Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

N Spain Quaint Central Location

Search

N Spain Quaint Central Location

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 2nd, 2024 | 08:00 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
N Spain Quaint Central Location

Looking to book a trip in N Spain to see beautiful vistas and small towns.
I would to find a central location to do day trips, small town or village or 2 central locations for easy , stress less trip.
Could stay 2 weeks. Could begin in Barcelona, stay for 2/3 nts.
My hubby has no issues to driving but could train out of Barcelona and collect a car elsewhere.
This is crazy— I would like to go in 4-6 weeks.
Thank you in Advance!
BAHItaly is offline  
Old Jul 2nd, 2024 | 08:52 AM
  #2  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 0
Well, northern coast of Spain is 1200km (750 miles long), and Barcelona is 400 miles away from the most eastern city on the northern coast, Donostia-San Sebastian, so it´s a large area. Barcelona is Mediterranean and we would not call it "the north", so you probably need to be much more specific in your question for more accurate answers.
mikelg is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 04:04 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Truly open to any itinerary that makes sense.
I could consider another city to arrive from US or another destination.
I m not so versed on Spain; Northern Spain maybe too remote.
Originally, I considered Northern Italy, albeit, concerned with Floods.
Perplexed.
BAHItaly is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 04:41 AM
  #4  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30,646
Likes: 4
4-6 weeks is the start or middle of August.
This is core to when Europeans go on holiday, stuff already booked etc
The geography of Spain is a little odd with Madrid being very high up. So understanding if you want to go to the Med coast or the Atlantic northern coast is pretty significant.

Last edited by bilboburgler; Jul 3rd, 2024 at 04:47 AM.
bilboburgler is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 05:10 AM
  #5  
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
If you're planning to stay in Barcelona for two weeks, there are plenty of interesting towns and cities nearby that you can visit on day trips or overnight stays. All accessible by train which is an excellent service. I would avoid the stress of hiring a car and enjoy the relaxation of a train journey.

Girona
-Distance from Barcelona: About 1 hour by train.
- Highlights: Medieval architecture, Jewish Quarter, Girona Cathedral, colorful houses along the Onyar River.

Tarragona
-Distance from Barcelona: About 1 hour by train.
- Highlights: Roman ruins, Tarragona Amphitheatre, Tarragona Cathedral, sandy beaches.

Sitges
- Distance from Barcelona: About 40 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Beautiful beaches, charming old town, vibrant nightlife, Sitges Film Festival.

Montserrat
- Distance from Barcelona: About 1.5 hours by train and cable car/funicular.
- Highlights: Montserrat Monastery, stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, Black Madonna statue.

Figueres
- **Distance from Barcelona**: About 1.5 hours by train.
- **Highlights**: Dalí Theatre-Museum, birthplace of Salvador Dalí, Castell de Sant Ferran.

Vic
- Distance from Barcelona: About 1.5 hours by train.
- Highlights: Historic old town, Roman Temple, weekly market in the main square.

Blanes
- Distance from Barcelona: About 1.5 hours by train.
- Highlights: Beautiful botanical gardens (Marimurtra and Pinya de Rosa), beaches, relaxed atmosphere.

Castelldefels
- Distance from Barcelona: About 30 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Long sandy beaches, water sports, Castelldefels Castle.

Sant Cugat del Vallès
- Distance from Barcelona: About 30 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Monastery of Sant Cugat, vibrant cultural scene, local markets.

Vilanova i la Geltrú
- Distance from Barcelona: About 45 minutes by train.
- Highlights: Lovely beaches, old town, railway museum.

andyhoney is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 06:44 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
We prefer small quaint town to stay,
Just need to fly in somewhere.
I’ll look at towns suggested, perhaps stay in 1 or 2 of them.
BAHItaly is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 07:22 AM
  #7  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30,646
Likes: 4
I'd stay in Girona and then look at taking a train into France and stay say in Narbonne or Perpignon. Open borders, might as well enjoy.
bilboburgler is offline  
Old Jul 3rd, 2024 | 07:59 AM
  #8  
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Wherever you choose I'm sure you will enjoy, Northern Spain has some beautiful places to visit. Happy Holidays!
andyhoney is offline  
Old Jul 4th, 2024 | 04:27 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Starting in Madrid looks more feasible.
Could drive or train N to Northern area.
I would like to find 2 amazing places to stay in Northern region 4/5 nits ea.
Please know, I’m unfamiliar with Spain other than the Andalusia area.
BAHItaly is offline  
Old Jul 4th, 2024 | 07:55 AM
  #10  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,661
Likes: 0
To become much more familiar with Northern Spain, which as mikelg has explained is a vast area from west to east, from the autonomous regions of Galicia, to Asturias, to Cantabria to the Basque Country (and doesn't include Catalunya), it would helpful for you to secure a copy of the most recent DK Eyewitness Guide to Northern Spain to understand a bit more about this area. Then decide on a region where you would most enjoy spending your time.
Maribel is online now  
Old Jul 5th, 2024 | 01:19 AM
  #11  
 
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Look up Cudillero in Asturias and Santillana del Mar in Cantabria. Both villages offer a picturesque and charming experience with their unique attractions and beautiful settings.
andyhoney is offline  
Old Jul 5th, 2024 | 05:02 AM
  #12  
Community Builder
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 25,312
Likes: 0
My vote would be Getaria. Fly into Bilbao or San Sebastián, both close to that coastal town.

But you would need to book NOW!!
ekscrunchy is offline  
Old Jul 5th, 2024 | 05:30 AM
  #13  
Original Poster
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
Yes, good advice Biloa looks best, it’s actually cheaper than Madrid, unexpected.

BAHItaly is offline  
Old Jul 5th, 2024 | 10:31 AM
  #14  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by BAHItaly
Yes, good advice Biloa looks best, it’s actually cheaper than Madrid, unexpected.
Biloa is Bilbao? Yes, of course, much cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
mikelg is offline  
Old Jul 6th, 2024 | 10:36 AM
  #15  
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
At the risk of revealing an overlooked gem, Castro Urdiales was surprisingly enjoyable. Just don't tell anyone.....
web_munch is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Marsha
United States
5
Aug 1st, 2002 06:06 AM
Tim
United States
7
Jun 20th, 2002 08:30 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -