funkey_monkey

Hi,

I'm planning my first trip to Spain this summer. I've been told that due to the heat etc I'd be best going to Northern Spain at this time of year and then to somewhere like Sevilla later in the autumn.

From my nearest airport I can get flights into/out of Bilbao, Santander, Santiago, Bacra, Girona, Reus & Madrid.

In terms of interests, I like food, most outdoor (non water based) activitites, old architecture, people watching, wandering around old towns/villages and wine - although I'm no expert! I would like to avoid most overcrowded tourist traps - unless there is something that is a must to see/do in the region.

For Northern Spain would I be best stayign inland slightly and also what is public travel like in this region?


Thanks.

funkey_monkey

I should also have said that the 10 days is an initial estimate but would not want to go more than 15 in total as I plan an additional tript o Europe later in the year.

ribeirasacra

From the question on TA I assume this is you.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ary-Spain.html
Some answers you have received are not true.
English will not be spoken by the amount that the DE on TA suggest. Certainly not on any public transport system.
Information about trains can be found on any of the following websites.
http://www.renfe.com/
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/feve/index.html
http://www.euskotren.eus/
How to purchase train tickets for Spain.
http://www.seat61.com/Spain-trains.htm
The information about bus services is basically true but added to ASLA you can find.
http://www.monbus.es/es/espana/rutas-nacionales
http://www.monbus.es/es/galicia/rutas-regionales
http://www.eurolines.es/en/
http://www.avanzabus.com/web/default.aspx
www.pesa.net
http://www.transportedecantabria.es/
Bus services are more fragmented than trains so I may have missed some off the list.

I would advise you to pick an area and stay within that area, especially seeing as you will be using public transport.

It still can get hot in Northern Spain. This week it will be over 30 in Galicia
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia...5G12P15991.htm
A horrible 40 in some parts of Andalusia.
Keep planning. ;-)

bilboburgler

Just the north of Spain covers a fair bit of countryside. I would look at say two areas, a few days in Bilbao with drives out along the coast and then maybe find somewhere between the Picos and Rioja for a bit of wandering and a bit of wine tasting.

I'd hire a car

Get the Rough Guide for Spain for ideas

funkey_monkey

Thanks for the replies. Would I be best flying into Santander or Bilbao?

Alternatively would the north east of Spain (Girona/Bacra/Reus) be a better destination for a first time trip to Spain.

My aim is to go later in year to Sevilla when it cools down.

ribeirasacra

***Would I be best flying into Santander or Bilbao?***
Best in what way?

funkey_monkey

As a base for a trip. You advised to pick an area and stay there. For 10 - 14 days is one area not overkill or can day trips be done around the region?

kimhe

Bilbao if you want to explore the Basque Country/Euskadi: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/
http://www.euskoguide.com/

Santander if you want to explore Cantabria, Asturias and perhaps Picos de Europa:
http://www.roughguides.com/destinati...-and-asturias/
http://www.asturiasguide.com/
http://www.thepicosdeeuropa.com/

funkey_monkey

Many thanks for those guides - I'll take a look through them and hopefully narrow down my destination

funkey_monkey

Hi again. Well, I've pretty much decided that I'm going to be starting my trip in Bilbao. Santander doesn’t really look as appealing as Bilbao. I'm still trying to figure out if I need 2 or 3 days in Bilbao before heading onwards. I've found the following itinerary for Bilbao and was wondering if it was too hectic:

http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoT...ao-in-two-days

Also, I don't know if I should head westwards, loop back to Bilbao or end in a central or eastern location such as Madrid, Genoa or Barcelona. Any suggestions appreciated. Although I am thinking that westwards might be nicer for me.

After Bilbao, I would like to go out into some of the smaller towns in the region. What are my options here. I did find this day trip extension, but I was wondering for other opinions:

http://www.viator.com/updateShopping...emId=554289980

Once I figure out direction I can then add additional places. I would like to do 1 - 2 days hiking so I'm not sure if this means westwards towards the Pico’s is the beast option.

Lonely Planet have the following itinerary, but I think I would like to stay a bit more inland (cut out some big tourist destinations and stay in somewhere smaller at times). It also seems a bit whistle-stop so I would definitely cut out some destinations in order to spend 2 - 3 nights in most stopovers.

http://www.roughguides.com/destinati...n/itineraries/

Also, it should be noted that I intend to use public transport. From reading up it seems that Spain is well served and I also would not like to drive alone (this is a solo trip). Would this limit me in getting between smaller more rural locations?


Thanks and I look forward to the suggestions/replies.

kja

Only YOU can decide what will meet YOUR needs and interests. You've been directed to some excellent guidebooks. I recommend that you consult them and then come back when you have more specific questions. It's a great part of the world - enjoy!

funkey_monkey

Hello again,

Due to a change in circumstances, I was unable to make this trip, but I've now got the possibility of travelling for up to two months. I am considering spending the vast majority of this time in Spain as I am currently learning the language.

I would like to see as much of the country as possible in a relaxed manner - I can always go back for anything I missed. My planned travel time is Nov - Dec.

In this timeframe what would be my best plan for direction of travel and destinations? At this time of year do I omit Nothern Spain: San Sebastian -> Santiago?

I would also consider incorporating Portugal into the intinerary, if it was a better idea.

Any initial advice would be appreciated at this stage.

bilboburgler

The Atlantic weather can be a PItA. I've driven the northern coast in November and had hail etc, they call it Green Spain for a reason, Potugal has a similar problem but the further south you go the winds may stay up but certainly T shirt weather, even if you have to run to the local bar some of the time.

If it were me I'd look at Portugal from Lisbon and south then cross over to Malaga, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Barcelona with the odd diversion along the way.

kja

OMG, 2 months in Spain?!? I an incredibly jealous.

You have a wealth of options before you. You have some PAINFUL choices ahead of you.

Hit the guidebooks to begin whittling you options to a few areas that work in terms of weather and suit your interests.

No bad choices here!

funkey_monkey

Do to work commitments I can't get to Spain as early as I would like.

Would it be very expensive to travel in Spain over Christmas and new year. If not overly expensive, where would be the best place to be based assuming that things close down over the festive period?