annie928

We are 3 families with teens (11 people) looking for a charming villa in or near a wonderful town in Spain for a week next August. We would love suggestions about what region to visit, what towns to explore, and any other advice. We are more interested in getting a "feel" for spanish culture, history and scenery than city life. Thanks!

crosscheck

We rented two villas in Catalonia - one in the village of Agullana near the French border, and the other, more of a farmhouse, not far from the larger town of Banyoles.

Both are in the "Dali Triangle," where you will get a feel for Catalan culture. The tiny village of Agullana was really charming with festivals, etc., and well-positioned for day trips into France and to Figueras (home of the Dali museum).

The Banyoles farmhouse was slightly better-positioned for seeing Girona, Dali's castles, amazing medieval towns like Besalu, as well as the Costa Brava beaches.

We also spent a week in Cadaques, a cool coastal town (which the teens would love), as well as some time in Barcelona.

Although not traditional Spanish culture, we chose this area because the weather was milder in August and we were thrilled to discover a less touristy area of Spain.

We used an agrotourism site, www.villascostabrava.net, to book the villa rentals - The level of service was excellent.

Our trip to Catalonia was about ten years ago, but we recently recommended it to friends, who also rented two different villas, and said they preferred the region to Mallorca in the summer. (But that would probably be another good choice.)

kimhe

Take a look at relatively small Nerja (pop. 20 000), close to fabulous cities such as Málaga and Granada with loads of history, culture and genuine Andalusian atmosphere.

Nerja has got everything that makes it popular with tourists, but it has also retained much of its Andalusian small town character. Lots of great local tapas bars/restaurants and a beautiful old town. About: http://www.nerjatoday.com/

Photo of Nerja: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/...de6a8146_o.jpg

Old town street in Nerja:
http://www.minube.com/fotos/rincon/131879/629455

Lots of villas to rent in the immediate surroundings, although I would have prefered to stay in the old town, close to the cliffs and the beach. Here are a couple of many rental agencies: http://www.rentinnerja.com/
http://www.nerja-rental.com/

Or, if you want to avoid the summer heat in the South (not too bad on the coast), perhaps take a look at small Lekeitio (pop 7000) on the fabulous Basque coast in the North. http://mugalari.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/lekeitio/
http://www.lekeitio.com/

ribeirasacra

Spanish culture is quite varied.
Off the so-called beaten path look at Galicia, Asturias or the area around Burgos and Soria. Extremadura is also another suggestion I can give.

bobthenavigator

I agree that Spanish culture is totally varied and cannot be expereinced in less than 5 trips. You may be thinking of Andalusian culture as typical " Spanish". Regardless, I would never go in August.

walksntalks

Keywords: charming villa, wonderful town, Spain, August, "feel" for spanish culture, history, scenery.
To put all this together, definitely the northern coast, I would say. Asturias, Cantabria or Galicia. Check these:
Asturias: Tapia de Casariego, Viavelez, Puerto de Vega, Cudillero, Llanes.
Cantabria: San Vicente, Castro Urdiales.
Galicia: Tui, Fisterra, Ortigueira, O Vicedo.
To me the northern coast means less touristy, more quality, better prices, wonderful people, beautiful nature, great food, "real Spain".

annie928

Thank you to everyone who responded to these! If you have particular villas to recommend i would be thrilled!
How hot is the northern coast in August?
Thank you!

annie928

An older thread recommended Alt Penedes for a rental - what do people think of this?