NE Spain, family+birds (1 Viewer)

Hi,
just booked flights to Barcelona in April (Easter holidays). It will be a family trip, but I will try to get see some (many) birds as well.

My idea is to find a cottage or appartment in a nice sourrounding, where nice trips to beaches, hikes and sights with the family can be had not to far away, and also some good birding sites in reasonable distance (1-2h drive max). Perhaps 1 week in one spot and the second week in another.

What would be good areas to look for accomodations, fitting this idea? Hope for some suggestions to start searching.

Thanks, Florian

Barcelona Birding

Hi Florian

I run tours around Catalonia from near Sitges, an excellent coastal base keeping you close to migrants.

It's main advantage though is that it's close to motorways to get you north, south and west very quickly. This is important, saving time, especially on a family holiday.

1. It's in the GARRAF MASSIS, coastal hills, forest and farmland.

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/GAR easy bird watching.html

2. 30 mins from the wetlands of the LLOBREGAT DELTA, adjacent to Barcelona airport, via the C31 or C32 (tolls).

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/Llobregat birding trips.html

3. 65-70mins from the EBRO DELTA, in Europe's top three wetland sites and a must in April. Mix the A7 with the AP7 (tolls) to keep toll costs down. Great beaches/restaurants here too by the way where you can leave the family while you bird close by.

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/EBRO birdwatching tours.html

4. It's closer for me but I would guess 80-85 mins to the STEPPES of Lleida (AP7/AP2 - no avoiding the tolls on this one) and from there on to LOS MONEGROS if you have time. Nothing for the family out here.

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/STE bird watching trips.html

5. Similarly, less for me but a maximum of 90 minutes to the PYRENEES I would say and you can work out a toll free route. Great for family walks.

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/Spain birding/PYR bird watching tours.html

Sitges itself has excellent beaches and restaurants but you easily find a self-catering cottage in the area I'm sure.

Don't know how old your kids are but Port Aventura might be of interest and any of the regional wine tours are great for the family and of course have bonus birding.

Here's a general overview of the Spring and the birds of Catalonia respectively:

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/spain birding migration.html

http://www.catalanbirdtours.com/birds in catalonia.html

I'm pretty booked over Easter but I hope this helps to focus a little self-birding.

All the best

We stayed in a 'five' star cabin at camping Playa Montroig on the outskirts of Cambrills.

Not far from Stephens suggestion. I went to the Ebro a couple of times in the week (there is a sneaky speed camera on the way).

Another idea would be Rosas. Very close to Aguamolls reserve and not far to get to cap Creus. Great place...

Thanks both for the detailed suggestions! Great! I have to look up thiese places and read more... (and probably come back with more questions)....
Cheers, Florian