bilboburgler

if you want to go to the south and been to other cities then add Cordoba, Malage and Jerez (maybe Ronda) as options.

Kwoo

Lincasanova,
We are trying to decide what week to go in October, & we are leaning towards the week of Oct 9. You mention the holiday from Oct 9 - 12. Is this a good time or bad time to come? Will Barcelona & surrounding area be overly crowded & will it be hard to find accommodations? We are now leaning towards visiting Costa Brava after we leave Barcelona.
Thanks.

kimhe

Vueling flies from Barcelona to Bilbao in one hour for 30-50€ several times a day around your dates in October. Direct bus from the airport to fabolous San Sebastián in 75 mins.
http://www.vueling.com/

Weather, of course, is unpredictable, but San Sebastián statistics from the past 13 years suggest day temperatures from 16 to 22°C the two first weeks in October. Daily average of four hours sun, but expect heavy and short rain showers every now and then. They are truly a part of the San Sebastián charm as people take the unplanned cover under some of the beautiful arcades or in one of the magnificent pintxos bars. Often spectacular thunder storms as well. At night-time, you'll then have the best views from Café de la Concha on top of the famous beach.
http://www.wetteronline.de/Spanien/SanSebastian.htm

lincasanova

Not overly crowded.. just some people will take a long weekend and some places may be fuller than usual.

Kwoo

Lincasanova,
thanks for your information about the crowds from oct 9 - 12.

I've been reading about Costa Brava and northern Catalonia in my guidebook & I have some preliminary ideas. I thought we could drive up the coast & stop at a few places such as Tossa de Mar, S'Agaro, & Calella de Palafrugell. Our destination would be Cadaques & we would stay there for one night. Then from there we would drive to Girona & stay there for 2 nights. We could visit towns such as Rupit, Vic, Olot & Besalu. What is your opinion of these plans?
Thanks again.

yestravel

I think that is a much better idea then going to San Seb that time of year and your idea puts u much closer to Barcelona. We were just many of the towns u mentioned and really enjoyed ourselves exploring the area. We based ourselves in a small town about 40 minutes from Cadaques and did day trips. In Cadaques don't miss Dali's house-u need reservations. I'm not a huge fan of Dali, but his house was fascinating and the location is beautiful. We only had a very short time in Girona, but thought it a great city and would have loved to spend more time there.

Kwoo

Yestravel,
thank you for your information. What town did you stay in?
Can you recommend restaurants? Did you hike to the lighthouse at Cap de Creus? My guidebook describes the hike through "rosemary, thyme & salt air" as unforgettable. How far in advance did you make your reservations for the Dali house?