeing it from the lookout point Mirador de San Nicolás,in the Albacín - the old Moorish quarter.
The sheer imposing size of it perched in on the hilltop majestically amidst the mountains and picturesque old world cityscape is arguably the biggest wow factor of any cultural site I’ve visited the worldover.
Then of course to finish taking in its splendor the inside must be toured, the central palace is only accessible with a tour I believe which is still a must-do but arguably the real crown jewel of the grounds is the Generalife the former “summer cottage” of the fortress.
Later take in the city, its clean streets, its fun-loving and friendly locals and the tapa culture which dictates that ever beer you order is accompanied with a free tapa.
Let that magic soak for a few days, then I would follow up Granada with a 1-2 punch of Sevilla and Córdoba before heading home - probably allowing at least 2.5 days for Sevilla and 1 full day for Cordoba.
As a bonus add-on, time allowing, check cheap flights from Sevilla to Barcelona with regional budget carrer Vueling - and spend a few days in Barcelona, before flying back to the US from there.
A general pro tip for airfares, is to book or look at (at least shop around and compare with airfares to Madrid or BCN) transatlantic legs in/out of major continental airports such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam and then separately book the connecting flights to and from Spain with regional budget airline such as Vueling or Transavia.
Alternatively, you can rent a car starting in Madrid and just tour around Andalucía from there at your own pace.
I really think something like the above will really offer what you’re looking for but good luck with whatever you choose.
This post was edited on 2/21/24 at 2:18 pm
Posted on 2/21/24 at 2:15 pm to purpgold718
Also for a unique and relaxing experience with the missus, look into Hamam Al Andalus, it’s a sort of chain of ornate old world Moorish themed spas, just google images “Hamam Al Andalus” and you’ll get an idea.
Super unique and relaxing, I went to the one in Granada and given the theme it pairs well with the vibe of the city, but I’m sure the others if they’re comparable are nice enough - seems their other locations are Madrid, Málaga, Córdoba and Palma.
Super unique and relaxing, I went to the one in Granada and given the theme it pairs well with the vibe of the city, but I’m sure the others if they’re comparable are nice enough - seems their other locations are Madrid, Málaga, Córdoba and Palma.
Posted on 2/21/24 at 2:34 pm to purpgold718
Awesome, thanks purp. Lots of great info there, especially about connecting flights from elsewhere in Europe.
Looks like we will hit Madrid and Toledo/Segova and then head towards Seville/Granada. We will also try to work in Barcelona as well.
I spent a few hours last night looking into the Holy Week celebrations in Granade and Seville and it looks amazing. My wife would love seeing one of those processions.
Looks like we will hit Madrid and Toledo/Segova and then head towards Seville/Granada. We will also try to work in Barcelona as well.
I spent a few hours last night looking into the Holy Week celebrations in Granade and Seville and it looks amazing. My wife would love seeing one of those processions.
Posted on 2/21/24 at 2:42 pm to slinger1317
Finally in 2025 we aren’t taking the same trip. 
We are going Amalfi coast /Rome next year. Spain is def on the list though.
We are going Amalfi coast /Rome next year. Spain is def on the list though. Posted on 2/21/24 at 2:42 pm to SuperDomed
quote:
You MUST have dinner at Diver XO in Madrid.
StreetXO is much more affordable and is an incredibly cool experience
Posted on 2/21/24 at 3:57 pm to slinger1317
You might like this new article on Best Places To Visit.
Great video Ignore the Bloggers!! but I would subscribe to their channel. They’ve got some great videos on Spain!
OMG!! Pintxos!! Great video in San Sebastián.
Wines to try! in Madrid.
Great video Ignore the Bloggers!! but I would subscribe to their channel. They’ve got some great videos on Spain!
OMG!! Pintxos!! Great video in San Sebastián.
Wines to try! in Madrid.
This post was edited on 2/21/24 at 8:10 pm
Posted on 2/21/24 at 8:29 pm to Nole Man
quote:
Nole Man
Man these are great resources. I appreciate it!
Posted on 2/21/24 at 8:30 pm to jkylejohnson
quote:
Finally in 2025 we aren’t taking the same trip. We are going Amalfi coast /Rome next year. Spain is def on the list though.
You’re right! I’ll hold on to my notes for ya on this one
Posted on 2/21/24 at 9:24 pm to slinger1317
I had posted a request for help on a trip to Grenada etc I want to take, bumped it earlier to see if anyone had any ideas. I am glad you posted this as I may try to use the posters ideas, I am planning on going December or January.
Posted on 2/21/24 at 11:10 pm to slinger1317
San Sebastian is a must IMO.
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News