Spain over Christmas

[karen blancfield]

We are flying in and out of Madrid and will do a driving holiday. Just wondered if anyone has rented a house or apartment during Dec Jan, where it's a bit milder than Madrid, probably south. We haven't planned an itinerary yet so we are open to suggestions. Córdoba is definitely on the list as we didn't fit that in last driving trip.
Thanks.

 

[RB]

We have done a couple of trips that included Spain. We weren't there in the season you are talking but rented a few places you would likely enjoy. I guess it depends if you are looking for smaller places or more cities-happy to provide some links if you are interested

 

[samh004]

Córdoba is definitely on the list as we didn't fit that in last driving trip.

Haven't been there, but if you haven't been to Granada, and get the chance, we loved the Alhambra.

 

[RooFlyer]

I didn't have much interest in Spain until I went there for work, and then couldn't wait to go back .... a couple of times!

Check out the Paradores chain of hotels: Basically a network of former palaces, castles, monasteries etc which have been done up as boutique hotels. The trick is that its a government chain, and the prices are usually cheaper - sometimes much cheaper - than you would expect. They are grouped into price bands, which helps searching and choosing.

My favourite places outside Madrid: Seville, Granada, Toledo, Salamanca (don't miss it!), Avila (don't miss it!), Segovia (don't miss it!).

 

[amaroo]

We enjoyed a couple of weeks in Spain over Xmas 2012 - loved it. Warm and sunny! Can't help with apartments... stayed in hotels.

Missed Cordoba, but got to enjoy Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada and Barcelona.

 

[karen blancfield]

I didn't have much interest in Spain until I went there for work, and then couldn't wait to go back .... a couple of times!

Check out the Paradores chain of hotels: Basically a network of former palaces, castles, monasteries etc which have been done up as boutique hotels. The trick is that its a government chain, and the prices are usually cheaper - sometimes much cheaper - than you would expect. They are grouped into price bands, which helps searching and choosing.

My favourite places outside Madrid: Seville, Granada, Toledo, Salamanca (don't miss it!), Avila (don't miss it!), Segovia (don't miss it!).

We found the same. We had a fantastic driving holiday that started in Portugal and ended in Spain. We avoided really cold weather even though it was Christmas time. So have decided to return and find some new places. Thanks for suggesting 3 we missed, Salamanca, Avila and Segovia. We can start to plot a route to include these. And will check out that hotel chain too. The accommodation was great, lots of amazing small hotels hat were very special and affordable.

Thanks!

 

[karen blancfield]

We enjoyed a couple of weeks in Spain over Xmas 2012 - loved it. Warm and sunny! Can't help with apartments... stayed in hotels.

Missed Cordoba, but got to enjoy Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada and Barcelona.

That actually sounds as though you were doing a similar trip to us at the same time! Hope we can manage Córdoba though this time. The idea of staying in a town for 4-5 days has some appeal, hence the question of a small apartment.

Thanks!

 

[karen blancfield]

We have done a couple of trips that included Spain. We weren't there in the season you are talking but rented a few places you would likely enjoy. I guess it depends if you are looking for smaller places or more cities-happy to provide some links if you are interested

Would be very happy to have the links. We prefer smaller towns to cities, other than Madrid which deserves another visit. Thanks.

 

[RB]

Would be very happy to have the links. We prefer smaller towns to cities, other than Madrid which deserves another visit. Thanks.

Trip Reports Bavaria, Lake Como, Madrid, Nthn Spain & Barcelona Parts of Portugal & Spain and then the Fasa Valley of the Dolomites
Maybe just links to my trip reports will help a bit but a summary of the apartments we used:
Extra comments
Madrid-thought this was a top spot-could walk everywhere & was a very interesting and busy spot for seeing the locals get on with life Calle de Embajadores 43 Madrid
Canillas D Albaida-was a great spot to settle in, look over the town & wander to the food shops or eat at local restaurants-Calle Granada 15 Canillas De Albaida- Inland & Above Malaga
Seville-excellent oversize apartment that was in fantastic spot to mix with locals and plenty of comfort-Apartment 32 Calle Miguel Cid Seville

 

[karen blancfield]

Excellent, thanks very much, will add to my list to check up on.