Strange question - Scotland or Southern Spain
 

Ok I know the question is bizarre but I would like to hear opinions from folks who have traveled to both countries. We just came back from a 11 day Portugal trip and had a fantastic time. I would like to start planning our next trip to Europe (10 to 12 days early Aug) to celebrate our 20 year anniversary. I was more or less set on Scotland but our wonderful experience in Portugal is making me wonder if we should consider the South of Spain instead (Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, and Granada).
A little about our interests and prior travels. We love scenic places, atmospheric towns/villages and some history. We celebrated our fifteen year anniversary in Ireland and absolutely loved it (especially the Dingle peninsula, Burren, the N. Ireland coastline and of course the People). Our other fav trips have been to the Austrian lakes region (Wolfgang and Salzburg are memorable), Slovenia (particularly the Julian alps and Logarska dolina valley) and the Dolomites of N. Italy. As mentioned before we are just back from our Portugal trip which including the Douro valley, hilltop villages (Marvao, Obidos) and Algarve (which I did not particularly care for because it felt very touristy although we did enjoy the coastline by Sagres). We loved Portugal for its near perfect mix of scenery, wine, good food, ease of travel and cultural sights.
So my question is will we be disappointed with Scotland? Should we consider the South of Spain instead? Or maybe the Tirol region in Austria? Based on the above I would appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Willing to take some online bashing as well for the question :)

South of Spain will likely be hot. You may want to let the weather guide you, according to your personal preferences. Compare specific locations here: http://www.weatherbase.com/

August in Southern Spain, esp in Andalucia, it's brutally hot. Seville and Cordoba regularly top 40C, which makes sightseeing a test of endurance. Scotland, in contrast , will be generally cool, in high teens or lower 20s, and only occasionally hitting 25C or higher, which makes outdoor pursuit a pleasure (watch out for midges). Rain can be expected at any time. Tyrol is also pleasant and not too hot, but it's the height of tourist season so expect crowds.

I'll be in Scotland next August and the last thing I am expecting to "see" is NOBODY around.

August isn't the best time for either country really.

Southern Spain will be <B><red>HOT</B></red> and unless you want to attend the festivals/Tattoo, Edinburgh will be totally chockablock and room rates will be double or even triple the rest of the year. But -- the festivals and Tattoo are world famous for a reason so if you can bear the crowds - Edinburgh is wonderful

Outside of Edinburgh -- Scotland hands down IMO/IME.

>>We love scenic places<<

Rural Scotland has some of the most scenic areas in all of Europe. In fact I enjoy Scottish scenery even more then western Ireland (which is beautiful)

>>atmospheric towns/villages and some history<<

If one can't get caught up in Scottish history they don't have a romantic bone in their body :)

>>So my question is will we be disappointed with Scotland?<<

I honestly don't see how

But is there any chance you could go in June or July instead?

The Festival only affects Edinburgh, and life in the rest of Scotland just caries on as normal.
August is the main holiday season there so expects crowds in the Highland, but it's easy to avoid them by taking off-the-beaten tracks.

The main Edinburgh Festival (including the Fringe and the Tattoo) starts on 4 August next year. The city becomes enormously crowded and expensive - and <i><b>fun</b></i> - during the festival, but it IS manageable if you know what to expect.

For example, if "early August" (your words) could include the first week, you could start in Edinburgh and see the sights, maybe even a fringe event or two - then bug out before the peak crowds and prices strike. (I've taken to staying out by the airport where lodgings are much cheaper than in the city, but still with good access to town if needed, using trains, buses or the shiny new tram from the airport.)

But as stated, once you're away from Edinburgh the crowd factors vanish. Yes, the Highlands get a lot of (mainly European) tourist traffic, but they stick mainly to the well-known routes and even then never grow to the point of congestion. And you - lucky you - have all of us here at Fodor's to recommend places to go and roads to follow that <i>aren't</i> - in many cases - along the beaten path.

And in the Highlands and Islands August (for the most part) is a great time to visit.

Three other thoughts, however. First is a suggestion you have a look at the northeast of England - the Northumberland coast with its castles, the remarkable and beautiful cathedral cities of York and Durham, and the beautiful landscapes of the interior including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, the Lammermuir Hills along the Scottish border, and the abbey towns in the Borders region itself. This is a very rewarding area, combining unmatched history and natural beauty, and less prone to being inundated with visitors in August.

Second sort of takes off on your alpine interests but moves them slightly west to the French alps near Annecy and Geneva. Annecy is a picture-perfect little town on a gorgeous lake with the alps looming behind. And the food's French. 'Nuff said.

Third is farther west still, the Pyrenees. You can fly into Barcelona (hot and tourist-filled, but hey, it's <i>Barcelona</i>) but then head north past the Monserrat monastery (amazing) and in a couple hours you're in the mountains. Visit Andorra because it's there, maybe swing over into France... but lots of mountain roads and clean air.

I have yet to visit Scotland. It seems like a rather sleepy place to me, though I'm sure it's very beautiful.

All I can is that I have been to Southern Spain in October and had the trip of a lifetime.

Andalucia is more about nice vistas and atmospheric towns than scenery, though. The landscape is sort of barren and dry.

If you're looking for dramatic scenery, Scotland might fit the bill better than Andalucia.

But seriously would you rather be tucked in your bed at 8 because it's cold outside, or enjoying a glass of sangria al fresco in a warm and lively Spanish town?

I don't know why anyone would have to go to bed at 8 even if it is cold, I never do in winter -- however, this is August we are talking about, it's not that cold in Scotland in August, I've been during that time and really enjoyed it and yes, the countryside is beautiful. I never knew the Festival time was supposed to be avoided, I went then because of that and really enjoyed it a lot -- heard a great concert and saw at least one small play, in addition to the tattoo. I really like the performing arts, though.

I would never go to southern Spain in August if I had a choice. That just isn't the optimal time because of the heat, which can be brutal. Yes, I've been there in October also and enjoyed it, but the OP wants to go in early August.

I think you can enjoy either place, but would save southern Spain for another time of year.

During a 10 day stay in Andalucia last August (2015) we experienced 22 to 25oC. It was too chilly to sit out at night on some occasions.

Does anyone posting here actually travel enough to ascertain that it's impossible to apply climate generalisations?

On days last May it was hotter here in Scotland than Andalucia.

In answer to the OP, yes it is a strange question.

Who said it should be avoided? In fact I've been in Edinburgh the last two Augusts. I was just warning that the city will be VERY crowded and room rates will be 2 or 3X normal (and must be book months in advance).

I personally think everyone should attend the Festivals and Tattoo at least once in their lives -- but the crowds in the city could in fact be off putting for first time visitors. If one understands that - it can be a great time to visit. Much like Mardi Gras in NO and Oktoberfest in Munich -- it will affect what one can see in the city . . . and it fills the city for an entire month not just a few days.

(For anyone who maybe attended the Fringe 20 years ago -- the crowds are MUCH larger now)

BritishCaicos, you must have hit a cold spell. In August, the average temperature is 40℃. That means out of 10 summers you get 9 summers with 40℃ and maybe one with 25℃.


Justineparis,

In Scotland, even in the height of summer, the temperature drops to 10℃ at night in Inverness. Not exactly outdoor dining weather.

I doubt Scottish towns will be as lively and atmospheric as Sevilla or even Ronda. They are pretty much dead after 8, but I'm sure a pleasure to walk around during the day.

<i>During a 10 day stay in Andalucia last August (2015) we experienced 22 to 25oC. It was too chilly to sit out at night on some occasions.</i>

That was once in a decade weather, so OP has one in ten chances of encountering similar. Last month, the temperatures were back into upper 30s and 40s.

Northern Portugal and southern Spain are rather different in character. Even though it can be hot in southern Spain in August, there are still a great many toursts who go to the places you are contemplating.

Have you considered going to the Picos de Europa? That could be a wonderful destination in August that would give you spectacular scenery, nice temps, not many tourists and more of what you enjoyed in Portugal but with a Spanish flair.

However, I don't think you would be disappointed in the Highlands or Western Scotland in general. These are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful places with lots of quality places to stay, and there are plenty of ways to get away from crowds.

I would not even consider southern Spain in Aug. The averge high temp is around 100 and it can get as high as 120 in the inland cities/towns. You can do things only in the early am or evening and need to spend the middle of the day either in an AC room or a nice shady pool.

At that time of year I would definitely do Scotland, which may well be coolr and rainy, but won;t cause heatstroke. And will be enjoyable to vist for the whole day.

Caveats:
I hate heat and love cool weather.
I have been in Scotland in July when it was 40s and raining sideways. But the next day was sunny and 60s, IMHO perfect weather for touring.

I much prefer Scotland to Spain, but then my mother's maiden name was Duncan. I enjoyed Spain, but I'd go back to Scotland in a heartbeat.

Loacker has yet to visit Scotland, so I think we can dismiss their comments... I'm not quite sure where the impression of Scotland being 'sleepy' comes from and in August there will be much longer hours of daylight than in Spain - possibly an extra three hours. No-one in their right mind would be in bed by 8pm (unless possibly if it was the depths of winter...)

You don't need an afternoon siesta either.

This question is impossible to answer. Toss a coin and decide on that. If you are disappointed with the result, that tells you something!

Scotland For Sure.

Neither destination is better, both are wonderful places to travel. Weather in southern Spain might be a factor in deciding when to go there (although my only trip to southern Spain was in August years ago). But if you are attracted to both destinations, you can go another time.

I have been to Scotland twice, both times in August, and I would go again in a heartbeat. I split my time between the countryside and Edinburgh. The festivals make Edinburgh an amazingly vibrant city at that time and if you like any type of performing arts I think it is an incomparable experience.

We were lucky with the weather so had lots of sunny days in the countryside, but that is impossible to predict.

You might want to get a feel for Scotland in August by reading my trip report from 2013 (warning, very long):

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...o-scotland.cfm

Thank you all for the responses. Certainly appreciate the heads up on the Edinburgh festival. I think we may enjoy a couple days of festivities and the performing arts scene.
Gardyloo and frencharmoire I will look into your suggestions as well.

<i>I think we may enjoy a couple days of festivities and the performing arts scene.</i>

It's like nothing you've ever experienced. There isn't a basement, church hall or meeting room in the whole city that doesn't have some sort of event going on, meeting the needs of the highest of brows to the... opposite. ;)

I've taken it upon myself (and others might do the same) to produce a "what if" plan for 11 days (you said 10 to 12) that involves Edinburgh and parts of the Highlands and Islands. This is but one of an infinity of possibilities, meant only to demonstrate some of the variety you could experience.

Map - https://goo.gl/maps/7qb9FvwQpbC2

Schedule -

Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh
Day 2 Edinburgh
Day 3 Edinburgh
Day 4 Edinburgh to Callander via Culross and Stirling
Day 5 Callander to Glen Coe via Glen Etive
Day 6 Glen Coe to Tobermory via Morvern
Day 7 Day on Mull
Day 8 Day on Mull
Day 9 Mull - Inveraray via Oban
Day 10 Inveraray - Edinburgh via Loch Lomond
Day 11 Depart

The road trip is basically a loop out to the Isle of Mull, the second largest of the Inner Hebrides (after Skye) that passes through some extraordinary towns and scenery before returning to Edinburgh.

Some of these places are firmly on the tourist map, such as Glen Coe and Oban, while others are much less visited, such as Culross and Glen Etive.

You start from Edinburgh airport (which is where you'd pick up a car after spending a couple of days of festing) and proceed to the remarkable preserved medieval village of Culross. Set in a mainly industrial region, Culross comes as a complete surprise with its untouched beauty. (Note it was used for several scenes in <i>Outlander</i> without any need for major digital modifications.)

You'd then travel to Stirling, with its imposing castle and Bannockburn memorial (which you'd drive right by.) You'd end the day in the pretty Trossachs village of Callander.

From there it's deep into the western Highlands - across the Rannoch Moor to wild and lonely Glen Etive, then down through Glen Coe to its namesake village for the night. While Glen Coe is very popular and heavily visited, Glen Etive is much less so, and if time allows, you could also include a loop around Loch Leven (marvelously scenic) before calling it a day.

The next day involves a couple of short ferry rides - the Corran ferry across the mouth of Loch Eil to the Morvern Peninsula - empty and wild - and then the short ferry from Lochaline over to Mull.

Spend the next couple of days exploring Mull - mountains, rocky shore (but also white sand beaches) - empty glens, castles, picturesque Tobermory with its wee distillery... Eat fresh seafood, have a nip or a pint in some pub, breathe impossibly fresh air. It's a microcosm of the Highlands, worth every minute.

You'd then return to Edinburgh (if time allows) via the pretty historic village of Inveraray, seat of the Campbells and their grandiose Inveraray Castle, aka Shrimpy's digs in <i>Downton Abbey</i>. You'd skirt Loch Lomond on the way to the airport.

This covers a lot of ground but isn't particularly taxing on the driving front. You'd need to make accommodation plans for Edinburgh as early as possible, and I'd also book space on Mull. It's a big island but not a big population, so limited hotel/B&B accommodations.

I suggest researching these places using the marvelous Undiscovered Scotland website - http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ - which has an "A to Z" index that covers many places, including a few even in England.

As I said, only one example on how you could combine a couple days of culture-surfing with some splendid time in the country.

I have been to Spain in August.. and I do love Spain.. but weatherwise it is too hot really for sightseeing in August .. but that's ok for us.. we use it as our "beach time " in Europe.. We also visited southern Spain this past May and it was lovely.. 24-26.. hot enough for us. Will stick to visiting area again in May or June..

I have never been to Scotland.. but its on my list.. and we would definitely choose to visit it in July or August.. better weather and long daylight hours.

Loacker.. not sure why you referred to me in this thread.. I only just came on it ?

>>There isn't a basement, church hall or meeting room in the whole city that doesn't have some sort of event going on, meeting the needs of the highest of brows to the... opposite.<<

Yep -- over 250 different venues.

If you do something like Gardyloo's itinerary (a great road trip)

Consider staying here in Glencoe (the glen is two words and the village is one word) https://www.clachaig.com

Just the best place to stay in the glen - good food, live music and great setting.

and here on Mull http://www.seaview-mull.co.uk

You would see Iona and the Abbey from your bedroom and be a short walk from the jetty for the foot ferries to the isle and boat trips to Staffa. (I personally prefer staying in Fionnphort over Tobermory since more of what I like to see/do is at that end of the island)

>>I have yet to visit Scotland. It seems like a rather sleepy place to me<<

It is more than obvious Loacker has never been to Scotland -- nuff said.

Link to my TR from the Edinburgh Fringe last year to give you some idea of the range of events going on....it's fab and a must-do imho.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rgh-fringe.cfm

JustineParis, sorry my comment was in reply to Christine.

Ha, ha. Apples or oranges. Been to both, loved both. I'll be briefer than others. Major question: what do you really want to do, i.e., sight seeing, museums, hiking, beaches, entertainment, dining. I see Scotland as more "outdoorsy" and S. Spain more "touristy" (in a good sense). Oh yes, probably not Andalucia in August.

Thanks all. Gardyloo - special thanks for the what if plan!! Looks fantastic. I will research the different locations (may take a few weeks) and will come back to this forum with more specific questions.

This is so not a bizarre question - I completely understand the pull of two different, equally interesting places. That said, I'm joining in with the many others who say that August in Southern Spain is too hot - there will be another time when that trip will make so much more sense.

We were in Edinburgh for a week this past August. It was only our second time there and our first during Fringe. I thought we'd see a show or two but spend a good deal of time outside the city. Though we thoroughly enjoyed a day trip to Glasgow (would like to return), we spent the remaining time in Edinburgh and I'd go back, during Fringe, in a heartbeat. The ONLY downside was the cost of accommodations, but we had a lovely apartment in Leith that was a very easy bus ride (what a fabulous transit system they have!) to the center and that helped on the cost. If you do go, be sure you are there for the Tattoo and get your tickets as soon as they are available as they sell out - though you can get them at an increased price or through a tour agency later on. The Tattoo was a highlight for all our group, we loved the welcoming people of Edinburgh (couldn't open a map without someone asking if we needed help), we saw some great shows (very cheap), drank some great beer, and still saw important sites. I'd like to return for another week in Edinburgh as well as a week or two in other parts of Scotland.

I love Spain but not even close which one I'd choose for August.

Oh my god, a festival full of bagpipes and Scottish military music? That sounds like hell to me.

"That sounds like hell to me."

On the other hand, some of us were born with an Mc in our names and are congenitally predisposed, can't help ourselves. Call it an affliction if you like.

>>Oh my god, a festival full of bagpipes and Scottish military music? That sounds like hell to me.<<

Obviously you haven't been.

At the Fringe/festivals just about the only bagpipes one will see is one busker about half way down the Royal Mile.

The Tattoo (which has a LOT more than bagpipe music BTW) is terrific and it is a good thing you don't want to see it - leaves a seat for others who can't get tickets -- every performance will be totally old out.

>>Oh my god, a festival full of bagpipes and Scottish military music? That sounds like hell to me.<<


The festivals in Edinburgh in August include a book festival; the international festival with many performances of classical music by orchestras from around the world; and the fringe, with drama, comedy, music (both classical and popular as well as traditional), dance, burlesque, children's performances, street theater, performance art, and every unclassifiable type of performing art you can imagine. The catalogue for the fringe, the largest of the festivals, is the size of a phone book.

That said, neither I nor anyone in my party loved the tattoo. I'm glad I went once for the experience but I wouldn't go again.

I never liked the bagpipes till I saw a video of a street performance by AC/DC of Its a Long Way to the Top.. by Bon Scott.. amazing..

If you're set on the UK,I think you can find better scenery in the Cotswolds, England.
I've seen pictures of the Scottish Highlands. Just a few lakes and some pointed rocks. Anyone else thinks they're overrated?

Loacker -- since you've never been there . . . maybe you DON'T KNOW what you are talking about -- ya think?

I've seen pictures, janisj.
The Eiffel Tower looked exactly like in the pictures.

Why would the Glen Coe or Ben Nevis look any different in real life? With today's technology you can virtually visit any place you want.

I lived near the Cotswolds for 5 years and visit both the Cotswolds and Scotland very often -- The Cotswolds are very 'pretty', many parts of Scotland are drop dead gorgeous.

Your loss . . .

>>Oh my god, a festival full of bagpipes and Scottish military music? That sounds like hell to me.<<

The Tattoo performance we saw included a tribute to David Bowie, US troops doing Elvis & Aretha, fireworks & light show, and yes, lots of bagpipes. We were all surprised at just how much we enjoyed it.

Besides the theatre/comedy/music offerings, there was also the Festival of Politics going on at the Parliament building. I wish I had heard about this before going so we could have planned to attend some of the lectures. The Fringe offerings that we attended included a hilarious Jane Austen improv, a beer & food pairing, bad (free) sketch comedy, a youth orchestra performance, and an "escape room". With over 3,000 different shows at Fringe alone, there really is something for everyone

Bagpipes are a beautiful instrument. Why the hate?