Easter 2009 in Spain?

Question

I'm visiting Spain with my mom in April 2009 and it happens to coincide with Easter. We are arriving in Madrid in late morning Friday, April 10. Easter is that Sunday (April 12), and we will be leaving from Barcelona the next Saturday (April 18). In that time we are planning to visit Madrid, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and possibly Toledo and Cordoba.

I know that Semana Santa is the week before Easter, but since we'll only be there for the tail end of it (and won't be able to get to Seville before Easter), we'll probably miss out on most of it. What are things like in Spain during the actual Easter Sunday? Are things open? Is there train service? Also, since we'll mostly be there for the week after Easter, what is that like?

Also, any suggestions for things to do in any of those cities besides the typical tourist stuff would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, all the services work as normaly, and all turistic places will be open because a lot of Spanish people, and also foreing people go on holidays or make turism during Holly Week and Easter.

If another year you can come to Spain during the Holy Week, the previous week to Easter, visit Zamora, Holly Week celebrations are more authentic there than in Sevilla.

Answer 2

Maybe 8 days is too little time to visit all those cities.

Don't miss Sevilla and Barcelona they are the most beautiful cities in Spain. Madrid it's a big city (parks, museums, shops, bars, etc.) but not specially charming or beautiful.

Answer 3

With respect to Wet26 The shops opening may differ in different provinces, but here in Andalucia the shops will be closed on the Thursday & Friday, but open on Saturday and Monday. Public transport will still be running but with a reduced service. I live in a rural village and the small grocery shops and the bakery will be open everyday through the whole holiday.

As it was mentioned, you are here for just a week which is too short to do all you want. If you decide on that itinery you will be travelling more than enjoying your holiday.

Why not do three days in Madrid, one of those days for Toledo and another for Segovia, then travel to Sevilla for two days and finish off your holiday in Granada. Instead of Sevilla you could just make it Madrid & Barcelona.

As has been said, after Semana Santa it's all back to normal

Answer 4

Everything will be closed on Friday, some things closed on Saturday, everything closed on Sunday and some things closed Monday.  The streets will be quiet, so if you would like to walk around and not look in any shops then it will be good for you.

Public transport will still be running, but on a reduced timetable.  After Easter it's business as usual.  

As you are in Spain for such a short time and want to visit so many cities, I would suggest you do the main tourist things in each place.  Otherwise, you will miss out on seeing the best of the city.  By the time you walk around and look at the buildings and monuments, it will be time to get on the train to your next destination.  Tourist buses are overrated though, so I would avoid those and walk around the city to see things.  It will probably rain so pack an umbrella and shoes that will stay dry.  Try to eat a bit away from the tourist hot spots in all the cities and you will save a lot of money.

Answer 5

I think a lot of things will be closed and booked solid.  :(