Bibao, San Sebastian & Marbella?
 

This is our first trip to Spain and would appreciate some feedback on our tentative travel plans. We are looking to get some local flavour as well as keep it relaxed.
Thinking of flying into Bilbao, spend two nights - cover Bilbao one day and perhaps a day trip to San sebastian? Is the day trip to San Sebastian worth it, how far is it from Bilbao?
2-3 nights in the Rioja region at the Marques De Riscal hotel. Go back to Bilbao and fly to Malaga...or should we go to Madrid from the Rioja region (not sure how long a drive it is)..
4 nights some place around Marbella...
I realize from the trip reports that there is a lot to cover and experience. This first trip will hopefully be a good introduction...? hope to follow up with Madrid and Barcelona on a long weekend.
Thanks!!

The question is whether Bilbao is worth it. Once you have seen the skin of the Guggenheim, you have seen Bilbao. The collection is not worth a special trip.

San Sebastian is a beautiful town with probably the best food in Spain.

The towns are about one hour apart.

For my first trip to Spain I would skip Bilbao and Marbella. The first trip should include Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and if possible the Alhmabra.

The Costa del Sol with some major exceptions is overbuilt and filled with retired Brits and tourists from all over. Anything but laid back and full of local flavor.

Thanks. That is our worry abt Marbella..trying to find a place where the husband can relax by a beach and it's turning out to be pretty difficult since we prefer local flavour and peace and quiet at the same time a nice hotel!! Almost impossible to find :)

Take a local at Santander. San Sebastian is a bustling beach resort

I'd stay in San Sebastian and skip Bilbao. You can fly directly into San Sebastian, although it's not as cheap as flying to Bilbao. Still, I think it's worth it.

check out the montiboli hotel in villajoiosa.

www.relaischateaux.com

Thanks for the tips.
Lincasanova - the relais property looks nice!