If you're looking for a city break in warmer climes, then look no further than Madrid - a perfect destination from the UK. In a little over three hours you can be landing in Spain for sunshine, siesta and sangria.
Anne H flew from Liverpool airport - with convenient on site parking, then over the road into the terminal, so no messing with off-site parking or pickups.
Anne took the trip in October last Autumn, where the temperature was a very pleasant 29/30 degrees, staying at the central and very modern Carretas Apartments, which was central for everything she and her friend wanted to visit.
She recommends pre-booking before departure, however, to ensure tickets are available - it tends to work out cheaper too, rather than buying ad hoc tickets on the day.
The Prado Art Museum showcases Spain's rich heritage and some of Europe's finest paintings, including those by Goya, but also features more modern artists.
An open-top bus is a must for virtually any city tour, and will give you an introduction to this wonderful city. One and two day tickets are available and you can hop on and hop off wherever takes your fancy.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is a magnificent must-see. Once the home of the Spanish Royal Family, it is still their official home but is now mostly used for state occasions. With its ornate tapestries, golden thrones and magnificent staircases, construction finished in 1751. There are 3000 rooms and its armory is one of the most significant collections of its kind.
Food and drink were very reasonably priced, with generous and delicious portions of tapas, accompanied by wine at £3.50 a glass. They ate three meals a day for 4 days, spending less than 300 euros, so very affordable.They headed to one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid - La Latina - for the best food, though it can get very busy at weekends and in high season.
It is also a great place to stroll in the evenings, with tiny churches nestling side by side with apartments, piazzas and restaurants.
Plaza Mayor
Highlight of the week - apart from the trendy rooftop bar - was a Flamenco show at the Cueva de Lola sorry no photos were allowed!) They chose a tiny basement venue with a small stage where dancers strut their stuff in time to the heady but romantic music.
A fabulous few days - and a quote from Anne that she would definitely go back!.
