July 07 trip to Madrid and Barcelona

[Netsirksmada]

Hola todos!

My long time friend and I have decided we are going to go ahead and spend 2-3 weeks in Spain. Specifically in Madrid and Barcelona (she's never been to Spain before, but she's just as crazy about it as I am.) We thought we'd spend 5 days in Mardid and 5 days in Barcelona. We've decided we want to make an excursion to Toledo, Bilbao, Pamplona, and San Sebastian as well as Montserrat. However, since there are so many little places, we weren't sure if there are some other to die for places around Madrid and Barcelona. I guess we're mostly looking for areas around Barcelona...I had a chat with a lady at a coffee shop today who just happened to be there who live in Barcelona ten years ago and she mentioned Sitges, Cadaques, Tossa de mar, and Gerona...So any help would be greatly appreciated!

Atentamente,
Kristen

[osvaldo]

I was in Sitges for a day in March, and liked the small town atmosphere very much. It's worth going there because it's a short train ride from Barcelona (about 30 minutes). There are a lot of quaint little restaurants & bars all over, and a nice promenade walkway adjacent to the beach. Also, I hear that it has a happening nightlife in the summer, so I would definitely recommend it. In addition, you should check out the Dali Museum in Figueres.

[Ben]

I do love El Escorial near Madrid as well. Don't worry about Tossa del Mar, it is now full of drunk Northern Europeans. The coast above there is stunning though, the little towns on the Costa Brava (Can't remember the names!!)

Tarragona is interesting if you are near there, nice Roman ruins, and an interesting, quiet workaday Catalan town...