Using Barcelona as a base- where to go?

kaz0705

Hi, I'm hoping someone might be able to offer me some advice.

I have enough Avios points for 2 return flights to Europe and we've decided on Barcelona, having heard great things about it.

However, we're going to be taking about 10days holiday and I don't really want to be doing much sightseeing- frankly, I want a beach and a book and not much else!

I've heard the train links are pretty good around there so was thinking of heading down along the cost. We're pretty easy travellers- hostels and campsites are fine (although a MSE 5* also is appreciated )

Can anyone recommend any coastal towns/villages/places to stay.

Any and all info about the coastline heading south would be appreciated- any MSE tips would be more so!

Thanks in advance,

Kaz

richardw

Barcelona has beaches, so perhaps just pick a place to stay that is well located for sightseeing or beach and do either according to the weather.

kaz0705

Thanks Richard.

We're going over the Olympics (can't imagine doing my usual London commute!) so I am hopeful it will be hot but thought that the Barcelona beaches might be very busy.... A town along the coast that is a little less tourist-y would be ideal.

(Also, I realise I said we're happy to camp but, really, would like to avoid having to lug a tent around!)

holidaysforme

Hi. Salou is about an hour by train if memory serves me right.

Might be nice to get out of the city for a day and take in the beaches etc if you have 10 days.

kaz0705

Is Salou worth spending a few days in?

Really, I'm thinking I want to spend maybe 4 days in Barcelona and the rest in a smaller, less touristy beach resort... Would Salou fit the bill, do you think?

nicoc

Sitges is nice, only 45 mins or so away from Barcelona by train. From there you can also do wine tasting tours if that floats your boat.

Has loads of beaches and very pretty to walk round.

Hope that helps

richardw

You might have to go further from the airports, Vinaros perhaps.

whatmichaelsays

Consider hopping across the border into France. Perpignan and Carcassone and beautiful towns.

jkkne

Tarragona is worth a visit, on the train line too.

If your into theme parks, you could also visit Port Aventura, in aforementioned Salou

getmore4less

day trip to Monttserat(sp)

kaz0705

Can I get a train quite easily to France? I did think that we could travel up as another Avios flight option is Marseille...

Do they do any over night trains? Could save money on accommodation.

However, my main priority is not to spend too much time travelling from one place to another. I suppose really, 3 bases would be my max: 3 days in Barcelona, 4 days on a quieter beach, maybe 3 or 4 in France....

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Don't really know Spain or France too well so all advice is welcomed!