Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
#16
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 20
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
steviedeluxe,
I suspected it would be something like that.
I referred you to Malaga city, no other area or the Costa del Sol, there is a huge difference.
I continue to meet people who say they have been to Malaga, but have only been through the airport, stayed on the Costa and have no knowledge there is a normal, vibrant, Andalucian city nearby, worth at least a day's touring.
'the food there is rubbish and overpriced, crime is rampant and all the Spanish hate all the Brits.' - does not describe Malaga's adequate to outstanding food, (as you can find in many cities) - any rampant crime is from those foolishly leaving valuables on show in their car (that is the only regular major issue as I recall) - and if a Malagueño does not like you because you are British, it is perhaps because no attempt has been made with etiquette for a second time or are noticeably drunk .
Best wishes.
n.b. I am not paid by Malaga's tourist board to sell the place, but I certainly know it well enough to suggest it might meet your criteria.
I suspected it would be something like that.
I referred you to Malaga city, no other area or the Costa del Sol, there is a huge difference.
I continue to meet people who say they have been to Malaga, but have only been through the airport, stayed on the Costa and have no knowledge there is a normal, vibrant, Andalucian city nearby, worth at least a day's touring.
'the food there is rubbish and overpriced, crime is rampant and all the Spanish hate all the Brits.' - does not describe Malaga's adequate to outstanding food, (as you can find in many cities) - any rampant crime is from those foolishly leaving valuables on show in their car (that is the only regular major issue as I recall) - and if a Malagueño does not like you because you are British, it is perhaps because no attempt has been made with etiquette for a second time or are noticeably drunk .
Best wishes.
n.b. I am not paid by Malaga's tourist board to sell the place, but I certainly know it well enough to suggest it might meet your criteria.
#17
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2009
Location: Alicante province
Posts: 5,753
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Well yes, you're probably right in this respect. However I'm not really a beach and sun-bathing type of person. So long as it isn't freezing and there are museums,architecture or historic quarters to explore, I'm happy. I'm just concerned that in many places it can be too cold in mid-winter to walk around.
It’s got three museums, a new Church whose architecture in comparable with Barcelona’s and historic quarters a plenty, even a British one, though slightly outside the town.
A submarine in the harbour is open to the public and the fishing fleet is a busy one. The history of the town’s salt production is legend and you can watch the process from start to finish, a two-mile long conveyor belt takes the processed salt directly to the waiting ships in the harbour.
You will not find a wider variety of restaurants anywhere else in Spain, explained by the 146 different nationalities registered on the padron.
There are no hotels that cater for the British tourists, but for Spanish speakers there are ample small hotels and hostals.
#18
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Now that you’ve mentioned museums, architecture and historic quarters, I can finally write down the name of the place I recommend without pangs of guilt. Torrevieja.
It’s got three museums, a new Church whose architecture in comparable with Barcelona’s and historic quarters a plenty, even a British one, though slightly outside the town.
A submarine in the harbour is open to the public and the fishing fleet is a busy one. The history of the town’s salt production is legend and you can watch the process from start to finish, a two-mile long conveyor belt takes the processed salt directly to the waiting ships in the harbour.
You will not find a wider variety of restaurants anywhere else in Spain, explained by the 146 different nationalities registered on the padron.
There are no hotels that cater for the British tourists, but for Spanish speakers there are ample small hotels and hostals.
It’s got three museums, a new Church whose architecture in comparable with Barcelona’s and historic quarters a plenty, even a British one, though slightly outside the town.
A submarine in the harbour is open to the public and the fishing fleet is a busy one. The history of the town’s salt production is legend and you can watch the process from start to finish, a two-mile long conveyor belt takes the processed salt directly to the waiting ships in the harbour.
You will not find a wider variety of restaurants anywhere else in Spain, explained by the 146 different nationalities registered on the padron.
There are no hotels that cater for the British tourists, but for Spanish speakers there are ample small hotels and hostals.
#19
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
steviedeluxe,
I suspected it would be something like that.
I referred you to Malaga city, no other area or the Costa del Sol, there is a huge difference.
I continue to meet people who say they have been to Malaga, but have only been through the airport, stayed on the Costa and have no knowledge there is a normal, vibrant, Andalucian city nearby, worth at least a day's touring.
'the food there is rubbish and overpriced, crime is rampant and all the Spanish hate all the Brits.' - does not describe Malaga's adequate to outstanding food, (as you can find in many cities) - any rampant crime is from those foolishly leaving valuables on show in their car (that is the only regular major issue as I recall) - and if a Malagueño does not like you because you are British, it is perhaps because no attempt has been made with etiquette for a second time or are noticeably drunk .
Best wishes.
n.b. I am not paid by Malaga's tourist board to sell the place, but I certainly know it well enough to suggest it might meet your criteria.
I suspected it would be something like that.
I referred you to Malaga city, no other area or the Costa del Sol, there is a huge difference.
I continue to meet people who say they have been to Malaga, but have only been through the airport, stayed on the Costa and have no knowledge there is a normal, vibrant, Andalucian city nearby, worth at least a day's touring.
'the food there is rubbish and overpriced, crime is rampant and all the Spanish hate all the Brits.' - does not describe Malaga's adequate to outstanding food, (as you can find in many cities) - any rampant crime is from those foolishly leaving valuables on show in their car (that is the only regular major issue as I recall) - and if a Malagueño does not like you because you are British, it is perhaps because no attempt has been made with etiquette for a second time or are noticeably drunk .
Best wishes.
n.b. I am not paid by Malaga's tourist board to sell the place, but I certainly know it well enough to suggest it might meet your criteria.
#20
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Well yes, you're probably right in this respect. However I'm not really a beach and sun-bathing type of person. So long as it isn't freezing and there are museums,architecture or historic quarters to explore, I'm happy. I'm just concerned that in many places it can be too cold in mid-winter to walk around.
#21
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Valencian Province
Posts: 346
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
My current work contract finishes mid January, and I'm considering getting away for a few days. First instinct is to go to Madrid, to take advantage of the sales, fine wining and dining, and catch up with old friends. However, it can be cold (I suppose that's true of most places in January though). Where would you recommend?
#22
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Go to Malaga It has everything, atmosphere, good food, cinemas in original language if required, theatre , concerts, great shopping, warm climate, excellent cheap transport and great places to visit by bus or train. It's within walking distance to beaches if required and you can visit Picassos house and lots of other museums or just stay awake for the nightlife.
If you get bored you can be in Madrid in less than 3 hours on the AVE!
#23
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 20
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Hey - kindred spirits in elspeth and Fred.
#24
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Manchester
Posts: 309
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
One hour down the coast is Murcia City culturally complete you have also the Mar Menor (warm Coast) and the luxury of being 30 mins fron the infamous 'La Manga' where the footballers train in the winter and the rich enjoy we have a lovely home near the Mar Menor 10 mins away just come back 24degrees lovely and Spanish by the way!
#25
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
It's just one particular poster who posts a barrage of negative stuff about the region. Not only is the unemployment high there (which we knew about anyway) but all (yes all!!) the food there is rubbish and overpriced, crime is rampant and all the Spanish hate all the Brits. To be fair she doesn't like the Brits down there either - none of them bother to learn Spanish you see.
May be best if I avoid that area - supposing she's right?
May be best if I avoid that area - supposing she's right?
#26
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Well yes. I fully intend to have a long stay in Galicia at some point (but not this time around), regardless of all the wibbling about rain. I've been in Asturias and Cantabria several times and I know the scenery up there is absolutely stunning. A bit of precipitation that keeps the countryside green, is not a negative point in my view - although I admit 14 solid days of rain may change my mind. I've spent a year working in Glasgow, so perhaps rain no longer bothers me!
#27
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 20
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Casa Santo Estevo,
Many thanks. I now recognise you from your profile. Your efforts and good works are certainly noted. Very best wishes.
Many thanks. I now recognise you from your profile. Your efforts and good works are certainly noted. Very best wishes.
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Location: Marbella
Posts: 256
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
I ditto Malaga! With day trips to Cadiz and Sevilla!
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2010
Location: Isla Redonda
Posts: 194
Re: Best place in Spain for a week's holiday in January
Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada all full of culture!! why not rent a house somewhere and explore the lot!!!!