In late February/early March DH and I (fit late 60s) are planning a 2-week trip to Spain. We live in Arizona so don't need warm weather and are fine with being bundled up. Would appreciate help with trip planning. High on our list is Bilbao as we love museums, food and wine. Intrigued by but haven't been to Rioja region, Toledo and Segovia. I spent one day in Valencia on a cruise, liked it but didn't have enough time and want to go back. We've spent time in Andalucia (enjoyed it but don't need a repeat), Madrid (liked the vibrancy, food and art), Barcelona (in summer--ugh--too hot, too crowded, and have already seen the top sights), Girona (loved it), Cadaques and Figures (nice but don't need to return), Santiago de Compostela (okay). Am I being too optimistic about being able to enjoy Bilbao and the north in winter? Would it be that dreary? (I lived in Seattle for many years so while I don't love it, I know rain.) Valencia is kind of an outlier geographically--is it worth it? Could easily start or end the trip there. Plan on using public transportation as we've had great success with Spanish trains and buses. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by
11556 posts
We traveled to Santiago de Compostela from Portugal. We love the town, the history and the cathedral.
It is one of my favorite places in Spain.
The area from Bilbao to the French border offers many interesting towns and villages to explore.
And then you should cross the border to visit the charming French Basque villages such as Ainhoa, Ascain, and Saré.
We much preferred Segovia to Toledo.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7119 posts
Andalucía is huge going from the Portugal border almost over to Cartagena. Most tourists only visit a very few main destinations, so unless you’ve really visited all of Andalucía, consider parts of it you haven’t visited.
I will say that La Rioja, Aragón, and Castile y La Mancha regions we very nice. Extremadura and Castile y León have some nice towns too. Your likes and public transportation schedules will most likely be a determining factor.