pattytravel

Hi Fodorites!! My family is originally from Austrias and we've visited many regions of Spain, but haven't made it to the south of Spain....yet!!
We got a great deal on airfare and are flying in & out of Madrid (26 Feb-7 Mar 2024). We've read many of the posts on Andalucia and have decided on the following itinerary:

Sevilla - 3 nights, then Cordoba - 2 nights, Ronda - 1 night, Granada - 2 nights. Rtn to Madrid.

We plan to fly from Madrid to Sevilla (we arrive early into MAD), take the train to Cordoba, and then pick up a rental car there for the balance of the trip (return the car upon arrival into Granada, I would think). and then fly Granada into Madrid.

Would like your opinion on:
- Ronda - ok 1 night? Where to stay? How to make the most of the 1 night?
We originally thought about Ronda for 2 nts, but it looks like Granada definitely merits 2 nights.
- Cordoba - is 2 nights appropriate? I understand that many ppl do it as a day trip, but I'm fascinated by the Mezquita and Maimonides, so at least 1 night!
- Jerez - is it worth it, and if so, how would we incorporate it into the trip?
- Hotels - we prefer boutiquey hotels with character and good service (vs. large inpersonal), 4 stars if feasible!: We often use Amex Platinum Fine Hotel & Resorts program and have benefited from some lovely hotels from FHR.
- Any specific parts of the cities to stay in / avoid?
- Itinerary flow overall?

About us: DH and I are in our early 60s and we enjoy food & wine, exploring historic destinations and walking through cool neighborhoods and meeting the locals. We are fairly active and enjoy light hiking and biking, although it's not critical for a trip! We like to learn about the areas we visit and schedule walking tours and/or food tours and tastings.
We should see a Flamenco show for sure, not so crazy about a bullfight!
We don't like to hotel-hop (i.e. 1 night and then move on to another town for 1 night, etc.), but rather like to have a longer base (2 nts +) if possible. Wish we had 2 more nights for this trip, but.... so it is!
Thank you so much for your feedback!
PattyTravel

MFNYC

We did very similar trip several years ago. Here's my report Our October trip to Andalucia!

Not sure about hotels and restaurants mentioned, as things may have changed, but itinerary is almost the same as yours.

I don't thing there's time for Jerez. Save it for another trip. Here's the trip that started with Jerez, then was a road trip mostly along the coast, Our Andalusian Coast mini road trip in September 2021

pattytravel

Wonderful! Thank you MFNYC😊

Maribel

I agree with MFNYC, no time for Jerez...save it for another trip and combine it with the Costa de la Luz (Vejer, Conil, etc) but after Easter in April or in September-October.

pattytravel

Gracias, Maribel!! Do you have any insights on the flow of the itinerary? And any hotel recommendations in Ronda?
I understand you are a travel writer and are well versed in Spain travel!

pattytravel

GREAT TRIP REPORT!!!
Very succinct and Well-written! Thanks for the info. What was your favorite city? I'm thinking we will start in Sevilla and reverse it, and build up to Granada.

Maribel

Hi patty travel,
In Ronda, if you use the AmEx Platinum desk, I understand what type of lodging you're seeking. In Ronda, I like the two Catalonia's, the newer Catalonia has a pool (seasonal) overlooking the bullring, but I also especially like the Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness Hotel & Spa, with lovely grounds overlooking the gorge. It was the first hotel I ever stayed in in Ronda way back in the day. It's a classic, historic and the poet Rilke was in residence here. It has free parking. I would splurge for a superior with terrace and Tajo views or a jr. suite with terrace and Tajo views, and the views are gorgeous. It receives a rating of 9.0 on Booking. The other Catalonia has an even higher booking.com rating of 9.3
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/es/h...-victoria?mb=1
https://www.cataloniahotels.com/es/h...nia-ronda?mb=1

My runner up would be the Montelirio.

The Parador's best room is 219 with double balconies, if that appeals, but you can't guarantee that room.

As to the flow, I might have done Córdoba first, then Sevilla, then Ronda then Granada but...I understand that you will fly directly from Barajas to Sevilla, so I think the flow is fine.

MFNYC

"Favorite city", like "favorite vacation" is such a hard question. I'm a city person in general, so if I had to chose a place to live, I'd go with Seville, as it's the biggest, with most to offer and good connections to other places.

Maribel

My favorite city, like MFNYC´s.....Sevilla for sure!

pattytravel

Catalonia Reina Victoria looks wonderful! thank you! Booking....!

pattytravel

Is it advisable to get to Ronda (from Sevilla) via bus or car? We are open to renting a car for the last leg of the trip (Sevilla to Ronda, then to Granada; return it in Granada), but it seems we would only be using it to get to Ronda.... An advantage would be the ability to stop into a town like Osuna or Antequera on the way in or out....but given the tight schedule it might not be worth it.
Thoughts, anyone?! Thanks!

Maribel

By car, if you want to stop in Osuna or Antequera, even though you have a tight schedule. The bus timetable, Sevilla-Ronda is quite limited and then you have the problem of getting from Ronda to Granada by train with a train change, MD to Avant, in Antequera.

What we do is pick up our rental at Santa Justa rail upon departure from Sevilla and return it to the rail station in Granada.

Here's the bus schedule, Sevilla to Ronda.
Transportes

And here--bus leaves from Sevilla's Plaza de Armas station
https://comprasweb.interbus.es/venta/selection

Check Renfe for Ronda-Granada connections for you date. Currently train departures at 7:58 am, 12:45 pm (both 2 hrs. 20 min.) and at 6:50 pm (3 hrs. 7 min.)

pattytravel

excellent, Maribel!
What company/outfit do you use for your rental cars?

Maribel

I book my rentals usually through Auto Europe, the consolidator, and have been using them for some 25 years. Many Fodorites have used Auto Europe.

Occasionally going directly through Europcar, Avis, Hertz or Sixt, I can get a better rate, such as right now, as we have a 30-day rental, a small Opel Corsa manual, directly through Europcar, since Auto Europe couldn't beat the price in Madrid.