Abby

I could hardly be more excited, my sister and I have an opportunity to plan a really fabulous vacation and we've decided that Spain really looks lovely. We're not in a hurry by any means, especially since the planning process is half the fun! Right now were focusing on the island of Ibiza, we're also both crazy about architecture so we would want to spend some time in another area seeing fabulous churches among other things as well.

Has anyone here spent much time in Spain? We want to enjoy the beaches so are hoping for amazing weather, what's the best time to go? Any experiences and opinions, I'm VERY excited to hear!!

the_discowhore

We have a member on here who lives in Spain - Toby'shuman

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Beaumont67

Toby'shuman - will chime in, I'm sure.

I have travelled as far as Canada to Japan...your trip sounds exciting Abby.
- if I ever get the chance to get to Spain:
I can see picking olives for room & board, some fence repairs & dober play...now that would be a fun trip // working vacation w/son @ Toby'shuman.

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------------Kelly & (Amy - RIP @ 11.7 y/o)

Abby

Hehe I know about Toby'shuman! I was hoping she would have some amazing tips to share.

Mmmm olives!

Hooligan

Barcelona! A very special city. And if architecture is your interest, it has all those fabulous Gaudi buildings. Special events are planned for the 100th anniversary of la Pedrera, so it would be a great time to go. And as I recall, it's from Barcelona that the ferry leaves to go to Ibiza and Palma.

La Pedrera, 100 Years | La pedrera

Elzajpn

I want to see the Gaudi buildings and Sagrada Família!

Spain is far away from Japan but it's in a sense close to us. In 1613(!) delegacy of our city in Japan departed for Rome, Italy. On their way back, some were settled in Spain. Who wants to spend on a ship for months!? There are people whose family name is "Japon". Obviously their ancestors are Japanese, from my city! The rest of the delegacy returned in 1620.

One of my acquaintances father was relocated to Spain. He loved Spain so much and when the Company ordered him to return, he quit and got a permanent visa Reason? Food and weather!! Since I heard this, I'm dreaming to go there some day!!

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Beaker

Barcelona for sure!
Besides the awesome Gaudi buildings, there are cool churches and museums, I think we took a tour of some underground Roman ruins. Particularly cool because you also see some early Christian architecture as you "come up to the street level" since they are essentially built on top of one another.

I would also suggest Tarragona, it's right on the Mediterranean and was the seat of Roman power in Spain so it has cool ruins, an aqueduct, a Colosseum, a hippodrome, a forum etc... . There's a hotel there that literally looks over some ruins and right into the Sea. It may be pricey though I wasn't paying for the hotel so I don't know. (The joys of being an "accompanying spouse").

Not far from Tarragona (easy driving distance) is a cool castle with previous Kings and Queens of Catalonia I believe, and a monastery that still makes wine. (I'll try to find the name of the place but I don't remember it off the top of my head.)

This isn't Southern Spain though I haven't been to Southern Spain.... yet.

Toby'shuman

Barcelona has many interesting buildings, it also has a ver very high crime rate. So be very careful.
Tarragona does have an ampitheatre etc, I have a few photos of it and will try to post so you can check it out.
Valencia has a huge aquarium (largest in Europe I have been told).
Weather from end Sept to end April can be warm, wet or cold. Today my son has told me it is 17 degrees C which is 63 degrees F. We can have snow, strong winds too.
Weather in spring May/June can be warm but rain can be a problem, though it isn't generally too bad. End June through July, August, September you are talking serious heat. 40 c+ = 109 f.
Ibiza is very busy May - September as it is a busy young persons nightlife place.

Abby

WOW! Thanks for every bit of information, it's SO appreciated! Sorry I didn't respond earlier, this weekend has been crazy and I couldn't bring myself to actually sit down and type anything