I have the opportunity to spend 6 weeks in Spain. For one month of that, I would be working remotely so I would need to have a predictable schedule. I would be with my wife and 13 year old daughter. The time would be summertime, next year 2026. Where should we stay that would be a good place to settle in with period sidr trips? My first thought was San Sebastian.
I have been to Spain (but never Basque country) many times and speak the language at an intermediate level. I'm worried my daughter will get bored.
Thanks on advance.
Posted by
W. Washington
54 posts
Well, they could always do a mom and daughter trip up to Paris on the TGV for, say, a week while you're working. This could be a dream come true for a 13 year old and maybe mom.
Alternatively, they could do any number of other day trips, trips to the beach, to Barcelona or Bilbao, maybe shopping days. I don't really know what's cool for the tween set in Spain, but there will be something.
Yes, 13 is a difficult age but letting her put together some things she'd like to do or places she wants to go might be a great confidence booster for her.
I think you will need to just be chill and do your thing once you've all decided where to base yourselves,
and let them do what's fun and interesting for them during your work period.
Posted by
Bilbao
914 posts
Some points to be taken into account: Donostia (Basque name of San Sebastian, widely used here to refer to this city) will be quite expensive for lodging in summer season, and you´ll not be coming to a beach resort or anything like it, as weather here tends to be wet and rainy. I mean, we have our sunny days, but think of something like Seattle weather (despite the beautiful pictures of D-SS under the sun). It´s a beautiful city, with plenty of activities for kids and summer camps in English (think about surfing, for example, a big thing over here). Food is excellent anywhere in the Basque Country and you have plenty of places nearby for day excursions (Bilbao, Iruña-Pamplona, French Basque Country, Rioja, Burgos...and further away Oviedo, Gijón, Santander, Zaragoza...). We are very kids-friendly and it´s extremely safe for all ages.
Posted by
new york
620 posts
The Basque region would be wonderful.
Another option,, where I visit for the first time in November, for five days, is the town of Denia, on the coat south of Valencia. It's a walkable small city with beaches both in the city and further afield. There is a large pedestrian-only section and I think it would be lovely, if not as exciting, perhaps, as the Basque region. Denia is famous throughout Spain for red prawns, but there is abundant and wonderful seafood and fish of all varieties.
Posted by
Washington DC
29199 posts
I'd stick to the northern coast of Spain or the mountains for a summertime base. Just about anywhere else in Spain puts you at risk of unrelenting heat.
I think the Basque Country is a fine idea.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Oh cool! I was looking at Valencia, because there is an international camp based out of there that my daughter could do. What else can you tell me about it - where did you stay while you were there?
Posted by
Washington DC
29199 posts
Check out some detailed weather statistics before deciding. I know I'm a bit weather-obsessed, but I wouldn't knowingly sign up for four weeks of this:
That data is from timeanddate.com. Use the pull-down box at the right, just above the graph, to see other recent months and years, because weather can vary. The Search box near the upper right will allow you to check out other locations.
I don't know anything about microclimates around Valencia, but perhaps it would be a tiny bit cooler and breezier in some spot outside the center of the city?
Posted by
new york
620 posts
I went to summer school in Valencia and did not return again until 2016. Stayed at the Westin on that trip which is an upscale hotel with reasonable pricing. Across the Turia from the center city but easily walkable. Next door to a wonderful public pool.
Most recently, spent ten days there last November/December at the Only You Hotel which I'd recommend highly except for the price, which seemed a bit excessive. Great location. Small rooms. Decor fabulous throughout.