I am looking for ideas for a northern Spain trip. I have longed so see some Asturian and Basque places, along with perhaps Santiago. I'm having difficulty coming up with something that makes sense for 8 days and would love some advice. I know that going to all three is not possible. Just trying to whittle. Couple with a 10-year-old. Originally had wanted to do Porto and head north, but seems challenging with the cross-border logistics. (I've been Portugal below Porto; have also traveled to Madrid/Segovia/Toledo, Barcelona, and widely in Andalusia too).
Posted by
6652 posts
Where are you arriving and departing? Open to car rental? What specific places are on your list so far?
Posted by
Bilbao
1020 posts
What do you refer to the cross-border logistics? I understand you´ll be driving a rental car, right? As you probably know, there are no borders so it´s a continuous road, the only difference is that you will see all signs suddenly in Spanish.
I would consider Cantabria and the Basque Country. Cantabria offers beautiful landscapes and towns, and it´s next to the Basque Country, where you cannot miss Bilbao (not just the Guggenheim...we have a beautiful old quarter and great architecture all over the city, the second cleanest in Spain and the 4th most walkable city in Europe), then on the way to Donostia-San Sebastian you should visit Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Gernika and the Assembly Hall and the Tree, Getaria, Zumaia and the flysch, and then Donostia-San Sebastian. From here, Hondarribia is a must, as well as Pasai Donibane.
Posted by
NYC
110 posts
I think a ten year old would enjoy Porto. Attractions include touring a sardine cannery, taking a short boat ride on the Douro, visiting a museum about cork, and even seeing the bookstore associated with Harry Potter and a very ornate McDonald’s. I am his/her grandparents’ age but enjoyed Porto very much.
I think it would appeal to a child more than Bilbao, where I loved The Guggenheim.