San Sebastian or Bilbao?

[Arsey]

I've stayed in San Sebastian many time and always stay at the Mercure Monte Igueldo.

Sit on the balcony with a beer and overlook the bay-breathtaking.

You can get a cable car down to the beach and then walk along into the old town for some tapas.

Must go back in 2016.

 

[Simon_100]

I was in Bilbao 3 years ago and it's been developed nicely and is a lovely city theses days - compared to 21 years ago Excellent tapas bars etc... Large student population so a good atmostphere and prices.

San Sab is and has always been an exclusive resort - most Michilin starred resturants %wise than any other city in the world. It is obviously beautiful and a must see at some stage but as previous poster said an older and richer population with prices to match.

Enjoy your choice

That's exactly right - cheer D!

Bilbao is thriving, highly cultural but 'big city' Manchester would be a good comparison - it's got pretty much the same climate! Whereas San Sebastian is indeed refined, think Harrogate perhaps.

But as so many folks have said there is no shortage of good accommodation in small towns and villages. I always recommend booking.com over TripAdvisor in Spain as the reviews are more reliable. Note too that many places only put some of their availability up as they pay a commission, so it's often worth trying anyway even if a good place appears full up.

BTW Santander is a sort of a cross between Bilbao and San Sebastian, so don't discount the possibility of stopping there and taking it easy before, or especially after, the ferry crossing ...!

Regs

Simon

 

[MarkShelley]

That's exactly right - cheer D!

San Sebastian is indeed refined, think Harrogate perhaps.

I guess you mean Bettys Tea Room more than the club above Jimmys Bar

 

[CliveS]

San Sebastian with out a doubt. If you go to Bilbao go via the coast road . It is beautiful

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Route now planned

1 night in Santander rolling off the ferry, then the coast road to Sanxenxo.

Cross country to the Med and the fantastic village of Tamarui.

Back into the Pyrenees and then a final stop in San Sebastian.

Must remember to take my trunks and rubber ring