Costa del Sol

[Formerly YB-2]

We've just booked our flight to Barcelona for the first 3-weeks this winter and will be headed down to Malaga. Not the Caribbean, but it will be much better than NJ that time of year. We normally rent with Europecar, but find the rates in Spain to more than twice what we are used to in France, even for a miniature car. Am wondering if there are some other rental car companies you might have had good experience with in Spain that we should check?
Thanks.

[Formerly YB-2]

Well......... the wife has changed our mind. We are headed over to spend New Year's in Madrid (supposed to be a 'party', the "Boss" tells me ). Few days there before heading south to warmer climes. Taking a side trip to Morocco with Viator, which should be 'interesting'. Appears Europecar is still our best choice.

[Soundserge]

Last 2 trips to Europe (Italy) we used edreams.com to book a car. It's one of those comparison sites. Last year we ended up at europcar and this year we had an Alpha Romeo Guilietta from Maggiore. Worked out fine both times.

Easyterra.com or Momondo.com work too.

Enjoy your trip!


Soundserge

[Formerly YB-2]

Thanks. I'll check them out. We rented an Alfa sedan in France in the '90s and it was a great car.

After New Years and a couple of days in Madrid (cool, but likely warmer then here) we are headed down to Granada and then on down to Malaga. We are booking a day in Tangiers/Morocco, as we've neither been to NW Africa.

[Formerly YB-2]

We usually travel throughout Europe on our own, but have decided to book a couple of tours on this trip as we are neither one familiar with Madrid. We booked a tapas & wine tour the first night. We are thinking this will get us introduced to the main tapas bar scene for the rest of our time in town. Also booked dinner with flamenco dancing, which should be interesting. Castanets and flying legs and some good guitar playing (I hope). Also booked a 4-day tour to Cordoba, Seville & Granda. When the tour leaves Granada to return to Madrid we will, instead, pick up a rental car and head down to Marbella for several more days. Due to all the excitement in the world today, we've decided to skip the side trip to Morocco.

[tutomac]

-Check out Letango Tours.

-I usually arrive and then rent from local car rental. Car rental with any company is expensive in Spain (they all seem to offer the same price).

Madrid:

- "El Botin". One of those tourist traps that IS good. Known worldwide for
the "cochinito" (suckling pig)

- "La Bola". Place to go for "caldo madrileño" (Madridlean stew)

-"Chocolateria San Gines" for "churros and chocolate"

-"O' Caldinho" best galician (tapas and principals)

-"Rincon de Goya" is also nearby and excellent

-"Mercado de San Miguel"... beautiful and delicious!

-Museo del Prado (don't miss "Las Meninas" de Velazquez)

-Museo Reina Sofia (don't miss "Guernica" de Picasso)

- "Parque del Buen Retiro" (equivalent to Central Park, NYC)

- "Plaza Mayor"
- Royal Palace

- window shopping in "La Gran Via"

- estacion Atocha (train station) not as pretty as Grand Central NYC but worth a picture...

Day trips from Madrid:


Skip Segovia if you can (only worth seen: the aqueduct) you can take the fast train there, get off in front of the aqueduct eat lunch/buy a souvenir and GO!

Toledo is worth skipping Segovia. Maybe stay one night? beautiful, great food, great surroundings (Don Quijote trail...)

Sevilla:

Alfonso XIII Hotel. "Ena" de Carles Abellan. Great restaurant/bar. Same restauranteur from Barcelona...

"Cuna 2"... awesome. they also have a butcher shop next door!

visit "La Giralda"

Flamenco show

Our favorite city in Spain is Barcelona... I understand you are no longer going there. Too Bad. Maybe next time around

Salud!

[Formerly YB-2]

Gracias, Hector. We will definitely try a couple of the places you listed. The El Botin and La Bola sound great and may not be so touristy around New Years. We have both been to Barcelona a couple of times, and agree, it is a great city. This trip we wanted to see Mardrid and then head south, so we are. Will report back with a few pic's in the new year.

[tutomac]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Gracias, Hector. We will definitely try a couple of the places you listed. The El Botin and La Bola sound great and may not be so touristy around New Years. We have both been to Barcelona a couple of times, and agree, it is a great city. This trip we wanted to see Mardrid and then head south, so we are. Will report back with a few pic's in the new year.

Yes, pics are always wanted

[Formerly YB-2]

Pushing back from the gate. Won't be long until we will be sipping our first chocolate for breakfast. Looking forward to tapas and wine this evening.

[Formerly YB-2]

Made it. Easy flight until the Madrid airport. Loonnngggg walk with a fair amount uphill. Long escalator rides, train ride, then luggage. Got our morning exercise. An easy catch on the taxi and are in our room overlooking Neptune in his fountain, facing the Ritz. Off for our morning chocolate.