Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
A weekend in Gavarnie, the other side of Ordesa, 3 hours from San Sebastián
From June to September the path to the cirque at Gavarnie is free of snow and the restaurant opposite the waterfall and the village hotels are open. At the end of July the days are long for Troumouse and Estaubé. It is three hours by car: with 31 July next to the weekend, two nights work out.
A weekend in Ordesa, 1 h 20 from Huesca
In summer you only go up to the Pradera de Ordesa on the Torla bus, from 6:00, and the valley has a limit of 1,800 people. 31 July is a working day in Aragon, so if the holiday falls midweek the valley is somewhat less crowded than at weekends.
A weekend in Llanes and the eastern Asturian coast, an hour from Santander
July and August are the months of Llanes's bando festivals: La Magdalena, at the end of July, and San Roque, in mid-August. Kayaking between coves depends on the sea: book and let the company set the time. At the end of July, book the hotel weeks ahead too.
A weekend in Aínsa: Añisclo, a canyon descent and the square at dusk, an hour and a half from Huesca
The end of July is high season for canyons at Guara, with warm water and flow for jumps. Book the guide before the long weekend. Añisclo, first thing, still has shade at the bottom of the canyon, and at night the Plaza Mayor in Aínsa stays cool.
Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and the Casa de Juntas
31 July is not a holiday in Bizkaia, but it is high summer: the climb to Gaztelugatxe usually has controlled access with a free ticket, booked on the provincial council website. Go up in the first slot and leave Laida beach for the afternoon.
Hondarribia: old town, the Marina and Jaizkibel
In summer the motor boat crosses to Hendaye until late and the boat that tours Jaizkibel by sea goes out on the days in its calendar. It is the plan for those who prefer not to drive more than half an hour on San Ignacio day, with a bay beach for small children.
Getaria: museum, the Ratón and grill
The Balenciaga museum opens daily in summer and is the refuge for the sunniest hour; then grilled fish above the harbour and an afternoon at Zarautz beach. As the 31st is a holiday across Gipuzkoa, park in Getaria before eleven.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 31 July a holiday in San Sebastián?
Yes: San Ignacio de Loyola is a holiday across the territory of Gipuzkoa. In Bizkaia, Navarre or France it is a working day.
Can you drive up to Ordesa in late July?
No: in summer you go up on the shuttle bus from Torla. The car park is free and the return ticket costs €6.
Does Gavarnie have snow in July?
The path to the cirque is free of snow from June to September. There may be snow high on the walls, but it does not hinder the walk.
Do I have to book Gaztelugatxe?
In summer there are usually controlled-access days, with a free ticket on the Bizkaia provincial council website. Check before going.