hoyahaven

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Europe this summer, as we are attending a wedding in London at the end of July. We both would like to go somewhere else besides London afterwards, but we only have 7 days to do so (and it is more like 6 days when you factor in travel time).

Our original inclination was to hop over to Croatia (fly into Split and leave via Dubrovnik), but I'm thinking now that we should save it for a longer trip of 10-12 days, given how long the ferries take to go between the islands/cities.

We are considering Barcelona as well, but I've been there twice before, and therefore also wanted to add something new for me to change things up a bit. Are Majorca or Ibiza worth it? Has anyone else done a quick flight out of Barcelona to another destination that they really enjoyed? Or would you recommend staying put the whole time in Barcelona?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Robert2533

It's difficult to recommend something not knowing anything about what your interest are. The options are nearly limitless, but with only 6 days, you may want to narrow them down to something you really want to do, see or experience.

danon

you can fly to San Sebastián by Vueling. or take a train to beautiful Valencia for a few days.

hoyahaven

Robert - We are looking for a relaxing vacation that has a few days of beach/sun, but also some sightseeing/historic elements as well. That's why both Croatia and Barcelona seemed like a good combination of both.

Robert2533

At the end of July, I'd head for San Sebastian-Donostia in the País Vasco for a few days relaxing on the beach, enjoying some of the worlds best cuisine and exploring the Basque coast from Biarritz to Bilbao. You can fly into Bilbao in two hours on Iberia/Vueling and take a private transfer or taxi to your hotel San Sebastian.

The 48th International Jazz Festival, Heineken Jazzaldia, is from the 24th to the 28th of July this year, so you'll have to book your hotel now (www.heinekenjazzaldia.com).

There are no direct flights into San Sebastian from the UK. You would have to go through Madrid or Barcelona, which makes for a very long day.

danon

There is a bus from the airport in Bilbao to SS. ...
A taxi would be at least 100 euros

rialtogrl

I love Spain, but if you can get a low-cost flight to Croatia (one region with your short amount of time), that could work too. In July there are lots of flights from the UK, but it is also high season. You don't need to fly into Split and fly out of Dubrovnik - You could fly into Pula and stay in Rovinj, or go to Split and then head to Hvar Island after. Both regions have a pretty stellar beach/history ratio. Northern Spain is a great recommendation also - maybe you can have a look at the best available flights and go from there...

Ackislander

If you think of riding the ferries as taking a cruise rather than as riding a bus or commuter train, they can be a great way to get places. A bottle of wine, some bread and cheese, and a place to lie down on the top deck while the Adriatic slides by . . . But it will be hot and crowded both in Catalunya and in Croatia.

hoyahaven

Thanks for your help everyone! We decided to save Croatia for a vacation when we have more time.

We are going to spend 3 nights in San Sebastian and 3 nights in Barcelona. So now that that's decided, any recommendations on restaurants, lodging, etc. would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again!!

Robert2533

A budget would be helpful regarding your hotel choices in both San Sebastian and Barcelona. The same with restaurant recommendations.

Because of the jazz festival, you should be book your accommodations in San Sebastian as soon as possible. You can check Maribel's Guides to the País Vasco and Barcelona to see her list of recommendations for both hotels and restaurants.