walksntalks

Castro Urdiales, close to the border between the provinces of Cantabria and Basque country, is another possibility. It has nice beaches and a scenic harbor. The Pico Cerredo walk starting from Islares is close by.
Castro Urdiales is not too far from Santoña where you find interesting walks along the cliffs with old light houses and fortresses.
In Basque country I like San Sebastian and Zarautz, but I was disapointed with Bilbao. I prefer villages and small towns. To me Oviedo (Asturias) and Santander (Cantabria) are nicer cities than Bilbao.

yestravel

After reading about all the wonderful places that have been mentioned I'm rethinking how to spend our time. Bilbao has caught my interest such that I'm thinking of staying a couple days in Bilbao itself instead of doing it as a day trip from the coast. My question now is if we wanted to wander along the coast without reservations stopping where it strikes my fancy -- is this possible in Mid May? Will we be able to find places to stay without any reservations or is the area crowded during Mid May? thanks again!

mikelg

There´s a wide choice of rural accommodations that, except at weekends, will for sure have a nice and cozy room for you (www.nekatur.net). May is not top season (take into account that the Basque Country, is, luckily, not a very touristy destination. Standard hotels will also probably have vacancies.

yestravel

That sounds good! thanks again to all for your advice. Now on to planning the next portion of the trip...

yestravel

Any ideas on places to visit in Bilbao outside of the 2 museums? I believe I read on this forum about a hanging bridge nearby? any other places u might recommend? What about restaurants or pintxo bars? thanks again!

mikelg

On a short 20´ride on the metro, you´ll reach the Puente Colgante (www.puente-colgante.com, they finally renewed the web page), a World Heritage Monument,the first hanging bridge in the world and a unique thing to see. Climb to the top and enjoy the spectacular views. Used by locals, 365 days a year, 24 hours. 30 cents, one trip. Once there, you may want to see the Getxo beaches and mansions, a very nice promenade from the hanging bridge (that´s where I live, www.getxo.net).

Bilbao is very well linked to anywhere by public transport, in case you don´t have a car.

In Bilbao, take the funicular train to Artxanda to enjoy the best view of the city (it is completely surrounded by green mountains) and the sea, farther away. Left once you get out of the funicular train, to get to the mirador.

The Old Town, pedestrian, the original 7 streets + more that gave birth to Bilbao. Plenty of restaurants, shops and beautiful houses with coat of arms on the facade. I´d start in the Plaza Nueva. VEry lively on weekends.

The Gran Vía, main street, full of beautiful buildings.

yestravel

Oh cool -- u live there -- no wonder you've had some great info. We will have a car. The bridges looks incredible and Getxo looks oh so charming.

I'm beginning to rethink the days spent where. We had planned on spending 3 days in Madrid where we have been several times b4. But I am now thinking maybe fly into Madrid, stay 2 nights to recover from Jetlag and then take off for the coast. So many decisions with so many interesting places to choose among.

mikelg

sorry, forgot to mention, I´m a local...This area is quite "untouristy" so I think you´ll feel great visiting this area, so unknown to many.

yestravel

Well, I did pick up when u mentioned earlier on that u vacationed or spent summers in Lekeitio, but didnt know if you were a local or not. We're really looking forward to visiting the area -- it sounds beautiful. The more I read, the longer I want to stay!

yestravel

I want to have some places to choose from halfway between Bilbao and San Seb. We're still trying to have ones that will have a seaview.
Anyone familiar with these places? any thoughts on their location or the places themselves? Thanks as always,
1. Villa Itsaso?
http://www.hotelvillaitsaso.com/i/vi...ing_hotel.htm#
2. Itxas-Ertz
http://www.nekatur.net/itxasertz
3. Kurtxia
http://www.nekatur.net/Alojamientos....g=es-ES&Id=262

mikelg

The three of them are outside Lekeitio but not too far. Parking in Lekeitio is a nightmare in summer, but not in spring. I like the first and the last one, one is on the east near the beach and the other on the west, towards the interior, both uphill (as everything in the Basque Country, but you do have a car, don´t you?).

Another two good options: Hostal de la Emperatriz, a hotel and spa resort at great, really great prices just on top of the beach, and great daily menu; the other is Hotel Palacio Zubieta,www.hotelzubieta.com, just on the limits of Lekeitio but close to town (I used to go for worms for bait on the river that encircles it...)

yestravel

Thanks, Mike. Yes, we will be there mid week in May and we will have our car. Villa Itasas says it is only a 5 minute walk into Lekeitio. I will check the other two options, Hostal del la Emperatriz & Hotel Palacio Zubieta, that u mention.

Egbert

Wow you're going to have a great trip. Please remember to post a report. I love Madrid but you'll probably be back there someday so spend two nights there and head straight to the Basque country for an extra night. I love that the Basque country is not crowded with tourists. Save a lot of money for food, etc. the Basque country is expensive!

yestravel

Egbert--I sure hope its a great trip! I have been overwhelmed by the number of places to visit and the selection of what look like ownderful places to stay. Definitely looking forward to the food and wine.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. Right now it looks like after we stay around Santander we will stay in Hotel Miro in Bilbao and then 3 nights at Hotel Villa Itsaso. Then onto San Sebastian.