I'm headed for some September business travel in Barcelona, and my husband and I decided to tack on a vacation in Italy before it. I was really looking forward to settling into a small hill town in Tuscany, staying on a working farm, getting to know the neighborhood, the food, the culture, and relaxing. However, we just learned that this side jaunt will add on quite a bit to my business travel airfare, and we're wondering if it might be more prudent to vacation in Spain, thus avoiding that extra leg (and hopefully the extra cost). The problem is, we know absolutely nothing about Spain. Based on what I was looking forward to about Italy, can anyone recommend an area of Spain to visit? Also, I was absolutely enchanted by the idea of staying at an agritourismo - is that something specific to Italy, or does Spain have similar opportunities? We have a little over a week to spend. Thanks for your thoughts!
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
We very much enjoyed the northern provinces of Spain, Galicia and Asturias. If you go there, you are also very close to the Basque country, which is interesting and charming. There are country accommodations called casas rurales which would probably be close to agriturismos. I suggest that you look at a comprehensive guide book - - - we like Cadogan - - - to pinpoint a destination. Then, check on www.specialplaces to stay.com, also available in book form as "Special Places to Stay: Spain." We used it a few years ago for lodgings, and were delighted with every place.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Absolutely -- Asturias! The food is great, the sidra is better, and the people are wonderful and warm. I stayed in a casa rural in a tiny town called Cenera where I was the ONLY guest. I loved Oviedo and Gijon, and I also visited the Tito Bustillo cave in Ribadesella, where you can see prehistoric cave paintings (not reproductions).
Posted by
OP
Portland
2 posts
Thank you both so much! I've just begun looking at that website and I think I'm in love - so many amazing, amazing places!