Northern Spain family holiday ideas near San Sebastian with toddler

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Hi lovely people

I'm after some suggestions regarding family holiday, specifically Northern Spain - me, DH, and DD age 3.

I like the look of the San Sebastian area, seems to be a lot to do there and also a good beach. However having difficulty finding accommodation that ticks the boxes, and also I imagine it would be a long time to spend in one city.

We're looking at roughly 10 days, likely late June/early July but maybe early September.

We want a good mix of sightseeing, beaches, fun days out with toddler, plenty of culture.

Self catering, ideally with a balcony and nice views.

Will most likely hire a car.

Any suggestions?

Wecamp San Sebastián?

I need to add I haven’t been there but did consider as we stayed at another Wecamp place (Cudillero) and was impressed! We no longer holiday with DCs (🎉) but the kids staying (off season) all seemed as delighted with place as we were!!

Northern Spain is fabulous with lots to explore!

Thanks, I have seen it but it's not the kind of accommodation we're looking for. I wouldnt mind it and would be good for my daughter, but my husband would never go for it. He likes more privacy than We camp offers so more looking for an apartment with a balcony.

Yes northern Spain does look fab, we've been to western coast the last couple of years but I want something different.

Annoyingly accommodation on the French side of the border is much cheaper but I really want to be in Spain as estudiando hablar espanol!

We usually spend September/October in Northern Spain and Portugal and have stayed in some great places (including an amazing cabin in the woods!) but I don’t think any would be much good with a three year old - 😔!

It is a fabulous part of Europe though and I hope you find something suitable.

Be aware that the first language there is Basque and while obviously everyone will understand Spanish they will be speaking Basque and written material will be in Basque first.

What about spending a few days in Bilbao too?

You can see that city, spend time at Gexto as a nearby coastal area, and visit Guernica. There's a coach that takes about an hour to San Sebastian.

That was one of our holidays that covid took away from us and we never got round to rebooting, so thanks for the reminder, must look into again.

We had a family summer holiday there years ago. Beautiful but never again. It rained pretty much every day. We are sun seekers and assumed Spain in August would be glorious but that part of it is famously wet! Sss asme happened to dds friends who went there. Get enough of that weather in England!

Hmm, I know it's not typical 'Spain' weather but that would be pretty miserable!

It’s where the Spanish go to escape the heat and sun - so we found out afterwards!

We had a lovely holiday a few years ago (with similarly young children) further along the coast in Asturias. We found accommodation was better value than in the Basque “resorts”. If you’re open to being a bit further away, you could look at AirBnB around Llanes, Ribadasella, and the beaches/villages along that stretch of coast. We had a couple of cool/damp days but also some lovely weather.

Thanks for the suggestions @DotheboysHall , I'll have a look into it. It's too far from SS to combine but may have to skip SS this time and look at other areas. Maybe just plan a city break to SS another time!

@Bjorkdidit Covid took our 3 week trip to Canada! Haven't got round to rebooking that and unlikely to do so for another decade or so now! Hope you get your travels booked in eventually

San Sebastian is amazing and the countryside surrounding it too so there’s loads to do. They are very family oriented so your Dd will be grand. Although in the Basque region almost everyone speaks Spanish as well and many speak excellent English (cousin married to a San Sebastián resident)

Are there any small towns or areas you'd suggest as a base? Sounds like you know the area fairly well? @Theresalittlebitofwitchinyou