San Sebastian or Mallorca?
Jul 9th, 2012, 08:53 AM
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San Sebastian or Mallorca?
Hello all,
My husband and I are travelling to Spain mid-August for 12-13 nights. We are flying into Barcelona and out of Madrid. I have 4 nights that I still have open, and since we are exploring 2 cities, I wanted to break it up a bit with beach or/and mountains.
Originally I wanted to head south to Granada and Seville, but I understand it will be too hot in Auguest, especially since neither are on the beach. Instead I was thinking perhaps San Sebastian or Mallorca. I've read a bit on both and crused some of the postings, but had additional questions.
Questions:
1) Does Mallorca attract a similar crowde as Ibiza? My husband and I are in our mid-30s, we enjoy going out and would like some sort of upscale scene, however, Ibiza is not our thing, even though it looks beautiful.
2) Is there a specific area of Mallorca that would be better - Northeast perhaps? I read some posts about violent muggings by Palma in the south...
3) Weather in San Sebastian - I read the average temp in Aug is low 70s F - is this accurate? Isn't that a little chilly for beach weather?
One last thing - I have a severe shellfish allergy (cannot be cooked on same grill even) - I know shellfish is a staple in both places - was wondering if I may have an easier time in one place over the other...
Thank you for your help.
My husband and I are travelling to Spain mid-August for 12-13 nights. We are flying into Barcelona and out of Madrid. I have 4 nights that I still have open, and since we are exploring 2 cities, I wanted to break it up a bit with beach or/and mountains.
Originally I wanted to head south to Granada and Seville, but I understand it will be too hot in Auguest, especially since neither are on the beach. Instead I was thinking perhaps San Sebastian or Mallorca. I've read a bit on both and crused some of the postings, but had additional questions.
Questions:
1) Does Mallorca attract a similar crowde as Ibiza? My husband and I are in our mid-30s, we enjoy going out and would like some sort of upscale scene, however, Ibiza is not our thing, even though it looks beautiful.
2) Is there a specific area of Mallorca that would be better - Northeast perhaps? I read some posts about violent muggings by Palma in the south...
3) Weather in San Sebastian - I read the average temp in Aug is low 70s F - is this accurate? Isn't that a little chilly for beach weather?
One last thing - I have a severe shellfish allergy (cannot be cooked on same grill even) - I know shellfish is a staple in both places - was wondering if I may have an easier time in one place over the other...
Thank you for your help.
Jul 9th, 2012, 09:04 AM
#2
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Here's a post on Donostia.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-august.cfm
An article to learn about Donostia.
http://spainguides.com/sansebastian.html
I've been there twice, and would love to go again. I find it a magical place.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-august.cfm
An article to learn about Donostia.
http://spainguides.com/sansebastian.html
I've been there twice, and would love to go again. I find it a magical place.
Jul 9th, 2012, 10:10 AM
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"My husband and I are travelling to Spain mid-August for 12-13 nights."
Therein lies your problem. Both San Sebastian and virtually the whole of Mallorca are key destinations and will be very busy in August, the peak month for holidays in Western Europe. That means that you will have to pay a lot of money in either place for a hotel room.
It is now already July and August is just 3 weeks away. I suggest that you try to find suitable accommodation at the right price (for you) in both before making a decision, and definitely before booking any transport.
I would start by looking at what hotels are available on www.booking.com
That is the website that I use whenever I travel around Spain. There are others, of course.
Therein lies your problem. Both San Sebastian and virtually the whole of Mallorca are key destinations and will be very busy in August, the peak month for holidays in Western Europe. That means that you will have to pay a lot of money in either place for a hotel room.
It is now already July and August is just 3 weeks away. I suggest that you try to find suitable accommodation at the right price (for you) in both before making a decision, and definitely before booking any transport.
I would start by looking at what hotels are available on www.booking.com
That is the website that I use whenever I travel around Spain. There are others, of course.
Jul 9th, 2012, 10:36 AM
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I have just checked hotel prices on booking.com for San Sebastian in mid-August (16 - 17 August). Ouch. They are expensive.
"Does Mallorca attract a similar crowd as Ibiza?"
In some beach resorts, yes. In others, no. But one thing is certain - it will be just as crowded. However, you first will have to choose a destination on that island that suits you.
"Does Mallorca attract a similar crowd as Ibiza?"
In some beach resorts, yes. In others, no. But one thing is certain - it will be just as crowded. However, you first will have to choose a destination on that island that suits you.
Jul 9th, 2012, 11:08 AM
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We have combined Barcelona with Mallorca on two occasions, the plane flight is very straight forward, Ryanair operate the route and the price should be around 60 euros. It would be then very easy to fly Palma to Madrid.
Mallorca has always catered for visitors at every level, it is a large island and some areas are never crowded. We were there last July and the east coast was fairly quiet, some family resorts will be busy in August but I doubt you will want to stay in them anyway.
What is your budget and do you want a hotel or apartment?
Mallorca has always catered for visitors at every level, it is a large island and some areas are never crowded. We were there last July and the east coast was fairly quiet, some family resorts will be busy in August but I doubt you will want to stay in them anyway.
What is your budget and do you want a hotel or apartment?
Jul 9th, 2012, 04:57 PM
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Thank you for your responses. We are interested in hotel accomodations rather than an apartment, 3, 4 or 5 star depending on location and amenities etc. I'm ok researching hotels, its more about the choice of location. Currently I have a room booked at Maria Christina in San Seb (I have a few weeks left before I can cancel without being charged)...in Mallorca I was looking to narrow down the location on the island first. I was thinking that the northeast seemed nice based on what I have read so far.
I dont mind either location being crowded, I just want to make sure that I am not picking a place that would be similar to spring break in US lol. Not that I am boring, I do like after-beach parties, clubs etc (my husband not so much, more of a bar guy)...I just want to make sure I am not the oldest person there
What is the weather like in San Seb and Mallorca? I had checked the average temperature for San Seb and it was 70 degrees F? Is it beach weather there?
thank you again.
I dont mind either location being crowded, I just want to make sure that I am not picking a place that would be similar to spring break in US lol. Not that I am boring, I do like after-beach parties, clubs etc (my husband not so much, more of a bar guy)...I just want to make sure I am not the oldest person there
What is the weather like in San Seb and Mallorca? I had checked the average temperature for San Seb and it was 70 degrees F? Is it beach weather there?
thank you again.
Jul 9th, 2012, 10:47 PM
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1) Does Mallorca attract a similar crowde as Ibiza? My husband and I are in our mid-30s, we enjoy going out and would like some sort of upscale scene, however, Ibiza is not our thing, even though it looks beautiful.
No, Mallorca is different. Firstly, it is much larger than Ibiza and you find a great variety of people there. Secondly, the landscape is more diverse - with wide beaches, rocky coves, plains, a mountain chain, picturesque villages, historic towns and many things to see. Compared to Mallorca, Ibiza is sort of barren.
2) Is there a specific area of Mallorca that would be better - Northeast perhaps? I read some posts about violent muggings by Palma in the south...
The posh part of Mallorca is the west coast - which is also the most scenic part of the island. Here are some of my favourite hotels:
www.canai.com
www.hotel-laresidencia.com
http://www.jumeirah.com/de/Hotels-an...er-Hotel--Spa/
3) Weather in San Sebastian - I read the average temp in Aug is low 70s F - is this accurate? Isn't that a little chilly for beach weather?
Donostia (do not say "San Sebastian") is on the Atlantic and generally cooler and wetter than Mallorca. Expect rainy days and cool temps. Usually, the weather is mixed: you have a couple of warm, sunny days and a couple of rainy days as well.
On Mallorca, the weather is always perfect. The Mediterranean Sea is considerably warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.
No, Mallorca is different. Firstly, it is much larger than Ibiza and you find a great variety of people there. Secondly, the landscape is more diverse - with wide beaches, rocky coves, plains, a mountain chain, picturesque villages, historic towns and many things to see. Compared to Mallorca, Ibiza is sort of barren.
2) Is there a specific area of Mallorca that would be better - Northeast perhaps? I read some posts about violent muggings by Palma in the south...
The posh part of Mallorca is the west coast - which is also the most scenic part of the island. Here are some of my favourite hotels:
www.canai.com
www.hotel-laresidencia.com
http://www.jumeirah.com/de/Hotels-an...er-Hotel--Spa/
3) Weather in San Sebastian - I read the average temp in Aug is low 70s F - is this accurate? Isn't that a little chilly for beach weather?
Donostia (do not say "San Sebastian") is on the Atlantic and generally cooler and wetter than Mallorca. Expect rainy days and cool temps. Usually, the weather is mixed: you have a couple of warm, sunny days and a couple of rainy days as well.
On Mallorca, the weather is always perfect. The Mediterranean Sea is considerably warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.
Jul 10th, 2012, 01:24 AM
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San Sebastián has been a favourite for Spanish and French summer guests for some 150 years (used to be a summer destination for the elites), much because of the climate and the fabulous city beaches (Ondarreta, La Concha and Zurriola), some of the finest on the continent. Add world class cuisine, cafés, bars, nightlife and a great local culture that people take great pride in, you have it. My favourite city on the planet. http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/07...tin-spain.html
Sixteen past years statistics for mid August in San Sebastián says daily highs at 70-80F and six hours sun pr day. Expect some showers every second day. I've been here almost every summer since the late 80's, and it not being beach weather have never crossed my mind as a problem. The beaches are usually packed, and the temperature is often in the 90's at lunch-time. The beaches, especially Zurriola, into the evening when people start to go home, is as good as it gets.
La Concha early in the morning: http://gospain.about.com/od/sansebas...ebastian_2.htm
People seem to like it...: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract...e_Country.html
Zurriola, my favourite city beach in San Sebastián: http://www.google.no/search?q=Zurrio...w=1600&bih=805
Sixteen past years statistics for mid August in San Sebastián says daily highs at 70-80F and six hours sun pr day. Expect some showers every second day. I've been here almost every summer since the late 80's, and it not being beach weather have never crossed my mind as a problem. The beaches are usually packed, and the temperature is often in the 90's at lunch-time. The beaches, especially Zurriola, into the evening when people start to go home, is as good as it gets.
La Concha early in the morning: http://gospain.about.com/od/sansebas...ebastian_2.htm
People seem to like it...: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attract...e_Country.html
Zurriola, my favourite city beach in San Sebastián: http://www.google.no/search?q=Zurrio...w=1600&bih=805
Jul 10th, 2012, 01:37 AM
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... and a couple of ideas for accomodation in San Sebastián. Pension Alemana is hotel standard and 50 meters from the La Concha beach promenade. Excellent location and great value:
http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html
We've often stayed at Pension Chomin, in the laid-back Ondarreta area and 50 meters from the Ondarreta beach. 2 minutes from the local feel and vibrant Antiguo area, and a 20 minutes walk along the beautiful La Concha beach promenade into the city center and the Parte vieja/Old town (buses all the time and 3 minutes and 4-5€ with taxi). Try to get a room with balcony facing C/Infanta Beatriz (sea-view). http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/chomin.en.html
At least one hundred small hostals/pensions in San Sebastián. They are small, but often hotel standard (ensuite bathroom, safe, tv etc). These often family-run places are usually extremely friendly and helpful, and much more atmosphere than a sterile hotel.
http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html
We've often stayed at Pension Chomin, in the laid-back Ondarreta area and 50 meters from the Ondarreta beach. 2 minutes from the local feel and vibrant Antiguo area, and a 20 minutes walk along the beautiful La Concha beach promenade into the city center and the Parte vieja/Old town (buses all the time and 3 minutes and 4-5€ with taxi). Try to get a room with balcony facing C/Infanta Beatriz (sea-view). http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/chomin.en.html
At least one hundred small hostals/pensions in San Sebastián. They are small, but often hotel standard (ensuite bathroom, safe, tv etc). These often family-run places are usually extremely friendly and helpful, and much more atmosphere than a sterile hotel.
Jul 10th, 2012, 02:33 AM
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... saw now you had a booking at Maria Cristina. Couldn't in any possible way get any better than that. And San Sebastián, like most of Spain except the most touristy places, is very much for all ages. A characteristic of Spanish social life. Young and old mix in the bars, restaurants, beaches etc all around town. Kids play in the wonderful Plaza de la Constitución long into the night, and you'll meet many "gangs" of people in their 70's-80's+ out in the bars in the Parte vieja/Old town.
Jul 10th, 2012, 02:50 AM
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I agree with kimhe about the Hotel María Cristina.
Since you already have a booking there, and have not even chosen a resort on Mallorca, I really do not see the point of looking any further.
Even finding seats on a flight to Mallorca might be problematic this late.
Since you already have a booking there, and have not even chosen a resort on Mallorca, I really do not see the point of looking any further.
Even finding seats on a flight to Mallorca might be problematic this late.
Jul 10th, 2012, 03:56 AM
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Lajc
There are flights from Barcelona to Palma throughout August for 20 euros single, check Ryanair for these and then tickets to Madrid.
Generally, the weather will be far better in Mallorca and usually cooler than Seville. Temperatures should be in the high 80s.
I would agree with traveller1959 above, the west or north coast are best suited for you. There are many day trip destinations, take a look at Soller or Portal Nous.
http://www.avenida-hotel.com/
Is a beautiful boutique town house with good service levels.
There are flights from Barcelona to Palma throughout August for 20 euros single, check Ryanair for these and then tickets to Madrid.
Generally, the weather will be far better in Mallorca and usually cooler than Seville. Temperatures should be in the high 80s.
I would agree with traveller1959 above, the west or north coast are best suited for you. There are many day trip destinations, take a look at Soller or Portal Nous.
http://www.avenida-hotel.com/
Is a beautiful boutique town house with good service levels.
Jul 10th, 2012, 06:56 AM
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Upscale night club in the basement of Café Victoria in the corner of the Victoria Eugenia Theater in San Sebastián. 25-30+ clientele. Just across the plaza from Hotel Maria Cristina. http://www.victoriaeugenia.com/teatr...php?idioma=en&
http://www.victoriacafe.es/actualidad.asp
Several nice music bars in and around C/ Reyes Católicos behind the Cathedral until 3am or so. Mainly adults. 3-400 meters from the hotel.
The bar/club Be Bop might also be something for you into the night. Early in the evening you can watch the sunset from the outdoor terrace. Often live music, jazz, blues, salsa etc. Two minutes walking from Maria Cristina:
: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ar...-club-3/be-bop
http://www.victoriacafe.es/actualidad.asp
Several nice music bars in and around C/ Reyes Católicos behind the Cathedral until 3am or so. Mainly adults. 3-400 meters from the hotel.
The bar/club Be Bop might also be something for you into the night. Early in the evening you can watch the sunset from the outdoor terrace. Often live music, jazz, blues, salsa etc. Two minutes walking from Maria Cristina:
: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ar...-club-3/be-bop
Jul 10th, 2012, 08:30 AM
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Oh I would definitely go to San Sebastian especially since you have reservations at the Maria. I think temperatures on sunny days are more in the 80's but on rainy days can be in the 50's. I would go back there every year if I could.
Jul 10th, 2012, 08:58 AM
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Here's a good example of how generally the weather pans out:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2512989
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/3110044
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2512989
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/3110044
Jul 10th, 2012, 09:43 AM
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The "normal" weather in San Sebastián is several hours sun and some heavy rain in between. The predominantly afternoon and often, sudden and heavy rainshowers add to the San Sebastián experience. People gather under the archways and rush into bars, and from one minute to another the atmosphere changes completely, and often in very good ways.
