I'm going to the Andalusia part of Spain in a few weeks and will visit Seville & the Al Hambra. Suggestions?

Question

We're spending two nights in each place (Sevilla and Granada) in early September. I'm not familiar with either place and am looking for advice on things we should not miss. Also, what's the best way to get from one to the other (we're flying into Granada and flying out of Sevilla to Barcelona). Thanks so much for your help and advice!

Answer 1

First, get the spelling right...it's Alhambra...all one word, even though Al in Arabic is the...it is not a seperate word.

I take the train from one to the other.

Here´s a good itinerary for Granada.  

First and most important, get your tickets in advance.  They can be bought online.  WAY better than spending between two and four hours in line in the hot Spanish sun!

You need about half a day or more for the Alhambra.  Bring a picnic lunch, because there isn´t much food there, and once you get in, you won´t want to go out.  Just wander about, or find a guided tour.  It´s absolutely spectacular!

You may either take the bus back into town, or walk, if you want the atmosphere.  It isn´t terribly far.  Back in town, you want to check out the Alcaicería, the Arab shopping district/market.  Very colorful.

On day two, you need to go up into the Albaicín.  There´s a mirador in front of a church where everyone goes to get perfect views of the Alhambra.  Then walk down to town.  It´s worth the walk.  Very pretty.  Once down at the botton, there´s a neighborhood where you should stop at one of the tea shops for tea and sweets, but beware...most of them don't open until British tea time, around 3:00.  We managed to find one that was open around 11, but it was difficult.

Here´s your itinerary in Sevilla:

First, check in to your hotel and get comfy, shower, change, whatever.  go out, get a cup of café con leche at the nearest bar.  And maybe something to munch on, too.  A tapa or two.

Then you go to the Cathedral.  Can´t miss it.  Largest Gothic structure in the world, so, massive gothic building in the middle of the city.  If you are on Avda de la Constitución, you follow the Plaza around to the other side, find the entrance get tickets, go through the cathedral itself, then climb the Giralda...The view is incredible!!!!!   Then cross the plaza to the Alcázar.  BEAUTIFUL Arab-style palace, that the king still uses when in town.  stroll through the gardens, and if you still have a little time, splurge on the horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.  You can go back the  next day to really explore it.  

If you didn´t have time to do the carriage ride the first day, take the half one to the park and wander around.  The Plaza de América is full of white doves that you can feed if you want, which is especially fun for kids.  There are three major museums that surround the plaza.  The Museum of Artes y Costumbres, which is housed in an incredible building (also known as the Palacio Mudéjar), the Museum of Archeology, and the third one I always forget the name of ( sorry.  Terribly memorable for me, wasn´t it?)  Then find your way down to the Plaza de España, which you will recognize from various movies and occasional TV shows that have used it as a backdrop.  Most memorable was Star Wars, Ep. 2, where the collonnade was used as a palace on Naboo. (I about shot out of my seat when we were watching it the first time).  If you still have time, go wandering through the Barrio Santa Cruz.

In both cities, be sure you keep plenty of water on hand.  I take a bottle and fill from taps, it´s good, cool, clear water in both cities.  No need to mess with that expensive bottled stuff at restaurants.  Stay hydrated, because dehydration can really ruin your vacation.

Answer 2

What Sue says can't be topped! Believe her, do what she recommends. I have been a tour guide in all mayor Andalusian cities and couldn't tell better. Just don't forget to send as a post card if you're there ;-)

Answer 3

Yeah, everything that Sue said basically hits the spot. Alcazar & Alhambra are basically like twins. Its nice to go to one then find similarities in the other, which i find pretty neat.

And one thing you MUST DEFINITELY do is go watch flamenco one night at either place. Its absolutely enthralling & cultural.

You'll have a blast!