Spain 2023 Wrap-up

Looking back on our Spain trip...

Highlights

- Sevilla: city life, so much to see, tram/bus system, architecture 

- La Cala de Mijas: relaxing! Beach!

- Monuments - Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba, Sevilla Cathedral, Plaza de España 

- Shows: Flamenco, Horses

- Amazing weather 

- Stunning view from the road: Montserrat mountain range - see the photo here https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/discover-the-incredible-montserrat-rock-formation/

Definitely go back:

- Sevilla

- Mijas (or nearby)

Happy we did it, but we probably won't go back:

- Gibraltar

- Córdoba

- Belmonte

- Jerez

- Tarragona 

- Osuna

Would consider going back:

- Valencia

- Ronda

- Málaga

- Cádiz

- Nerja

- Granada

Pitfalls :

- Driving: navigation "aid", old-town streets, constantly changing speed limits, confusing directional signs 

- Gibraltar: monkeys, separated, steep, closed

Surprises:

- so much English, everywhere! 

~~~

Logistics:

56 days 

Overall gas efficiency - 43 mpg (5.7 liters/100km)

Total kilometers - 4160 km (2500 miles)

I finally figured out my cruise control...

Gas ~25¢/liter cheaper in Spain (border to border; we usually found it for even less); ~1/4 tank to border

~~~

Next time:

I looked into trains - to get to Sevilla, and stay a month or even two, it's still cheaper for two of us to drive! That plan:

Drive 7 hours from Sète to the outskirts of Valencia (airport hotel looks good)

Stay 1 (or two) nights

Drive another 7 hours to Sevilla. Park the car as before.

I also noticed that from Valencia to Mijas is about the same as to Sevilla...