I will be in Spain for 3 weeks with my husband and 3 young children (6, 4 and 6 months). We are exchanging with a family in Valencia and will plan many day trips from there, but we want to travel further afield for about a week at the beginning of August. So far our itinerary looks like this (but is not set in stone):
Day 1: drive to Barcelona (from Valencia) and spend 2 nights there
Day 3: drive to Girona and spend one night
Day 4: spend one night in Cadaques (or maybe a second night in Girona?)
Day 5: drive to Sitges and spend the night, see Montserrat
Day 6: drive back to Valencia
I was wondering if this is enough time to see those places (or too much?). I am also tempted to make our way into Basque country (San Sebastian and Bayonne), but I am afraid it might be too far. I don't want to spend all our time in a car. Keep in mind that we have young children, so although we do want to see museums and stuff, we will probably move through them rather quickly! I would appreciate any advice - never been to Spain!

Honestly with only 5 nights and 3 young children I'd stick with Barcelona. if you want to do daytrips you can visit Girona, Montserrat and Sitges using public transportation. But Barcelona has so much to do and see you may only have time for 1-2 daytrips.

I agree with CathyM. That's a lot of packing and unpacking, even without kids.

I agree as well. Barcelona as base and take a day trip to Cadaques/Girona. There is SO much to do in Barcelona, especially if you have young kids you are going to spread yourself way to thin if you try to spend less than 3 full days there.

Thanks for the quick replies! I think we will extend our stay in Barcelona then. I appreciate the advice! Any idea if it's worth a trip up to Basque Country?

If you have another weeek it's well worth a visit. But if you are limited to 3 weeks and 2 with a home exchange in Valencia leaving you only one week I wouldn't attempt to visit Barcelona & the Basque Country in this short amount of time with 3 young children.

You have young hobbits, do what CathyM said. A day trip max.

In the summer the Basque country is the best place to be in Spain. Not enough time though. Barcelona deserves 3 or 4 nights at least before you even need to do a daytrip. Tarragona has interesting Roman ruins, kids might like it. Cadaques has Dali museum.