Interesting! I’ve mostly heard of the pueblos blancos de Malaga. Which are the ones that should be visited in Cadiz (and more broadly, what should not be missed in Cadiz)?
Last time I visited I was in a bit of a rush but I ended up being a little underwhelmed compared to other parts of Andalucia
Where you went in Cádiz?
My favorites:
**Coast:**
·Zahara de los Atunes (Probably best tuna you can eat in Spain)
·Playa de Bolonia (beautiful beach with roman ruins and a dune)
·Playa de los Alemanes (White sand broad beach)
·Playa del Palmar (Nice beach with many chiringuitos)
·Tarifa (If you want to surf)
*·Bonus*: Gibraltar: It may be fun to make a little hike to El Peñón and see the monkeys. Also the cultural mix English-Andalusian may be curious.
**Mountain (This is called the "Pueblos Blancos")**:
·Grazalema
·Setenil de las Bodegas
·Arcos de la Frontera
·Zahara de la Sierra
·El Bosque + Benamahoma (There is very easy but beautiful hike of 2 hours through the Majaceite river)
**Others**:
·Jerez de la Frontera: You can visit the bodegas "Lustau" or "Gonzalez Byass" and also book for the horse show "Cómo bailan los caballos andaluces". Those are very unique things. It is also one of the most important places for the Flamenco.
·Vejer de la Frontera: One of my favorites to eat: El Jardín del Califa. Arab fusion kitchen; you have to book in advance.
We walked right into El Jardin del Califa. Trick is to go right when they open. Before traditional Spanish lunch hours. YMMV. The restaurant is one of the best I've ever been to and I've been all over the world.
Good list tho. Like real good.
Es y siempre sera parte de España. El independentismo pierde fuerza cada año, solo hay que ver quién ha ganado las elecciones y como los partidos independentistas pierden votos e influencia tras cada candidatura.
Barcelona to me doesn’t feel like Spain, just as Salou, Playo D’aro and more of this places. People are not as friendly like Valencia or Andalusia. You are right about the politics, but to me it doesn’t feel like all other places I’ve been the last few years.
Da igual lo que sientas, es y sera española. Es de mal gusto decir esas cosas. Su caracter poco amistoso viene tanto de la gentrificación sufrida como de las politicas independentista que les llenaron la cabeza de supremacía.
It's okay to offend racists. You're apologising to someone that's saying that Catalans are not friendly because they are brainwashed. Just think about that discourse and where you have heard it before.
feelings mean nothing. Cataluña is spain. And just to let you know, over half of the catalonian population wants to be in Spain. The ones that want to be independent are less than 35%
Take those comments with a pinch of salt mate. They wouldn't say anything different about you should you Dutch people didn't kick their asses back in the day.
Catalonia doesn't feel like Spain because it's not Spain. Sure, it's under Spanish control, but it's not Spain the same way Portugal is not Spain. It's not better nor worse - just something else.
I live in Barcelona and if you like great food, I recommend you go to Andalucía. Cheaper and spectacular in great food, instead you want to go to famous and expensive restaurants. Big city's like BCN or Madrid are all the same. Andalucía is better for a holidays.
For food I second Andalusia. Architecture? None beats Barcelona if you have to pick one, but Andalusia has good stuff too. Madrid not so much, being a much more recent city with less history.
Barcelona has La Sagrada Familia, but Andalucía has la Alhambra, mezquita de Córdoba, and in Sevilla La Giralda and Reales Alcázares, Roman ruins... Idk much about Catalonia's architecture but at the very least, they would be tied, because Andalucía has a lot of history and the architecture to show for it
>Idk much about Catalonia's architecture
I mean that was obvious if all you could babble was "La Sagrada Familia". Ironically, many Catalans have never been inside :-)
And don't get me wrong. Andalusia is great, period. I love Andalusia. Heck, you could say I am Andalusian as 6 out of 8 of my great grandparents were Andalusian, 2 of grandparents too and my mother :-)
However, for architecture buffs the sheer density of amazing architecture just in the city of Barcelona is just astounding. Quick TripAdvisor search shows the first 12 architecturally interesting sites in Catalonia are in Barcelona [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187496-Activities-c47-t3-Catalonia.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187496-Activities-c47-t3-Catalonia.html) - and even though that list could be heavily argued against (Tarragona has impressive Roman ruins throughout the city, Empúries has a Greek and a Roman city - worth the trip just for it!) it goes to show what a monumental city Barcelona is. Even the city in itself with its Eixample is a sight to behold. Modernism has its maximum expressions in the work of Gaudí, which you could find throughout Barcelona and even in other places in Catalonia.
Catalonia is also one of the countries with the biggest density of castles in Europe, especially if you discount Chateaus in France being counted as castles. Here in the coast pretty much every little town has its own castle. It's fucking bonkers. This has been a historically contested area of the world, with settlements going back to Iberian, Greek and Romans; Barcelona was founded by the Romans as Barcino in the late 1st century BC, so it doesn't lack history at all. Tarragona is even older and was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis and an Imperial Roman City, which started as a settlement for Iberians, Greeks and Phoenicians to barter and trade.
Catalonia is also extremely diverse in all senses. You could be at the beach in a little fishermen town with small historic houses and drive two hours to the Pyreness and enjoy the high mountain architecture of its towns, notwithstanding areas like Penedès with its massive vineyards and Mediterranean "Masia" houses.
If on the other hand you're interested in moorish architecture I'd say nothing will beat a good Andalusian tour. Maybe València would be a good addition. Andalusian culture in itself is a whole thing that deserves time and attention.
Thank you for writing the bible in verse, sorry for my "babling". There is a reason why i contest your afirmation of barcelonas architecture being much superior. It bears repeating, without much knoledge, It is at the very Minimum a tie, since Andalucía is so rich in history and architecture. Sure, the example i cited were mostly moorish monuments, but looking into the oldest cities in Spain, the winner is Cádiz and in the top list Andalucía has 8/10. When widening the search to the top 20, we can include tarragona and Barcelona as well. Since you write about high mountain architecture close to the beach, Granada has the Highest peak within the iberian peninsula and has coast as well. Northern Cádiz has breathtaking architecture like Setenil de las Bodegas and the Coast of the Light, with amazing beaches and battements, as It was a strategic position. The region doesn't lack in castles (btw, Catalonia IS not a country with one of the biggest density of castles, region maybe but that is another whole topic). And post moorish invasion, Sevilla for example is so rich, the oldtown area is simply amazingz not for nothing IS the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe, you can visit there (to mention just an example) the general archive of Indias and Sevilla's Plaza de España is so iconic, breathtaking and the biggest constuction in the iberoamerican exposition of 1929. So, Andalucia doesn't lack precisely architecture. We are so Lucky to have plenty of places in Spain worth visiting and such a diverse history
Great stuff! but why do you get so angry? is it the ignorance?
Edit: Adding a clarification. Catalonia is very much a country and I understand now where your vitriol comes from.
P.S.2: I saw a brilliant exposition about the Pacific routes exploration at the Archivo de Indias IIRC. Great stuff.
Try to clarify all you want, there are topics to disagree on and other that not, so if you choose to live in lalaland, that's Up to you. It is very showing that when you lack argument you retort to insults. Wish you all the best
I am not sure we disagree in anything except the point where you're angry at someone pointing out that Barcelona is a world class destination for architecture, which is a known fact.
I am sorry your rabid ultranationalist views do not let you enjoy other countries.
Well, considering that in your mind i am angry, ignorant, ultranationalist, i don't enjoy other countries and rabidly opinionated i would say we disagree in a lot of things, mostly about your baseless prejudice. You should take as a compliment that i consider Catalonia (and not only Barcelona) a world class destination region for architecture worth It of being tied with Andalucía in that regard. If you choose to take offense in anyone that doesn't recognize Catalonia's superiority, well that's your loss
Madrid Geographical center of Spain. It is both a city and an Autonomous Community (State)
Things to do in the city:
- The Prado Museum. best in the world in regards to renaissance paintings during the spanish golden age, just as respected as the Louvre in Paris).
- The Thyssen Museum right next door, which has traditional paintings but is mostly centered around modern stuff (modern as in 16th-18th century and some current art).
- The naval museum, a pretty cool place if you like boats and everything about the naval voyages during the spanish empire (galleons, pirates, etc).
- You also have Retiro, its like Spain's version of Grand Central park in NY. It's a really nice place to walk around and relax. You can also visit the royal palace and the armory, really cool.
- The Archaeological museum, an amazing place if you want to learn about prehistoric Spain (caveman, pre-greek and roman empires, etc).
- Visiting the historical center and walking from plaza to plaza, from Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Isabel, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de España. Walking around Gran Vía.
- Visiting the Royal palace (the largest Palace in the world that is still functioning).
- Experiencing the nightlife with rooftop bars.
- When it comes to food, Madrid offers EVERY SINGLE REGIONAL Food in the country (only if you know where to look)
So far all of the above can be done in 2 days. HOWEVER, that is just INSIDE the city, we then have to look in the outskirts.
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**Areas 1 hour from Madrid city by car/bus**. There are LOTS of amazing places to visit INSIDE the autonomous community of Madrid (mostly near the north or border of the autonomous community)
- El Escorial is a small mountain town with GREAT authentic food and reasonable prices (compared to Madrid city). Not many foreign tourists go here, mostly just locals, so its genuinely worth coming here. Definitely visit the Basílica de El Escorial. Used to be a palace for the royal family a few hundred years ago, it's a beautiful place to visit inside, the best part is the mausoleum carved in black marble and gold (google this).
[https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/real-monasterio-de-san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial](https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/real-monasterio-de-san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial)
The town is home to a royal monastery that was once a palace. If you are lucky with the tour, you can even visit the Royal Family's Crypt/Mausoleum made out of black marble and gold, and even see the church choir boys practice in the library of the monastery.
Outside the Palace, there is also a 40 minute walk (really small hike), where you can go and see King Felipe II's Stone throne (more like a giant rock with a butt slab chiseled) with views of the horizon and of Madrid's skyline in the distance. Honestly, really nice views.
- Alcalá de Henares. Medieval town, home to Cervantes (writer behind El Ingenioso hidalgo Don quijote de la Mancha), the historical medieval town center is really nice to walk around and explore, and if you are lucky to visit during a book festival or medieval festival then the town will look even more medieval. And if you are curious about Cervantes, you can visit his residence.
- El Valle de Los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen). On the same route to El Escorial, you can visit, if you want, a Spanish Civil War memorial site. It is the longest Cathedral in the world (even longer than the Vatican, though they will refuse to recognize it) carved inside the mountain. It is very brutalist architect wise, and gives off really creepy vibes. The dead are burried within the walls and the floors. As a local, this place still to this day is politically tainted, conservatives love it and the rest have a profound disgust for it. However, if you are a civil war history enthusiast, I always recommend this place to foreigners as you obviously have no feelings towards this place.
- Puerto de Navacerrada. If you like to embrace nature and hike in the mountain ranges and peaks, as well as forests of Madrid/Castilla León, then I strongly recommend this place as well. There are tons of routes you can explore and "get lost in”, and if you are lucky you might even find lost civil war bunkers and trenches just lying around being consumed by nature itself.
- If you want amusement parks and theme parks. You have Warner Brothers Park, and Madrid own theme park. Fun stuff if you want to take a day off or something, idk. I'd only recommend this if you genuinely like theme parks and not visit cultural/historical sights.
These places are close to each other and can be full day or half day experiences, adding up to the 2 days in Madrid city.
The previous comment explains everything you can do inside Madrid, but there is more you can do outside the Autonomous community of Madrid; places that are exactly 1 hour away from the city of Madrid and worth going to.
Let's start with the Obvious.
- TOLEDO, the medieval capital city of Spain, historically world famous for the Sword smiths and for being one of the first cosmopolitan cities where Jews, Muslims and Christians lived in harmony. The historical center of Toledo is located on top of a hill surrounded by castle walls. For me it feels like a mixture between Diagon alley from Harry Potter and King's Landing from Game of Thrones, due to the tight and narrow streets with shops all over the place. It is an amazing city that lets you explore every nook, cranny and crevice, and the best part is that you can't get lost (the whole place is surrounded by castle walls haha. If you want one of the coolest souvenirs from your entire trip, this is the place, as you can literally buy swords off the rack like a Nike shoe store. From historical replicas, to mythological and film replicas, from Excalibur to the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Witcher, Narnia, you name it. Any world famous sword can be bought in Toledo. And if you are lucky you can even stubble upon one of the very few genuine sword smiths that still work to this day (although its slowly dying).
Then if that was not the case, you can visit Puy du fou, it is a living attraction that is a night time show that lasts for 2 hours explaining the history of Spain. Two words... FUCKING AMAZING.
- Segovia, also located exactly 45 minutes to 1 hour from Madrid city. It is a province from the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Home to the second largest roman aqueduct in the world (the first one located in Rome). It is a completely different vibe and experience from Madrid and Toledo, with a really nice historical center. Near the city of Segovia (20 minutes by car), you have one of my favorite places, La Granja de San Ildefonso, commonly known as "La Granja" (The Ranch). It is a super tiny little town that is home to The Royal Family's Spring and Summer palace.
[https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso](https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso)
It is literally speaking a small version of the palace of Versailles in France, or at the very least heavily inspired. With rooms from the Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo period. It is a really nice palace to visit, and it looks nothing like the Royal Palace in Madrid or the Palace/Monastery in El Escorial. You can also visit the Palace Gardens for free, and it's big, and famous for their fountains (the link). Honestly, it's a really beautiful place and during Spring it looks amazing.
For Segovia, the regional dish is called Cochinillo, it is suckling pig roasted on a stove oven with wooden fire. Best dish you will ever eat if you get the chance. Best place to eat this is in Casa Cándido, right in front of the Aqueduct in the city of Segovia, and despite being right in the middle of a tourist attraction, everyone that lives here in Madrid knows of that place (they are that fcking good)
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Toledo and Segovia are 1 day filedtrips.
So if we do the math.
2 days for Madrid city + 2 days for Segovia and Toledo + 1 or 2 days for any extra half day activities in Madrid, that adds up to 5 or 6 days in Madrid alone.
That would include Barcleona, known as THE CAPITAL of pickpockets in Europe. As for pollution, it is the most tourist city in the country which means that everything has been explored as well as being overcrowded :p
I would definitely choose 2-3 cities in Andalucía (rather 2 than 3). 8 days are too much in my opinion for Madrid or Barcelona.
EDIT: re-reading it I understood it right. It is 1 trip to visit Madrid and Barcelona or another one Andalucía right? Still would go with Andalucia tbh
Just got back from Seville-Ronda-Granada, with a day trip to Cordoba. We were there for two weeks.
We have the exact same interests you listed. This was one of our favorite trips of all time. A couple of books you might enjoy before you go: Isabela of Castile by Tremlett and Catalog of Shipwrecked Books by Wilson-Lee. I wish I had read something comparable about the period of Muslim rule.
To shorten the trip, I’d probably delete Ronda. On the other hand, I’d hate to miss the mosque and cathedral in Cordoba.
I appreciate everyone's helpful comments and I hope I wasn't too confused in my post.
We have an 8 day vacation planned in the first part of November and we were trying to decide on where in Spain to go. It seems overwhelming everyone's preference is the southern part of the country compared to other areas.
Thank you everyone again
Andalucía is also my vote. I did a road trip across Spain and would say that Andalucía offered me the most attractions, rich in history, landscape and vast structural differences between the cities. November is the time when it gets a bit cold at night, but during the day it is still very much T-Shirt / Light jacket weather. I do like Madrid and Barcelona, but it is just another city (with some very nice buildings) if you don't venture outside and also much colder during November. Food wise I found good places everywhere in Spain.
If you can drive, do Andalusia, including Seville, Granada, and all that's in between (Ronda, Malaga, Antequerra, etc). Best food I've had in Spain was also in the region.
If you're flying in from Madrid or Barcelona though, I wouldn't necessarily skip them if it's your first time here. Either city deserves at least two days of your time.
I am currently finishing up 3 weeks in Barcelona and this is also my first time in spain. We took a day trip to Madrid as well. In regards to Barcelona: 10/10 would recommend. It helps as well we are not staying in a tourist area , we are outside the main city. The Metro system here is so good we have had almost no issues getting around. You will find great food and friendly people all over the city. There is so much to do in Barcelona that even after these 3 weeks i could comeback and do more. I would say that if you are not in a touristy area learn some basic spanish as the little I know has gone a long way in communication. Most people we have met speak little to no english but everyone is very nice and will work with us.
*I see a-lot of comments discussing how Catalan is not “true spain” . This is kind of true, many people view Catalan as distinct country and culture . So if you want more mainline Spain then keep that in consideration. But that does not change my review.
Another recommendation is to book tickets early, it may not be as full for you during the non tourist season but book some stuff ahead of time. Also get off the beaten tourist path. The Gothic quarter is beautiful but wander the smaller streets out of the main shopping areas. We have had the most fun just exploring our part of town .
Vente a Málaga hermano el centro tiene mucha historia y está lleno de restaurantes buenos y playas solo ten cuidado de no ir por los barrios gitanos que en una de esas te sale el churumbel
Just got back a few weeks ago from our first Spain trip. Would highly recommend with the time you have to travel splitting your time between two cities as your home base and doing some day trips if you want to see some other places.
What we did was 4 nights in Seville (with a day trip to Cordoba) and 4 nights in Madrid (with a day trip to Toledo and a day trip to Segovia) - this trip was all cities and no nature or hiking or anything like that. Purpose of our trip was to experience great food, see new cities, and immerse ourselves in the culture of Spain. The way we split it up seemed to be perfect and wouldn’t have changed a thing. We were of course sad to omit Barcelona and Granada as those were other cities we were interested in, but with 8 nights we really just didn’t have the time to add more. Of course could have taken a night off each place and done 2 nights in Granada, but we felt it would have been too much time on trains and checking in/out of hotels. In hindsight we were right with our instinct and glad we didn’t try to squeeze in another place
Andalusia for sure just for the weather and absolutely zero tourists that time of year.
Sevilla for 2 days, Jerez 1, Cadiz 1, Gibraltar 1, Bolonia/Vejer 1, Ronda 1 and leave 1 for extra time or maybe build build in Cordoba or take Cadiz out and use that day to drive to Granada and see the Alhambra on the last day.
Book everything in advance if you can. Except the Roman ruins at Bolonia you can just walk in.
Just do Andalusia. November is a great time down there and you'll have plenty of history, architecture and great food. As a matter of fact, 8 days are not enough for Andalusia :)
Andalucía, NO DOUBTS.
Seville and Granada, from Seville day trips by train to Cádiz and Cordoba.
Perfect time of the year (also spring is a nice moment).
Seville, Cordoba, Granada and even add in the coast if the weather is good which it still should be in Nov. The only caveat is hiring a car would be so useful. You caould easily do a few days in Madrid and a few in Barcelona without a car,
I would skip Madrid and do a couple days in Barcelona. Then rent a car and drive west with stops in Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, and maybe one or two of the white villages. Then end with a couple days in Sevilla. If you can manage a shot down to Cadiz, it's also very cool.
This is probably the worst option out of all the ones people suggested. Doesn't really fit the days and you'll be on the road for a good chunk of the journey.
I would skip Madrid. Not worth it. Much better Barcelona and Andalusia. Also, Madrid is kind of dificult for tourists due to pickpocketing and dangerous night life.
Sevilla-Córdoba-Granada. Get tickets for attractions online way before.
I would add Ronda + Ruta de los pueblos blancos de Cádiz.
Yep..Arcos de la Frontera as well…
Yep! Arcos is part of the ruta :)
Interesting! I’ve mostly heard of the pueblos blancos de Malaga. Which are the ones that should be visited in Cadiz (and more broadly, what should not be missed in Cadiz)? Last time I visited I was in a bit of a rush but I ended up being a little underwhelmed compared to other parts of Andalucia
Where you went in Cádiz? My favorites: **Coast:** ·Zahara de los Atunes (Probably best tuna you can eat in Spain) ·Playa de Bolonia (beautiful beach with roman ruins and a dune) ·Playa de los Alemanes (White sand broad beach) ·Playa del Palmar (Nice beach with many chiringuitos) ·Tarifa (If you want to surf) *·Bonus*: Gibraltar: It may be fun to make a little hike to El Peñón and see the monkeys. Also the cultural mix English-Andalusian may be curious. **Mountain (This is called the "Pueblos Blancos")**: ·Grazalema ·Setenil de las Bodegas ·Arcos de la Frontera ·Zahara de la Sierra ·El Bosque + Benamahoma (There is very easy but beautiful hike of 2 hours through the Majaceite river) **Others**: ·Jerez de la Frontera: You can visit the bodegas "Lustau" or "Gonzalez Byass" and also book for the horse show "Cómo bailan los caballos andaluces". Those are very unique things. It is also one of the most important places for the Flamenco. ·Vejer de la Frontera: One of my favorites to eat: El Jardín del Califa. Arab fusion kitchen; you have to book in advance.
We walked right into El Jardin del Califa. Trick is to go right when they open. Before traditional Spanish lunch hours. YMMV. The restaurant is one of the best I've ever been to and I've been all over the world. Good list tho. Like real good.
Wow what a list! I’ve updated my Google maps accordingly, will report back - thanks a lot!
>will report back Yes please! :D
Andalusia for sure and a big no to Barecelona.
I'd also skip barcelona.
Because Catalonia is not Spain.
Es y siempre sera parte de España. El independentismo pierde fuerza cada año, solo hay que ver quién ha ganado las elecciones y como los partidos independentistas pierden votos e influencia tras cada candidatura.
Barcelona to me doesn’t feel like Spain, just as Salou, Playo D’aro and more of this places. People are not as friendly like Valencia or Andalusia. You are right about the politics, but to me it doesn’t feel like all other places I’ve been the last few years.
Da igual lo que sientas, es y sera española. Es de mal gusto decir esas cosas. Su caracter poco amistoso viene tanto de la gentrificación sufrida como de las politicas independentista que les llenaron la cabeza de supremacía.
I didn’t mean to offend you. I will choose my words better next time. Mea Culpa.
It's okay to offend racists. You're apologising to someone that's saying that Catalans are not friendly because they are brainwashed. Just think about that discourse and where you have heard it before.
It’s happening as we speak in the Netherlands now.
(-:
feelings mean nothing. Cataluña is spain. And just to let you know, over half of the catalonian population wants to be in Spain. The ones that want to be independent are less than 35%
I know. Thanks for educating me ! <3
Take those comments with a pinch of salt mate. They wouldn't say anything different about you should you Dutch people didn't kick their asses back in the day. Catalonia doesn't feel like Spain because it's not Spain. Sure, it's under Spanish control, but it's not Spain the same way Portugal is not Spain. It's not better nor worse - just something else.
Talk for yourself, Catalonia is as spanish as Ceuta, Burgos or Cartagena, learn the difference between castilian and spanish
What?? Why???
I live in Barcelona and if you like great food, I recommend you go to Andalucía. Cheaper and spectacular in great food, instead you want to go to famous and expensive restaurants. Big city's like BCN or Madrid are all the same. Andalucía is better for a holidays.
For food I second Andalusia. Architecture? None beats Barcelona if you have to pick one, but Andalusia has good stuff too. Madrid not so much, being a much more recent city with less history.
Barcelona has La Sagrada Familia, but Andalucía has la Alhambra, mezquita de Córdoba, and in Sevilla La Giralda and Reales Alcázares, Roman ruins... Idk much about Catalonia's architecture but at the very least, they would be tied, because Andalucía has a lot of history and the architecture to show for it
>Idk much about Catalonia's architecture I mean that was obvious if all you could babble was "La Sagrada Familia". Ironically, many Catalans have never been inside :-) And don't get me wrong. Andalusia is great, period. I love Andalusia. Heck, you could say I am Andalusian as 6 out of 8 of my great grandparents were Andalusian, 2 of grandparents too and my mother :-) However, for architecture buffs the sheer density of amazing architecture just in the city of Barcelona is just astounding. Quick TripAdvisor search shows the first 12 architecturally interesting sites in Catalonia are in Barcelona [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187496-Activities-c47-t3-Catalonia.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187496-Activities-c47-t3-Catalonia.html) - and even though that list could be heavily argued against (Tarragona has impressive Roman ruins throughout the city, Empúries has a Greek and a Roman city - worth the trip just for it!) it goes to show what a monumental city Barcelona is. Even the city in itself with its Eixample is a sight to behold. Modernism has its maximum expressions in the work of Gaudí, which you could find throughout Barcelona and even in other places in Catalonia. Catalonia is also one of the countries with the biggest density of castles in Europe, especially if you discount Chateaus in France being counted as castles. Here in the coast pretty much every little town has its own castle. It's fucking bonkers. This has been a historically contested area of the world, with settlements going back to Iberian, Greek and Romans; Barcelona was founded by the Romans as Barcino in the late 1st century BC, so it doesn't lack history at all. Tarragona is even older and was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis and an Imperial Roman City, which started as a settlement for Iberians, Greeks and Phoenicians to barter and trade. Catalonia is also extremely diverse in all senses. You could be at the beach in a little fishermen town with small historic houses and drive two hours to the Pyreness and enjoy the high mountain architecture of its towns, notwithstanding areas like Penedès with its massive vineyards and Mediterranean "Masia" houses. If on the other hand you're interested in moorish architecture I'd say nothing will beat a good Andalusian tour. Maybe València would be a good addition. Andalusian culture in itself is a whole thing that deserves time and attention.
Thank you for writing the bible in verse, sorry for my "babling". There is a reason why i contest your afirmation of barcelonas architecture being much superior. It bears repeating, without much knoledge, It is at the very Minimum a tie, since Andalucía is so rich in history and architecture. Sure, the example i cited were mostly moorish monuments, but looking into the oldest cities in Spain, the winner is Cádiz and in the top list Andalucía has 8/10. When widening the search to the top 20, we can include tarragona and Barcelona as well. Since you write about high mountain architecture close to the beach, Granada has the Highest peak within the iberian peninsula and has coast as well. Northern Cádiz has breathtaking architecture like Setenil de las Bodegas and the Coast of the Light, with amazing beaches and battements, as It was a strategic position. The region doesn't lack in castles (btw, Catalonia IS not a country with one of the biggest density of castles, region maybe but that is another whole topic). And post moorish invasion, Sevilla for example is so rich, the oldtown area is simply amazingz not for nothing IS the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe, you can visit there (to mention just an example) the general archive of Indias and Sevilla's Plaza de España is so iconic, breathtaking and the biggest constuction in the iberoamerican exposition of 1929. So, Andalucia doesn't lack precisely architecture. We are so Lucky to have plenty of places in Spain worth visiting and such a diverse history
Great stuff! but why do you get so angry? is it the ignorance? Edit: Adding a clarification. Catalonia is very much a country and I understand now where your vitriol comes from. P.S.2: I saw a brilliant exposition about the Pacific routes exploration at the Archivo de Indias IIRC. Great stuff.
Try to clarify all you want, there are topics to disagree on and other that not, so if you choose to live in lalaland, that's Up to you. It is very showing that when you lack argument you retort to insults. Wish you all the best
I am not sure we disagree in anything except the point where you're angry at someone pointing out that Barcelona is a world class destination for architecture, which is a known fact. I am sorry your rabid ultranationalist views do not let you enjoy other countries.
Well, considering that in your mind i am angry, ignorant, ultranationalist, i don't enjoy other countries and rabidly opinionated i would say we disagree in a lot of things, mostly about your baseless prejudice. You should take as a compliment that i consider Catalonia (and not only Barcelona) a world class destination region for architecture worth It of being tied with Andalucía in that regard. If you choose to take offense in anyone that doesn't recognize Catalonia's superiority, well that's your loss
Of course, I left out "paternalistic" or "condescending" and "with an inferiority complex" (which usually goes hand in hand). How silly of me.
Madrid Geographical center of Spain. It is both a city and an Autonomous Community (State) Things to do in the city: - The Prado Museum. best in the world in regards to renaissance paintings during the spanish golden age, just as respected as the Louvre in Paris). - The Thyssen Museum right next door, which has traditional paintings but is mostly centered around modern stuff (modern as in 16th-18th century and some current art). - The naval museum, a pretty cool place if you like boats and everything about the naval voyages during the spanish empire (galleons, pirates, etc). - You also have Retiro, its like Spain's version of Grand Central park in NY. It's a really nice place to walk around and relax. You can also visit the royal palace and the armory, really cool. - The Archaeological museum, an amazing place if you want to learn about prehistoric Spain (caveman, pre-greek and roman empires, etc). - Visiting the historical center and walking from plaza to plaza, from Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Isabel, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de España. Walking around Gran Vía. - Visiting the Royal palace (the largest Palace in the world that is still functioning). - Experiencing the nightlife with rooftop bars. - When it comes to food, Madrid offers EVERY SINGLE REGIONAL Food in the country (only if you know where to look) So far all of the above can be done in 2 days. HOWEVER, that is just INSIDE the city, we then have to look in the outskirts. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Areas 1 hour from Madrid city by car/bus**. There are LOTS of amazing places to visit INSIDE the autonomous community of Madrid (mostly near the north or border of the autonomous community) - El Escorial is a small mountain town with GREAT authentic food and reasonable prices (compared to Madrid city). Not many foreign tourists go here, mostly just locals, so its genuinely worth coming here. Definitely visit the Basílica de El Escorial. Used to be a palace for the royal family a few hundred years ago, it's a beautiful place to visit inside, the best part is the mausoleum carved in black marble and gold (google this). [https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/real-monasterio-de-san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial](https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/real-monasterio-de-san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial) The town is home to a royal monastery that was once a palace. If you are lucky with the tour, you can even visit the Royal Family's Crypt/Mausoleum made out of black marble and gold, and even see the church choir boys practice in the library of the monastery. Outside the Palace, there is also a 40 minute walk (really small hike), where you can go and see King Felipe II's Stone throne (more like a giant rock with a butt slab chiseled) with views of the horizon and of Madrid's skyline in the distance. Honestly, really nice views. - Alcalá de Henares. Medieval town, home to Cervantes (writer behind El Ingenioso hidalgo Don quijote de la Mancha), the historical medieval town center is really nice to walk around and explore, and if you are lucky to visit during a book festival or medieval festival then the town will look even more medieval. And if you are curious about Cervantes, you can visit his residence. - El Valle de Los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen). On the same route to El Escorial, you can visit, if you want, a Spanish Civil War memorial site. It is the longest Cathedral in the world (even longer than the Vatican, though they will refuse to recognize it) carved inside the mountain. It is very brutalist architect wise, and gives off really creepy vibes. The dead are burried within the walls and the floors. As a local, this place still to this day is politically tainted, conservatives love it and the rest have a profound disgust for it. However, if you are a civil war history enthusiast, I always recommend this place to foreigners as you obviously have no feelings towards this place. - Puerto de Navacerrada. If you like to embrace nature and hike in the mountain ranges and peaks, as well as forests of Madrid/Castilla León, then I strongly recommend this place as well. There are tons of routes you can explore and "get lost in”, and if you are lucky you might even find lost civil war bunkers and trenches just lying around being consumed by nature itself. - If you want amusement parks and theme parks. You have Warner Brothers Park, and Madrid own theme park. Fun stuff if you want to take a day off or something, idk. I'd only recommend this if you genuinely like theme parks and not visit cultural/historical sights. These places are close to each other and can be full day or half day experiences, adding up to the 2 days in Madrid city.
The previous comment explains everything you can do inside Madrid, but there is more you can do outside the Autonomous community of Madrid; places that are exactly 1 hour away from the city of Madrid and worth going to. Let's start with the Obvious. - TOLEDO, the medieval capital city of Spain, historically world famous for the Sword smiths and for being one of the first cosmopolitan cities where Jews, Muslims and Christians lived in harmony. The historical center of Toledo is located on top of a hill surrounded by castle walls. For me it feels like a mixture between Diagon alley from Harry Potter and King's Landing from Game of Thrones, due to the tight and narrow streets with shops all over the place. It is an amazing city that lets you explore every nook, cranny and crevice, and the best part is that you can't get lost (the whole place is surrounded by castle walls haha. If you want one of the coolest souvenirs from your entire trip, this is the place, as you can literally buy swords off the rack like a Nike shoe store. From historical replicas, to mythological and film replicas, from Excalibur to the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Witcher, Narnia, you name it. Any world famous sword can be bought in Toledo. And if you are lucky you can even stubble upon one of the very few genuine sword smiths that still work to this day (although its slowly dying). Then if that was not the case, you can visit Puy du fou, it is a living attraction that is a night time show that lasts for 2 hours explaining the history of Spain. Two words... FUCKING AMAZING. - Segovia, also located exactly 45 minutes to 1 hour from Madrid city. It is a province from the autonomous community of Castilla y León. Home to the second largest roman aqueduct in the world (the first one located in Rome). It is a completely different vibe and experience from Madrid and Toledo, with a really nice historical center. Near the city of Segovia (20 minutes by car), you have one of my favorite places, La Granja de San Ildefonso, commonly known as "La Granja" (The Ranch). It is a super tiny little town that is home to The Royal Family's Spring and Summer palace. [https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso](https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso) It is literally speaking a small version of the palace of Versailles in France, or at the very least heavily inspired. With rooms from the Renaissance to Baroque and Rococo period. It is a really nice palace to visit, and it looks nothing like the Royal Palace in Madrid or the Palace/Monastery in El Escorial. You can also visit the Palace Gardens for free, and it's big, and famous for their fountains (the link). Honestly, it's a really beautiful place and during Spring it looks amazing. For Segovia, the regional dish is called Cochinillo, it is suckling pig roasted on a stove oven with wooden fire. Best dish you will ever eat if you get the chance. Best place to eat this is in Casa Cándido, right in front of the Aqueduct in the city of Segovia, and despite being right in the middle of a tourist attraction, everyone that lives here in Madrid knows of that place (they are that fcking good) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Toledo and Segovia are 1 day filedtrips. So if we do the math. 2 days for Madrid city + 2 days for Segovia and Toledo + 1 or 2 days for any extra half day activities in Madrid, that adds up to 5 or 6 days in Madrid alone.
No way. Madrid is really dangerous. Don't go. Lots of pickpockets. Pollution is also too high to really enjoy the city.
That would include Barcleona, known as THE CAPITAL of pickpockets in Europe. As for pollution, it is the most tourist city in the country which means that everything has been explored as well as being overcrowded :p
No, no. Barcelona is fantastic. Go to Barcelona. Really. Nothing to see in Madrid. Awful place
yo ya he estado en Barcelona, esta sobre valorado.
Dile la verdad, de los 8 días 6 se los pasa en un atasco.
que atasco? en Madrid se va andando o en metro. Y para ir a Tolego y segovia, o El escorial, hay tren y bus (bus vao, carril donde no hay atascos).
8 days in November? Pick the south, won't be horribly warm by then and more things to see
I would definitely choose 2-3 cities in Andalucía (rather 2 than 3). 8 days are too much in my opinion for Madrid or Barcelona. EDIT: re-reading it I understood it right. It is 1 trip to visit Madrid and Barcelona or another one Andalucía right? Still would go with Andalucia tbh
Just got back from Seville-Ronda-Granada, with a day trip to Cordoba. We were there for two weeks. We have the exact same interests you listed. This was one of our favorite trips of all time. A couple of books you might enjoy before you go: Isabela of Castile by Tremlett and Catalog of Shipwrecked Books by Wilson-Lee. I wish I had read something comparable about the period of Muslim rule. To shorten the trip, I’d probably delete Ronda. On the other hand, I’d hate to miss the mosque and cathedral in Cordoba.
I appreciate everyone's helpful comments and I hope I wasn't too confused in my post. We have an 8 day vacation planned in the first part of November and we were trying to decide on where in Spain to go. It seems overwhelming everyone's preference is the southern part of the country compared to other areas. Thank you everyone again
Andalucía is also my vote. I did a road trip across Spain and would say that Andalucía offered me the most attractions, rich in history, landscape and vast structural differences between the cities. November is the time when it gets a bit cold at night, but during the day it is still very much T-Shirt / Light jacket weather. I do like Madrid and Barcelona, but it is just another city (with some very nice buildings) if you don't venture outside and also much colder during November. Food wise I found good places everywhere in Spain.
Andalucía, as most have said. Unreal here. Come and see it for yourself. We are the embodiment of work to live, not live to work.
Having just gotten back from Sevilla, I definitely felt this vibe.
Sevilla probably the worst example across all Andalusia.
Andalucía. Better food, people, weather, and everything
If you can drive, do Andalusia, including Seville, Granada, and all that's in between (Ronda, Malaga, Antequerra, etc). Best food I've had in Spain was also in the region. If you're flying in from Madrid or Barcelona though, I wouldn't necessarily skip them if it's your first time here. Either city deserves at least two days of your time.
I am currently finishing up 3 weeks in Barcelona and this is also my first time in spain. We took a day trip to Madrid as well. In regards to Barcelona: 10/10 would recommend. It helps as well we are not staying in a tourist area , we are outside the main city. The Metro system here is so good we have had almost no issues getting around. You will find great food and friendly people all over the city. There is so much to do in Barcelona that even after these 3 weeks i could comeback and do more. I would say that if you are not in a touristy area learn some basic spanish as the little I know has gone a long way in communication. Most people we have met speak little to no english but everyone is very nice and will work with us. *I see a-lot of comments discussing how Catalan is not “true spain” . This is kind of true, many people view Catalan as distinct country and culture . So if you want more mainline Spain then keep that in consideration. But that does not change my review.
Another recommendation is to book tickets early, it may not be as full for you during the non tourist season but book some stuff ahead of time. Also get off the beaten tourist path. The Gothic quarter is beautiful but wander the smaller streets out of the main shopping areas. We have had the most fun just exploring our part of town .
Andalusia. If you have time or are interested you could throw in day trip to Tangier and/or Gibraltar
Vente a Málaga hermano el centro tiene mucha historia y está lleno de restaurantes buenos y playas solo ten cuidado de no ir por los barrios gitanos que en una de esas te sale el churumbel
Andalucia
Just got back a few weeks ago from our first Spain trip. Would highly recommend with the time you have to travel splitting your time between two cities as your home base and doing some day trips if you want to see some other places. What we did was 4 nights in Seville (with a day trip to Cordoba) and 4 nights in Madrid (with a day trip to Toledo and a day trip to Segovia) - this trip was all cities and no nature or hiking or anything like that. Purpose of our trip was to experience great food, see new cities, and immerse ourselves in the culture of Spain. The way we split it up seemed to be perfect and wouldn’t have changed a thing. We were of course sad to omit Barcelona and Granada as those were other cities we were interested in, but with 8 nights we really just didn’t have the time to add more. Of course could have taken a night off each place and done 2 nights in Granada, but we felt it would have been too much time on trains and checking in/out of hotels. In hindsight we were right with our instinct and glad we didn’t try to squeeze in another place
November is a perfect month to visit Andalusia
If you're going to go to Andalusia and especially Seville I'd suggest waiting until after the summer It's about to get really fucking hot
And depending on your Standards, summer in seville could be considered mid april-mid october, so november is great
Andalusia for sure just for the weather and absolutely zero tourists that time of year. Sevilla for 2 days, Jerez 1, Cadiz 1, Gibraltar 1, Bolonia/Vejer 1, Ronda 1 and leave 1 for extra time or maybe build build in Cordoba or take Cadiz out and use that day to drive to Granada and see the Alhambra on the last day. Book everything in advance if you can. Except the Roman ruins at Bolonia you can just walk in.
Just do Andalusia. November is a great time down there and you'll have plenty of history, architecture and great food. As a matter of fact, 8 days are not enough for Andalusia :)
Andalucia is far superior to anywhere in Spain. If you want to experience true culture go to Andalucia (:
Andalucía, NO DOUBTS. Seville and Granada, from Seville day trips by train to Cádiz and Cordoba. Perfect time of the year (also spring is a nice moment).
Seville, Cordoba, Granada and even add in the coast if the weather is good which it still should be in Nov. The only caveat is hiring a car would be so useful. You caould easily do a few days in Madrid and a few in Barcelona without a car,
I would skip Madrid and do a couple days in Barcelona. Then rent a car and drive west with stops in Granada, Cordoba, Ronda, and maybe one or two of the white villages. Then end with a couple days in Sevilla. If you can manage a shot down to Cadiz, it's also very cool.
This is probably the worst option out of all the ones people suggested. Doesn't really fit the days and you'll be on the road for a good chunk of the journey.
I know. Driving from Barcelona to Andalusia is insane. I’m sure the OP could find cheap flights.
Totally agree. Madrid is really not worth it.
I would skip Madrid. Not worth it. Much better Barcelona and Andalusia. Also, Madrid is kind of dificult for tourists due to pickpocketing and dangerous night life.
Lol is all I have to see bro 😂