We found a great RT fare to Barcelona mid (Feb 16)through end of Feb(depart March 1st). We've been to Madrid and many of the amazing sights in southern Spain a few years ago and have always wanted to visit the northern area. We are flexible. Could rent a car in BCN or Madrid as a starting point. We are interested in museums, day hiking(not sure how doable this is in the winter), food and wine..of course! lol We're from MN, so not afraid of the cold and won't melt in the rain. :) Although wonder about driving conditions in Feb. Any ideas, helpful suggestions appreciated!
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1632 posts
Have you checked the weather? Northern Spain is far rainier than the south.
Posted by
San Juan Islands, Washington State
22 posts
Sherry, your trip sounds great! To find hiking trails near Barcelona that are at a low elevation, try searching on Wikiloc. This is a Spanish trail app that has more than 500,000 trails listed near Barcelona. Use the filters to set the activity, length, and altitude gain you are looking for. For each trail you open, you will see the maximum altitude of the track listed in the right-hand panel. Unless there is a major snowstorm right while you are there, I think you will find plenty of walkable tracks that are suitable for February. Zoom in on the map to see more trails in a certain area.
Here's another link that might be helpful:
https://www.barcelonatravelhacks.com
He lists 49 walks in the Barcelona area and gives links to the Wikiloc tracks so you can follow them with GPS. In the top menu bar under Theme, choose Walking in Nature. He also has a how-to guide for using Wikiloc.
Posted by
Bilbao
744 posts
I live near Bilbao, Basque Country, northern Spain. February is usually the coldest month of the year, but nothing compared to Minnessota. Most likely, some snow, but not every year. Temperatures around 5 to 10º, except in mountainous areas in León and Asturias, where it´ll be colder and snowier. Roads are excellent and well signed, so driving should not be an issue. And yes, northern Spain is very rainy, but I think it´s a great idea to come in February, the sights are spectacular.
Posted by
OP
Bemidji MN
18 posts
We are aware of the cold and rain concerns, however trying to look at the positives. Ie..less people and hopefully better prices. Thank you for the helpful comments! Especially appreciate the hiking app and the reply from the Bilbao resident.
Any further thoughts/suggestions welcome!
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2597 posts
You might find this article interesting
Posted by
Bilbao
744 posts
What I would not miss, either from Madrid (4h drive to Bilbao, for example) or Barcelona (6h to Donostia-San Sebastian, 6.5 to Bilbao), east to west more or less:
- Donostia-San Sebastian, and then I´d drive on the coastal road visiting Getaria, Zumaia, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Plentzia towards
- Bilbao, the old quarter and the Guggenheim museum, spectacular
- Rioja wine region, visiting at least Laguardia and some of the wineries in the area (not all will be open, it´s their "resting" season)
- Comillas and Santillana del Mar
- Oviedo
- San Vicente de la Barquera and the coastal road
- Lastres, Cudillero
- Lugo
- La Coruña, Rías Baixas, SAntiago de Compostela
And would return through Leon, a must, Burgos, and then back to Madrid.