Looking for recommendations for a 4 day trip to Spain with DD15 in October

[underoverunder]

Hello. I am planning to take DD, who is 15, on a mini break to Spain in October half term. The purpose of the trip is partly to immerse her in hearing and using Spanish for a few days bur also to have a trip for just the two of us that will be fun and interesting. I'd rather fly from Stansted or Southend or Norwich.

Can anyone recommend somewhere? I'm torn between going somewhere small and going to Madrid - which at least would provide a day of good shopping for DD, amongst the sight seeing. But I'm reticent about going somewhere so big, without the rest of the family. Is it easy to get around in Madrid? Will we end up exhausted doing loads of walking to see everything?

I've seen flights to Murcia. Is that somewhere worth seeing? Could we get somewhere else from there on public transport?

I'm excited about having a trip away for just the two of us but also have planning-fatigue - as the person in the family who always has to make things happen. So, I'm throwing it over to Mumsnet to help me.

Bilbao! Lovely city, art galleries, easyjet, near the cost and the mountains.

Barcelona! It's my favourite place in Spain and now dd loves it too. Lots to do, lots to see

I've discounted Bilbao and Barcelona on the basis of sticking to areas definitely speaking castilian spanish. But I would love to visit Bilbao. We've been to Barcelona when DD was young.

I think Costa del Sol could work for you.

Have done several short breaks in Benalmadena. Boat trip from the Marina, cable car , train to Malaga.

Definitely Castillian speaking and regional flights to Malaga.

I think Bilbao is Basque isn't it so that's different again. Most people in non Castillian speaking regions understand it though but in the south it's a very pure form of Castillian.

Consider the Canaries too but you may not get regional flights for 4 days.

Valencia. Loads to do, the coast is a short train ride away.

Unfortunately the Costa de Sol area is so touristy that it's hard to immerse yourself in Spanish, without seeing signs in English or without hearing English.
Seville speaks Castilian and there are flights from Stansted.
This link provides some ideas for easy day trips from Seville using public transport www.tripsavvy.com/the-best-day-trips-from-seville-4048209 You'll be spoilt for choice with options like Ronda, Córdoba and Cadiz.
Seville has both small, independent artisan shops and the larger department or chain stores. It also has plenty of open air markets selling local food and crafts. These would be perfect for practising Spanish. This link gives you the days and times of some of these markets www.exploreseville.com/shopping.htm
Flamenco originated from the Seville region and there's no shortage of flamenco shows and one-off taster classes for visitors.

I was going to suggest Seville too and would second everything Ricekrispie said.

Oh yes - Seville. I have always wanted to go there too. Thanks for spelling out the benefits for us. I will go and look at flights.

Madrid is wonderful, it is one of my most favourite places I have ever visited. It's quite small so easy to get around by foot but it also has an underground system.

That said, I would love to visit Seville.

I might now save Madrid to visit with DH someday.

The Spanish in Madrid is easier to understand than that spoken in Seville (not as quick) but Seville is a marvel. The Spanish call it Sevilla la Maravilla!

Some of Seville, Granada, Ronda, Malaga. I would possibly fly to Malaga as cheapest/most flights and have a couple of nights in Malaga and a couple in Seville or Granada.

The Alhambra in Granada is amazing and they have the full tapas experience where you wander round and have drinks in an evening that all come with a free tapa. Plus you can walk up into the Albacin and see the Alhambra lit up at night.

It is easy to get around Madrid on the metro, if you decide on there instead.