never been to Spain - suggestions please!

These are all really good questions with almost unlimited answers/opinions. The best answer for you right now is to invest in a few comprehensive guidebooks. The Rick Steves book is good, but covers limited places. With a car, you may want a broader book like Fodor's or Frommer's, which will cover some of the regions you mention. Keep in mind that the different regions of Spain offer very distinct culture, landscapes, food and architecture. Barcelona, which is in Catalonia, is perhaps the least "Spanish" of major cities in Spain. But many rank it as one of the best cities in Europe (me included). Also know that while a car will offer the flexibility and opportunity to see smaller towns and landscapes, a car is not very handy in large cities and, with only 2 weeks, won't allow you to easily see all the other major Spainish destinations (Madrid, Sevilla, Granada). As you develop an itinerary that fits your own interests, let us know if you have more specific questions.

Thank you for your response, and I apologize for my post being so vague. Originally, we had planned to arrive in Barcelona, stay a few days there and then travel along the Costa del Sol. We've always loved the food, music, culture, architecture and lifestyle of southern Spain. But in my research, I've come to find that that area is completely overrun by toursists during July and August. We would like to avoid tourists traps, but understand that we have little choice during that time of year. We're not interested in town hopping everyday of our vaction. We would like to find a few cool places, and stay there soaking up local culture. So my next idea was to spend 4 days in Barcelona, 3 days in San Sebastian, and pick 2 other locations to stay about 2-3 days. Any suggestions for those other locations? Also, any suggestions for must see local festivals going on that time or fun food and wine tours. Thank you so much for your help.

I think you are right to avoid the costa del sol. Mind you, I have not been there, but everything I have read and photos I have seen confirms that it has been overrun and overbuilt. But I wonder if costa Brava might be worth a visit for a few days, since you will be in Barcelona? Then head to the Basque region and San Sebastian. Finish in Madrid, since your flight back to the US will likely start from there. And do not forget Toledo. It makes a great place for a 2 night stay, since the daytrippers clear out and the town is lovely at night.

Thank you for your response. I've been looking into Costa Brava and that seems to be a very charming area. How would the area be during the last week in July first week/first week in August (beaches, cafes, restaurants,etc)? How easy would it be to spend a few days in a near buy French town?

Also, we wanted to drive ourselves around during our trip and save Barcelona for the last destination. That way we can return the car, and just walk/bike around the city and not need it again. I'm starting to think we would arrive in Bilbao, get to San Seb and pick up our car there. So basically we would like to start our trip in San Seb and end it in Barcelona. Now we just need to figure out what to do in between those 2 destinations. Like I said, fun towns with lots of food and wine, maybe some festivals or tapas tours. Thank you for all the recommendations! I really appreciate the help in planning our trip!

You do need the guidebooks and a map. Costa del Sol and Barcelona not in the same part of Spain - almost opposite ends. From our experience of actually having been there it is not as over run as some would have your believe. I would equate it to the Keys. Lots of tourist but the area will handle a lot of tourists. But it not a place I would recommend in July and August because of the hear. However, all of Spain is pretty warm at that time of year. Staying further north, into the hills towns and mountains would be cooler. I think you need to spend some time with travelogues and DVDs of the various areas to get a idea of where you want to go.

I stayed in the Costa del Sol ( Torremolinos ) on a high school trip way back in 1981...back then it was nothing more than an endless, endless, endless sprawl of hotels and bars along the coastline. I can just imagine what it's like now, over 30 years later. Avoid it at all costs...

Get a copy of The Moon Guide To Spain ---one of the better guide books for the country with good information,

Unless you want a beach vacation I would avoid the coast, especially the CDS !! In 2011 we did a 5 week driving tour around Spain & Portugal, last year just Spain. In 2011 we felt that the 3 nights (2 days) we had allocated for Barcelona wasn't enough & went back this year for a further 5 I would suggest minimum 3 -4 nights in Barcelona, depending if you want to take in Gaudi sites such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Milo, Casa Batllo, as well as the Cathedral or the Picasso Museum. Park Guell is also on the list! Hotel Lleo, perfect location just a few minutes walk to Las Ramblas & Plaza Catalunya, we got the airport bus approx 6 Euros (can't remember) it stops just a few minutes walk from the hotel. We enjoyed our day trip to Montseratt this year, we took the train & funnicula avoiding all the line ups by going up the mountain 1st once we came down the throngs of people on organized bus tours had departed and we didn't have to wait all to see the famous Statue!! Barcelona - AVE train Madrid 2 nights.. We stayed at Hotel Carlos V it's a Best Western, nice, characterful & clean. Well situated for both metro & just a few minutes walk from Plaza Mayor as well as other great night spots. After Madrid pick up car, drive to Segovia - 2 nights en-route stop at El Escorial & Valle de los Caidos. (arrive here before 4 pm so you can drive in and have time to see it)
We only had 1 night in Segovia which basically meant 1 evening & only the following morning before we had to head out to our next destination - Salamanca Cont:

Lost the previous into twice as it didn't post, so re-typed versions haven't been as succint .. Sorry !! We were in Segovia on a Saturday night, there was a great atmosphere, we discovered a Tapas bar/restaurant that was literally overflowing onto the streets with locals we pushed our way up to the bar & basically pointed to items that locals were eating, it was one of those special memorable nights. Avilla en-route to Salamanca. We then headed for Portugal I suggest you then head south.. some of my suggestions of must do's are Barcelona 3 -4 nights Ave train - Madrid 2 nights Pick up Car Segovia 2 nights Poss Salamanca 1 night other places we loved, Ronda and Pueblo Blanco's, Seville, Granada.. We had a night in Toledo before heading back for car drop off at Madrid Airport..
Have to dash, having to keep retyping i'm running late.. hope the suggestions are useful Have fun!!

We are returning in May this year. Would suggest Andalusia but it would be very hot in early August. If Barcelona is a must (as it should be), you could combine your time there with side trips along the Costa Brava: Cadaques, Sitges, Tarragona, et al. If you decide to add Madrid, you could visit a village like Cuenca on the way, then on to Madrid. Toledo is a must see. Suggest a visit to the Costa del Sol be combined with Andalusia: Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla and the Pueblos Blancos but summer there is very hot and very crowded.

We did a huge circle 3 wk tour by car a couple of years ago, and I loved every single place we visited and drove through. If you can fit it in, consider the little town of Cuenca and stay at the Parador there. (not too far from Madrid.) good luck and have fun with your planning.

My advice might be unusual, but for something different in the summer I'd suggest enjoying the northern half of Spain. I spent 24 hours in Bilbao when I was there, and I really wished I had planned a longer stop there - I really liked the "vibe" of the city and there was more there to explore than I had thought. I haven't been to San Sebastien, but I'm sure it's also worth visiting. Barcelona is worth 4 or 5 days in itself, I think, and I would recommend taking a couple of days to visit Girona and Figueres too. I can't imagine anything less appealing than the Costa del Sol in July and August, personally.

In our two weeks in Spain (in 2011), we started in Barcelona for 4 days. (Wished we could have stayed longer, as much to do, but had to move on.) Flew to Malaga ($49, yep cheap) where we rented a car to visit Granada, Ronda (intended to spend one day but liked it so much stayed 2), visited several of the other "white cities" (we liked Arcos de la Frontera, so we stayed there), Jerez de la Frontera (where sherry comes from) and the coast near there before heading north. We stay in Carmon, Seville (where we turned in our car and took the train to Cordoba and then to Madrid. We took our time and had a great time and enjoyed good food everywhere. Roads are good and easy to drive. Only traffic problem was in Granada. Have a great time. Happy travels.

husband and I went to Spain for 3 weeks last October. one of the best trips pf my life(that's saying a lot as we travel a lot). We flew from Paris to Malaga. rented a car and stayed in Nerja, Marbella, arcos, Seville, Cordoba and Madrid. Took day trip to Tangier and Gibraltar. Next time I think I would skip Madrid. Happy traveling.

I agree with Kia. In July, southern Spain can be Yuma Arizona style hot (115 degrees); all you want is to find an air conditioned space to relax in. July and August aren't considered high season in southern Spain because of that. The northern Basque coast, on the other hand would likely be ideal in July. San Sebastian is a nice little town, with a great beach, but is best enjoyed in full summer. We were there in April (French Spring Break). Although the town was lively, it was rainy and cold. Bilbao, Santander, and further toward the west would be very nice. Costa del Sol is simply a crowd of condos and golf courses - but probably good for nightlife. If you really like resort style vacationing, it's probably perfect. I tend to go the other way and prefer less crowded, more traditional experiences. For a less touristy beach experience in July, go to Costa de la Luz - which runs from Tarifa up to the Portuguese border. It will most likely be pretty hot and breezy (Tarifa is a big wind-surfing area) with a cool ocean to dive into in July.

Have you thought about taking trains rather than driving? The trains are great -- clean, fast and get you to alot of places.