Question for the Spain pros

Hi Caroline,

We are doing the same exact thing as you, but in reverse order. We start with six days, flying in Barcelona and then going on the RS Sicily tour. We prefer small towns and low key, as opposed to seeing as many sights as possible. I reserved a place on the Costa Brava in Llafranc. I like the idea of it because it's walkable to the surrounding beach towns as well. We plan a day trip to Girona also.

Happy planning. I'd love to see your trip report, as out tour isn't until October.

I agree with Costa Brava as it low key, great beaches and about 1.5 hours north of Barcelona. Tossa De Mar was a favorite for me. If you're inclined to head farther south (not sure of your travel arrangements) I would look into Alicante on Costa Blanca. It is a medium sized city with lots to see and great beaches. Enjoy your trip!

I think Girona itself would be a lovely base. Extremely atmospheric medieval district with enough sights (including a good not-too-large museum) to fill a day and a great base for day-trips to Besalu (tiny, doesn't need a full day), Figueres, Cadaques, etc. I haven't verified the schedule, but I suspect you could even go up into France and perhaps visit Collioure.

Girona's easily reached from Barcelona but has its own airport, used by some budget flights to "Barcelona".

I considered mentioning Zaragoza as an option then remember how hot it gets in the summer.

Thanks everybody for the replies! I should have added that I went to Girona and Besalu last year. I'm not at all averse to returning (especially since the gelato in Girona really IS the best in the world), but am looking for other options as well.

Is Zaragoza hotter in mid-summer than Seville or Cordoba (or Madrid, for that matter)? I was there around the same time last year and found it very hot but doable.

Thanks!
Caroline

I think Zaragoza would normally be cooler than Andalucía. I'm not sure it would differ much from Madrid but haven't looked at the stats. Definitely hotter than Barcelona.

How about heading out toward the Pyrenees or even the Basque Country. You'd need to be OK with a good bit of time on a train or bus, though.

I enjoyed Zaragoza, but I don't think there's much to do to fill five days. Also, it's not close to many other must visit places. If all you want to do is kick back, relax, and practice Spanish, it may be a good choice.

Not really related; I loved Catania but haven't been there in a couple decades. I used to visit there a few times a year with the military.

Your only direct flight option may be from
Catania to Madrid. Then you can take a high speed train via Cuenca to Valencia. Finally, take the coastal train via Tarragona to Barcelona.

Valencia. Big enough to spend several days and small enough not to feel overwhelmed. LOTS of good food. Easy and fast AVE connections between Madrid and Barcelona. Could take a daytrip if you feel motivated. Or go lay on a beach. And it's very "Spanish."

I would not choose Tarragona - it is fine for a night, maybe two, but I wouldn't want to spend more than that there.

It's been recommended to us to visit Salamanca. It's a university town - the oldest in Spain, west of Madrid (2.5 hours). It's been our experience that university towns offer language opportunities. Buen Suerte!

Palencia's is the oldest :)

Belated thanks for all the advice! My tentative plan is to fly to Madrid, probably spend the night there, and then head to Salamanca for the next few days. Very excited!

Caroline

Salamanca is a great choice. The architecture there is impressive. Make sure you check out the university's famous door. You might consider a daytrip to Zamora, about 45 minutes away.