Some decisions to make re: honeymoon in Spain
 

After careful study of everyone's posts, I'm still feeling like I need to ask: would the heat make us regret spending 1-2 weeks in Spain in mid-late August? I would love some help with my ideas, and am absolutely open to a complete overhaul if deemed necessary!

We would be spending the first week of August hiking between little villages in Swiss Alps, and then catch a flight from Milan to Barcelona. We would spend about 4 days there and then this is where we need to make some decisions. After spending time in the mountains and the city, we want to plan some coastal time and some exploring of little villages. We want to really get the essence of Spain. Our priorities are finding wonderful, authentic cuisine, and also finding beautiful ceramics to bring home and use on our dining table for years to come!

We know we want to start in Barcelona. And from many of your posts, I've put together a loosely structured itinerary:
-train down the east coast. Stop in Valencia (1 night).
-train further down to Granada (1 night)
-rent car - Nerja (or other small beach town?) for 3 days
-drive to Seville (possibly via Ronda for a night)
-3 days in Seville
-1 night in Cordova
-1 night in Madrid
-flight home to NYC

This itinerary stems from my notion that Andalusia is where we might best experience the Spanish culture we are looking for. But I am looking for you to challenge this and let me know how we might also achieve this without going into the center of "the frying pan." As long as we get to little towns and secluded beach spots, I do believe we will be quite happy!

We had thought that if we didn't go south, we could go north from Barcelona to Cadaques or even over to Mallorca, to satisfy our beach craving. But would we get that same feel of Spain that we were looking to get from a trip to Andalusia?

And - regardless of any of the suggestions I have mentioned, where in Spain is known for great ceramics?

Thanks in advance for any input you can give, or structure you can lend to our ideas!

August in Coastal Spain will be full of most of Europe's holiday makers. Note that whole countries close down in Europe for Ausgust. The smell of suntan oil, the hint of red skin, the straw hats etc. I think (though i have not done it myself) that hotel rooms will be at a premium.

Beach fronts from the Baltic to the heel of Italy will be full. If its as hot as last year the lakes will overflow with europeans.

I have been to Madrid to August and you will ifnd that you have to move to spanish time with a long siesta.

About ceramics check out this site:
www.lacartujadesevilla.es

July is the worst month re. heat. Late in August is not so, especially at night. (It is hot, of course, only that not-so). About crowds, I agree with other posters: expect them, especially in coastal places.

I was told in Sevilla that most of the city packs up and leaves in August. Aside form the heat and crowds on the coast, that itinerary includes a lot of moving around. Check out Andalucia.com--it is a great resource for finding out more about the small towns that you sound more interested in visiting. Also check out the AVE train website to get an idea of schedules and travel time.
good luck!

la bisbal, outside barcelona has good ceramics.

manises in valencia also.

have you considered menorca.. in august after barcelona?

might be difficult to get accomodations, but is a lovely island.

ibiza and formentera, a quick ferry/plane jump from valencia, also, would be nice.

again.. accomodations in august.. get onto it now.

Last night in Spain you can dine in Madrid at a good restaurant open in August.
I suggest Goizeko Kabi at calle Comandante Zorita, 37
You can taste the basque cuisine: "txangurro" (seasoned spider crab cooked in oven), "chipirones" (baby squid), "mousse de naranja con lágrimas de chocolate" (orange mousse with tears of chocolate)...

For our beach fix, after a few days in Barcelona we headed to the Costa Brava region--and were definitely not disappointed. Lots of little beach towns with beautiful views and, a bit inland, intact medieval villages perfect for exploring. Nearby, La Bisbal is well-known for its ceramics; it has tons of shops selling them.

This region is in Catalunya, which I imagine is very different from Andalucia. But my husband and I truly enjoyed our time there. Check out Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, Pals, and Peratallada for a taste.

strass, i think you hit the nail on the head - i've been poring through some reading about that region and i think it's where we're headed! thank you for all the great suggestions, everyone!

I forgot to ask - any ideas about romantic beachy hotels in the Costa Brava region?

Palma de Mallorca could be an option.

We stayed in the medieval town of Peratallada at a very romantic inn called Hostal Blau (they have a website). I know there's a parador right on the coast at Aiguablava (sp?)--you might want to check that out. I have a friend who honeymooned there and loved it. Also check tripadvisor.com and the Lonely Planet Catalunya guide.