I am traveling with my husband and another couple , we arrive in Barcelona , planned on being there a day and half then have rental car to travel north and get the best "'taste " of the Basque Country where my husbands relatives are from. Can you give me an idea of what's realistic as far as time and travel vs time spent in one particular location with day trips? I want to have the most authentic memorable experience and some do not miss suggestions. My thoughts are to head to San Sebastián but how long where and what to do and best stays appreciated! Thank you for your recommendations you travel aficionados!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8507 posts
I’d start by looking at where the relatives are from and what there is within an hour of it. Seven days isn’t very long, especially if the Barcelona time is part of that seven days, so if the main objective is to see where the relatives are from, that’s the area I’d concentrate on. I wouldn’t try to see everything with the amount of time you have.
The main cities are San Sebastián and Bilbao with the capital being Vitoria-Gasteiz. There are plenty of towns and villages, and with good planning you could visit a number of lesser locations in a day.
To me, the most authentic memorable experiences have occurred in the small towns and villages that seldom see a tourist.
Posted by
USA
111 posts
Do you have to travel back to Barcelona at the conclusion of your trip ? According to Google Maps it’s approximately a seven hour drive between Barcelona and Bilbao. I wouldn’t want to make that trip twice in one week, since it will really eat into your vacation time.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
My husbands family is from Saratxo ( saracho) Spain and I'm wondering if accessible from San Sebastián and a day trip or more of an excursion. ? We are all about the authentic experience and a day of that would be wonderful if it's doable. Thank you all for your suggestions. Yes we have to get back to Barcelona but are mobile Monday through Friday and want to have a vision of a home base plus day trips or two days two days and a return
Posted by
Bilbao
1041 posts
If it's the Saratxo near Amurrio, it's easier to get there from Bilbao. Don't miss Bilbao on this trip! Near Saratxo, Orduña, Artziniega and Quejana are very nice visits, very much off-the-beaten-path.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
So I just checked our return flight. Turns out we have 10 days and these suggestions are starting to make sense as in returning the car in the far reach and fly back to Barcelona for flight home. Also very much appreciate places to stay and eating recommends ! So excited to draw upon your expertise and experiences ! Thank you!