Hi! I’ve got seven days aside to go to Spain as part of my European Travels next June. I’ve been to Barcelona before (which I loved!), and also Palma (which was ok, but a bit touristy). I want to base myself in either the North or South. I’ve heard great things about some Southern cities like Granada and Seville, but I do like the beach, or being near an Ocean. I love Spanish Cuisine, and also wanted to see some Flamenco and spend most of my time relaxing and eating. I hear the North is less touristy, but I’m not sure it will have the same Spanish experience I’m looking for. Has anyone been to the North and South and have any recommendations for a good city to be based in?
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One place I cannot recommend enough is San Sebastian in the north of Spain. This awesome beach town has some of the best cuisine in the world and has a completely different culture than the rest of Spain because it’s located in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. Their pintxo (similar to tapas) bars are some of the coolest dinning experiences I’ve ever had so if you’re a foodie, it’s the place for you!
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I loved the South / Andalusia region (which is the birthplace of Flamenco 
). Seville is amazing, very walkable, and has amazing tapas and architecture. You can get to Cádiz pretty easily for a beach day as well. I also did Granada, which was great, but if you are going to see the Alhambra, book farr in advance or else you will pay extra $$$.
Valencia is also beautiful! Good luck deciding, haha I think you can’t go too wrong either way
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Hi Kevin!
If you want to enjoy the beach, good weather and food, I recommend that you go to the Costa del Sol, it’s amazing. You can start the tour of the city of Malaga and from there go through Marbella and until you reach Gibraltar. My favorite place was Tarifa - Cadiz, beautiful beach and excellent spot to see the sunset.
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Hi @kevin
Tough call. They’re two completely different experiences.
@BrokeSinceBangkok is right about San Sebastian, @bagelabroad is spot on about Andalucia, and @micatravels has hit the nail on the head with Malaga to Cadiz.
In my mind, you say:
so my question is, what’s the rest of your European tour. how will you get to your Spanish destination, and from where?
Then, what comes after Spain?
Answering these might help choose between north and south - getting there and away.
The next choice seems to be Flamenco vs Not so touristy.
Sadly, some Flamenco shows can be touristy. But I do understand where you’re coming from.
Based on your interests of beaches, Spanish cuisine, Flamenco, relaxing, and an authentic experience, let’s compare both regions and recommend ideal bases.
The North - Basque Country & Asturias/Cantabria:
Highlights:
- Cities: San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, and Oviedo.
- Culture: Pintxos (Basque tapas), cider houses, green landscapes, and Atlantic beaches.
- Beaches: Beautiful, sometimes wild, and much less crowded than southern coasts.
- Flamenco: The north is more about jazz, folk, and Basque culture.
Could The North Suit You?
As has been said, San Sebastián is a ‘foodie paradise’ with spectacular beaches (Playa de la Concha) and beautiful scenery.
Bilbao is urban and arty (Guggenheim Museum), and close to beaches; though not as beachy as San Sebastián.
The north is more relaxed, green, and ‘less touristy’ than the South, but lacks the classic ‘Andalusian’ (Spanish experience) that you might be looking for (no Flamenco or Moorish palaces).
Sample Itinerary (Based in San Sebastián)
Day trips: Getaria (fishing village and txakoli wine), Hondarribia (historic town), and Bilbao (museum).
Local experiences: Pintxos tours, lounging on the beach, surfing, and hiking coastal paths.
The South - Andalucía:
Highlights:
- Cities: Seville, Granada, Cádiz, and Málaga.
- Culture: Deeply Andalusian; think Flamenco, tapas, and Moorish architecture.
- Beaches: The Costa del Sol (Málaga, Nerja) and Costa de la Luz (Cádiz).
- Flamenco: The birthplace of this powerful and emotional performance that is both musical and visual (Seville and Granada especially).
Points For The South:
Seville is the spiritual home of Flamenco and has a vibrant food scene, but it’s inland (no beach).
Granada is magical, especially with the Alhambra and Albaicín, but also inland (though you can day trip to the Costa Tropical).
Málaga is a great compromise: right on the Mediterranean, with a historic centre, great food, and easy access to other Andalusian gems by train.
Cádiz is less touristy than Málaga, has beaches (in town), and a relaxed, authentic vibe.
It’s a true Andalusian port city with excellent seafood and easygoing charm.
Sample Itinerary (Based in Cádiz)
Day trips: Jerez de la Frontera (sherry + Flamenco), Vejer de la Frontera (white hill town), and maybe even Seville (1.5 hrs by train). You could also visit Gibraltar.
Local experiences: Flamenco shows, seafood on the beach, exploring the old town and lively markets.
My Choices:
Given your love for food, Flamenco, and relaxing by the ocean, I’d recommend Cádiz as your base.
It’s walkable, authentic, right on the Atlantic, and close to other Andalusian highlights; but with far fewer tourists than the Costa del Sol.
If you want to experience something totally different and don’t mind skipping Flamenco, San Sebastián in the North is a close second.