Which beach town? Did you stay in hotel or get a vrbo? |
Honestly Madrid is my least favorite Spanish city, in my experience. The Retiro is nice, and the art museums are very good, but it's very much a financial capital more than a cultural one. There will definitely be a/c in places, possibly less in some of the older older buildings but it'll exist. But outside yeah it'll be hot. San Sebastian on the other hand will have your beach vibes, there's the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and you can fit in France even if you spend some time in Biarritz. There has been a lot of pushback on Airbnbs and most specifically British tourists in Barcelona but I've personally never had a bad experience. I will admit I look more Mediterranean and can speak adequate enough Spanish which probably helps me blend in enough that's it's never been an issue. |
There are 3 small towns next to each other that are similar - Llafranc, Tamariu and Calella de Palafrugell. There are a few other towns like these nearby- just avoid anywhere advertising full English Breakfast- that's your sign it's overrun by drunk Brits. These towns have some small hotels and also available rentals through places like VRBO and Airbnb. A bit tough to get to without a car, but in the summers they have buses from the train line that runs inland. |
We spent 10 days in Spain this past August. I love Madrid and we spent a few days there, but it was very hot. We dealt with it and still enjoyed it.
We spent the rest of the time in San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo (Asutias), and Salamanca. We saw a soccer match in Bilbao which was awesome. Another favorite was a bike ride down the Senda del Oso. It was definitely cooler in these regions. |
We visit family in Galicia every year with our young boys, and it’s nowhere near as hot as DC, gorgeous (tons of amazing beaches, islands, beautiful parks, and coastal trails) and lots of outdoor stuff to do. Very close to Portugal if you want to do a short side trip there. Lots of old castles and coastal towns that are fun for kids to explore. Anywhere inland, away from the coast, will be very hot. |
Sorry I can't type. That should stay Asturias. |
So jealous, it's the only part of Spain I haven't visited and I really want to go! |
99 degrees really!
August is delightful in Scandinavia Must it be Spain? |
Madrid is like the DC Mall. Museums, Government buildings |