Konak

My husband and I are thinking of going to Barcelona and the Eastern Catalan Pyrenees during the latter half of October. What kind of weather can we expect? I presume the towns in the Pyrenees will be chillier than Barcelona, but will it be cool, as in the 50s-60s, or cold, as in 30s-40s (fahreheit)? My husband and I would like to do some hiking. Will hotels and restaurants be open? We've been in the Alps at the end of September and the towns were basically closing up until ski season.

Also, will driving ourselves in the mountains be a nail-biting experience? We'd like to go to Rupit. My husband is a good driver but gets nervous on narrow, twisty roads in foreign countries. In Switzerland, one can travel by postal bus to any remote area, but I doubt if that's the case in Spain.

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

Robert2533

Have you talked to a trip planner regarding this adventure? Someone who is familiar with the area...

ekscrunchy

The person who could truly help you is the legendary Maribel, who has posted here in the past and is the author of the terrific online guides used by many of us to plan trips in Spain.

Maribel offers a personal trip planning service; she was of immense help to a friend of mine who traveled to Spain not long ago; you can contact here via her website:

http://maribelsguides.com/travelplanning_tours.html

Kwoo

Hi,
Last October, mid to late, we visited Barcelona, then rented a car & drove up the Costa Brava, overnighted at Cadaques, then spent 2 nights in Girona. After sightseeing in Girona for a day, we spent a day driving through the Eastern Catalan Pyrenees. We stopped in Besalu, Ripoll, & Rupit. We didn't go any further than Ripoll. My husband drove; some of the driving was on twisty, turning mountain roads, but we didn't think it was dangerous; you just have to use common sense; don't drive fast, etc. The scenery is spectacular & well worth the trip!!

Regarding temps, it was 70's F in Barcelona, 60's in Girona, & 50 - 60's in the mountains. We wore lightweight jackets.
You can click on my name to read my more detailed trip report.

Graziella5b

Hello,I am writing from Ripoll going to Andorra, the weaned could not be better,everyday we drive around into a fascinating discovery of little romanic little churches, delicious goof and lavish green
Vegetation . Good luck in your next trip you will love it

zeppole

I personally think the legendary Maribel is more interested in boosting her travel business and travel to Spain in general to give wholly candid advice about Spain.

I loved my trip to the Pyrenees, and I love driving in Europe (I live in Italy) but some of the driving I did in the Pyrenees was indeed nail-biting, especially when a fog obliterated visibility to less than a few yards. (It would be more accurate to say we drove so high we drove into clouds).

I think late October is quite late to be going to the Pyrenees, especially if you are thinking of high elevations. You need to check the weather carefully with locals.

However, Rupit is really not so high up. (I also don't think it is much of a destination, so don't cry if you don't miss it.)

I think if your husband is nervous on narrow, twisty roads, the Spanish Pyrenees will not be a fun experience for him. There are plenty of marvelous places to enjoy at lower elevations. I think the Rough Guide to the Costa Brava is the best single guide out there describing them.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rough-Guide-.../dp/1858288029

zeppole

You might find this interesting

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1663184

and you might want to ask your questions on the TripAdvisor message boards for the Pyrenees.

Robert2533

zeppole, I think you're a bit of a twit, which is putting it mildly.