Our family is looking to go to Spain this Christmas for two weeks (Mom and Dad and 3 college students). We thought we wanted to go to the Costa del Sol--but now are thinking about flying into Madrid and taking a train or driving down. Any suggestions?

I just returned from Spain. I don't think the rails are as developed there as in other parts of Europe (though I was in the Barcelona/Costa Dorado area).

I rented a car through National, and got upgraded to a top-end Citroen because they were out of econo-boxes. The highways were great, but tolls on some highways are steep. This car was a diesel, and saved both on mileage & price of fuel. I liked the flexibility of having the car, but recommend you get it the day you leave the big city--use public transit in town. The bigger car was great on the highway, but challenging when it came time to park. If you rent, secure it before you go--I saw many sad puppies at the Barcelona airport who had not reserved ahead and could not get a car.

I picked up a Michelin road atlas of Spain at a map store before I left--it was a great resource.

Another great resource I found was www.madridman.com . They have a bulletin board similar to this that you can search for information, as well as knowledgeable people to help with your questions. Their travelers tend more toward the college student/backpacker set, but they can give you great information on the questions you've asked.

Finally--pick up a copy of James Michener's "Iberia". This is the account of his many trips through Spain, and is travelogue as opposed to his usual historical fiction. Even though it was published in 1968, much of the information it contains is still very relevant.

If I can be helpful with other details, feel free to drop me an e-mail.

JP

The superhighways in Spain are wonderful and the rest stops a very high class operation. The question is: how big are your 5 people? Can they fit into a rental car and what about the luggage?

I live in Madrid and love it. This will be my first X-mas here but am looking forward to it. In Madrid's Plaza Mayor there is a X-mas market which is supposed to be quite good.

As for highways, yes they are quite good but the tolls are STEEP. For example, the toll from Barcelona to Valencia (just a few hours) is approx. �17. The drive from MAD to the Costa will take you an entire day of hard-core driving. Even with the typical Spanaird's complete disregard for speed limits.

The trains are much improved from several years ago. I know the AVE goes from MAD- Sevilla in just 2 hours. I think there may be one that goes even closer to the coast. You could check out taking the train as close to the coast that you can and then renting a car away from MAD.

I will second the advice on parking. Parking on the street, esp w/ a lg car is next to impossible. Parking in a garage can also be difficult if your car is large since you may not be able to get down thetight ramps or squeeze into a space.

http://www.madridman.com is a good site for Spain specific info. you can also check out http://www.renfe.es for Spanish train info.

If you want more info on Madrid, please feel free to email me

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I Love New York -- Viva Espa�a

Costa del Sol is excellent...I highly recommend basing yourself in Marbella (the Gran Melia Don Pepe is a great & reasonable hotel) as it's centrally located if you want to travel into Malaga, or if you want to venture on over to Gibraltar, Cadiz, etc.

I do, however, suggest either taking the AVE train from Madrid to Seville, and driving onward OR taking a quick flight from MAD to AGP (Malaga). The drive is long and trying between Madrid and CDS. Be sure to visit Gibraltar, and also take the ferry over to Morocco. Don't worry about it being "unsafe"-- use 1/2 a brain and you'll be just fine.

The Puerto Banus (just west of Marbella) has excellent outdoor cafes for meals, and the Finca Besaya is top notch.

I miss living in Spain...email me if you want more information!

Que se diviertan en Espana!