Barcelona

It had been 25 years since my last visit to Barcelona, and I was truly impressed! The city centre has evolved into a more pedestrian-friendly hub, with tree-lined walkways and alfresco dining streets that bring the CBD closer together.  Our first day we explored the city on the hop-on-hop-off bus but our second day was my favourite, on foot, absorbing the Gothic Quarter laneways and ancient history.

If you have more time, I would recommend visiting the local beaches and areas outside of the city to escape the crowds.  If you only have time for the city, get out early and take a break during the hottest part of the day, before venturing out again later to enjoy sunset and the evening temperatures.

Tip - Around the Gothic Quarter there are many rooftop bars that allow for a breeze and a nice evening ambience.  If you are wanting a special dining experience, there are a lot of rooftop restaurants with views over the lit up Gothic Quarter, you need to book in advance.

Oviedo

We collected our car in Oviedo, and what a charming and beautiful town to explore on foot (prior to car collection).  The beauty and history of the old towns and Gothic Quarters throughout Spain blew us away, you could just sit in awe and soak up your surroundings.  Our biggest observation was the further north, the less tourists, and the more time spent with the locals and their community, that was our highlight.

Santander

This beautiful coastal town we will never forget!  We were so lucky to coincide our visit with the annual La Pasa celebration - the ‘Growing of Cattle’ in the Cantabria region. We witnessed 800 cattle and proud handlers, parade the streets of Santander wearing their traditional outfits and clogs.  The passion and generational traditions were evident, so special to witness.    

San Sebastian

We loved San Sebastian, there are two parts to the city with a river dividing the traditional residential side to the downtown and touristy side.  The Old Town of San Sebastian is stunning, so many cobbled alleyways and cathedrals around every corner.  

The local pintxos (tapas unique to San Sebastian) are incredible and their traditional Spanish Omelette became a daily ritual, I even tried replicating the recipe back home - it needs more work!!

Spend your days exploring the walks, the views, the locals and all on foot - park your car for this beauty!

Exploring Tips:

• Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus Tours.  In any city I love spending the first day either on foot around the city centre, or, taking the hop-on-hop-off bus for the best audio-guided orientation of the city.  It helps to get to know your bearings and getting on and off as you please.  Note: Some bus routes have waits of 30 minutes (or longer) between buses and there can be queues.  Carry water, sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen with you, on the open upper deck it can get intense in the sun for long periods of stalled traffic!

• International Drivers Licence.  New Zealand passport holders require an International Licence, this is obtainable from the AA and issued on the spot, valid for 1 year. 
• Self-Driving.  I recommend taking a train outside of the main centres to collect your vehicle, choose a smaller town that will be easier to navigate on your first day driving on the right (wrong) side of the road.  
• Speed limits.  On the motorways they can be 120-130kms, daunting for us but there will be Maserati’s and the likes zooming past you, don’t be tempted!!  Beware of the speed camera zones, all well sign posted. 
• Toll Roads vs Scenic Routes.  Motorways are toll roads, if you are using the rental car GPS they are going to take you the fast route, these are toll roads.  You can pay by card with pay wave through the toll gate lanes, expect to pay anything from EUR3-25 depending on distance.  Taking the longer, scenic roads you often see the more picturesque sights, bridges and views that you don’t get from the motorways.  To work out these routes, you could search them in Google Maps while in your hotel then save them as screenshots, or work out routes you can break up in the car GPS so that it directs you off the motorway.
• Parking.  Throughout Spain there are many paid public parks near the beaches and town centres but getting a space can be next to impossible.  There are many underground paid parking spaces that are up to 4 levels and go for blocks underground, these are a god send and you just need to look out for the P with arrow down sign.  Bonus, your car is out of the sun and safe with security cameras.

Espanol Amor!