First trip to Spain
 

I am considering visiting a nephew teaching in Oviedo next winter/spring. In 10-14 days, what cities and sights would be most worth visiting? Could I see Madrid &/or Barcelona? When to go? How to get around? Thanks.

Sorry don't know anything about Spain, but I encourage you to take the trip. I think visiting someone you know who is living local, is always the best way to travel! I assume you'd get around on the train.

My four trips to Spain have not been nearly enough - - and Spain gets short shrift here (some of the time), I think... like France, it is at least a dozen different destinations. With 3-7 months time to plan, I think you will enjoy immersing yourself in reading about the way-too-many places than you can ever visit, and picking an assortment... using input from your nephew. chances are, there are places he has never been, and can explore with you. The one thing better than seeing a place for the first time... is sharing that same experience with someone else who has never been there.

I do not know Oviedo, but I think you could do well to simply stay in the northwest. There are a lot of items to read here - - and on www.maribelsguides.com (a true treasure of a website) - - about the Basque areas to the east of Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona and the Rioja region(s). Combining Burgos, Valladolid and the rest of Galicia, I think you can easily fill 10-14 days without ever leaving the northwest. Or add a "footnote" of 2-3 days in Madrid (or Sevilla or Barcelona) for contrast, just before you come home.

What a marvelous opportunity for you!

Best wishes,

Rex

p.s. - - oh, and I would not hesitate to consider renting a car to see any part of Spain.

Oviedo is in Asturias, Northern Spain. From there you have easy access to Cantabria and the País Vasco (east), Castile y León (south) and Galicia (west), as well as the rest of Asturias, more then enough to keep anyone busy for two weeks.

You can travel between these areas by local or regional bus service, or, rent a car so you can explore the region a little better. And as already been suggested, take a look at Maribel’s Guides. You’ll find them useful in your research. I’d also suggest that you pick up a copy of the Cadogan Guide “Northern Spain”.

You could spend a couple of days in Madrid when you first arrive, but the city needs more time to be appreciated. Save Barcelona for another trip.

Robert: Don't shortchange FEVE! It had a really great price on 30-day hop on, hop off trains that it introduced this year.

jrpfeiffer: There are Bus lines that cris-cross northern Spain all the time. If you fly into Madrid, you can Bus to Oviedo in 6-hours or so. You are probably not thinking of Mountains or skiing, but there are several ski resorts in the Mountains of Northern Asturias (Picos de Europa).

Actually, I'd forgetten all about FEVE. We'll have to check it out on the next trip.

Thank you all for your generous and thoughtful responses.

We were some weeks in Salamanca some years ago, worth a visit for its history and ambiance. Also were in Segovia, Avila, etc. in the north.

There are many destinations for travel of course. And Madrid deserves a couple of days coming or going...especially the Prado museum.
I do think the bus and train service is good.

ozarksbill