Tell me about Northern Spain (esp. weather in August)

[JustAnotherManicUsername]

We are not a family that does well in temperatures above the high 20s. Usually, we don't go further South than half-way down France, although the French Alps were fine last summer and we're risking the Italian Lakes this year (with air con!). But I've been googling average maximum temperatures and these suggest that Northern Spain is much cooler than Southern France. I kind of understand how that can be the case (maritime rather than continental climate) but I can't quite believe it somehow! Some of the reviews of places in Galicia I've been reading on HomeAway talk about it being very hot, but of course that could be unusual. So I guess partly I'm asking strangers on the internet to reassure me with personal experiences, rather than trusting rigorously collected systematic data .

But also, which parts of Northern Spain would you particularly recommend? Not sure how we'd get there yet but we'd probably fly because the ferry looks really expensive. Possibly ferry one way and drive back through France the other? But we don't mind driving several hours to get to our destination. The adults like beautiful views, remote countryside and walks on the doorstep, the children like more touristy settings with everything nearby and minimal driving to get to attractions (so we're never going to please everyone).

We've been the last couple of years, and went a few times as a child too.

Temperatures have been in the high 20s, occasionally touching the very low 30s.

We stayed in a casa near Potes the last 2 times. Stunning scenery (in the mountains about an hour from the coast). We had a pool, restaurant within walking distance and a short drive to plenty of things to do.
There's some amazing walking to be done around there.

We booked the whole thing through Brittany Ferries and it wasn't a huge amount more than just the crossing on its own. I can't remember exactly but I think the house, which sleeps 6, ferry crossing for 4 including car and upgraded cabin was under £1500.

Ooh, that sounds perfect! Do you remember the name of the casa? I've been looking at the Brittany Ferries website but getting a bit overwhelmed with the choice (and the prices which were about £2500 a week, which is over our budget).

Watching with interest as we've booked our summer holiday for Northern Spain this year, for exactly this reason (avoiding extreme heat).

We decided to fly to Bilbao rather than get the ferry. We're having 2 nights in Bilbao to see the sights, then hiring a car and driving about 60km inland to a villa we've rented. We have a week there, and then a week in San Sebastián - so hopefully a good mix of views, rural walks, swimming, cultural stuff and seaside attractions to keep everyone happy.

Meant to say, we chose San Sebastián because apparently it's Europe's best family-friendly city. Not sure if that will be a good thing or not, come to think of it.

Sounds a great plan, MotherofPearl. Villa recommendations very much welcomed! This would be for 2019.

could go either way. Although at least that should mean there are plenty of ice-creams.

I don't know if the link works www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/holiday-search/Spain/cantabria/Potes/casas/ZS0154?priceDate=2018-06-18 but if not search for ZS0154.

It looks as though the price is slightly higher now, but still not too bad. There are a couple of other properties in the same village.

I lived in Asturias and the summer is pretty much like the UK. Some hot days that has everyone running to the beach, but even more warm, but overcast days.

Thanks Barbeasty, that does look good.

And thanks so much ThenCameTheFools - local knowledge is the best, and compared to the UK is perfect!

We have been to Ainsa - you get there from pyrenees in France. I know quite alot about getting to the French pyrenees and down to spain (2 ish hours to Ainsa) as we have a house in Bagneres de bigorre. I've got quite alot of info on time taken from UK to Bagneres for example and then to spain. Sites to look at are mappy.fr which can help map out your journey and times of journey - i find this useful. It's in french but not hard to use.
Happy to pass on travel info from UK to pyrenees which is not far from Spain (as i said, about 2 hours). We've booked infact a holiday to Spain where we stay in the pyrenees then drive down, so break up the journey. I'm sure someone will have told you already but Brittany Ferries have a code for friends which makes it slightly cheaper if you know someone with a house abroad (pm me if not! I'm happy to give you ours!)

Spending loads of time in pyrenees area the weather I always find bearable there, possibly the mountains help? And I think you have reason in saying the same about the northern spain area. You want sun but not boiling hot. I'm with you on that. I get fed up with red children having slapped on bottles of suncream!

Not August, but we're holidaying in Northern Spain soon, staying in Commillas. There are five of us, taking the car, on the 24 hour cruise ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, staying one night in a hotel there, then 2 weeks in a SC appartment in Commillas, back to Santander for a night, then back on the ferry for the return journey, again 24 hours. 4 berth and 2 berth standard inside cabins booked for each crossing. Total cost for the five of us for the 18 days is £3,260.

We're hoping the weather won't be too hot either. The forecast so far is for highs of early 20s, which will be pleasant enough for me. 22 years in Scotland have left me unused to scorching heat!