absilver

Hello,
I would appreciate some feedback about my itinerary that is materializing for my trip to Spain during the 2nd week of June. We are in our late 20's and prioritize scenic views, outdoor activities/exploration and good food!

We are arriving in Barcelona on a Saturday morning, planning to stay 2-3 nights, possibly in Hotel Constanza (?) Open to other recommendations moderately priced (under US$180) in the Gothic Quarter/Las Ramblas.

Next, we plan to rent a car to explore the Costa Brava for 2-3 days. Initially I thought we'd stay in Girona and use it as a springboard for some coastal explorations (Tossa del Mar, Lloret de Mar, Begur...and north to Cadaques) but now we are considering a B&B Casa dos Torres in Calella de Palafrugell in order to spend some time in close proximity to the beach for a portion of this trip. Does this make sense in lieu of staying in Girona?

Are there any alternative suggestions for choosing a homebase for 2-3 nights? We'd also like to venture out for a hike in the Pyrenees, but this may be adding a little too much. It sounds like there are ample hiking/walking opportunities along the coast, right? Girona was stated to be a center for cyclists in the region-we are not serious bikers but would renting a bike for a day in Girona make sense in terms of accessing area trails or are we better of sticking to the coast for optimal scenery?

Next, we return the car in Barcelona (airport) and fly to Bilbao for the last few days of our trip. We'd like to see San Sebastian as well, by bus I suppose. Any lodging recommendations in that region for those familiar with this side of the country? We fly out of Bilbao on our 8th afternoon, back to NYC.

Any and all advice would be great so that we make the most of our trip!

Thanks,
Amy

Cehegin

Oh and you can walk along the coast in the Natural Parc de Cap de Creus which is near Cadaques.Spectaculat coastline.

kimhe

In Barcelona, take a look at Banys Orientals, great value in the middle of the Gothic quarter, some 105€ for a double. http://hotelbanysorientals.com/en/index.html

In San Sebastián, I can at least recommend these places, as central as it gets, close to either of the fabulous city beaches La Concha or Zurriola but outide the wonderful but quite noisy Parte vieja/Old town.

Niza: http://www.hotelniza.com/ingles/niza...-sebastian.php
Alemana: http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html
Kursaal: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/pens...FcNF3wodCCEQ_w

Combining scenic views, outdoor activities and great food, you can go hiking over the hill along the stunning coastline to Donibane/San Juan some 1,5 hours walking from San Sebastián. You'll have to take a 50 meters boatride from San Pedro to get to Donibane, the boat leaves all the time. The bus takes you back to San Sebastián in some 25 minutes.

Excellent seafood restaurants at the waterfront with great value three course lunch menus with wine included for some 15-20€. The local fish soup is to die for. http://www.euroresidentes.com/eurore...s/san-juan.htm

Restaurante Txulotxo: http://www.restaurantetxulotxo.com/index.html

San Sebastián is European Capital of Culture 2016:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2zTb...eature=related

Egbert

Skip the Costa Brava and go right to San Sebastian.

stevelyon

Thank goodness you reconsidered Lloret de Mar - hell on earth. Also take a look at Aiguablava - beautiful.

uhoh_busted

I agree with Egbert. Skip Costa Brava and concentrate on the Basque coastal area.

dmelo1

If possible...skip Bilboa as well. People go there for the museum, which i did too. Museum is fine, but city is dirty. Wish i had stayed in San Sebastian longer.

CathyM

I have to disagree. I don't know when dmelo1 visited Bilbao but it has undergone a transformation over the last 15 years and is a vibrant beautiful city. I'd visit for at least a daytrip if possible.

Is you entire trip just 8 nights? If so I'd definately stick with just Barcelona and the Basque Country OR the Costa Brava. Otherwise it will be very rushed. If you've never visited Barcelona I'd suggest at least 4 nights especially if it's your first stop after a transatlantic flight. I second the recommendation of the Hotel Banys Oriental. It's in a great location and is very reasonably priced. I haven't visited Barcelona since the fall of 2007 however I recently sent a friend to this hotel and it was one of his favorites.

Egbert

Bilbao seems like the heart of the Basque country. San Sebastian is just the crown jewel.

willperson

In Barcelona the Hotel Principal , close to Ramblas, very close to the best market in Europe, reasonably priced.

Costa Brave see the Dali museum (very cool)

uhoh_busted

I'd suggest visiting Pamplona and San Sebastian. Then you get the big city Barcelona, the nifty town of Pamplona and the beachside fun of SS.