Spain trip - end of July
 

Hi I am planning on visiting Spain for about 7 days at the end of July beginning of August- I will already be in Europe so I don't need time to adjust.
I've been to Spain twice before and was hoping to go to a few new places - other then the well known cities. I am planning on flying into Barcelona and then from there take day trips to Tarragona and Montserrat, maybe then go to Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Bilbao. I need some advice on how many days I should spend in each place or suggestions of other nice towns/ cities around these areas. Also I am not really sure the order in which I should travel to any of these places.
Any advice would be great! Thanks!

With 7 days, Barcelona, Tarragona, and Montserrat could easily be more than enough! Depending on your interests, you might be able to fit in another day trip from Barcelona (e.g., to Girona or Figueres); you can decide once you are there.

At that time of year I would try to get away from the heat as so many of the Spanish do - by heading to San Sebastian and the Atlantic Coast. Tons of things to see and do and you won;t be stuck fighting the midsummer heat.

I recall stopping for lunch on the way from SS to Barcelona and getting out of the car to find the heels of my shoes sinking deep into the almost liquid macadam - it had to be 100 at least.

You could go from Barcelona via Pamplona and down to the Basque coast, where you'll find spectacular San Sebastián, several nice fishing villages and vibrant Bilbao (a bit inland). Have done this trip several times, both by car and by train/bus.
The Basque coast: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/basque-coast/
San Sebastián: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/
Bilbao: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...ilbao-tourism/

A couple of small towns and villages along the coast between San Sebastián and Bilbao:
Zarautz: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...rautz-tourism/
Getaria: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...taria-tourism/
Lekeitio: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...eitio-tourism/

Quite large international airport in Bilbao.

At that time of year skip everywhere but the Basque country. I would spend the entire week in San Sebastian.

Hi everyone!

Thank you for all your advice! We decided to spend a few days in Barcelona and Tarragona - then take the train to San Sebastian and visit Bilbao. Then stop in Pamplona and then go back to Barcelona. Anyone have hotel recommendations for any of these places?

Hotel Carlton in Bilboa was very nice. Haven't yet visited your other locations.

What kind of hotels and budget?