Traveling to Spain in March?

Question

So I am flying into Madrid, traveling to Granada for a few days and to Tenerife Island. I have been researching what to do in these places but what are YOUR experiences and must sees?

Answer 1

I lived on Tenerife for a year. Things you MUST do. 1. Hike Teide. It is the tallest peak in all of Spain. You can do it in a day or you can take the gondola to the top. Either way, the view is out of this world.  2. Go see the black sand beaches in Candelaria. and while you are there , see the basilicva of candelaria, the architecture is amazing. Candelaria is a small town but you will have a great time there. There are a bunch of quaint little shops there where you will be sure to find a memorable souvinere. The people on Tenerife are so friendly. I still have some great friends that live throughout the island but unfortunately I have not bee back there since 1998. Have fun.

For Granada, go to the message board at www.madridman.com.

Answer 2

Don't know anything much about Tenerife.  Just that it's like a moonscape.  Must be cool, but I'll leave ideas about it for someone more experienced.

Granada, however, I know.  

The one, true, absolute must-see is the Alhambra.  Arrive with a brand-new, large memory card or TONS of film, if you're still using one of those antiques.  (I just changed over before my recent trip to Spain, and am a complete convert).

Plan a whole day, because the lines can be pretty long, and it's pretty vast.  You may not need the whole day, but plan on it.

Then a Flamenco show up in Sacramonte is WAY cool, but keep your feet under your seat, or you could lose a toe or two.  (Yup, we were right on the dance floor - way cool!  super intimate).

You need to go shopping in the Arab market the Alcaicería, and then you also MUST go up to the Albaicín, and walk down.  You start at the top, at the Plaza de Santiago (I think that's the name of it - it's in front of a church, and if you ask around, people will give you directions).  From there, you get the BEST view of the Alhambra, the one everyone uses for brochures, and such.  Then, you walk down to the Darro river, through winding narrow streets, and if you do this late enough, you hit the bottom level at about 3:00, and have tea.  We did it too early, but finally found ONE tea shop open.  Apparently, they serve tea as if it were England. Then, if you have time, you should also go to the Cathedral and the Capilla Real, where Fernando and Ísabel are entombed.  The Catheral is spectacular!  But beware of the gypsy ladies trying to sell you branches of herbs, just say no, but sometimes they are really persistant, and you need to be pretty firm.  We happened on a neat herb market and picked up some dried herbs and spices (in front of the Cathedral) at really good prices.

If you have more time and interest, Manuel da Falla and Federico García Lorca both have home/museums in the area.  The first was a composer, and the second was a writer, killed in the Civil War.  

For kicks, stop at the Hotel Washington Irving.  I think they have a bar where you can stop and have a coffee or treats.

For shopping, you need to buy some locally made marquetery (inlaid wood), but don't buy any with mother-of-pearl, because that isn't local.  If you can find the actual craftsman working, better, you KNOW you're getting the real deal, and you can watch how it is done.

Oh, and if I and the guy above me haven't given you enough ideas...try Madridman.  I got some good info from him and his cohorts.

Answer 3

Madrid has a thousand and one things to do.... What are your interests?

Answer 4

I don't know much about Tenerife...

But for Granada go to the Alhambra, Sierra Nevada and the Albaicin.

Madrid has tons of things: Puerta de Alcala, Gran Via, Royal Palace, Plaza de Armas, Retiro Park, Puerta a Europa, Opera House, Plaza de Toros etc.

Answer 5

you  will  love  tenerife  its  a beautiful island with  plenty  of things  to  do  , there  are  many  trips  available   mount teide  and  masca   are  a  must  >if you  are staying in the  south there  is  the  water  park  and  the   ecological park    with  many   different    birds of  prey  and  other  animals   ,its  a good  day  out     ,Also  the  beaches are   lovely ,  los cristianos  is  a good place to  go   because  it   has  the  shops  and  some great  restaurants too , El medano  is   also   a   good   place  to visit  its  quite  olde world and  not  very  touristy    ,its  about  a ten   minute drive   from the  airport .  Anyway     have a good   holiday and  enjoy  !!

Answer 6

I found this Web site that had some interesting things to see in Madrid - http://monogramstravel.com/local-host-pi...