Seeking a town like Sorrento in Spain!

We loved San Sebastian. Very laid back, with historical sites, wonderful Basque food and culture, and a short train ride from Barcelona. If you choose Seville as your City, there is the lovely town of Cordoba, with the Mezquita (glorious) and flowered balconies, or the town of Toledo, with its rich history. Actually either of those (Toledo or Cordoba) are easily accessed from Madrid, as well. Unless you are looking for an oceanside area like Sorrento, and then you might look into Nerja. Spain is magnificent and rich with wonderful sites and history, no matter where you go.

I would vote for San Sebastian however this is not a short train ride from Barcelona or Madrid. But it would be perfect to get away from the rest of Spain where it is very hot in August especially in the south.

I'd say there really isn't a town like Sorrento in Spain but since you are visiting in August, the north of the country would be ideal. Madrid and south will be like an oven.

Agree, 90% of the Spanish Mediterranean coast will be hot, crowded, and overpriced in August. Look to the north coast for better weather, less people, more relaxing etc. As already suggested, San Sebastian, with its belle epoque architecture and seashell sandy beach would be a good option.

Now, if you must stay on the Mediterranean you could look at Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava, just north of Barcelona, but be warned it can get quite packed with local tourist in the high summer months.

Renfe shows a 5 hour 40 minute direct train from Barcelona to San Sebastian leaving at 15.30, and a direct train from Madrid at 16.05 (same travel time).

I would definitely choose Barcelona over Madrid any time. My understanding is that it is likely to be triple-digit hot in Sevilla and Madrid, which would keep me away. Otherwise, I would be hard-pressed to choose between Sevilla and Barcelona - completely different but both worth a week. I think Madrid is much less interesting or enjoyable, though it's 3 top-notch art museums are a huge draw. You'd want to fly from Sevilla to San Sebastian.

The old town of a Girona might qualify. It is historic, beautiful, has a number of “sites”, and an abundance of fine restaurants, some of which are Michelin-starred. It is less than an hour from Barcelona by train, and you can also make a number of interesting day trips from Girona.