Due to family schedules, I will be braving Andalucia during the heat of the summer--Ronda for two weeks in school, and then one week with family to Cadiz, Jerez, and surrounding towns like Sanlucar and Arcos. Should I really worry about not being able to travel around due to extreme temperatures?

Kindly advise!

Xacara

Xacara writes: I don't think you should worry. Just be cognizant of the fact that: only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun (to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling). Keep your heads covered and use plenty of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

Cadiz is a coastal city as (I believe) is Sanlucar de Barrameda. Normally you may expect afternoon seabreezes in both places.

Jerez de la frontera and Arcos de la frontera in early AM or evening. Most Motorcoaches are air conditioned, so, after a morning excursion you can travel by bus back to your coastal hideaway.

If you must partake of alcoholic beverages (like Sanlucar's Manzanilla) save it for evening after the sun goes down. Otherwise, alcoholic beverage intake can magnify the effects of insolation.

I have been to Sevilla twice in February and stayed at the Hostal Nuevo Suizo both times. It was a great low season place to stay.

The thing that scared me was the appartus on the air conditioner. It was just like the coin slider on an American pinball machine. I can see myself begging for quarters on calle Sierpes at 4 in the morning!

I can't see why anyone would pay to go to Spain in the summer!

Mongo, I can certainly imagine you having fun with your tin cup at the corner of Sierpes.

I was in Seville and Granada two years ago late July early August and promised myself not to that again! Funny, because I am originally from a hot weather area and found the South hard to bear with at that time.

It is not the best way to enjoy Andalucia. But, if you already have plans, the observations from the members above will help you, especially the one about alcohol. Stop to rest at a shaded cafe from time to time.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks to everyone for their moral support and advice! It's going to be one interesting adventure.

Xacara

Just a late addition to the other messages...
Andalucia is great in summer if you just respect the heat (which is powerful!) Drink plenty water, get up early when its still a bit cooler, take a siesta in the afternoon, this is important as nobody in their right minds should be up and about at this time. Stay up late and join in with the locals who enjoy life into the early hours at this time of year.
Just a footnote on Sanlucar, it's one of my favourite towns in Spain, the smell of the Manzanilla wine drift through the air, the sea and river Guadalquivir cool things down a bit and the seafood is out of this world. I always feel like I am on the edge of the world in Sanlucar.
Cadiz is also a splendid city, with a beautiful cathedral. This area also seems to me to be very reasonable on price too.

Have a good trip!

Yes, it is hot, but it is definitely doable. Heed the advice about not going out in the heat of the day. In Sevilla, you will mostly see tourists on the street at this time. On the bright side, it is nice to be there when the crowds thin out. The beaches in and around Cadiz will be great. If you can get out of town, try to the south of Cadiz.

Hope to see ya there.
Ill be in SanFernando, Cadiz next town over its a island. But its Sooo nice..
Some of the best beaches in Spain..
Ill be there 8/21/04 - 11/18/04..