Northern Spain
 

Hi,

I really need advice for my trip to Northern Spain in August.

I am doing a 5 days trip with a friend and we will rent a car. We are willing to do rough We are thinking about going to Picos de Europa, maybe Logrono and or Valladolid, and maybe short trips around Gijon and Oviedo. The itinerary is unsure though so we are open to suggestions and advices!


After, my boyfriend is joining me in Bilbao (and my friend is leaving). We might travel by bus. We wanna do "nice travel" so not less than 4 days in one place (but we wanna do short trips around). After, we are heading to San Sebastián. Do you have any suggestions of day trips around Bilbao and San Sebastián? We would like to go to Nacedero del Uruderra as well.

Finally, after those 2 vibrant cities, we would like to spend around 2 days in a charming paceful village in the pyrenees, where we could relax and do some hikings. I heard about the hotel Los siete Reyes in Ainsa. Is it good town for that? Like, can we go not to far and hike in the pyrenees?

FYI, this is my first time in Spain, but not for him. I'm 20 and he is 25.

Thank you a lot for any advices and suggestions you may have! :)

First and foremost, check the <i>Michelin Green Guide</i>. Then, if it helps, you might check my trip report -- just click on my screen name to find it.

IMO, your wish list for your first 5 days is far too ambitious, but it all depends on your interests.

Good luck!

Interesting, Park Nacedero de Urederra. It's a beautiful park, but not somewhere a first-time visitor heads for. You will need a car to reach the park.

<Do you have any suggestions of day trips around Bilbao and San Sebastián?>

Plenty!

Small coastal villages such as Donibane, Getaria, Zumaya, Lekeitio etc. etc. Bueautiful coastline, excellent beaches (not Donibane) and fantastic fish and seafood.
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...taria-tourism/
http://spanishsabores.com/2014/08/25...charming-town/

Historical places such as Guernica (the Civil War, Picassos's painting etc) and the old university town Oñati):
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...rnica-tourism/
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...tzazu-tourism/

The old regional capital Tolosa, a little inland from San Sebastian. http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...olosa-tourism/

Hondarribia, just east of San Sebastian and close to the French border: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...ribia-tourism/

And San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/top10/...aa30-12376/en/

kja : Thank you, I will take a look at this guide. And I know this is a lot for 5 days, that is why I asked for advices like what would be best to do.

Robert2533: I have heard that it is a very beautiful place. There are no buses that go near? Where would you to suggest to go for a first time then :)?


kimhe: Thank you a lot, I will look at these places and if it is feasable as a day trip!

Any suggestions for the Pyrenees :)?

You may be too young to rent a car; is your friend old enough?

Michael: Indeed I am too young, but my friend is 23 so I think she is ok to rent a car (We might have to pay a bit more though)!

If you are going to be in San Sebastián-Donostia, then you can do some trekking in Artikutza, which borders Navarra.

Or walk along the coast from San Sebastián to Pasajes over Monte Ulía. It's an area not visited by many outsiders.

There's also the route over Mount Jaizkibel, leading into or out of Hondarribia.

Or head up into the Pyrenees in Navarra and walk through the Irati Forest, the largest beech and fir tree forest in Europe.

Robert2533: Thanks! I will look at those for sure :) I would really like to spend 2 days in the Pyrenees, somewhere calm where we could do some trekking, other activities and relaxing!