First timer Spain- Barcelona and other city?

San Sabastian is a lovely town and has a beautiful beach that everyone would enjoy. Old town is fun there as well. Stay in Honderibbia. It is a small town just a few miles from San Sebastian and much more reasonable prices. Easy opportunities to take advantage of tapas bars in Honderibbia and easy to do on foot. WE stayed at a place there called Hotel Obispo (old bishops palace). We loved it there...the rooms were spacious and the place is charming. Breakfast was delicious. We took a day and drove up to St. Jean de Luz in France (less than 30 min.) That is a lovely resort town as well with a nice beach, some culture and fun shopping. I think you and your children would enjoy it. If you're really adventurous there's hiking nearby. We didn't get a chance to do it but we're planning on going back just to experience it. I would not try to do Italy in that timeline. There is much to see in Spain and you should just spend your time there.

If Hostal Campi doesn't have triple rooms (I am thinking you want a double and a triple), or if you want something more upscale, I suggest Hotel Jazz, a trendy but moderately-priced 3* hotel also close to Placa Catalunya (which I think is a great location). They have double and triple rooms, all with ensuite bath, and a nice rooftop terrace with a pool. For nightlife I would head into the Eixemple, which is right north of there. I've read too many accounts of problems at the bars down by the beach late at night.

Hi Lori- Thank you..I will do some research on towns you mention. How far is Barcelona from St.Sebastian?
Is renting a car recommended? Thanks again!

Barcelona to San Sebastian/ Donatiais 5.5 hours by train. Promo fares are 38 euros if you buy in advance. You might also consider Valencia, also on the coast but closer to Barcelona. Three hours by train, tickets 18 euros.

If you're going to San Sebastian, be sure to include a trip to Bilbao - I spent 24 hours there on my last trip to Spain, and I wish I had allowed more time there.

Thank you guys... what local airline is recommended? Any sites that I should not miss in Barcelona?
Thanks again!

Local airline for what? Flying within Spain (from Barcelona to ???) or flying to Paris or Rome? Where would you be flying from?

It's easy to get carried away planning for Spain, there is so much to see and do. I started planning a two to three week trip to Spain and Portugal and ended up with 30 days for just Spain (and still missed a lot). Six days is a little more than I'd budget for Barcelona, though it's easy to be entertained for that long. With six days I'd spend four (maybe five if I add a couple days to the trip) in Barcelona. Staying in the Barri Gotic (Gothic neighborhood) area is in the heart of the city. You don't say what time of year you plan to visit. If it's close to summer, there are beaches in town you can visit. They aren't as nice as San Diego but nice enough to stroll and get sun - maybe rent a bike. We stayed at Hostal Campi, about two blocks off the Ramblas and a few blocks from Placa Catalunya. A Hostal in Spain isn't the same as a Hostel (they have those too), it's a small budget-friendly hotel. Hostal Campi has decent rooms at a good price (can't recall if it had air conditioning) about half ensuite and half use the showers in the hall. The staff were nice; I'd recommend it as a very good budget option. I'd then head up the coast to one of the small towns along the Costa Brava. The beaches are nicer, but usually small sandy areas in the middle of rock reefs and cliffs. Arenys de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Blanes, etc. would all have a nice beach vacation feel. You could also head down the coast toward Valencia. Sitges is often mentioned, it's become a very popular gay resort town. San Sebastian seems to be getting a little further out. We visited there last spring and like it, but we took three days to get there from Barcelona - stopping in Zaragosa and Pamplona on the way. Bilbao, or anything the other side of Madrid, seems too far out of the way for a short trip.

Madrid is an option but others will have to recommend it, it's not one of my favorites. It's a new city, went from nothing to the Capital in the 1700's, so it's not rich in early architecture or history. Nearby Toledo was our favorite twisty-road, medieval city in Spain. We also enjoyed seeing Segovia and Avila - but again you're pushing your available time.

If you use a local airline, Vueling seems to be popular for cheap flights around the country.

We have been to Valencia and loved it both times. Will be going again this summer.

We are planning on traveling early July. Thank you all for the input ...I will do my research and probably get back with more questions.

In July, you probably don't want to go south to Andalucia. Daytime temps there will more than likely be over, possibly well over, 100 degrees.

My husband and I will be in Barcelona and Valencia in a couple of weeks. We are flying via AirFrance into Paris, staying over night at CdG to get over jet lag. Then flying, also air France, to Barcelona. After several days, we will take the train to Valencia. Then we will retrace our steps back to Barcelona before flying back to Paris. Valencia is a great city to visit. It has one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Plus, it is a great place to get a real Valencian Paella. lonely planet's tour book on Spain will give you great ideas. Paris is also a good choice from Barcelona. The TGV train that will get you to Paris easy. Travel gives us too many choices!!
Jana

Hi Jana- I'll check out Valencia....how far is it from Barcelona? Do you recommend any beaches? Thank you!