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Am considering a 2-week trip this year - no bikes. I've not seen the northern cost nor Madrid so am thinking of 9-10 days cruising the former and ending up in Galicia then 4-5 days in an appt in the latter.
Main questions:
1. is a car going to be necessary getting to/from and around the north coast? (seems it may make life a lot easier, though public transport is generally more relaxing)
2. Is there a time when Madrid may be comfortable without the north coast being brass-monkeys?
Any other tips?
Did a drive across the north coast 7/8 years ago, stayed in the Picos de Europa did some walking etc, went along to Leon, were aiming for Santiago de Compostella but didn't have time. Loads to see and do, but it's a bit underdeveloped in places e.g. the roads were poor and crowded with trucks. Leon was nice. We were there in August and it wasn't THAT bad heatwise but I quite like hot weather. Basque country has a unique character, Bilbao worth a look if only for the Guggenheim.
Madrid is ace, need at least a whole day for the Prado, and don't event think about going out for dinner until 10/11. We were sat in a cocktail bar on a sunday night and it didn't get busy until 0100 ! I have been to Madrid twice, both times in winter and it was biting cold.
My tip would be: get on the TGV down to Toledo for one of your days in Madrid. Loads to see, beautiful place, and they have a museum about the civil war, when there was a siege and they ate the hostages.
ARGH..it's falling off teh page!
*bump*
there was a siege and they ate the hostages.
Thanks. Do they re-create the experience in any way? 😛
Seriously though, an ex is Spanish, she had some stories from her grandma re Franko and the war etc.
I would definitely advise a car. The North is lovely - particularly Asturias and Galicia (though actually Cantabria and the Basque country are lovely too) and you can't get to the most interesting bits easily without a car. The food is awesome!
The temperature in the North is lovely throughout the summer and there are wonderful beaches (eg Las Catedrales), surfing, walking, biking etc.
Madrid has a very dry climate which makes high temperatures much more bearable than elsewhere but is still probably worth avoiding in July and August (the worst time is the end of July/beginning of August where 40 degrees is normal and it's hideous 😯 - I'm dreading it already!)
If you like museums then there's El Prado as hels said but also the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Bornemiza. As well as Toledo there are other great places about an hour from Madrid - Segovia, Aranda de Duero, Salamanca (bit further but beautiful) that are good for day-trips and can be done on public transport. And just hanging around in the evenings going for drinks and tapas is nice.
I live in Madrid so let me know if you want any more info.
C-Al, I've not been to Madrid yet but I do know that a lot of rich people from there come here for July and August to escape the heat. The weather here is generally lovely from March through to October with a higher chance of bad weather the closer to March/October you go!
I think that it would be a big mistake to miss out the Basque Country, it is honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I would definitely hire a car because the most spectacular places are off the beaten track.
I think I'd drive up from Madrid, through La Rioja getting bladdered in the vineyards! Visit Tafalla for a night maybe(I can recommend a fantastic restaurant there if you want), head to Pamplona, maybe another night there (not 7th-14th of July unless you want to see Spanish madness at it's very peak). Then I'd take the back roads from there to the Bidasoa river valley, that's really 'crash the car beautiful' and the change in climate and vegetation never fails to amaze me. Stay in Hondarribia then San Sebastian. From San Sebastian take the tiny coastal road all the way to Bilbao, stopping in all the wee coastal towns for a drink. Check out San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and time it so that you have a meal in the bar (not the restaurant) at the top of the path, just as the sun sets. Then a couple of nights in Bilbao and onwards, beyond my area of expertise. Mackem might be along shortly to help, he loves the place as much as me but is based in Bilbao so could probably point you in the right direction for places.
If you do decide to take that trip then give me a shout, I know some great restaurants and walks along the coast. Also, I have used economycarrental.com (or.co.uk, can't remember) who used to be the cheapest I could find.
cheers all!