Spanish City Breaks

[Crikeyalmightey]

Looking for ideas. Don't want a beach holiday.
Where have you been in Spain for a city break? Apart from Barcelona?

If not Spain, can you recommend a city break elsewhere in Europe?

I love Madrid. However I want to visit Valencia and Sevilla. I hated Barcelona.

San Sebastián and Bilbao are on my list too!

Adding to the love for San Sebastian (Donostia). What a fabulous place! The old town is a warren of pedestrian alleys full to the brim with Pintxo (tapas) bars and everyone talking eating and drinking outdoors, noisy and great fun. The beach area is very swish, La Concha. If you go you will know!

Next favourite is Cordoba. A kind of hidden gem, as most people go to Seville, Granada and Malaga in Andalucia. Do not miss it, it has the nicest atmosphere of any city I've been to in Spain. But avoid the Summer heat, it is fierce. Of course Seville Granada and Malaga are also great, and you could do all three quite easily by train. Fly into or out of Malaga/Seville and take the train to Cordoba and Granada. Be prepared for crowds in Granada, it is heaving. I preferred Cordoba but glad I got to see the Alhambra.

We like Malaga, Granada and Palma. Just come back from Mallorca, Palma is a short bus ride from the airport, has lots if history, Cathedral, Royal Palace, Modern Art gallery, a fab gallery once owned by Franco's dodgy financier, lovely market with loads if stalls selling fresh foods and cafes preparing and selling them. A nice small gallery dedicated to Juan Miro. If you fancy a day out, buses cover the whole island from Palma, the old train goes up to Soller, Manacor, about an hour on the bus, has the Rafa Nadal academy and museum if you are a tennis fan. Oh, and a large Marina, and beaches on its doorstep. A good mix for a short break.

Zaragoza. It’s in North East Spain, Aragon. it’s becoming popular, in part as people look for an alternative to massively over-touristed Barcelona. Visit it while you can, before it gets over-run too.

Seville
Granada
Cadiz
Salamanca
Madrid

Madrid is amazing. Galleries especially.

Bilbao was worth a visit, especially as we went to the Peace Park in Guernika as well.

Girona is lovely and it’s a very short rail trip to Figueres, the Dali Theatre-Museum there is well worth a visit.