Thanks to input I received on ST and a couple of Samantha Brown and Rick Steves TV shows, my husband has his interest sparked and is behind the idea of Spain in the fall. I am now in the process of deciding where to base ourselves while there. I am sticking with Andulusia and the area around Madrid for our first trip. (Northern Spain will come next time)
I have been thinking of staying in Toledo instead of Madrid and going into Madrid for a day trip (or two). We seem to generally enjoy smaller towns rather than the really huge cities - and like to limit ourselves to no more than 3 places during a 14-16 day trip.
I have also questioned if staying in Sevilla - or in one of the white villages and doing Sevilla as day trips would be a good idea. I read so many lovely things about Sevilla - but the lure of staying in at least one fairly small village is very appealing. But I also have the thought of staying in Sevilla and then renting a car for a few days and making day trips to a few of the white villages.
Obviously, I need help.....

I have to admit that I'm not a great fan of Toledo so this might have to do with my suggestion of staying in Madrid, but that's not the only thing... One of the characteristics that I love about Madrid (I lived there for 8 years, I know it quite well) is that every neighbourhood is somehow like a small town... you could base yourself in one neighbourhood and do daytrips to Madrid!
About Seville: it's a difficult choice... I agree with you, basing yourself in a small village would be great, but Seville is also gorgeous and a daytrip is definitely not enough.. since you mentioned 3 locations, why don't you do 5 days in Madrid, 3 in Seville and the rest of your stay as you say, renting a car (I'd suggest staying in a small village rather than Seville for this part of your trip, though).

I agree with Giulia, split it up into 3 parts. You don't want to drive in Sevilla. But spend a couple of days there, THEN pick up a car (on the outskirts) and find a village to base yourself in. Are you planning to go to Granada?

My current thinking was to fly into Malaga or Granada, stay three nights before heading to Sevilla. That would give us three stops. This is why I was trying to only stay in Sevilla or a white village. We do well with one short stop, but have really embraced the idea of staying 5 -7 days in most places.
I would appreciate information about neighborhoods in Madrid, Guilia. I have obviously read about Madrid, but don't have a real concept of which neighborhoods/areas would have that small town ambiance. We also like to rent apartments, so areas with grocery stores is important.
I will do some thinking about adding another stop. Of course, then the question becomes - which white village??
I just love this process, even though I do obsess about it!!

Hi we are currently in Spain right now and we find Barcalona nicer than Madrid, however Seville is a fantastic town! We stayed there a couple of nights then later we went back twice more since it is a wonderful city! When we stayed in Madrid we stayed at a hostel for a couple of days which had a kitchen. We had our own room since we were travelling with children. After we vistied all that we wanted to see in Madrid we spent a week in a villa that was between Granada and Seville called Casa Pino Solo. From there we went to Granada, Seville and Gibralter. The villa has a pool, hot tub, pool table and pingpong table.
have fun deciding

Kathryn, If you fly into Málaga you can do a loop, taking in Seville, then Granada and then back to Málaga. You could also visit Ronda and Córdoba. I think you are more likely to get better airfare deals via Málaga.

If your time is limited then I recommend staying in Seville and visiting the white villages when you drive up from Málaga. There is a lot to see in Seville, so more than a couple of days would be preferable. You can probably get a nice sense of Granada in a day or two though, as it's much smaller. And central Málaga is fabulous.

Cycle Michael ... you came to Sevilla and didn't visit me???

Kathryn, in Madrid I would personally stay in Barrio de las Letras area (the area "north" of Calle Atocha, if you have a map of the town) or Los Austrias/La Latina area (south west of Plaza Mayor). Both areas are in the Centre, with easy access to everything (both walking or by underground) and have plenty of bars and shops alike. (I'm not sure you still want to go to Madrid, after the last posts I read, though!)

Hi Kathryn, how exciting for you to be planning your first trip to Spain. You and your husband will really love it there. You've received some great suggestions already. I've only been to Spain once so I don't have an extensive knowledge base for all the wonderful small white villages, however, if you do use Azahar's loop suggestion, I think you would really love those towns. After Seville I did travel to Cadiz then went on to Granada, then to Ronda and from there to Malaga where I flew home. It was a long train ride from Cadiz to Granada and I don't know if that would fit in your schedule. But from Granada to Ronda it was not a long trip and also from Ronda to Malaga. During my research, I read of so many beautiful white villages and it was hard to choose. I nearly did a day trip from Granada to Nerja at one point in my planning, but decided against it since I was going to Ronda and Cadiz already. I really loved my stay in Ronda. I stayed there for three nights.

Trip planning is definitely part of the fun. Enjoy your planning and have a wondrful trip.

Thanks for the input. After reading these posts, re-reading guide books and spending many hours on the internet, we have decided to spend the entire trip (this time) in Andalusia. We will definitely start out in Granada and end up in Sevilla. I am looking for rentals in a central small town and have found some likely apartments in Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera. I want to be able to do day trips to Ronda, Arcos, and at least some time along the less crowded areas of the coast. If there are any other villages that might be good for these types of day trips, I welcome suggestions.

Kathryn: We're off to Madrid this April. We did a motorcycle trip through Andalucia, out of Malaga, a few years ago and LOVED it. My favorite place was Ronda. The parador in Ronda is very nice and a unique location. Even if you don't stay there, check it out. Leave time for shopping and check out the bull ring. The drive to Gibraltar/Malaga from there takes you through the plains of Spain (where the rain in Spain stays!). Have a great time. Enjoy the jamon!