travelcat48

We are planning a trip to Spain in mid/late Sept. of next year. Coming from Toulouse we will first go to Barcelona for 3-4 days. And then...? Have read wonderful things about Seville and Cordoba....but also about San Sebastian and that area. We are not much for museums, but love walking old towns, seeing great sights, and exploring neighborhoods/restaurants. What would you suggest? We would have about a week to 10 days after Barcelona. (also...in mid/late Sept. is Seville area still quite hot?)
We will probably be flying out of Madrid, though not sure at this point.
Thanks for any help.

Robert2533

They are as different as night and day, so take your pick. But with 10 days to spare, why not do both Sevilla and San Sebastian. And yes, it will still be warm in Sevilla in mid to late September.

suec1

IMO the main draw in SanSebas is the food and it is wonderful but weather is often iffy. If you have a car and can drive around to explore the area more, that would be an advantage. Going south will be warmer and again, IMO, more "A" sights to explore. You could do both if you are not a "slow traveler", if you decide that, I give the south 5 days and SS 3.

suec1

Also there is a film festival in San Sebas. in Sept. - if you go at that time, hotels will be super expensive and hard to get - check the dates!

mamcalice

I thnk I would go to Seville if you have a week. You should definitely see Cordoba and, even more importantly, the Alhambra in Granada. Unless you have time for these stops, I would save Andalucia for another trip but a week should allow you to see all 3.

As for San Sebastian, it is well worth a stop but I'm not sure what you would do for a full week

Seville will still be hot in September so, if you go there, go at the end of the month.

Robert2533

"but I'm not sure what you would do for a full week"? I take it you haven't spend much time in the north.

Along with the major international film festival, there is Euskal Jaiak the first week of September in Zarautz, which is only a few minutes down the coast. The Fishing Boats Regattas is held the first two Sundays in San Sebastian. Alarde is celebrated in Hondarribia the first week of September.

There any number of outdoors activities you can do in September, depending on how much energy you have. You can visit the Gorbeia Natural Park, the Sanctuary of Urkiola and the Urbaibai Reserve, all close to San Sebastian.

The Rioja Alavesa Wine Harvest Festival, which started in Laguardia in 94 took place on the 19th of September this year in Villabuena de Alava, so we will have to wait until the location is selected for 2014.

kimhe

Sevilla hosts the 18th edition of the world's largest and most prestigious flamenco festival from early Sept to early Oct 2014.

The Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla takes place in theaters and open air venues all around town, some 70 performances in total. A genuine display of this beautiful art so important for Andalucía. Only world class artists and mostly a local and knowledgeable crowd. A night or two in the theater during the Bienal could be an experience for life. About the 2012 edition: http://www.flamenco-world.com/notici...l23052012.html

PetrosB3

Andalusia is far better. San Sebastian is for Brits who want to visit a cheap sunny place not far from home. Its ugly and VERY touristy.

Andalusia is the original Spain. You must visit Cordoba, Granada and Sevilla. I have done the exact same trip as you will do. Barcelona (4days) then Granada (3days) Cordoba (3days) and Seville (4days)

ribeirasacra

Interesting view above, which in not quite what I would have thought.
IMHO Andalusia is the place that the Brits head for when thinking of cheap flights and vacation in Spain. Hardly any Brits head for SS.
Spain as a nation started in what we now know as Asturias (which is in the North).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History...h_centuries.29
A question for the OP: How are you planning to travel in Spain?

kimhe

I have neither heard such characteristics of Belle Epoque San Sebastián/Donostia before, the culinary capital of Spain, some of the finest city beaches on the continent and a favourite for the Spanish and French elites since the mid/late 19th century. Many Spanish and French visitors, popular with Americans and Scandinavians, but I've not met many Brits in San Sebastián the past 25 years. European Capital of Culture 2016.
http://www.travel.nytimes.com/2011/0...pain.html?_r=0
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/

Some pictures of a city which many Spanish hold to be the most beautiful in the country: https://www.google.no/search?q=Donos...w=1600&bih=754

suec1

Costa del Sol is where you can find all the "bangers and mash" sign for the Brits on holiday. Years ago we had a Spanish exchange student stay with us from a wealthy family - the only Spanish beach holiday that appealed to them was the San Sebastian area. But weather can be very iffy and again, unless you have a car, I think sightseeing is a bit restricted. Lots more to see in Andulucia, and it is very authentic, not the overdeveloped, souless condos of Costa del Sol (altho, I will say, one year we did have a very pleasant holiday there).

danon

one wonders why sOme posters say such nonsense like "SS is full of Brits , ugly and ..
sunny (!)"
Andalusia , ( the " original" Spain? Really? ) appeals to many, but three days in Cordoba and Granada
would be a bit of a bore , IMO.

yorkshire

Flip a coin. Andalucia is full of treasures, no doubt, but the Basque region is gorgeous as well. If you are at all concerned about hot weather, then SS for sure.

travelcat48

Thank you all for the ideas/input/opinions....all well taken. We are still trying to figure out the trip.
ribeirasacra, we would probably try for trains rather than a car, though would rent one if that seemed best.
Thanks again!