Hi All -
My fiancè and I are planning our honeymoon and hope to do 2 weeks in Spain. We are getting married late August but have always been told never to go to Europe the last week of August as it is when most of the country takes vacation so places are crazy busy and also a lot are closed. Is this still true/true for Spain?
Thanks!
Ilana
Yes, late August is not the best time to go to Europe--if you have a choice, go in September, a couple of weeks will make a big difference.
Thanks Kent - after researching a bit just now I saw that schools dont start until Mid September - does that mean in Spain its bad until then? Our options are either to go from Aug 22-Sept 5th or Aug 29-Sept 12th. We would then spend a week on the Amalfi coast in Italy... we COULD change it to do Italy first I just assumed that would be just as bad...
I've never been forced to go to Spain or Italy in August, so I don't have personal experience. Always assumed that if it could be pushed until after US Labor Day, it should be, for that part of the world. For US travelers that aren't forced to go in the summer, the fall is better.
I also would go for the week later, on the theory that "every little bit helps." The Spanish school vacation schedule is not the only factor, as lots of people come to Mediterranean beaches on holiday from other parts of Europe. It is likely to still be hot in both countries.
If you can delay until September then I would.
Otherwise, don't be put off. August is busy, but they are geared up for it.
My trips to Spain have mostly been in August due to my friends there being on vacation then.
If possible, though, avoid planes/trains/motorways on that last weekend of August.
If you have to go in August, go to the north coast of Spain. While everyone in Europe seems to be on vacation during August, you can partially offset that by going somewhere that's considered more remote. I'd suggest flying into Bilbao, rent a car and head west. Some of the more popular towns will be packed in August, but I'll bet you can find something you will enjoy. Much of Spain is too hot in August. The north coast is perfect, it's rainy and cold outside of summer months.
Because of an event I needed to attend in Scotland, I have been "forced" to take my Spain trip at the same time, in August. I was in central Spain, and it was beastly hot every day. I would second the suggestion of waiting as late as you can, and staying as northern as you can in order to have a more pleasant trip. I would never voluntarily go back to Spain in August.
