dover1600

Hello... Hoping for some assistance from you amazing fodorites.

My friend and I, and our families, are planning a trip to Spain next summer. Initially we hoped for somewhere in San Sebastián area, but have been unable to find the accommodations that we desire (private house with outdoor space, preferably a pool, in walking distance to town).
So now, we are looking elsewhere and Would love recommendations.

We are looking for a fabulous small authentic Spanish town/village with great culture, food, etc. Would like it to have a market and some yummy places to eat. I realize that this likely seems quite vague as there are so many amazing places to visit, but we are pretty stuck on the type of property that we need and are prepared to look in a variety of great spots to find it.

Can you help?
Thanks in advance,
Tanya

nytraveler

Can't give specific recos but definitely do stay on the small area of the Atlantic Coast. In summer the rest of Spain is hellishly hot. If you head to the south the average temp can be 100 with highs of as much as 120 - so not a place you want to be, ever with a house with full AC. So I would look at other towns in the same area.

If there is nothing there at all I would look in a cooler area - such as the cote d;azure in France - rather than stay in a place with hellish heat.

dover1600

My husband said the same about the weather... Thanks, will keep that in mind.

traveller1959

The north Atlantic coast in Spain is definitly not hot in summer, certainly cooler than the rest of the country.

You will find something in Cantabria, around Santander. Check out Santillana del Mar - the epitome of a picturesque village.

Also fly with Google Earth eastwards and westwards from Santander and see the fantastic beaches there.

dover1600

Good idea about using google earth. Thank you.
I'll check out that village you mentioned now!

kimhe

You should have some options in San Sebastián. Vila Buda is right on the La Concha Beach promenade and sleeps up to 12: http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...tment-77-5.htm

Here are a couple of other options for 10-12 people: http://www.amarantelva.com/spain/san...ntals/people=8

If you are looking for a more small town/village type of place with fabulous food, great beaches up here, go to either Getaria, Hondarribia or Lekeitio.
Getaria: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...taria-tourism/
Hondarribia: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...ribia-tourism/
Lekeitio: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...eitio-tourism/

I've previously had great help from Jone Karres Azurmendi. She's from San Sebastián, speaks "all" languages and knows everything about the Basque Country, she'll find a place for you along the Basque coast that fits your bill in a minute. Or contact "mikelg" on this forum, he's from Bilbao and he also knows everything there is to know about the area.

IMDonehere

One of my pet peeves is when someone uses the word "authentic." That has the connotation that it is not quite 21st century but has in this case has enough modern conveniences, and in this case, a swimming pool to be attractive to them.

People who live in "inauthentic" towns have the same lives as others.

If you really want "authentic" try Malpica where there will be few tourists.

http://www.minube.net/what-to-see/sp...de_bergantinos

Pascal_Traveller

Hi there! But you would like to stay in a small village or you can also have in mind to visit a big city?

Because probably the best choice is Barcelona so you can have relax on the beach, there are several beaches and at the sometime you can enjoy a capital with arts, shops and restaurants.

I've been to Barcelona last year, after visiting Italy and its was amazing, a little bit hot but it deserves!

kimhe

And the Spanish Atlantic coast in the North is some 400 miles long, plenty of fabulous cities, towns, villages and beaches all along, and fabulous food up here.

Spanish and French elites have come out to this coast, especially to the eastern part, since about 1850 for the cooler summer climate. And San Sebastián is on top of almost any travel recommendation list for very good reasons. The culinary capital of Spain if not all of Europe, some of the finest city beaches on the continent, beautiful landscapes, a living culture that people take great pride in etc. etc.
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...-in-the-top-10
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...-san-sebastian
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...ravel-rankings

dover1600

Thank you so much everyone.
San Sebastián would have been perfect, and yes you are correct there are a lot of places available for parties of our size, but they are all apartments. As we are looking at an extended stay, with 4 kids under 8, we would like comfortable outdoor space.
Thank you for the recommendation of those three towns and a local person that can help. I will look her, and them up, this afternoon.

kimhe

And just to wet your appetite for the Basque coast: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/basque-coast/

This house could be an option, on the Igueldo hill in the west of San Sebastián. Close to both the old world Igueldo amusement park and three Michelin star restaurant Akelarre: https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p6666842

The 100 years old amusement park with spectacular views of the city and the sea: http://www.monteigueldo.es/en/index_en.php

Akelarre (Witches' sabbath), had the lunch of my life here a couple of years ago: http://gqtrippin.com/europe/spain/akelarre/

The house is a five min drive from the Ondarreta beach, the most western of the three city beaches. In a lovely residential area and the beach most popular with families and kids. Have stayed in this area many times: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/beache...aa30-12375/en/

Or just take the funicular down from the Igueldo amusement park and café/restaurant, and then you're more or less on the beach! http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ar...icular-railway

The view from Igueldo is THE San Sebastián view: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/

DimIv

There are some descriptions of the villages with prices https://tranio.com/spain/.
Personally, I'd advise you La Selva or Montserrat i el Canigó nearby the mystic mountain Pedraforca. Villagers orginise great local events suitable for families. It's a nice compliment to the picturesque views from the houses.