[Travel] Southern Spain Travel Advice

[Stumpy Tim]

Try to see The Mesquita in Cordoba whilst you are there. It is one of Europe's truly great architectural achievements.

Went there on Friday. Cordoba is a lovely city, but it's ridiculously hot. It was 42 degrees on Sunday

 

[PeterT]

Went there on Friday. Cordoba is a lovely city, but it's ridiculously hot. It was 42 degrees on Sunday

Even my Spanish colleagues call it the frying pan of Spain!

 

[Since1982]

Some great ideas, thank you. We are definitely looking for a fly and flop, I won’t be able to do much more so the sightseeing will have to wait for another time. Malaga looks promising.

 

[Boroseagull]

Andalucia yes, but bear in mind it's very large - 66% of the land size of England. Malaga, where I live, is beautiful, the old city charming and with lots of things to do. If you want somewhere good to stay with lovely views the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is recommended. Many museums to visit including the motor museum in the old tobacco factory - tip, visit on a Sunday morning when they start up 5 or 6 cars. Picasso museum, book tickets ahead. Some of the best chiringuitos are on the east side of the city including the famous Tintero Dos. Easy and cheap transport links to Sevilla, Cordoba or Granada for a day trip. You can always pm me if you want other information.

 

[Badger]

Another recommendation to visit Seville. I was there in February and thought it was a magnificent city. It's not overcrowded like Barcelona, just a nice place to explore and there's no shortage of really nice bars and restaurants.

 

[Valencia Seagull]

I have lived in valencia for just over two years and I’m in love with the place. Beautiful beaches, a flat small city easy to get around with a wonderful metro and team set up making the city so easy to get around. Outstanding food, cheap (€3.30 for a decent large beer and €3.00 for a glass of local wine - the Ribera is absolutely outstanding).

If you like seafood then you’re in heaven. The famous Mercat Central is worth a look if you have the ability to cook at home - sea bass currently around €4.00 a lb.

Easy to get to from Gatwick and the tram station has fantastic connections (both Renfe and Ouigo) to Madrid, Barcelona and then down to Alicante, Malaga and beyond.

If you want any info DM me - even you do a few days here it’s worth it. Relaxed, artistic with beautiful beaches and affordable booze. Bonanza!!!!

 

[clapham_gull]

Palma Majorca or Seville.

If you have bad food in Seville I'll refund your flight (*)

(*) terms and conditions apply.

 

[SparrowGull]

I am now over the half way stage in my cancer treatment and, with the early news from my oncologist looking positive, we are thinking about a trip abroad for some R&R before the end of the year. We are in our early 60's and although we have travelled a fair bit over recent years, I'll still be less than 100% fit for a while so we want to find somewhere that will be warm in late Sept / early Oct, not too far to fly (say 2 hours), luxury (4*/5* hotel), in general just a really nice place for 10 or so nights to chill and continue the recovery. We are frequent visitors to the Canaries but don't want to go that far this time so I was thinking of getting flights to Alicante or similar and finding somewhere on the money close by. That is not a area we are familiar with but I just know NSC will have a load of recommendations and good advice!

I heartily recommend Seville. I went last November and it was still around 22 degrees c every day. It's a great city to wander around with loads to do. Amazing bars and restaurants. Fantastic culture and history. The Alcazar is amazing. You can also catch a train from there to Ronda which is one of the most incredible sights I've ever seen. Seville has an excellent Metro train system and it's super cheap - around 70p per journey. This means you can afford to stay a little further out of Central Seville if you fancy it and still be able to get into Central in a few minutes.

 

[WhingForPresident]

Agree with all the Seville mentions, incredible city. So many excellent places to eat/drink and it just has a great buzz about it. The Alcazar is a must-do.

Don't walk up the cathedral tower unless you're feeling particularly fit though!

 

[Stumpy Tim]

You can also catch a train from there to Ronda which is one of the most incredible sights I've ever seen.

Ronda is massively underrated isn't it. It's not the biggest, so a day trip is enough, but that bridge is an awesome sight... photos don't do it justice.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Some great ideas, thank you. We are definitely looking for a fly and flop, I won’t be able to do much more so the sightseeing will have to wait for another time. Malaga looks promising.

If you're really looking to sit by the beach, I would actually suggest "La Cala da Mijas" and get an AirBnB. There are some amazing beaches around there, lots of restaurants etc, but off the tourist track.

 

[Badger]

Agree with all the Seville mentions, incredible city. So many excellent places to eat/drink and it just has a great buzz about it. The Alcazar is a must-do.

Don't walk up the cathedral tower unless you're feeling particularly fit though!

I second not going up the tower. Two of us went up it on our trip. We're both fit people but she really struggled with a feeling of vertigo and claustrophobia. The view from the top really isn't anything special either.

 

[Javeaseagull]

If I have read it right it sounds like you are looking for an all inclusive sort of deal? Everything you need in a hotel? Don’t know of any in Javea tbh but then I don’t get out much. Not much help, sorry. Only replied because I saw my name mentioned! Good luck. Spain is very laid back in my experience so good choice.

 

[5Ways Gull]

Some great ideas, thank you. We are definitely looking for a fly and flop, I won’t be able to do much more so the sightseeing will have to wait for another time. Malaga looks promising.

Did Malaga last year. Think it will suit your requirements perfectly.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Malaga is a great city, but it doesn't have a great beach. Just be aware of that

 

[Ike and Tina Burner]

Malaga is a great city, but it doesn't have a great beach. Just be aware of that

It definitely has a couple. One along by the motor museum past the port and another to the east of the main drag, Playa la Malagueta it's called

 

[North East Seagull]

If you're really looking to sit by the beach, I would actually suggest "La Cala da Mijas" and get an AirBnB. There are some amazing beaches around there, lots of restaurants etc, but off the tourist track.

La Cala is one of my favourite towns/resorts, I just love the relaxed vibe of the place and the fact you can get there by train and bus (although I usually just hire a Yellow Car). Mijas Peublo is lovely too. Nice place to spend some time relaxing.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

It definitely has a couple. One along by the motor museum past the port and another to the east of the main drag, Playa la Malagueta it's called

They're not anywhere near as nice as other beaches along the coast though. I wouldn't go to Malaga itself for a beach holiday

 

[Swegulls]

Climate wise, you may find Andalucia a good option, and there’s so much to see and do. Maybe use Seville as a base and with options to visit places like Granada too?

My favourite big city is probably Valencia, I’m sure Javea Seagull can give you better advice on that area than me!

Good luck with your ongoing treatment!

Yeah, another vote for Valencia, best city in Spain!

 

[PeterT]

They're not anywhere near as nice as other beaches along the coast though. I wouldn't go to Malaga itself for a beach holiday

If you just want a beach holiday, what's wrong with Worthing? On second thoughts, please don't answer that.....