ekscrunchy

I am not sure why my earlier new thread did not post, but here it is again as best as I recall:


I hope to be able to secure a booking in a favorite lodging near Vejer, Cadiz province of Andalucia. But before that stay, I want to base in a few other towns or cities, perhaps in the north.

I first considered Galicia but was dissuaded by looking into the amount of rain that falls during those months. First hotel I contacted was closed at that time, so that was an additional dissuasion. I know the north can be rainy in those months..rain is okay as long as it is not pouring down rain all day long that would hamper my ability to wander around....

My alternative to Galicia is to visit Navarra/Rioja/Paises Vascos. (Less rain than Galicia)

Some of this was prompted by a dinner at LA MADUCA DE AZAGRA in Madrid, whose owner sources much produce from his huerta near Tudela. I did some reading and came up with the idea of spending about 4 nights in Logrono, and perhaps another couple of nights in Laguardia. Does Laguardia have enough for me to keep occupied if I do not visit wineries? What about a visit to Tudela..too small and not good time of year to visit the park nearby...
Pamplona (??)

How would the experts advise me (Maribel??)? I might fly into Madrid and connect to the north by plane or even train, which I enjoy.

I envision a few nights (how many?) in Logrono, perhaps a few in Laguardia, and perhaps even a third town. I have to end up this part of my trip in a city with an airport which will allow me to fly to Jerez. Would prefer direct flight, but willing, of course, to connect in MAD. I think, without much research, that my choices for an airport city would be Bilbao, Donostia, and maybe Santander. Do any of these have direct flights, perhaps to Jerez or to Cadiz??

I can rent a car but would prefer not to do this.

For some background, I like to wander around, talk to willing people, and visit food markets (and maybe a few clothing stores--the usual--Zara, Cos, etc, but this is least important. Restaurants are a primary interest. I have been to San Sebastian many times and to Bilbao once. A visit to a sideria (spelling??) would be tempting but I think these are only near San Sebastian and maybe in Asturias. (Spent 2 weeks in Asturias a few years ago and LOVED it..for this time it is too far for me to drive).

Can I find cider houses near Logrono?

Just looking for some guidance here..fly from US to MAD and either take train or fly to the north..would like 2-3 bases in the north, with the last being a city with an airport from where I can fly to Jerez (prefer not Bilbao city but maybe a really nice rural home or hotel with easy airport access???) Have never been during cider season so being able to visit one is interesting, if I know where they are located.

Second part of trip: Hopefully I can secure a room for 12 days or so outside Vejer. This is horse competition season and booking can be difficult.

Finally, fly or train to Madrid.....spend 3-4 days wandering around and eating!!! Of course, all restaurant advice is most welcome. Budget is generous for hotels and dining but do not prefer tasting menus and do not need to go fancy multi-Michelin-starred places.....last trip a few months ago I loved MANDUCA DE AZAGRA, TASQUITA DE ENFRENTE and TABERNA LAREDO, as well as SALA DESPIECES. Enjoyed stay in Chamberi last time.

Hope this posts, not sure what went wrong earlier today.....thanks for all your help!

ekscrunchy

Maribel? Other opinions on a week or so in the north, in March???

Elizabeth_S

Hi again!

I'm tip toeing into this discussion as I know nothing about many of the places you mentioned - but want to introduce the idea of the Extremadura area. We had a delightful stay in the Caceres Old Town one New Year's (World Heritage site). Wish we had had more time to go to Merida and environs as well. Spectacular Roman Ruins and a relatively undiscovered tourist area.

I'll tempt you with a restaurant in Caceres - we had a stunning late New Year's Eve lunch here - although I see now they are a Michelin 3 Star - a 1 when we were there I think

https://restauranteatrio.com/

Honestly don't know what March weather might be like - also it's close enough to Jerez that taking a private car would probably be ten times easier than flying.

Just a thought!

Elizabeth_S

Hi again!

I'm tip toeing into this discussion as I know nothing about many of the places you mentioned - but want to introduce the idea of the Extremadura area. We had a delightful stay in the Caceres Old Town one New Year's (World Heritage site). Wish we had had more time to go to Merida and environs as well. Spectacular Roman Ruins and a relatively undiscovered tourist area.

I'll tempt you with a restaurant in Caceres - we had a stunning late New Year's Eve lunch here - although I see now they are a Michelin 3 Star - a 1 when we were there I think

https://restauranteatrio.com/

Honestly don't know what March weather might be like - also it's close enough to Jerez that taking a private car would probably be ten times easier than flying.

Just a thought!

ekscrunchy

ElizabethS..Thank you! That is a wonderful idea and would match well with Andalucia. But I did visit Exctremadura a while back (before Atrio had opened). I loved that area, especially Caceres. But now looking (probably) for someplace I've not been.

I'm sure some posters here have been to Laguardia and probably Logrono as well...hope they (or Maribel!!) will see this and give me some ideas.

I know the weather willl not be great in March, but still--looking more for towns/cities than rural areas due to weather. I did read a report on TA by a person who took the traain to Zaragoza and proceeeded, I think, to Logrono..have to look for that thread there....