We are planning to stay 9 days somewhere in Northern Spain in July. We've been to Catalonia so it'll probably be somewhere in the north-west. We've made some studying already and Santiago de Compostela, Leon and San Sebastian sound good. Suggestions anyone?

Hi, Janne-- Are you considering visiting Salamanca? It's a university town with wonderful architecture and a lively population of students. One problem we ran into in Northwest Spain was severe air pollution, but Salamanca, Pamplona, and Cuidad Rodrigues all had pretty clear air, as do the Picas Europa.

There are lots of things to do along the north coast. The weather can be iffy, this is not sunny Spain. The water is a little chilly, but there are beautiful beaches (Laredo in Cantabria) and quaint fishing villages (Cudillero in Asturias) from Galicia all the way to the French border. Just avoid the industrial cities like Bilbao, Gijon, and Aviles. Santander is a great place. The Picos de Europa should not be missed.

Go to Galicia. Specially this year, with the Xacobeo going on in Santiago. <BR>Plenty of yummy food, friendly people, and not the Spain you always imagined. <BR>Also you can get really brilliant weather in the Rias Baixas region.

you definately need to go to salamanca...i lived there for a month and LOVED it <BR>

Thanks everyone who has answered my post. Has anybody been to Leon?

You guys sound so experienced.. can you recommend a hotel in Salamanca-I'll be going to school but unfortunately my husband can't stay in the dorms. <BR> <BR>

The Hotel Rector in Salamanca is wonderful! Small--a dozen or so rooms--and the sweetest, most helpful people work there. Just up the hill from it is a beautiful Art Deco museum which was a refreshing change after all the interesting old cathedrals and cloisters. <BR>In the Picos de Europa, would highly recommend the Hotel del Oso in Cosgaya near Potes. It's in the Karen Brown book, and was an incredible value at less than $50--beautiful views and a fabulous restaurant. Not too far from there, closer to Santander, is the charming village of Santillana del Mar. Although full of tour buses in the daytime, we stayed at the parador there (which was lovely), and it was very quiet and peaceful after the buses depart. <BR>In Santiago, the parador of Reyes Catolicos is pricey but worth it. You can leave your car there and explore the old section on foot. Plus there is a dining room on the second floor just used for small conventions which, when not in use, provides access to an incredible view of the cathedral! <BR>