Hi - Planning to do a trip to North Spain for a week in May. 4 adults and 4 kids (aged 3-9) and have about 8 days in the region and we were wondering if anyone had suggestions on how to split time. We land in Santander - and fly out of Bilbao. We were thinking of a couple of days in San Sebastian, possibly a couple in Bilbao (see the museum) and then are generally open. Some time in wine country, possibly visiting Hondraabbia etc. Any recommendations would be great including what we could do with the kids? Any recommended places to stay? Budget probably about €100-150/night per couple. Thanks so much.

Two days in SS and two days in Bilbao sounds OK to me, from SS you can do day trips to Hondarribia, Pasai Donibane and the French Basque Country (Bayonne, St jean de luz, Biarritz...). Also Getaria and Zumaia, for example. From Bilbao you can visit the coast to the east (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, as shown in Game of Thrones, Mundaka, Gernika, Elantxobe, Ea...). You may also want to visit Rioja wine region (one hour approx drive south of Bilbao), staying in either Haro or Laguardia, plenty of great wineries of all kind. Kids are welcome. Beach may not be an option during all your stay, this is a very rainy area (although we are enjoying a summery February)

Is this a car trip? If so, just so you know, IME parking in SS is a pain, and expensive. OTOH, the town is full of wonderful parks that the kids should enjoy. And of course there's the beach, and boat rides IF the weather cooperates. If it doesn't you can always enjoy the La Perla thalassotherapy center on La Concha Beach (yes, kids are welcome).

Yes a car trip. Thank you.

Oops, I don't think kids under 6 are allowed in La Perla.

If you don´t want to stay in the city center, due to parking limitations or cost, you may want to sleep in cozy rural houses, www.nekatur.net is the web that offers most of them as an association.

If driving, a trip to the French Basque region the children might like the ride on the la Rhune cog railway: