I know Seville is crazy the week of Easter, but how about Madrid? If we are in Madrid on Easter Sunday, will everything be closed, will it be crowded, will public transportation be a problem?

My wife and I are thinking about a trip either 3/22-3/31 or 3/29-4/7. We want to hit Madrid, Seville & Costa Del Sol area. The big question is how would Easter week effect our trip.

So, if you had your choice, would you be in Spain over Easter week or the week after. We speak very little Spanish and we aren't seasoned travelers.

Are we asking for problems and huge crowds traveling on 3/22-3/31?

Any help????

later
Papalou

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: Papalou ]

Papalou writes:
Everything will not be closed Easter Sunday. Most restaurants will be open and public transportation will be on a regular Sunday schedule. But I think it would be a mistake to opt for your latter proposed dates.
We travelled to Spain several times for Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week before Easter Sunday, because that's when Phila schools usually have their Spring break. Once, when we went to Alicante (Playa Campello) during that week the trains were very crowded. It seems that many Madrileños take the week off and spend it at the mountains or the shore. Friday is a holiday for Government and most Office workers; but most shops are open, at least until midday.
Not much happens Easter week (what I call the week beginning with Easter Sunday). For many, Monday is also a holiday.
When we day-tripped to Sevilla from Madrid for Friday of Holy Week, we had no problem buying reservations/tickets on AVE one day in advance.
If I had my choice, I would be in Spain for Semana Santa. You're going all that distance: schedule your trip to take advantage of all the colorful Processions. I was 65 years old the last time I was in Sevilla for Semana Santa.
P.S.
If you ride Renfe (trains) you will probably use Talgo or AVE. Both are all-reserved.

Papalou,

Hello and welcome to the board. Since my favorite job on this forum is airfare, I have some recommendations. However, if you already have your tickets, disregard this entire message.

If you are flying into Madrid, the cheapest time to fly is on a Tuesday or Thursday. So try to book then. Do you have tickets yet? If not, I can find you some deals to Madrid for your planned trip. Let me know your plans and I'll do the best I can.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!
Ben
pbchamp@intercom.net

Just a little tip..AVE has been packed lately. It might be better to reserve your seats.