Where to travel in Northern Spain in February

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patrington
patrington

Hi

Myself and my husband are travelling to Northern Spain next year, for a week from Sat 18th Feb.

We are flying in to Bilbao and will spend the first day/night there but would then like to visit 2 or 3 more places. We have been to Vitoria and San Sebastian before, so thought this time we might travel West. We will be using public transport, probably the train, to move around and would really appreciate any suggestions of places to visit/stay.

If anybody knows of any local events or celebrations happening at this is time, that is also something that we are really interested in.

Thanks in advance

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gcn2234
gcn2234

why not just stay in Bilboa for a week and get to know the place / meet some locals and get to know them

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peejee
peejee

well one week in Bilbao would be quite a long time !!! And getting to know the locals - not sure how to do so. Especially in the north of Spain.

anyhow, except for Santander, there are not a lot of big cities west. Did not think much of Santander but only passed through. You could stop at some larger towns/villages though, like Llanes and Ribadesella, in the Asturias province.
Yet, I do not know your interests. I bet there are many small villages with nice beaches in the Santander province as well.

Most people do not use the train to travel in the north - busses are plentyful, cheap and convenient.

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patrington
patrington

Thank you for the advice Peejee, I will certainly look in to the buses as well. We like places of culture although prefer towns and villages so will certainly look into those you have suggested.

gcn2234 - we both love Bilbao and have stayed here before, we shall certainly spend at least one night here but would like to see some more of the country as well.

Any more suggestions would be welcome - thanks!

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richiavo
richiavo

The majority of nice places along the west are coastal, not sure how much will be going on there in mid-winter. Santander outwardly is not that great but spend a bit of time there and it is quite an interesting city. Buses are easily the best way to get around www.alsa.es. Personally although a bit of a journey, I would head to Gijon at that time of year not sure small towns and villages offer much and I love Gijon.

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liberat
liberat

The train along the coast is a narrow-gauge one, which stops every kilometer and drives very slowly. For transportation use the bus as indicated in foregoing posts.
Besides Gijon you could visit Oviedo, which is close to Gijon and the capital of Asturias. Going further west you'll end in Galicia, which is very nice, but quite a way. Have you considered flying into Bilbao and leaving from Asturias airport, west of Avilés?

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patrington
patrington
In response to #5

Thank you, that's good to know about the trains and buses - I shall look into the places you have suggested too!

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gcn2234
gcn2234

hi you might find this site helpful too http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/whats-on/

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