I'm planning a two week trip to Spain with my husband in May. So far, we've planned to go to Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla (with day trips to the surrounding small towns from each big city), but we also would like to incorporate a little beach vacation into our trip... We've been to some pretty amazing beaches (Mexico, Italy, Caribbean, Hawaii), and we really prefer charm, versus touristy resorts. <BR> <BR>Any suggested regions near the above mentioned cities? Beachfront hotels worth visiting (priced from $150 - 250)? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance!

The Costa del Sol is lovely, or at least it was when I lived there. That was a bit ago, so you might want to do some specific research (maybe too touristy...)

Anne - <BR>I was on the Coast in '98 & stayed at the Melia Costa del Sol (approx. $114/nite). It was very nice; across the street from the beach; the entire promenade has great restaurants (all types of food)...

Hi Anne: <BR>This is my favourite topic. We have stayed along the coast north east of Barcelona each summer for the past 5 years. The town we tend to return to again and again is Tossa de mar. It;s about an hour from Barcelona, nice little town with two beaches. It's not the nice white sand that you found in cancun or on some Caribbean islands but it's a nice place for swimming. The smaller of the two beaches is the nicest as it's minus alot of the crowds (which you will probably miss in May anyway). Depending on your requirements for accommodations you can stay at the 4 -5 star Reymar or beside it the 3 star Mar Menuda which is smaller, more intimate, has less expensive rooms (some with sea view) It's actually a Best Western but not North American in style. Very pretty. <BR>The town is lovely. It still has it's old section which is surrounded by a 14C (I think) wall, built to protect the locals from invaders. <BR>Other towns further along the coast towards the French border but still close enough to Barcelona include Tamariu, LLafranc, Palafrugell. There's so much to do that youll go back to the area I guarantee it. We have snorkelled, explored Iberian, Greek, Roman ruins, wandered medieval towns, eaten excellent seafood, hiked in the Pyrenee mountains, visited religious Shrines (we're not religious but the settings are amazing) , tasted wonderful wines and cava (champagne) driven some wonderful coastal drives to rival Amalfi.....................I could go on and they are all within a few hours drive from Barcelona at most.) <BR>We have stayed in Torremolinos and along the Costa del Sol and while the beaches there tend to be longer we found the Costa Brava to be much nicer. <BR>Have fun deciding. No matter where you stay you will return to Spain again! <BR>regards, <BR>Lynn

Would you suggest this itinery for a single person travleing on her own? I am really looking for a nice beach resort following a business trip to Barcelona.

Certainly on the Med coast the Costa Brava is the most characterfull. And whilst I didn't do beaches on my own, I have spent a week in Catalonia including three days in Barcelona on my tod

I lived in Barcelona for 6 months. My favorite beachside town to visit was Sitges. It's probably 45 minutes north of Barcelona via train. This town exudes charm! I used to go there about once a week just to hang out.

Actually, Sitges is a bit closer to Barcelona. Maybe 30 minutes by train to the SOUTH. Sitges is in the area known as Costa Daurada. To the north of Barcelona you'll find the Costa Brava. <BR> <BR>If you are looking for beaches, probably your best bet would be the Costa Brava. There are many cute little beaches in rather dramatic settings outside of the towns.