For mid to end of Sept 2020 I saw a Black Friday deal too good to pass up for direct flights to Barcelona.
Dates aligned with our big anniversary so will be a surprise trip/destination for my wife and we will bring our young daughter as well.
Just starting to look into how to plan out the trip, never been to Spain ; though have been to many other European countries in recent years.
Need to decide on final locations and also how to spend the time in Barcelona.
I am thinking we would spend 7 nights possibly 8 between 2 locations for the Spain part of the trip.
Barcelona and then I need to choose 1 more and would like a scenic / non-city atmosphere.
The 2 that interest me the most (landscape photography is a huge factor) are:
San Sebastian / Bilboa coast area
OR
Mallorca or is it Majorca
Can get flights easy / cheap enough to either from Barcelona. Would rent a car for the other location but not for Barcelona.
Have not looked into rental car costs or lodging costs yet.
Sagrada Familia is of course a big draw. Any particular days of the week are best or should be avoided at all costs for it?
I believe I need to book tickets in advance.
Undecided if should do Barcelona to start or finish. We would arrive in the afternoon after an overnight flight from the US and our return flight home is also at night.
Not interested in the museums just want to walk an old/historic scenic area (gothic section?), visit Park Güell, a flamengo dancing show, a popular shopping area in the city, plus time to see Sagrada Familia properly.
Not totally sold on making time for Park Guell ; might just see a couple of Gaudi buildings in the city if easier given our time.
Recommended area to stay for the above goals?
Ok keeping the city portion somewhat action packed and then leaving more relaxation time to the 2nd location which will have beaches and/or pool time. Don't need to see the beach while in Barcelona.
Initial thought is 3 nights Barcelona or 4 nights Barcelona if wanting to add a day trip via train to Montserrat.
Sound too short? or about right?
Pickpocket type crime in Barcelona: similar to other European cities or much worse?
Will likely avoid the Metro and will not be doing any nightlife activities.
Leaves 3 or 4 nights for the other destination depending on Monserrat.
Thoughts on my 2 location options for the other nights?
If it matters, the rest of the time will be spent on the Amalfi Coast (5 or 6 nights) so would fly to/from Naples for that part and rent a car in Naples ; have been there before. I looked at flights to/from Naples to make sure it all made sense before I booked the Barcelona tickets.
Trip in total will be 3 locations and 13 nights.
Other thought was to just see Barcelona as far as Spain portion and then fly into Catania to see part of Sicily for 3-4 nights instead of Mallorca or San Sebastian.
Would like to finalize the plans so I can buy the extra inter-Europe flights while the pricing is so low on them and the times/dates widely available.