Four weeks in Spain with kids
 

Hi Everyone,

We have decided to go to Spain in August for 4 weeks. So that is very soon and I am getting overwhelmed. I know it will be hot, so I am mentally prepared for that.

Can you experts give me some advice where to go. We are beach lovers, but we also adore culture and nature. I hope they are not all mutually exclusive. I was thinking Andalucía, Extremadura, and Costa Verde. Why those areas, I don't know, they seem just a bit off the beaten path without tons of hustle and bustle, yes those are a few more of our criteria. It will be my husband and I and our kids (7&12). That said, I do want other kids around for our kids to socialize with (not always, but sometime). We will be renting a car.

What more information do you need from me? I know, very vague. It is a once in a lifetime trip and I just want it to be perfect, as we all do :)

Thanks for your assistance.

MS

Andalucía is not off the beaten path, that path has been well-beaten for millenia.

Your plan covers a lot of territory.

Use a hub-and-spoke approach - stay in 2-3 main destinations and tour from there.

Thanks BigRuss.

Any suggestion on hubs, taking into consideration beach/culture/nature. I guess I just liked the idea of seeing Flamenco and the Andalucian Horses in Jerez. I am not married to the areas I mentioned above. So any advice would be well received.

I like the idea of small towns with lively main squares.

Where did you come up with Extremadura in August? It's quite beautiful, but best left for the fall, winter or spring months. Instead, I would head for Green Spain, from the Basque country to Galicia, but you'll need to make your reservations now.

Robert. This trip opportunity just came up last week! I checked out some sights for Spain off the beaten path and Extremadura came up. Is it best for the other seasons due to the extreme temperature? I can handle heat, but not if oppressive (which I am getting the feeling much of Spain is in August). I like the idea of Green Spain but I do have to go to Andalucía (husband bucket list, me thinks). Do you have any suggestions for a base in the North West? Quaint town near beach (would be ideal).

Andalucia and most of Spain will be excrutiatingly hot in August. The exception being the North coast which has the best beaches in Spain. The problem is what most people think about old Spanish culture is to be found in Andalucia, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, Jerez. The beaches around Cadiz are second only to the North coast so you could spend some time there for beach and be close to history and flamenco culture. It might be hard to find good accomodations in August near the beach. Where would I go? I would spend a week in san Sebastian, then maybe travel the North coast, through the Picos de Europa all the way to Galicia.

When we say Spain is hot - esp Andalusia - that means highs of 100 and up (it has reached 120 at times). Simply unbearable during the day except in a pool or someplace with AC. Dehydrating is a real risk - esp with kids.

If you must go in August I really strongly suggest you stay on the Atlantic coast - which is where any spaniard who can afford it will be.

We spent a month in Spain in Sept. Was it hot? Yes, but unbelievably lovely. If you want to spend time on the beach go to a US beach. It will be cheaper. If you want to see Spain go where the Spanish influence is inspiring and beautiful. We spent a week in Barcelona, then on to Granada, Nerja (beach), Tarifa, Arcos de la Frontera, Sevilla, Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid. We did see the horses in Jerez (wonderful) and Flamenco in Seville. We also did a tour of a bull ring in Seville, but passed up the bull fight itself. Loved Barcelona, Granada, Sevilla and Cordoba. Follow your instincts and visit the places that you picture as "Spain."

I don't get how one part of Spain is more Spain than another part of Spain, but I wish the OP good luck in figuring out her trip. I'd follow the suggestions to go north if I was in your shoes. Andalucia will be there waiting for you, and I imagine it will be much more pleasant without sweaty whining kids!

Cambados in Galicia is interesting, and the Parador is very nice. And you might enjoy spending some time at the Hotel Louxo La Toja on the Isla de la Toja (www.louxolatoja.com). You can also consider Ferrol, up the coast, north of A Coruña.

Thank you everyone for the great advice. It is much appreciated.

Cádiz should be on your August list. Cooler breeze and on the Atlantic coast just outside the Gibraltar strait.

Cádiz, close to Jerez, has got some of the finest beaches in the country. Known for fabulous seafood and wine (jerez/manzanilla) and it's a vey much living cradle of flamenco culture. Tons of history (the three thousand year old Gadir and seat of the extremely liberal 1812 constitucion (La Pepa)), and off the most beaten tourist track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33JUrGwZQLY

The most famous flamenco dancer in the world, the gaditana (from Cádiz) Sara Baras dancing her tribute to the 1812 constitucion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySW_eoPvT0U

And The Basque Country in the North. Wonderful San Sebastián (European Capital of Culture 2016), vibrant Bilbao, beautiful landscapes and lots of small and charming fishing villages. Fabulous beaches here as well and the best food in Spain, if not all of Europe: http://tourism.euskadi.net/en/

Would give you strong impressions of two totally different and wonderful parts of a very diverse country.

Weather statistics for Cádiz in August (past 16 years).

Daily highs between 89-96F, night lows 62-68. Average 11 hours sun/day.

San Sebastián in August:
Daily highs between 70 and 76, night lows between 60 and 64. Average 7 hours sun/day. Rainfall (often short and heavy showers, then - and after - San Sebstián is at its most beautiful) about one in every three days.

wetteronline.de

Yes, but the average high in Seville In August is 97 degrees - not the record - the average. The record high - in 2003 - was 126 degrees. IMHO just too hot to do anything.

Costa Verde is a good option in August, not too hot, lovely beaches and well marked walks along the coast. For walks, visit this page: http://www.topwalks.net/en/westcoast_asturias.htm