Barcelona and which other destination?
Mar 21st, 2012, 09:42 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barcelona and which other destination?
Hello! We are two couples (30s) planning a two week trip in August around the primary destination of Barcelona. We are wondering which other destination to add to Barcelona. We like culture & food, picturesque countryside/small remote villages, and pristine sandy beaches. Our perfect vacation would include the majority of time in a major city such as Barcelona, a few days at a beautiful world-class beach or romantic port town, and several days lazily wandering the quiet countryside villages. We are looking for something to both contrast yet complement the Barcelona experience, & are looking also for relaxation. We do not want to pack too much into the two week period and do not want to be in more than 2-3 hotels max. It is our first trip to Spain & Coastal Spain, but we have been to both South of France & French Riviera before.
Please tell me which you suggest and why, or any general concerns regarding these options. (i.e. crowds, weather, time). Also how much of the two weeks would you allot to Barcelona, and then to the second destination?
1. Barcelona/Catalunya and drive north to Costa Brava
2. Barcelona and drive (or train/bus) 5.5hrs to San Sebastian/Basque region
3. Barcelona and fly to either Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza
4. Other suggestions????
Thank you very much for your help!
Please tell me which you suggest and why, or any general concerns regarding these options. (i.e. crowds, weather, time). Also how much of the two weeks would you allot to Barcelona, and then to the second destination?
1. Barcelona/Catalunya and drive north to Costa Brava
2. Barcelona and drive (or train/bus) 5.5hrs to San Sebastian/Basque region
3. Barcelona and fly to either Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza
4. Other suggestions????
Thank you very much for your help!
Mar 21st, 2012, 09:52 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Formentera. Fly to Ibiza. Lots to do and see and gorgeous atmosphere at Formentera.
http://www.formentera.es/ca/la-isla/playas-2
http://www.formentera.es/ca/la-isla/playas-2
Mar 21st, 2012, 09:52 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spain and beaches in August= crowds.Costa Brava is very crowded as are the islands but if you dont mind that then go for Costa Brava and visit Girona and Figueres(Dali Museum).Both are great towns with good food.Having said that what little I have visited in BAsque country was very nice and different.contrasts with Barcelona..greener more countryside and brilliant food..superb.
http://theartichokeadventures.blogspot.com.es/
http://theartichokeadventures.blogspot.com.es/
Mar 21st, 2012, 10:02 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When in August will you be there? The Tomatina Festival, just outside of Valencia (3hrs or so by train from Barcelona), is on Aug. 29 this year ( I think). Although, this may not be so romantic or relaxing but definitely an experience...
http://www.latomatinatours.com/
http://www.latomatinatours.com/
Mar 21st, 2012, 01:00 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your responses and suggestions!
We will be there the final two weeks in August- I know it isn't best time to travel to EU, but it is the only time we have off!
I don't mind crowds in cities.. however at beaches and countrysides I prefer it to be less crowded. Are any of the Spain beach destinations less crowded than others that time of year? Are the islands less crowded than coastal spain beaches?
Would you suggest I perhaps avoid beach areas entirely in August due to crowds? Just stay in and around Barcelona for the two weeks? Or perhaps consider going from Barcelona to Northern Catalunya/Costa Brava or Basque region with less concentration on beach (maybe just a day trip or two)?
We will be there the final two weeks in August- I know it isn't best time to travel to EU, but it is the only time we have off!
I don't mind crowds in cities.. however at beaches and countrysides I prefer it to be less crowded. Are any of the Spain beach destinations less crowded than others that time of year? Are the islands less crowded than coastal spain beaches?
Would you suggest I perhaps avoid beach areas entirely in August due to crowds? Just stay in and around Barcelona for the two weeks? Or perhaps consider going from Barcelona to Northern Catalunya/Costa Brava or Basque region with less concentration on beach (maybe just a day trip or two)?
Mar 21st, 2012, 02:29 PM
#9
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sitges will be extremely busy, Mallorca too. But also the Northern seashore is very popular at that time.
Southern Catalunya with the Southern Costa Daurada around L'Ampolla and the Ebro delta is relatively off the beaten path of mass tourism. But still easy to reach by car in 2.5 hrs from Barcelona.
Especially the miles and miles of beaches on the edges of the Ebro delta hardly see any tourists at all.
There is lots to see in the area, but a rental car would be a must.
Southern Catalunya with the Southern Costa Daurada around L'Ampolla and the Ebro delta is relatively off the beaten path of mass tourism. But still easy to reach by car in 2.5 hrs from Barcelona.
Especially the miles and miles of beaches on the edges of the Ebro delta hardly see any tourists at all.
There is lots to see in the area, but a rental car would be a must.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 08:54 AM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All beach towns in Spain will be extremely crowded in August. I would skip Barcelona and go straight to San Sebastian if you can find a hotel. It is my favorite place in the world in the summer, beating out Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The beach in Barcelona is not very nice and it will be painfully hot.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 08:59 AM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can click on my nmae to read my trip report from October 2010. We spend 5 days in Barcelona, then rented a car for a 3 night/4 days road trip along the Costa Brava & into the Pyrenees. We spent one night in Cadaques, and 2 nights in Girona, & we LOVED everything we saw. Cadaques was one of our favorite stops.
Mar 22nd, 2012, 11:20 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 925
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a word of warning if you are planning on driving. My cousin was the subject of a car scam. The thief pointed out that they had a flat tire. when they got out to check he grabbed their valuable from the car. The second time this happened they did not fall for it.
Mar 23rd, 2012, 05:34 AM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
try to avoid leaving Barcelona Friday after 11 a.m. and coming home before Monday morning or not until VERY late Sunday night. The weekend traffic is horrendous towards the beaches and you will spend most of your time in the car.
