gollum

I am planning a two week trip to Spain in the first two weeks of July.
Here is what I have come up with so far: 4 days in Barcelona, 5 days in Costa Brava ( stay in Begur or Cadaques), and 5 days in Basque countryside (would love to see Bilbao).
Does this sound good to you guys? No one in our group has been to Spain before.
Here is the challenge: We have a total of 7 adults + 7 kids flying in from different international locations. Lodging can be a challenge as we like to rent villas/apartments rather than hotels. We are fine with renting cars to drive around. Would prefer to stay slightly off the beaten track rather than in super touristy towns. Thanks!

amer_can

Try VRBO to locate accom. It will be a challenge!! BCN and Costa Brava sound about right as thry has H2O on site as it will be hot!! Somewhere near San Seb/Bilboa would also be a choice but BCN to Bil. is quite a drive/ Try to get an open jaw and that might help. July will be "touristy" anywhere in Europe where there are beaches. Take a look at Maribel Guides also for suggestions.

Robert2533

I'd check Top Rural (www.toprural.com/Casas-rurales_España_9_h.html) regarding your accommodations. There is also Nekatur (www.nekatur.net) for the Basque Country, but if you want something for a large family group, then you need to start looking now. As already noted, July is the beginning of the holiday season in Spain and everyone who can heads for the beaches and mountains.

Maribel's Guides can be found at: www.maribelsguides.com

gollum

Thanks for the feedback. Great to have more accommodation websites to look at. Maybe it is too ambitious to include San Seb/Bilboa but it sure would be nice. Wish we could do June but unfortunately it does not work for everyone (perils of travelling with a large group).

One new question: I have found some available apartments in the same building in Barcelona but they are in the Olympic village. Is that a reasonable area to stay in? Next to the Olympic port.

hkto

July tends to be very hot in most of the country but north has generally cooler climate and much more pleasant for touring. Beaches are nice (IMHO they are better than in Costa Brava) and water is warm enough for swimming in the summer. Check out videos from http://www.youtube.com/user/Olonnais

North is in

01 - El norte del camino (Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia y Cantabria)
02 - Camino de perfección (Cantabria, Asturias, Lugo y A Coruña)

Robert2533

The Olympic village isn't a bad location, especially if it fits your group's needs.

gollum

Thanks for the helpful replies!
A slightly different question -
do you think Seville, Cordoba and Grenada should be off-limits in July due to the heat or still worth doing. We were in Crete last July and I thought the heat was ok.

nytraveler

At that time of year in Andalusia the high temps are likely to be from 100 and up (can get to 120).

I love the area but we go in April to get weather warm enough for beaches but still bearable for touring (mid 80s).

Egbert

the only place I want to be in Spain in July is the north coast, San Sebastian in particular. Barcelona is fun but really hot in July and the beach is not that nice. Andalusia in July? Fuhgeddaboutittt as they say in New York.

layanluvstotravel

We visited Andalusia in July a few years ago and it wasn't as unbearable as some kept warning us. I wouldn't skip Andalusia for fear of the heat alone. That is, unless you're super sensitive to the sun.

Timetolivenow

Great trip and wonderful country! Spain is hot in July, cities are overrun with tourists and locals run to the beach. I've spent a great deal of time in Spain and I think for me a root canal in July would be better. Depending where you are reservations are a must for hotels and restaurants. Que's are long, and the heat can be breath sucking. Other than that Barcelona, Basque country and the coast are magical. I have learned that May, June and September are the best time to get the vibe, but avoid the crowds. Enjoy as Spain has great sites, amazing food and wine that is just wonderful.