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The Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Routes, Sights, Guides, Maps And More

From Catalonia’s unspoilt coastline and Aragon’s scenic architecture to quaint cities in the Basque Country, this northern Spain road trip offers something for everyone.

Is there any better way to see a country than grabbing a set of car keys and having the freedom to explore at your own pace? If this is your favourite way to travel, then how about exploring the north of Spain?

Often it’s when you decide to travel slowly and go off the beaten track, you start stumbling across hidden gems. You’ll take a wrong turning and end up in an authentic Spanish town that isn’t in any of the tourist guide books!

While this road trip through northern Spain takes you to a few famous places, it also gives you the opportunity to explore lesser-known regions. You’ll experience spectacular vineyards a short drive from San Sebastian, the hiker’s paradise that is Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and stop by some truly underrated Spanish cities.

A road trip here through the north of Spain offers so much. Spend your time admiring the scenic coastlines in Catalonia and Asturias, before marvelling at the architecture of Castille and León.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll fall in love with the culinary scene in the Basque Country. It’s absolute pintxos heaven! Meanwhile, if you’re keen on the great outdoors, there are plenty of gorgeous green spaces and natural wonders to explore.

Spain is often associated with summer beach holidays, but it’s worth remembering that many of the interior parts of the country offer just as much natural beauty, with vineyards, mountains, canyons, olive groves and picturesque towns! This road trip itinerary will introduce you to several authentic experiences.

So, whether you’re looking for travel inspiration or you want to start planning your itinerary, this guide will cover all of the best places to visit in Northern Spain on a road trip.

Weather in Northern Spain

This region of Europe has warm summers and cool winters. The majority of people visit during the summer holiday season, when the weather is warmest.

If you want to make the most of the great outdoors, time your trip between May and September. It’s the ideal time for beach days or countryside hikes. During this time, temperatures range between lows of 16°C (61°F) and highs of 26°C (79°F). If possible, I’d suggest avoiding the peak summer (July and August) and travel in May, June or September. You’ll enjoy cheaper prices and won’t be battling against big crowds at the big attractions!

It gets pretty chilly in Spain in winter , but there’s a bit of magic to it! Between January and March the temperatures in the north of Spain range from 4°C (39°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Northern Spain Road Trip Map

If you’re happy to move at a pretty moderate pace, moving on every single day, you could just about fit this itinerary into one week.

However, I’d recommend moving a little slower so you can soak up all the little details in each destination.

Here’s a handy map to go with this northern Spain road trip itinerary, which you can save to make your planning stress-free.

What to pack for your road trip

If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip, this guide to road trip essentials has you covered. From portable chargers to ways to stay entertained on long journeys, it’ll help you create your road trip packing list.

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary – Places to Visit in Northern Spain

Northern spain road trip: stop 1 – barcelona.

Barcelona is a great city to start your road trip from. Not only is it an incredible destination in its own right, but it’s also easy to reach by plane. There are lots of car rental options too, both from the airport or the city centre.

Marking the start of your Catalonia road trip , you’ll quickly fall in love with Barcelona’s scenic shoreline with sweeping views of the Balearic Sea. Enjoy the city’s unique ambience courtesy of street musicians and tapas bars dotted in the atmospheric Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets. I challenge you not to get lost in this mini maze – it’s very easily done, especially after a few glasses of Cava!

At the centre of Barcelona’s bustling social scene is tree-lined La Rambla, which boasts restaurants, cafés, and avant-garde architecture. It’s always busy with tourists, but I’d avoid most of the restaurants around here! Many are classic tourist traps, serving vats of low-quality paella at inflated prices. You’ll find more authentic dining experiences in the small bars in the Gothic Quarter.

La Boqueria food market is located just off this main street and is an excellent place to take in the amazing ingredients of Catalonia. For a very special meal, book in for a tasting menu experience at Michelin-starred Disfrutar . I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice and I would regard these meals as the best meals I’ve ever eaten! Genuinely!

If you’re interested in art there are lots of great attractions in Barcelona. You could visit the Picasso Museum , the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya or the Fundacio Joan Miro . Oh, and don’t miss a visit to one of Gaudi’s many masterpieces. His unique style is visible throughout the city at locations such as La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. I was enchanted by these spots – I’m sure you will be too!

If you fancy a beach day, there’s also a large beach in the city centre, lined with beach bars. It’s amazing how much there is to do in this Spanish city. There really is something for everyone!

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 2 – Costa Brava or Catalonia

If time permits, you might want to head north of Barcelona to Costa Brava, before heading to Montserrat. One of Spain’s most mesmerising coastlines, the area oozes charm with its whitewashed towns and fishing villages.

Alternatively, I loved the area south of here, which includes the underrated Tarragona, Reus and Siurana.

Siurana was a new discovery for me on one of my most recent trips. It’s one of the prettiest villages in Spain and sits on top of a hill in the Prades Mountains. I’d recommend spending a couple of hours there. It’s pretty small so you can wander the streets looking at the Moorish castle, the pretty houses and perhaps stop for a coffee.

The best part about Siurana? The views! Head towards the rocky cliffs and look out over the huge gorge which is filled with a bright turquoise reservoir. I’d suggest visiting first thing in the morning and you should have it all to yourself!

If you want to learn more about Gaudi, but don’t fancy tackling the crowds in Barcelona, I’d suggest stopping by Reus. This small city is where Gaudi was born. You can learn all about his life and architectural wonders at The Gaudi Centre , before checking out some of the city’s buildings which inspired him.

You can read my detailed guide on how to tour this region by car in my Catalonia road trip post.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 3 – Montserrat

Montserrat is another must-visit on your road trip through Northern Spain. The area’s top attraction is the Benedictine Montserrat Monastery, perched on a rocky crag surrounded by magnificent cliffs.

Just getting there is a bit of an adventure, as you reach the monastery via cable car! Once there, enjoy panoramic views of the Catalonian countryside while soaking in the sights and history of the monastery.

Montserrat to Zaragoza: 266 km / 2h 46min approx.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 4 – Zaragoza

Next stop on your journey from Montserrat is Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region. This is a great place for museums, architecture, and historical monuments, including the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar .

In between sightseeing, I’d recommend a bit of restaurant-hopping at Plaza del Pilar so you can taste some authentically Spanish delights. For a real flavour of the region, sit down to dinner at Restaurante La Borde de Chema . This rustic restaurant offers Aragonese dishes including roast goat, along with plenty of regional wines.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 5 – Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Step away from the glitz and glamour of city life with a visit to the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This hiker’s paradise has several trails to choose from, each leading to sweeping views of the mountains.  

Be sure to pack your camera for this stop on your road trip! It’s one of the most photogenic places on this itinerary, so no doubt you’ll want to snap a lot of photos!

Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park to San Sebastian: 252 km / 3h 10 min approx.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 6 – San Sebastian

The Basque Country is renowned for its food scene. Every year, many people visit Northern Spain (myself included!) purely for a wining and dining experience like no other. It’s hardly surprising, after all San Sebastian in the Basque Country has the most Michelin-starred eateries per capita in Europe! In fact, there are more in this one city per capita than in London, and that’s really saying something!

The Basque Country even has two restaurants with ‘Green Stars’, Azurmendi and Enoko, which have been recognised for their sustainable, ethical and environmental approach.

There are two sides to eating out in San Sebastian. You can either go high end with Michelin starred tasting menus, or eat the local way with dish after dish of pintxos (small dishes).

The old town of San Sebastian is filled with tiny restaurants specialising in individual dishes such as Spanish tortillas, prawns on skewers and slow cooked pork. The best way to enjoy a trip like this, is by stopping for food and drinks at multiple bars across an evening – like your very own pintxos tour .

It can be difficult knowing what to eat at each place, so I’d thoroughly recommend a pintxos tour like this one . The guide will give you tips on what to order, how to eat it and all the insider knowledge to make the most of your time in San Sebastian.

While you can’t go wrong with most restaurants here, I’d recommend the incredible steak, tomatoes and fried padron peppers at Bar Nestor as well as the famous San Sebastian cheesecake at La Viña! I popped all my top recommendations together in my post about the best pintxos in San Sebastian .

Also, if you’re looking for an extra special meal, how about going for a Michelin Starred meal with a view at Mirador de Ulia? We had a very memorable meal there!

San Sebastian is also a great beach destination, with turquoise waters, white sand and some great surf spots too!

If you want to get off the beaten track in this region, how about spending a day wine tasting? Just 30-minutes away by car you’ll find wineries including   Hirutza , where the local Txakoli wine is produced. This is a dry and lightly sparkling white wine, which is absolutely delicious!

The vineyards are in a really spectacular location too, with huge mountains and lush green valleys all around. Once you’ve toured the winery, you’ll get to taste some of the wines for yourself, paired with a few pintxos of course!

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 7 – Bilbao

Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country, is home to centuries-old alleyways and modern-day architecture. The bustling city is small enough that you can explore it on foot, but big enough to keep you entertained for many hours.

One place you simple have to visit is the world-famous Guggenheim Museum , set by the Nervión River. This art gallery has an incredible collection, as well as being housed inside a curved metal masterpiece by one of my favourite architects, Frank Gehry.

This is another great city for pintxos, so be sure to spend some time in the Old Town refuelling. You could also dine at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Bilbao.

For one of the best viewpoints in the Basque Country, make your way to Gaztelugatxeko Doniene, made famous by Game of Thrones. The scenic hike is around 3km and features several fortified viewpoints. The views are worth the tired legs, I promise you!

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 8 – Santander

Afterwards, stop by Santander, where you can enjoy some seaside fun on the small town’s myriad of beaches. Dive into the water or enjoy a trek to the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse.

Away from the coastline, grab a bite at Plaza de Canadio before exploring Santander’s Cathedral. It features two churches built on top of one another.

Santander to Llanes: 89 km / 56 min approx.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 9 – Llanes and Piloña

As you drive from Bilbao to Llanes and Piloña, the road trip scenery really steps up a notch! Take in the views of the mountains and rolling hills which serve as the ultimate driving backdrop!

Llanes is a small-town region boasting medieval magic at every corner, as well as beautiful beach views. After some of the more touristy stops on this trip, this area is more chilled out and authentic.

Once in Piloña, you could hike up to the Area Recreativa del Monte Cayon, where sweeping views over Asturias’ Picos de Europa await. Alternatively, opt for a more strenuous hike at Picos de Europa, a green paradise surrounded by mountains.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 10 – Gijon and Oviedo

Gijon has a whole load of charm! The city’s old town, nestled on top of a cliff, is filled with a mix of fine-dining and casual eateries and boasts iconic Roman baths and a scenic promenade.

Oviedo, the region’s capital, is a compact city with a lively atmosphere owing to its student population. Enjoy a culinary extravaganza at the city’s many tapas bars ( Gloria Oviedo isn’t to be missed) and fine dining spots. There’s plenty more to do in Oviedo too, including shopping, museum-hopping, and marvelling at the city’s architecture.

Oviedo to León: 125 km / 1h 28 min approx.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 11 – León

León, the northernmost city in the region, is ready to welcome you with open arms. Top of the list of attractions here is the Catedral de León, which boasts impressive towers and colourful windows.

For a quintessential Leon experience, stroll through Plaza Mayor and enjoy a bit of people watching. This is also a great area for trendy restaurants, tapas bars, and impressive architecture.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Stop 12 – Valladolid and Salamanca

South of León is Valladolid, a small city famed for its architecture. The Cathedral of Valladolid is a sight to behold, as is the Museo Nacional de Escultura and the exhibits inside.

The final stop in the region is Salamanca, which has a burgeoning foodie scene that really delivers the heart and soul of Northern Spanish cuisine. In between the culinary experiences, enjoy visits to the Old and New Cathedral , Clerecía Church, and the Convento de San Esteban’s plateresque. For incredible viewpoints over some of the city’s attractions, be sure to visit the Roman Bridge.

Where to Stay on a Northern Spain Road Trip

If you’re wondering where to stay in northern Spain, here are a few of my top choices along this route.

Hotel Palafox , Zaragoza

This is a great luxury hotel, offering sweeping city views from the rooftop pool.

Hotel Carlton , Bilbao

This grand hotel in Bilbao offers spacious rooms with chic decor and a great restaurant serving regional delicacies.

Hotel Villa Soro , San Sebastian

Enjoy a tranquil and chic hotel stay, just a short walk from the old town. This smart villa offers a country-house feel for your foodie city trip. Wondering how to get around? This hotel offers free bikes, making it easy to get around and see the sights. 

Parador de Turismo de León , León

This luxury hotel’s rooms feature antique furnishings and a balcony. There’s also a restaurant serving the region’s top wines.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Northern Spain road trip itinerary. There are so many great places you could visit, it’s been hard to narrow it down to just a handful.

My best advice is to use this guide as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to add some extra spots along the way too. If you’re wondering where else to visit in Spain, check out my southern Spain road trip itinerary .

For more great road trip itineraries, check out my detailed guides to driving northern Italy and southern Italy .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Incredible Northern Spain Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

The wonderful surprise about this 7-day Northern Spain road trip is that the farther west you move from Bilbao to Santiago, the more remote and authentically Spanish it gets. Be prepared for small towns along rocky coastlines, delicious meals of octopus and pintxos in standalone restaurants tucked in the cliffside ( nothing fancy, rather deliciously local ), and a generally serene and slow, non-connected world.

I spent about a month doing this route in September last year because I like to travel slowly and meet friends along the way. This weeklong, more off-the-beaten-path itinerary is the best of the best stuff that I liked, and it optimizes the drive times so you’re not constantly on the road. Here’s the high-level itinerary:

• 2 Days: Basque Country – Bilbao – Guggenheim Museum – Gaztelugatxeko – San Sebastian
• 2 Days: Asturias – Picos de Europa Hikes – Town of Llanes – Gijon
• 3 Days: Galicia – Playa de las Catedrales – Santiago De Compostela

I would recommend more time in Bilbao, San Sebastian , and the region around Llanes , especially if you’re keen on hiking portions of the Picos de Europa mountains.

Table of Contents

Northern Spain Road Trip: Full 7-Day Itinerary

You can land in Madrid or Barcelona and take a connecting flight to Bilbao Airport or San Sebastian Airport (smaller, but services a lot of European airlines). I started in Bilbao, rented a car, and went wild on this itinerary.

DRIVING TIP : Driving from one end of northern Spain to another, from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, takes about 6 hours , so nothing on this road trip is too long of a drive when you break it up into 7 days.

Day 1: Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum

Today is about exploring the food scene (tapas and pintxos) of the Basque Region and visiting one of the most famous museums in Spain.

I booked a guided tour because it came recommended by a local friend, and headed towards the big dog built of flowers, where the museum is located. It is one thing to wander the Guggenheim Museum on your own looking at the pretty pieces of art and saying “ ooo !”, and it’s another completely to have an art history guru walk you through the context and purpose of each piece and have a discussion around it.

➡️ Book a guided tour, as there’s a lot of context behind the art: Guggenheim Museum Private Tour with Admission . ⬅️

I spent the afternoon walking around and getting acquainted with the vibe of the city. I loved Casilda Iturrizar Park .

You are in the Basque Region now, and it is all about the Pintxos ( adorably pronounced “pinch-ohs” ), the most intelligent way to eat a variety of foods and not over-stuff yourself. These are small snackies, bites of meats, cheeses, and pickled delicacies on fresh toasty bread.

If it’s a bar-hopping kind of night, start at La Antigua Cigarreria  and make your way around the winding streets, grabbing pintxos as you go.

PRO TIP : Order a “Marianito Preparado” and enjoy a super yummy spin on the Italian negroni with Spanish flair!

Day 2: San Sebastian & San Juan de Gaztelugatxeko

Today is a little road trip east to San Sebastian, where the drive is 1.5 hours each way. On the way to San Sebastian, stop at Gaztelugatxeko ! I spent a couple of hours on the hillside overlooking the sea and grabbing lunch at the restaurant there.

In San Sebastian, here are some of my favorite places to visit:

• La Concha Beach : Renowned for its picturesque bay and fine sands, La Concha is perfect for sunbathing, and enjoying the views.
• Parte Vieja (Old Town) : Explore the little streets, filled with historic buildings, busy pintxo bars, and trendy shops.
• Monte Igueldo : Offers panoramic views of the city and coast. Accessible by a funicular, it’s a great spot for photos and lazy walks.
• Miramar Palace : A historic building with beautiful gardens with splendid views over La Concha Bay.

I would make a reservation and grab dinner at one of the many Michelin-rated restaurants in town. To be honest, no matter where you eat, low-key or high-end, know that this is one of the biggest gastronomic towns in Spain, backed by Anthony Bourdain himself. Mornings or late afternoons are best for popular spots to avoid crowds.

For pintxos, visiting during traditional meal times will have you feeling the Spanish vibe. It’s an easy 1-hour, 15-minute drive back to Bilbao afterward.

Day 3: Explore Llanes

A little hidden gem on the northern Spain road trip is the town of Llanes in the mountainous Asturias Region, just 2 hours away from Bilbao. Llanes is known for its beautiful beaches around town, a well-preserved old town with medieval streets, traditional architecture, and the impressive Basílica de Santa María, and the stunning Picos de Europa mountains are nearby, which we are hiking tomorrow.

Here are the best things to do in Llanes:

• Playa de Toró : A unique beach known for its peculiar rock formations
• Playa de Gulpiyuri : A hidden and unusual inland beach, set in a meadow and accessible only by foot.
• Cuevas del Mar Beach : A stunning beach known for its natural caves.
• The Historic Center : Stroll through the charming streets, visit the Basilica, and see the ancient defensive tower, Torre de Llanes.
• Paseo de San Pedro : A scenic cliffside walkway with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea and the town – I did this after lunch and it was great!

Don’t leave Llanes without sampling the local Asturian cuisine, including fresh seafood, cheeses (like the famous Cabrales), and sidra (cider).

Or grab a bocadillo from the bakery, and head to one of the beaches above. Bocadillos are little sandwiches on fresh baguettes filled with meat (Fuet salami or Jamon Iberico) and a spread (tomato or butter). They are delicious, fresh, and always cheap!

Day 4: Hike the Picos de Europa

You’ve been eating like a little chunk this whole time, so it’s time to hit the trails! Get into the mountains and do a hike in the Picos de Europa.

➡️ Book a Guide for a Day Hike in the Picos de Europe Mountains. ⬅️

Either choose your own adventure or grab a professional mountain guide and journey through the Vega del Torro and down to Lake Moneta – this was one of the highlights of my trip.

Here are some AllTrails treks that I also have my eye on for next time:

• Ruta del Cares (Hard, 13 miles) : Known as the “Divine Gorge,” this trail is one of the most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the gorges (a shorter, easier alternative ).
• Lagos de Covadonga (Hard, 10 miles) : This hike includes the famous glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina and offers spectacular mountain views.
• Fuente Dé – Cable Car and Hike (Hard, 4.6 miles): Take the cable car up and hike around the upper parts of the mountains for breathtaking views.

Day 5: Gijon & Playa Madre

The drive from Llanes to the first stop of the day, Playa Madre, is 40 minutes. I spent the morning on Playa Madre, and if you’re up for a little detour drive, this is worth it: Mirador del Fitu . The drive from Playa Madre to Gijon for the afternoon is another 40 minutes

I spent a few lazy days in this cute city just wandering, doing a little shopping, sleeping, and bar hopping. Plenty of brewpubs and delicious restaurants around.

My best advice is to visit a Sidrería to see how cider is poured from a height to aerate it (similar to Turkish tea ). I also love walking around Cimavilla , the old fisherman’s quarter, full of narrow streets, colorful houses, and sidrerías (cider bars). I recommend eating your way through Gijon at night, especially fresh seafood and traditional dishes like fabada Asturiana.

Day 6 : Playa de las Catedrales

The drive from Gijon to Playa de las Catedrales is 1.5 hours along the coast. After you explore the caves and arches, it’s another 1.5 hours on to Santiago de Compostela, where I made a home base for the last bit of the road trip.

Playa de las Catedrales , or the Beach of the Cathedrals, is a stunning natural wonder located in Galicia, Spain. Known for its awe-inspiring rock formations, this beach is famous for its towering arches and cave-like structures that resemble the buttresses of a cathedral, hence its name.

The beauty of Playa de Las Catedrales is dramatically altered by the tide , so best to visit during the morning. During high tide, it appears just like a regular beach, but low tide reveals the magnificent arches and caves.

➡️ Local Site To Schedule a Time To Visit Playa de Las Catedrales ⬅️

There is also a wooden walkway about 12km long along the coast next to the entrance to the beach and a few local restaurants in the nearby little town of Rinlo – I loved Restaurante a Mirandilla . Go for the baked octopus ( pulpo ), it’s a specialty of Galicia!

Spend the afternoon making your way to Santiago de Compostela for dinner in the old town. This is where I spent a few days diving into the history around El Camino pilgrimage walk and the Galician culture.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a destination of its own, not just the end of our road trip. This is where all the pilgrimages and caminos end and the capital of the Galician region. Most, if not all, of Santiago de Compostela’s top tourist attractions are located in the Old Town.

The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is a ‘holy moly’ sight to see. Looking up at the massive cathedral literally left me as breathless as when I saw the Vatican for the first time. The tomb beneath the cathedral’s main altar is the burial site of St. James, and it’s the final destination of all pilgrimage walks in the region.

FUN FACT: It is just one of three known churches built over the remains of an apostle. The other two are St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Chennai, India.

➡️ Grab A Guided Cathedral Tour for more fun facts. It’s super cheap and educational! ⬅️

After the Cathedral tour, walk around the old town and explore the little shops and wine bars. Right around sunset, head into the Parque de Alameda for a walk.

Grab dinner at O Gato Negro and try percebes . Percebes, or “Lucifer’s Fingers”, is a delicacy along the Galician and southern Portuguese coasts. They are nicknamed not just because of their devilish appearance, but because they’re super hard to get. Give it a go – it’s an unusual regional food that you can’t have just anywhere.

Map: Road Trip Through Northern Spain

If you were to drive from one end to another, from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, it would take you 6 hours total.

Unique Places I ❤️ In Northern Spain

Beyond the major cities of San Sebastian, Bilbao, Gijon and Santiago de Compostela, which are all amazing, here are my favorite little places to visit on this northern Spain road trip.

✅ Gaztelugatxeko

Gaztelugatxe is not a town but a small islet on the coast of Biscay in the Basque Country, Spain, about 30 minutes from Bilbao. The islet is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge, which leads to a narrow path with over 240 steps.

It’s best known for being the hermitage of Saint John the Baptiste de Gaztelugatxe. This place has gained international fame, especially after being featured in Game of Thrones as the fictional Dragonstone.

✅ Town of Llanes

Llanes is an ideal destination for people looking for a blend of beach time, hiking the Picos de Europa, and a fish-forward foodie scene. It’s a small town, but the combo of natural beauty and traditional Asturian charm makes it a memorable stop in northern Spain.

✅ Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an iconic symbol of modern and contemporary art. It’s one of those museums you should visit once in your lifetime, similar to the Prado in Madrid and the Louvre in Paris.

My Favorite Thing: Outside the museum stands one of its most famous installations, “Puppy” by Jeff Koons, a gigantic floral sculpture of a West Highland Terrier, showcasing a living, organic artwork contrasting with the metallic facade of the museum.

Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Not only that, but it has played a pivotal role in the transformation and revitalization of Bilbao from an industrial city into a cultural hub. It houses an impressive collection of thought-provoking modern and contemporary art, and its exhibitions are constantly evolving.

✅ Picos de Europa Mountains

The Picos de Europa mountains, located in Northern Spain, are a part of the Cantabrian Mountains. The highest peak is Torre de Cerredo, standing at 2,650 meters (8,690 feet). It’s a popular destination for hikers and there are plenty of day hikes to go on.

✅ Playa de las Catedrales

Playa de las Catedrales is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Galicia. The beach is renowned for its massive rock arches and caves, which can be seen and explored at low tide. These formations resemble the flying buttresses of Gothic cathedrals, giving the beach its name. I think the beach provides an interesting glimpse into the power of the sea and what erosion and tides can show you.

PRO TIP: It’s crucial to check the tide schedule before planning your visit. The times for low tide change daily, so it’s important to align your visit accordingly. Also, wear water shoes when you visit, lots of slippery rocks.

During peak times, a free ticketing system is in place to protect the beach from overcrowding. You can reserve these online through the official website of the Xunta de Galicia.

Where To Stay in Northern Spain

Following the weeklong Northern Spain road trip, here is where I stayed each night, with hotel recommendations I loved.

Bilbao [2 nights]

From Bilbao, I made a day trip to San Sebastian, which is 1.5 hours away. I opted to drive back to Bilbao because it was more cost-effective, and I liked the grungy vibe in Bilbao better.

📍 Luxury: Vincci Consulado de Bilbao – View of the Guggenheim Museum, a fantastic hotel with great services, breakfast, and breakfast. 📍 Mid-Range: Bilder Boutique Hotel – Charming and modern hotel in Old Town Bilbao, great value and service.

Llanes [2 nights]

This was my home base in the Asturias region, opting for one day of beach hopping in Llanes and one day of hiking the Picos de Europa Mountains.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Rural La Lluriga – A country estate, this family-run, cozy hotel is an amazing little nature escape, with a pool, gardens, 100-year-old trees, a reading room, and a fireplace. Great home base for exploring the region. 📍 Mid-Range: Don Paco – Right in the heart of town, this hotel is actually a restored convent. Think high vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and fireplaces with modern furniture and decor.

Gijon [1 night]

To break up the drive from Llanes to Santiago de Compostela, I spent a day in Gijon and took a little cooking class.

📍 Mid-Range & Chic: El Moderne Hotel – great for a night, has a dark masculine modern vibe to it, great price for the amenities and location.

Santiago de Compostela [2 nights]

On the way from Gijon to Santiago de Compostela, I stopped and spent a morning at Playa de Las Catedrales, but because there is not much else around, I kept driving the 2 hours all the way to Santiago and spending the last 2 nights sleeping in the beautiful town.

📍 Chic & Cozy: RoomPEDRA – A super nice little apartment, great for a 2-night stay, 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral. It’s not the usual luxury hotel I recommend, but I really liked how clean and cozy it was, and the fact that it had a kitchen because I was a bit tired of eating all my meals out. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Altaïr – cute boutique hotel just outside Casco Viejo (Old Town) so you can actually find parking. Comfy rooms, beds, and all the exposed brick you can get.

Getting Around Northern Spain

This route can be done by either renting a car or sorting out the public transportation – busses and trains – from city to city. I recommend renting a car and doing this as a road trip.

This is what I personally use to check prices: Discover Cars: Rental for Northern Spain Road Trip

The public transportation and Uber in Spain , especially up north in the more rural areas of this road trip are not great (or existent).

Where should I start my road trip?

I recommend starting in Bilbao or San Sebastian and renting a car to take you along the road trip to Santiago de Compostela. From here, you can either take half a day to drive back or return the car in Santiago de Compostela and fly back home.

There is a small fee that rental car companies impose if you rent in one city and return it in another, but it should not be much because you’re in the same country.

Is Driving in Northern Spain easy?

Yes, it is. Not only are the roads in good condition, but the northern Spain road trip has you driving along the rocky coastline for a few hours every couple of days.

For the longer drives from Gijon to Playa de las Catedrales, here are a few unique ways to pass the time – from road trip games to documenting your trip for friends and family!

Budgeting For A Northern Spain Road Trip

General costs depend on the time of year you go. I went in September and the weather was gorgeous, still good for the beaches and hiking, and a little past the high summer season. That said, here are some numbers and tips for you.

TOTAL COST : ~€1,200 for a weeklong road trip.

• Car Rental: $100/week
• Hotels : $60-90/night
• Food : $30-50 a day per person
• Wine : About $2 for a glass of amazing Rioja wine ( and Spaniards have a very generous pour!)

FAQ: Northern Spain Road Trip

Here are a few frequently asked questions about going on this road trip.

Is Northern Spain worth visiting?

Firstly, this region is fairly inexpensive and scenically gorgeous – you’ll have the sea on your right and the mountains on your left as you make your way west along the coast. Best of all, cell reception is spotty ( nightmare for some, heaven for others ), but it forces an unplug from a hectic world, which I truly appreciate.

And secondly, you’ll be driving, hiking, and eating along the 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela . This is known as the Way of St. James or the Camino de Santiago in Spanish.

Over 200,000 pilgrims (people like you and me) travel to the city each year from various starting points all over Europe. I would love to do this walk one day for many reasons – health, inner peace, being one with nature, be one with myself.

All in all, Northern Spain is more than just Barcelona and San Sebastian. Be brave, and come see for yourself!

When Is The Best Time to Visit Northern Spain?

The best times for hiking, beach days, and generally sunniness will be in the summer or fall seasons. I went in September and the weather was a little chilly at night but sunny and warm during the day.

How Many Days Do I Need To Visit Northern Spain?

To really give it a solid go, from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, I recommend a minimum of 1 week . You can follow the 7-day itinerary of my road trip through Northern Spain above. I spent 3 weeks altogether doing this same route, spending 3x the time in each place, and I still felt like there were things I was missing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance For This Trip?

If you’re traveling outside of your home country, and especially if you’re out there hiking and adventuring, I recommend getting some travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

SAFETYWING: Nomad Travel Insurance

Travel medical insurance with SafetyWing is my favorite because it’s flexible, less expensive than the other big insurance companies at ~$40 a month worldwide, and it covers COVID-19 quarantine situations. Here’s the link so you can look into it.

What should I pack for this road trip?

This northern Spain road trip is about a few nights out in towns like San Sebastian and Bilbao (where people dress nice), beach life, a day of hiking the Picos de Europa and visiting the famous Santiago de Compostela church. A lot to pack for, but here’s my packing list beyond the basics like toothbrush and passport:

• Backpack : A comfortable daypack for hiking and city exploring.
• Casual Outfits: T-shirts, tank tops, and comfortable shirts for the daytime.
• Nicer Outfit : A couple of dressier outfits for nights out in San Sebastian and Bilbao. Think smart-casual – a nice dress or blouse and skirt for ladies, and chinos with a polo or button-up shirt for men.
• Swimsuit : At least 1 swimsuit, cover-up, and one pair of flip-flops, a compact and quick-drying towel
• Hiking Gear : A pair of good hiking pants and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt to protect against the sun and brush. I hiked in my sneakers and opted to leave the hiking boots at home.
• Types of Shoes : Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers (that you can do a day hike in the mountains in), one pair of flip-flops, and a pair of nicer shoes for evenings (I did opt for a low heel and it was ok).
• Light Jacket : A lightweight, waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather, especially in the mountains and coastal areas. Sometimes at night, even in the summer, there’s a chill in the air.
• Accessories : Sunglasses, a hat or cap for sun protection, and a lightweight scarf for cooler evenings.
• Travel Adapters : If you’re coming from outside Europe.

👉 PRO TIP: Pack light, because you’ll be moving your luggage frequently on the road trip. Opt for a carry-on suitcase or backpack that’s easy to handle.

Final Thoughts: Northern Spain Road Trip

I loved road-tripping through Northern Spain. I spent 3 weeks going from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, and have put together a maximized 7-day Northern Spain itinerary that hits all the good spots.

This road trip also highlights some of the churches and cities famous for their history and food. Speaking of, most of this road trip is an adventure into the world of pintxos, riojas, and ciders of the Basque and Galician regions. So if this is your vibe, take the trip!

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Spain on a Road Trip

Northern Spain is still an underrated destination, even though it offers the perfect combination of magical villages, wide green landscapes, and dreamy beaches. If it’s not yet on your Spain bucket list , add it now! To convince you, here are amazing places to visit in northern Spain that will surely put a smile on your face.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary Summary

Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).

To give you some inspiration, here’s what my northern Spain itinerary looked like:

Day 1: San Sebastian (suggested hotel: Atotxa Rooms in San Sebastian or Olaskoaga Goikoa in a nearby village).

Day 2: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe + Bilbao (suggested hotel: Hotel Los Angeles or Posada Araceli in Santillana del Mar).

Day 3: Comillas + Santillana del Mar (suggested hotel: Hotel Los Angeles or Posada Araceli in Santillana del Mar).

Day 4: San Vicente de la Barquera + Llanes + Playa del Gulpiyuri (suggested hotel: Hostal Poncebos in Poncebos or Logis Hotel Restaurante La Casa de Juansabeli in Arenas de Cabrales).

Day 5: Covadonga Lakes + Oviedo (suggested hotel: Hotel Casona Selgas or Casona de La Paca in Cudillero).

Day 6: Cudillero + Luarca + Playa del las Catedrales (suggested hotel: Hotel San Briz in A Pontenova or Casas Rurales TAReira in Taramundi).

Day 7: Os Teixois + driving through Ribeira Sacra + Ribadavia (suggested hotel: Hotel Panton or Agua de Mar Hotel Boutique in Vigo).

Day 8: Islas Cies + evening in Vigo (suggested hotel: Hotel Panton or Agua de Mar Hotel Boutique in Vigo).

Day 9: Combarro + Santiago de Compostela (suggested hotel: PR Blanco in Santiago de Compostela).

Day 10: A Coruña (suggested hotel: Hotel Brisa or Hotel Lois in A Coruña).

Northern Spain Travel Tips

Is northern spain worth visiting what is it known for.

If you love a combo of unspoiled ocean beaches, sleepy fishing villages, historical cities, and vast green landscapes, you’ll love northern Spain.

It’s an incredible area where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy amazing food, visit intriguing manmade landmarks, and discover a unique side of Spain.

When to Visit Northern Spain

In terms of weather and crowds, late spring and early summer are ideal for traveling through northern Spain.

I visited in late June and absolutely loved it – it gets darker very late, so you can really make the most of every day.

Where Should You Base Yourself

You can plan so many different itineraries when visiting northern Spain.

If you want to see several regions (like I did), you should travel from one place to another because there’s a lot of distance to cover.

If you want to focus on one region, base yourself in one spot. Traveling by car, you don’t have to stay in a big city, and you can enjoy the fantastic rural accommodations northern Spain has to offer.

Start by marking all the places you want to visit on a map and see where it makes sense to base yourself because the options are endless.

Places to Visit in Northern Spain’s Basque Country Region

San sebastian.

With one of the dreamiest beaches in Spain ( La Concha ), stunning lookout points, and a beautiful old town, San Sebastian is easily one of the best cities to visit in northern Spain.

It’s worth spending at least 24- 48 hours in San Sebastian , but it can also be a great base for exploring the Basque Country region.

Beyond its charm and beauty, it is also a HUGE foodie destination. If you’re a hardcore foodie, you’ll be delighted to know this city is home to an astonishing number of Michelin-starred restaurants .

It also invented the pintxo, so San Sebastian is where you’ll find some of the best pintxo bars in Spain .

What exactly are those? They are a type of tapas/snack/mini-meal popular in northern Spain, and they consist of a piece of bread with different toppings.

The old town is filled with these pintxo bars, so you can take a guided food tour or create your own tour.

Be sure to also head to La Viña , the restaurant that invented the world’s creamiest and best cheesecake.

Other things to do in San Sebastian:

• Take the funicular to get to Monte Igueldo lookout point, overlooking La Concha beach
• Wander through the old town and see the San Sebastián Cathedral
• Take a Basque history bike tour
• Visit the San Telmo Museum
• Take a tour of a traditional cider house
• Take a day tour to the town of Hondarribia and other nearby fishing towns

How much time to spend there: 1-2 days.

Where to stay: After spending the day in the city, I actually stayed at a cozy rural accommodation called Olaskoaga Goikoa in a nearby village called Aia (perfect for those looking for utter quiet). You can browse its latest prices or find plenty of highly-rated accommodations in San Sebastian itself like Atotxa Rooms , Aldamar , and the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

One of the best things to do in northern Spain is to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet on the Basque coast.

It’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, and a small church dating from the 10th century stands on top of it.

You can have a full view of it from the parking lot, but if you want to get to the islet itself, you’ll need to walk down the road and climb over 200 steps.

Fun fact:  Scenes for the 7th season of ‘Game of Thrones’ were shot in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (hint: Dragonstone). You can even take a Game of Thrones guided tour from the city of Bilbao.

How much time to spend there: A couple of hours.

If you’re an architecture and culture lover, the unique city of Bilbao is for you.

With its unique structure, its most famous highlight is, of course, the Guggenheim Museum of Art (designed by infamous architect Frank Gehry), but there’s so much more to it.

Architecture fans will love beautiful buildings in the city center like the Arriaga Theater, Chavarri Palace, and Basilica de Begoña while culture lovers will enjoy the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Itsasmuseum (maritime museum), and the iconic Guggenheim Museum .

Whether you have a few hours or a weekend in Bilbao , you can also wander through the Casco Viejo (old quarter), relax in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, and explore Mercado de la Ribera, Europe’s largest indoor market.

Other things to do in Bilbao:

• Take a free walking tour of Bilbao
• Take a free walking tour of modernist Bilbao
• Take a food tour

How much time to spend there: 1 day.

Best Places to Visit in North Spain’s Cantabria Region

Santillana del mar.

Fun fact: Santillana del Mar is known as ‘The Town of Three Lies’ since it is neither holy (Santa), nor flat (Llana), nor is it by the sea (Mar). It is also known as one of the prettiest medieval towns in northern Spain.

But pretty is an understatement – it is pure magic! The rustic stone buildings, flower-adorned balconies, and enchanting vibe make it a real must-see gem.

How much time to spend there: Half a day.

Where to stay: I loved staying at Hotel Los Angeles . The staff was incredibly welcoming and the hotel was very cozy and felt authentic. Browse its latest prices and availability. A higher-rated option is Posada Araceli .

Even if you’ve never been to Barcelona, I’m quite sure you’ve heard about Antoni Gaudi.

If you haven’t, it’s time to get to know the genius architecture behind some of Barcelona’s most beautiful and unique buildings.

Each one of them is a work of art, and I am a true fan of his. Luckily, he also scattered some of his gems outside of the Catalonia region.

In the small town of Comillas, you can find ‘El Capricho de Gaudi’ (Gaudi’s Caprice). It was built as a summer villa for Máximo Díaz de Quijano, a Spanish immigrant who returned to Spain after having made his fortune.

During your visit, you can enjoy all areas of the building including the interior and the gardens.

Even if you’re not an architecture fan, give this treasure a moment of appreciation, as it is one of the most unique things to see in northern Spain.

San Vicente de la Barquera

Although there isn’t a whole lot to do in San Vicente de la Barquera, this sleepy fishing village/town is worthy of at least a coffee or lunch break.

Whether you’re entering San Vicente de la Barquera from the bridge on the East (on the N-634) or walking up to the medieval San Vicente Castle and Church of Santa María de los Ángeles, you’ll be rewarded with some remarkable views.

There are also quite a few beaches nearby that you can check out, like Playa de Meron, Playa de Gerra, and Playa de Oyambre.

Stunning Places to See in Northern Spain’s Asturias Region

Llanes is the perfect little coastal town.

Not only does it have two fantastic beaches, Sablon Beach and Puerto Chico Beach, but also an adorable port and old town with cobbled alleys and a few landmarks (like the Duque de Estrada Palace).

It’s also a great base for exploring the Picos de Europa National Park.

How much time to spend there: A few hours – half a day.

Playa de Gulpiyuri

Located only 100 meters from the Cantabrian Sea, Playa de Gulpiyuri is a flooded sinkhole that creates a 40-meter magical little beach.

Although the water level isn’t high enough to take a proper swim, it’s still one of the greatest hidden gems in Spain and one of the best beaches in Asturias .

Also, try to visit when the tide is high, or else the water will almost completely disappear.

Getting there: Navigate to Playa de Gulpiyuri, and you should be getting to a parking lot. From there, you’ll see signs leading to the beach within only a few minutes.

How much time to spend there: A few hours.

Lagos de Covadonga

Located in the national park of Picos De Europa, the beautiful lakes of Covadonga are one of the best places in northern Spain.

Going up the winding road to see them, you’ll need a moment to truly understand that you’re not actually in Switzerland!

The landscape is wide and green, the lakes are mesmerizing, and completing the scenery, cows, goats, and sheep are wandering around. Yes, I’ll repeat it, it’s Spain!

Getting there:  I think the easiest way to get to the lakes is by car all the way to the parking lot near the Entrelagos lookout point and Bar Restaurante Mª Rosa.

However, from late spring to early fall, access to the lakes by car is restricted, and you may need to use public transportation if you don’t get there very early in the morning. Get all the details here.

You can also visit the lakes with a guided day trip from Gijon or a day tour from Oviedo .

Where to stay near Lagos de Covadonga: If you want to wake up to magnificent views, I recommend staying at Hostal Poncebos which sits on the turquoise Cares River (I specifically wanted to stay there because of the surrounding scenery, which didn’t disappoint). Browse its latest prices and availability. Another highly-rated nearby option is Logis Hotel Restaurante La Casa de Juansabeli .

Oviedo is a city like no other. Its history, culture, gastronomy, elegance, peacefulness, and enchantment will win you over in a second, and you’ll love the mix of modern and old.

On the one hand, it’s a great place to go shopping and feast on Michelin-starred meals.

On the other hand, it has a medieval flavor, and it’s home to a few UNESCO sites like the Basilica of San Julián de los Prados and the Church of Santa María del Naranco.

On your visit, you can also admire the Catedral Metropolitana de El Salvador de Oviedo, visit the Archaeological Museum of Asturias or the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, and wander through the El Fontan market.

It really is one of the best cities in northern Spain, and it is one of a kind, so you should definitely put it on your itinerary.

How much time to spend there: Half a day – one day.

Your north Spain trip would not be complete without visiting Cudillero. It is a small, charming fisherman’s village, packed with colorful houses, that seem to be built one on top of the other.

You don’t need much more than a stroll in the village’s streets, and a cup of coffee in front of the colorful scenery.

Fun fact #1: A legend says that Vikings were the ones to found Cudillero.

Fun fact #2:  Each house in the village matches the color of its owner’s fishing boat.

Where to stay: I loved staying at Hotel Casona Selgas . It ticked all the boxes for me – clean, comfortable, beautiful decor, and great hosts. Read more reviews and check the latest prices. A higher-rated option is Casona de La Paca .

Another gem that’s worth visiting on Spain’s northern coast is the town of Luarca.

Its streets are full of old town charm and there are many cafes and traditional taverns, but the crowning glory is its beautiful big harbor.

OS Teixois Ethnographic Site

The ethnographic site of Os Teixois demonstrates the use of several hydraulic devices used by local villagers in their daily life, for several centuries running.

It also showcases traditional rustic stone buildings, which are my favorite kind of buildings.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to take a guided tour , but I am quite sure that it helps to fully learn everything there is to know about this place.

Where to stay near Os Teixois: Only a few miles away, I stayed at Hotel San Briz . I loved its location in a quiet town, as well as its on-site restaurant, and the staff was more than welcoming. Browse the latest prices and availability here. A higher-rated option is Casas Rurales TAReira en Taramundi .

Most Beautiful Places in Northern Spain’s Galicia Region

Playa de las catedrales.

Cathedrals Beach is an amazing and unique beach on the Galician coast. Its name derives from the natural architecture which was created by the Atlantic Ocean.

During high tide, the waves make the beach almost completely disappear, so it is something to consider when planning a visit.

When the low tide arrives, it reveals the true majestic beauty of this beach: magnificent cliffs, rocky arched formations, and hidden caves free for you to explore.

Access:  Access to the beach is free , but during summer and Easter it is limited . All you need to do is make a reservation , and you are ready to go!

Ribeira Sacra Wine Region

Probably one of the lesser-known wine regions in Spain , Ribeira Sacra is located in the eastern part of Galicia in the valleys of the rivers Miño and Sil.

The Romans made wine in this area more than 2,000 years ago, and monks continued to do so in the Middle Ages.

Apart from driving through the beautiful vineyards, you can also check out local wineries, but be sure to contact them in advance for tours in English.

You can also check out this day tour to Ribeira Sacra from Santiago de Compostela .

Have you ever wanted to visit a place just because of a very specific spot? I’ve added Ribadavia to my northern Spain road trip itinerary because of a unique bakery.

I’m always happy to explore my Jewish heritage around the world, so I was thrilled to visit La Tafona da Herminia, a tiny bakery dedicated to the Hebrew sweets of Spain, which was once home to a thriving Jewish community.

Update: Herminia has retired and the place is currently closed.

But beyond this little gem, Ribadavia is a town that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

It is a former seat of the Kingdom of Galicia, its Jewish quarter is one of the best in Galicia, and its medieval atmosphere is well-preserved. You can also visit the Ribadavia Castle and the Ethnological Museum.

Cies Islands, I’m yours.

The Cies Islands were one of my favorite places to see in northern Spain. They consist of three islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro, and San Martiño.

The first two islands are connected by a strip of sand, also known as Rodas Beach. Its white sand and turquoise water are all you need on a hot summer day.

Along with the dreamy beaches, there are walking trails for you to enjoy the wild nature surrounding you.

For me, that’s the best thing about these islands; you get to combine relaxation in the sun, with hikes that reveal amazing views.

Getting there:  Luckily, the islands are only a 30-minute ferry ride away from the city of Vigo , and I booked my ticket via Naviera Nabia .

Good to know #1:  Currently, you also need a permit to visit the islands ( easily request it here ), so consider purchasing these ferry tickets that already include the permit (note that the confirmation email will also tell you to get them physically at the ticket office).

Good to know #2:  The Cies Islands are a natural reserve and a part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Therefore, there is no accommodation on the islands except for a camping area .

Good to know #3:  There are no waste bins on the islands. So, make sure to take your litter with you back to the mainland.

Good to know #4: Get to the port in advance because it can be a bit confusing to find your ferry (lots of people, lots of ferries), even though you’ll see plenty of service providers that will direct you to the right spot.

Where to stay in Vigo: I stayed at Hotel Panton , a family-run hotel in central Vigo. Read reviews and check its latest prices. A higher-rated option is the Agua de Mar Hotel Boutique .

It is impossible not to fall in love with Combarro, the sweetest little fisherman’s village, which proudly displays Galician traditional stone houses and granaries (that are still in use!).

Besides the captivating architecture, the place has a unique feel to it, something magical I can’t quite explain. Being one of the highlights of my northern Spain trip, it is deserving of at least a short stroll.

Santiago de Compostela

As the final destination of the famous pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), Santiago de Compostela is a must-see in north Spain.

The legend says that to honor St. James, the impressive Santiago de Compostela Cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were supposedly found, so there’s no wonder why the entire Old Town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Santiago de Compostela is also home to a few other Spanish landmarks like the 18th-century Palace of Raxoi and the medieval Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, but I admit that beyond the cathedral, this city didn’t wow me as other places in Galicia did.

I don’t usually do this, but there was a tourist train going out of the cathedral’s square, and it was actually a nice way to see a little bit of the city.

You can also take a free walking tour and visit the cathedral with a guide .

Where to stay: I stayed at PR Blanco , located near the cathedral, offering private parking and comfortable rooms and apartments. Browse its latest prices and availability.

Both lively and laid back and both traditional and modern, A Coruña is an easy-to-love city.

On one hand, you’ll find historic buildings like the town hall at María Pita Square, San Anton Castle, and UNESCO listed Tower of Hercules, which dates back to Roman times.

On the other hand, you can enjoy attractions like the National Museum of Science and Technology, the Fenosa Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Finisterrae Aquarium.

A Coruña is home to many other museums, as well as scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and the Atlantic coast, fantastic restaurants, and relaxing beaches like Playa del Riazor and Playa de las Lapas.

How much time to spend there: One day.

Where to stay: I stayed at Hotel Brisa , which is located right near Riazor Beach (some of the hotel’s rooms also offer beach views). Read reviews and book it here. A higher-rated option is Hotel Lois .

Places I Wish I Hadn’t Missed in Northern Spain

My northern Spain bucket list is huge (I even had to skip out on regions like La Rioja And Navarre on my trip), but here are a few of the top places I wish I hadn’t missed.

Potes, Cantabria

Situated on the Cantabrian side of the Picos de Europa National Park, Potes is a village that seems like an ideal stop on a road trip.

Not only is it surrounded by the mountainous scenery of the park, but it also has an old quarter with centuries-old houses and landmarks.

I love places that combine historical and traditional architecture with nature, so Potes would have probably been right up my alley.

For that reason, I would have also loved to visit  Barcena Mayor , considered the oldest village in Cantabria.

Playa Del Silencio, Asturias

The untamed coastline of northern Spain boasts hundreds of picture-perfect beaches, but the one that got my attention was Playa del Silencio (also known as Playa de Gavieiru).

It is a part of the Protected Landscape of the Western Coast of Asturias and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

I honestly don’t know why I didn’t include it in my itinerary because it’s located right between Cudillero and Luarca.

Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias

Road-tripping through the Picos de Europa National Park was an incredible experience, so I wish I had time to visit Somiedo Natural Park, another notable natural space in the area.

There’s a lot to do in this park, but I would have loved to see its lakes (Lagos de Saliencia and Lago del Valle) and visit its  brañas , which are groups of  teitos , traditional stone huts with straw roofs once used as houses by shepherds.

Lugo, Galicia

Being the only city in the world surrounded by intact Roman walls (which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lugo is literally one of a kind.

In addition, the 12th-century Lugo Cathedral is a well-known stop on the Camino Primitivo (one of the paths of the Camino de Santiago).

If these famous Spanish landmarks are not enough, the entire historic center seems like a wonderful place to explore. 

Cape Finisterre, Galicia

What makes the rugged Cape Finisterre (Cabo Fisterra in Galician) intriguing to me is that the Romans believed it was the ‘end of the earth’ ( Finis Terrae  in Latin).

It’s actually close to being Europe’s westernmost point, but that title goes to Cabo da Roca in Portugal.

That said, its 19th-century lighthouse IS the westernmost in Europe, and the entire peninsula is a popular destination on the Camino de Santiago.

Other Spain Travel Guides

Read more about Spain:

• Best Spanish road trips (including a road trip itinerary for southern Spain )
• Long weekend breaks in Spain
• 55 things you need to know before visiting Spain
• Novels set in Spain
• Virtual tours of Spain
• Spain themed gifts
• Spain travel quotes
• Unusual things to do in Barcelona

Read more on European road trips:

• Best road trips in Portugal
• Lisbon to Porto road trip
• Northern Portugal road trip
• Best road trips in Italy
• Best road trips from Milan
• Northern Italy road trip
• Northwest Italy road trip itinerary

When are you planning on visiting northern Spain ? Tell me in the comments and pin this northern Spain travel guide for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

18 thoughts on “20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Spain on a Road Trip”

Northern Spain is absolutely amazing!! Delicious food all around, long beaches, green forests, plenty of outdoor activities with breathtaking views… The perfect holiday destination!

Couldn’t agree more!

Hi Or, Great post, lots of useful information! Looking for my trip to the area 😎

Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂

Do you have a map of your Northern Spain Roadtrip?

Hey, Becky! I’ve added a map – I hope it helps 🙂

I love your recommendations! But I keep my land Asturias! Although luckily in Spain we have some fantastic places to not get bored. Regards

Thanks, Sergio! I agree, it’s impossible to get bored in Spain 🙂

Amazing post! I have been to Southern Spain last year & I really enjoyed it. However, your blog is making me think whether I should’ve visited Northern Spain as it does feature some beautiful tourist attractions. I’ll share this blog with my wife & we’ll then see if we want to Apply for Spain Visa to explore these alluring attractions. Keep sharing such helpful information about other European countries as well.

Thank you and you should most definitely visit northern Spain too 🙂

Hi Or you post is great. Booked to visit northern Spain beginning of August starting off in Burgos but your post has wetted out appetite you have covered all the sort of places we like and in great detail, learnt more from your post than dozens of other offerings. Thanks

Thanks, Russell! This is what I’ve managed to see on my road trip and that’s after somehow prioritizing which places to visit in each region (mission impossible), so I’m happy you find this post inspiring and helpful 🙂

Thank you so much for this post. Can you let me know how much time you allocated to this trip if you were to do in one hit ?

You’re welcome, Lisa! I’m happy this is helpful. This road trip took me about 9 days. I’d say you need at least say 9-10 days to enjoy each and every place. Plus, it’s a lot of distance to cover since this route goes through several regions.

my daughter is attending her first semester of college in Valencia. thank you so much for the blog it has really helped with planning my trip there to see her in October

Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m really happy to know my blog was helpful! I hope you have a great time in Valencia 🙂

I haven’t been to Spain yet but your photos are making me itch to go! Especially Cudillero – it looks adorable!

Spain is incredible, and there are so many places to visit 🙂 Cudillero is such a charming village, and you should definitely go someday!

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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Northern Spain Travel Itinerary | 9 Perfect Days

A northern spain travel itinerary is one of the most spectacular road trips you can take in Spain. Northern Spain is a region full of scenic highlights. The sea here is usually very rough, the cliffs very steep and yet the landscape here is characterized by dense forests and green meadows. It rains quite a lot, at least much more than in the more popular region of Andalusia in the south of Spain. Northern Spain has so far been spared from mass tourism, so you rarely see foreign license plates along the way.

This is somewhat surprising, as northern Spain is not short of spectacular sights. In addition to the rugged coastline, there are beautiful beaches that are reminiscent of the beaches of the Algarve in Portugal. There is also a high mountain range right on the coast where you will feel like you are in South Tyrol. And the most striking highlight, which you wouldn’t expect to find here, is an arid desert that reminded us strongly of the Atacama Desert in Chile.

We’ll now tell you the best way to pack all these northern Spain highlights into a two-week itinerary and what important tips we have for your northern Spain road trip.

We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.

Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary – Overview

The itinerary for our northern Spain road trip is clearly based on the natural must sees of northern Spain and the most beautiful scenic sights. We have largely left out cities, partly because we are more nature than city types and partly because there are only a few cities in northern Spain that we think are really worth seeing. Exceptions, such as San Sebastian, prove the rule here.

Our route starts in the east of northern Spain in San Sebastian and ends in the west in Santiago de Compostela. The route can therefore be used to travel to Portugal and discover the highlights of Portugal on a road trip .

Facts about the Northern Spain Travel Itinerary

Duration: 7-10 days Kilometers: 1200 km Best time to travel: June-August (peak season) or May/September (quieter off-season) Further information : Travel route on Google Maps

Highlights on the route

Bardenas Reales Playa de las Catedrales Picos de Europa San Sebastian

Northern Spain Road Trip Day 1 | San Sebastian

We start our northern Spain travel itinerary in the north-east of Spain on the border with France, where a very special city awaits you.

Although we are not really city people and prefer to be out in nature rather than in civilization, San Sebastian totally blew us away. Our northern Spain travel guide said it was the “most beautiful city in the world” and although we tend to have an aversion to such exaggerations, we wanted to give the city a chance. And what can we say, it was really worth it.

The old town of San Sebastian is super small, but also really worth seeing. There are medieval walls, beautiful churches, authentic restaurants and lots of charm. There is also a great city beach framed by Concha Bay. You can climb the hills that rise up on both sides of Concha Bay and enjoy a wonderful view of the sea and the old town from the top.

Accommodation Recommendation

Check Prices*

Not to miss

• Be sure to climb one of the two hills at Conchas Bay
• Treat yourself to a few delicious pintxos in the old town
• Further information : San Sebastian Donostia | The 6 Best Things To Do

Day 2 | Bardenas Reales

The highlight of today’s northern Spain travel itinerary is about 2 hours south of San Sebastian. And you will hardly believe your eyes when you see this area for the first time. And you will hardly meet any other people here, because the Bardenas Reales is a little insider tip in northern Spain.

The spectacular Bardenas Reales is a rugged and inhospitable desert in the Navarra region and is located some distance from the coast of northern Spain, but is still worth the long journey.

The desert is a spectacular highlight in northern Spain and should not be missed on any northern Spain travel itinerary.

The Bardenas Reales consists largely of bizarre, ochre-colored clay landscapes spread over several hundred square kilometers. Sometimes you feel like you’re in the American Grand Canyon, although everything is much smaller here.

The semi-desert Bardenas Reales de Navarra covers over 400 km² and is therefore roughly the size of Cologne. You can drive through it in half a day and see landscapes that you wouldn’t expect.

Find out more about this incredible desert here:

• Bardenas Reales Spain | 8 Things To Know Before You Go

Check prices*

Not To Miss

• Stop as often as possible to marvel at the scenery
• You won’t need more than one day on site (including arrival and departure)
• Further information : Bardenas Reales Spain | 8 important tips for your visit

Day 3 | Bilbao

Bilbao is not the most beautiful city in Spain, but as it is on the route of a northern Spain round trip, it is still a good stop. It will take you just under 2.5 hours to get from the Bardenas Reales desert back to the coast.

Bilbao is actually an industrial and port city but is still visited by many tourists. This is because it is home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Its exterior is the real highlight for many, but inside it houses some famous modern and contemporary works of art. The museum is absolutely worth a visit for art lovers.

If you are more interested in architecture or technology, we can recommend a very special ferry, which is actually a bridge. The Puente de Vizcaya (Vizcaya Bridge) was inaugurated on July 18, 1893, making it the oldest floating ferry in the world.

The special thing about it is that you are pulled across the Nervion River on a platform. The platform is suspended from a 45 high bridge that spans 160 meters across the river. You can cross the river in your car for just a few euros. You can also reach the upper part of the bridge by elevator and cross the structure on foot.

• If you are not interested in art, then the city is not particularly worth seeing
• But if you want to visit the museum, then you should spend 1-2 days here
• Tickets for the Guggenheim Museum (no queuing): buy here*

Day 4-5 | Picos de Europa

On your northern Spain road trip today, you will continue along the coast and pass Santander. The city itself is not really worth seeing, but it has an impressive coastline to offer. Here you can walk for miles along the sea and climb over the rugged cliffs.

It is best to park behind the soccer pitch on a large meadow (Google Maps ) and set off from there. There are great views for several kilometers in both directions.

About an hour further on is one of the most impressive national parks in Spain. The Picos de Europa (in the national park of the same name) are a high mountain range on the coast of northern Spain and totally remind us of the Dolomites in South Tyrol. The mountain massifs are over 2000 meters high and there are many opportunities to hike and discover the fantastic mountain world.

One hike in particular is considered one of the most beautiful ones in Spain and is definitely the most spectacular in the Picos de Europa. On the Ruta del Cares , you hike over 11 km along a gorge that is only a few meters wide in places.

But there is also plenty else to discover. Beautiful mountain lakes in picture-book scenery, authentic mountain villages and narrow serpentines that wind their way up the mountains.

• More about the Picos de Europa: Picos De Europa | 6 fantastic highlights you have to see

• Make sure you do the Ruta del Cares hike
• There is an incredible amount to see and discover here. The routes are also very long due to the mountains. Take your time
• Further information : Picos De Europa | 6 fantastic highlights you have to see

Day 6 | Playa de las Catedrales

Today we continue along the coast for about 2 hours in a westerly direction. On the way, you will pass the beautiful Silence Beach. Although there are hardly any parking spaces and pebbles instead of sand, the beach is still well worth a visit. But today’s destination is even more impressive.

Playa de Catedrales is probably the most spectacular beach in northern Spain and probably in the whole of Spain. This beach should definitely not be missed on your northern Spain road trip.

The beauty of Playa de Catredales is due to the numerous rocks and arch-like rock formations on the beach and the fact that almost the entire beach is under water at high tide. This means you can only visit the beach and the crazy rock formations at low tide.

Because it is so beautiful, you are of course never alone on the beach. Playa de Catedrales is extremely popular and always well frequented. As a result, you even have to buy limited tickets to visit the beach in high season.

You can find out where to park at Playa de Catedrales, where to get tickets and everything else you need to know here:

• Playa de las Catedrales | Tips on the beach, parking & camping

• Bear in mind that the beach can only be visited at low tide.
• Apart from the spectacular rocks, the beach is also suitable for swimming and lying on the beach
• Further information : Playa de las Catedrales | Tips on the beach, parking & camping

Day 7 | Cova da Doncella

About an hour to the west, right by the sea, lies a wonderful little attraction. The Cova de Doncella is a small but beautiful cave right on a steep cliff in the Galicia region. The way down here is not easy to find. You have to park in this parking lot (Google Maps ) and then walk about 500 meters through a beautiful dense forest. When you reach the cliff, turn right onto a small path and after a few meters you will find yourself in front of the small cave entrance.

You will almost have to crawl to get through, but at the end you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. You can also walk around on the narrow rock that you can see from the cave opening.

There is also a beautiful beach right next door, which is not within walking distance, but can at least be reached by car in a few minutes. Praia Abrela offers a very wide sandy beach with gently sloping waters. There are picnic tables and a beach bar in summer. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.

• Not only the sights described above are beautiful and totally worth seeing, but also the route and landscape itself.
• So don’t forget to enjoy the panorama from time to time and stop to marvel at the beauty of Galicia.

Day 8 | Cabo Ortegal & Sierra de la Capelada

Cabo Ortegal is a cape on the north coast of Galicia and a very special highlight in northern Spain. There is a lighthouse, which was built in the 1980s and protects shipping from the steep cliffs and numerous rocks in the water in the often very rough sea.

The view from this small cape is truly indescribably beautiful. You look out over the numerous rocks that rise out of the sea in front of you and on which thousands of seabirds nest.

To the southwest of the cape is the Serra da Capelada with its numerous steep cliffs, which look really fantastic from Cabo Ortegal.

The Serra da Capelada is a 20 km long mountain range in Galicia and, at 620 meters, is the highest elevation in south-western Europe. The cliffs drop steeply down to the sea and offer an impressive spectacle with the rugged coastline and rough sea.

The road winds here at some distance from the coast over the numerous hills and through many tight bends along wind farms and great nature and always offers beautiful viewpoints of the coast.

Fun fact : There are free-roaming horses and herds of cattle throughout the Serra da Capelada, which can sometimes be right on the road. So be sure to drive carefully here.

• Take advantage of the numerous viewpoints along the road
• Don’t miss the opportunity to see the rugged coastline
• There are free-roaming horses and cattle everywhere. Be especially careful if you have a dog with you!

Day 9 | Santiago de Compostela

The destination of our route through northern Spain is a very well-known city in the northwest of Spain. Santiago de Compostela is known as the destination of the Way of St. James. But even if you are not interested in pilgrimage, this city in the far west of northern Spain is well worth a visit.

The highlight of Santiago is certainly the large square in front of the cathedral, where all the pilgrims arrive after a long journey and celebrate the end of their journey. No matter when you arrive here, you will definitely see some happy pilgrims on the floor of the cathedral square.

But even apart from that, the old town of Santiago de Compostela is very beautiful and invites you to take a long stroll through the city.

• Santiago is the destination of all pilgrims, so you’re sure to come across a few.
• Soak up the atmosphere on Cathedral Square and stroll through the historic old town. But you don’t need to spend more than a day here.

The most beautiful beaches in northern Spain

Northern Spain not only has spectacular cliffs and rocky coasts to offer, but also beautiful beaches that reminded us of the Algarve . For a list of the most beautiful beaches in northern Spain, just take a look here:

• The 7 most beautiful beaches in northern Spain

Northern Spain Road Trip | The Best Travel Tips

There are regional official languages in northern spain.

In the northern Spanish regions of Galicia, Navarre, the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias, there are regional dialects in addition to Spanish that some people learned at school.

These dialects are official languages and so place names and other designations on signs are always described in two languages. This can sometimes be confusing, as some dialects have nothing to do with Castilian Spanish, which is the official national language.

How many days should you plan for a tour of northern Spain?

We recommend planning at least one week for a tour of Northern Spain. However, it is also no problem to stay in this region for 2 weeks or even longer. In addition to the rugged coastal landscape, there are also wonderful beaches where you can relax in summer.

Northern Spain – The best time to visit

Northern Spain is much harsher than, for example, the Andalusia region in the south. The weather is correspondingly less appealing. It rains much more here and the hours of sunshine cannot be compared with the sun-drenched regions in southern Spain. The Spanish Atlantic coast is even considered the rainiest region in Spain. As a result, you should be prepared for a lot of rain here.

The main season is the summer months of July and August. Here you have the best chance of good weather with around 25 degrees. However, this is also when most of the other tourists are out and about. We therefore also recommend the low season with the months of May/June and September. However, it is a little cooler here and swimming in the sea is not always pleasant.

How much does a round trip to northern Spain cost?

Prices in Spain are generally comparable to those in Germany, but tend to be slightly lower. You pay a little less than in Germany, especially in supermarkets.

Is northern Spain very touristy?

In contrast to Andalusia or the Algarve in Portugal , northern Spain is not touristy at all. Most of the tourists you will meet are locals or French. The north of Spain is not really on the agenda for Germans. If at all, then as a transit region on the way to Portugal .

Of course, it can still get quite crowded at the tourist hotspots in summer. In general, however, the region is far from being overrun by mass tourism.

Northern Spain Camping | Is Northern Spain suitable for camping?

Northern Spain is perfect for vanlife and a round trip in a motorhome. There are many great opportunities for free-standing and wild camping in the countryside. We have summarized all the information you need for camping in northern Spain in a separate article.

• Northern Spain camping & free standing 2023 I The 8 most important tips

We hope you enjoyed our route and our tips for a round trip to Northern Spain. If you have any questions, please write us a comment!

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North Spain Road Trip: Itinerary, Route & Tips

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Northern Spain offers an exquisite coastline, breathtaking natural and architectural sights, numerous world-class museums, and exceptional Spanish food.

This Northern Spain road trip itinerary takes you through some of Spain’s most stunning natural scenery, atmospheric coastal towns, and beautiful national parks. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural experiences at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and culinary delights.

We traveled from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela on a motorbike, and in this North Spain road trip guide we share travel tips, the best routes between towns and cities, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip through the north of Spain.

Getting to Spain

Whether you’re taking a north of Spain road trip in a car, motorcycle, campervan or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular part of the Iberian Peninsula.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

RELATED POST: Driving from UK to Spain – Routes & Tips

Fly into Pamplona Airport to start your roadtrip in northern Spain. If you’re coming from further afield, head to Madrid Barajas International Airport , or Barcelona-El Prat Airport and drive through Spain to Pamplona. It’s easy to add stops along the way and extend your road trip to include both these cities. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

At the end of this linear road trip, you could head south through Vigo into Portugal and fly out of Porto Airport , or take the fast route back to Madrid in 6 hours, or go via León and Burgos to Pamplona , which takes around 7 hours.

Are you planning to rent a car in Spain? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in Spain.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Spain. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find campsites and places to stay along the route, and park for the night on a mountain pass, flower filled meadow of with a glorious view of the sea.

Best Time for a Northern Spain Road Trip

March to may.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Spain, with temperatures warming up across the country, blooming wildflowers and lush greenery in the mountains, although you can expect a few rainy days – that’s why it’s called Green Spain! You’ll find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

In summer, Northern Spain enjoys beautiful weather and the prospect of outdoor adventures and activities. It’s not as hot as in southern Andalucia , but still warm enough to swim in the sea and eat al fresco.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for a Spanish trip . The grapes and crops are being harvested, food festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, and you might enjoy an Indian summer, with the fall colors of the vines aflame.

December to February

The winter months in northern Spain can be very cold. Most people travel here during this time for winter sports, with the northern region experiencing the most snow and rain in Spain. It’s not the best time for a road trip, as the roads can be challenging to drive.

Is this your first time visiting Spain? Get all the information you need in our Spain Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

North Spain Road Trip Map & Route

The starting point for our eight day Northern Spain ultimate road trip  itinerary is Pamplona in Navarre province. The route heads west along the Cantabrian Coast, hitting all the top spots, highlights, and must-sees along the way.

You’ll pass through the autonomous communities of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, each with their own unique history, culture and tradition.

We’ve added a couple of side trips which need a bit of extra driving, but really enhance this itinerary if you have a few extra days.

• Get the Travel Guides
• DK Eyewitness Northern Spain
• Insight Guides Northern Spain
• Lonely Planet Spain

Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Pamplona – San Sebastián – Bilbao – Santander – Llanes – Oviedo – Lugo – A Coruña – Santiago de Compostela

• Distance 900km
• Duration 8-10 days
• Drive Time 10 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Day 1: Pamplona to San Sebastian

The first day of your Basque country road trip starts in Pamplona and ends in the seaside town of San Sebastián.

Pamplona 

Start your northern Spain road trip in Pamplona , a charming city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

Walk along Pamplona’s 16th century walls to see breathtaking city views and the adjacent countryside. From there, make your way to the Plaza del Castillo. The square is in the middle of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and shops, perfect for buying all those Spanish souvenirs !

A short walk from the square, you can find other landmarks;

• Monumento al Encierro: a bronze sculpture depicting participants in Pamplona’s iconic annual bull run which takes places during the San Fermín Festival .
• Pamplona Cathedral : A magnificent Gothic building with stained glass windows, ornate altars, and a museum that houses some of the cathedral’s most precious treasures.
• Plaza de Toros de Pamplona: Pamplona’s bullring (established 1922) which is currently used for bullfighting and other sporting events.

A great way to see the city is by taking a Pamplona city walking tour . You’ll walk the route of the festival of San Fermín, discover Hemingway’s favorite places as he wrote The Sun Also Rises , and learn about the historic significance of the city.

Enjoy the local cuisine at Verduarte or Restaurante Kabo for a Michelin-starred lunch.

If you want your Spanish road trip to coincide with Pamplona’s annual Running of the Bulls Festival , which takes place on 7th-14th July , you will need to book accommodation at least a year in advance .

San Sebastián

Approximately 51 miles north of Pamplona is the beautiful seaside city of San Sebastián , which boasts stunning beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and exceptional cuisine fresh from the sea. On your way there, stop at Azpirotzeko Behatokia, an observation deck with beautiful views of the mountainous surroundings.

Spend a couple of hours on La Concha Beach . This stunning crescent-shaped beach is close to Santa Clara Island and famous for its clear waters and picturesque architecture. For exquisite views of San Sebastián’s old town and the bay, walk up Mount Urgull or take the funicular to the top. 

History enthusiasts will appreciate the San Telmo Museum in a beautiful 16th century convent. It features many exhibits, including art, artifacts, and interactive displays.

If you prefer something more hands-on, participate in this highly-rated gastronomy tour and cooking class to learn about the local ingredients and traditional Basque cooking techniques.

Enjoy a twist on traditional Spanish pintxos (tapas on bread with a toothpick piercing the middle to hold it all together) at Mendaur Berria or go to Trikuharri Taberna Jatetxea – don’t be fooled by the exterior, the food is amazing!

• Where to Stay in San Sebastián

Upmarket: Akelarre Relais & Châteaux – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Boulevart Donostia – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Pensión Amara – Booking.com | Agoda

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Side Trip

Between San Sebastián and Bilbao is the dramatic island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, jutting out into the Bay of Biscay. It may remind you of somewhere you’ve seen before, and you’d be right if you’re a Game of Thrones fan – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe doubled as the island fortress of Dragonstone, which featured in season 7 of the blockbuster show. 

The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made stone bridge that contains 241 steps and snakes its way to the highest point of the promontory. Once at the top of the island, you will find the chapel with a bell on its facade which you should ring three times and make a wish, although we’re not sure it works as our wishes didn’t come true!

With a back story which includes being used as a defence against the King of Castile, Alfonso XI, and being attacked by Sir Francis Drake and his pirates, this raw and wild spot deserves its place in history.

To get here will add another hour and 20 minutes onto the drive time for the day, or you can take a Game of Thrones day trip from Bilbao and see this and the other nearby GOT filming sites; Muriola Beach in Barrika which played the part of King’s Landing beach, and Itzurun beach in Zumaia, which became Dragonstone beach.

Day 2: San Sebastián to Bilbao

The second day of your eight day itinerary is filled by only one place: the vibrant and exciting coastal city of Bilbao.

About 63 miles west of San Sebastián is Bilbao . You need a full day in this modern, vibrant city known for its outstanding cuisine, marvelous architecture, and world-class museums. 

When in Bilbao, explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum with this skip-the-line guided tour . Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum is located by the waterfront in the Abandoibarra district. The city’s most iconic landmark boasts an impressively modern and contemporary art collection.

The museum’s exterior is something to behold, with its curves and titanium cladding reflecting the light, emulating fish scales, and huge sculptures dotted around, like Puppy by Jeff Koons.

Explore the rest of Bilbao’s old town, Casco Viejo . It offers charming squares, shops, and historic buildings. Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago in the city center, replete with stunning stained glass windows and ornate altars.

Take Artxanda’s Cable Car, which is actually a funicular railway, up Mount Artxanda, one of Bilbao’s most emblematic spots which offers stunning city views and the surrounding countryside.

End the day with a delicious meal at Il Basilico , or if you’re die hard carnivore visit Sugarra in the Uribarri neighborhood for their Kamado grilled T-bone steak.

• Where to Stay in Bilbao

Mid-Range: Radisson Collection Bilbao – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Casual Arriaga Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Day 3: Bilbao to Santander

The third day of this northern Spain trip lets you explore Laredo and Santander, as you move into Cantabria.

If you made an early start this morning, make a stop at Castro Urdiales , a charming seaside town. Perched on a hill jutting into the sea are the city’s main landmarks, the Gothic Church of Santa María, the medieval castle of Santa Ana, and the Hermitage of Santa Ana, all of which are worth a visit.

From here, drive 25 minutes west to the charming coastal town of Laredo , nestled between the Treto estuary and Santoña bay in the province of Cantabria. 

Visit the beautiful La Salvé Beach, at 5km it is one of the longest beaches in the region. Here you can enjoy golden sand, clear waters, and activities like surfing and windsurfing, and then take a walk on the Paseo de la Costa promenade for scenic views of the Bay of Biscay.

Explore the narrow streets of Laredo’s old town to see historic buildings and landmarks, including the magnificent Gothic church of Santa María de la Asunción. If you travel through Laredo during August you can enjoy the colorful Battle of the Flowers Festival, and in September the Fiestas de la Virgen del Puerto includes parades and live music concerts.

Laredo is known for its traditional seafood dishes, like marmita de bonito (tuna stew) and chipirones en su tinta (squid in ink). Try these for lunch at Restaurante La Viña de Laredo or El Pescador .

A short drive, 29 miles from Lardeo, is the capital of the Cantabria region, Santander . En route there, stop at Parque Mitológico de Mina Pepita (Mina Pepita Mythological Park). The park offers stunning geological formations and sculpture installations representing Cantabria’s most iconic mythological characters.

Once in Santander, visit the Palacio de la Magdalena. This early 20th century palace, built initially for the Spanish royal family, sits atop a hill offering scenic city views.

Other notable architectural landmarks to explore are Santander Cathedral in the city center and the majestic Palacio Real de La Magdalena . 

Nature lovers will enjoy walking through the lovely Jardines de Pereda, home to various plant and flower species. Or you can go to Playa del Sardinero, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Cantabrian anchovies are famous the world over, and just along the coast from Santander is Santoña, a fishing port that produces canned anchovies in olive oil – those cute colorful little tins you see all over Spain and Portugal.

Spend a delightful morning taking a boat trip to the fishing village of Santoña , learning about the history of fishing here and visiting an anchovy factory, where you get to try this deliciously salty fish.

Explore the traditional market, Mercado del Este, for fresh produce, seafood, and other local specialties, or treat yourself to dinner at La Gruta De Jose with its captivating, cave-like interior, or El Serbal for excellent sea views and a Michelin-star menu.

• Where to Stay in Santander

Upmarket: Hotel Real – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Plaza Pombo B&B Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Spain. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Day 4: Santander to Llanes

The fourth day of the itinerary offers the historic Santillana del Mar and Llanes in Asturias.

Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is a picturesque medieval town less than half an hour’s drive from Santander. It is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and beautiful surroundings.

Santillana del Mar is often called the town of the three lies or el pueblo de las tres mentiras ; it’s not holy (santi), flat (llana) nor by the sea (del mar) .

The most significant landmark in Santillana del Mar is the Altamira Caves on the city’s outskirts. These prehistoric caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites containing the first human cave paintings. 

Due to their delicate nature, access is limited. Still, a cave replica is available to visit at the Altamira Museum. The museum also holds other exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the Cantabrian region.

Visit the impressive Romanesque church, Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, closer to the town center. The church features a stunning abbey and beautiful stained glass windows.

If you are fascinated by the medieval era, plan your trip to Santillana del Mar for July. During this time, the town comes alive with knights, musicians, and medieval performers during the annual Medieval Festival.

End your day with a delicious meal at Restaurante Gran Duque or El Bisonte Rojo. 

About 31 miles from Santillana del Mar, stop at Bufones de Santiuste . The bufones (blowholes) are a natural phenomenon created by limestone erosion caused by rain and the sea. This erosion forms cracks in the stone, almost like a chimney, through which water shoots up in the air. These jets of water can reach up to 30 meters high!

Upon arrival in Llanes , visit the Basilica de Santa Maria del Concejo or the Llanes Museum – both in the city center. Afterward, walk along the scenic Paseo de San Pedro, which offers stunning coastline views and the town’s historic buildings.

Watch the sunset while relaxing on Playa de Toró beach, one of the most popular beaches in Llanes. Enjoy some cuisine, including arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) and fabada asturiana , a hearty bean stew made with chorizo, morcilla, and pork belly, at Mirador de Toro or Restaurante La Marina .

• Where to Stay in Llanes

Upmarket: Silken Spa La Hacienda De Don Juan – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Don Paco – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Sablón – Booking.com | Agoda

Picos de Europa Side Trip

This is the perfect point in your north Spain road trip to explore the small but perfectly formed Picos de Europa, so called because they were the first landmark to be seen by sailors of old on approaching the continent.

The Picos are a miniature masterpiece wedged between three great river gorges. 40km across with the highest peak of Torre de Cerredo at 2650m, the Picos de Europa National Park is home to fabulous hiking amongst the tortuous landscape, shaped by millennia of ice and water, unique wildlife like the bearded vulture, and breathtaking views everywhere you look.

The drive up to Covadonga is one of the most scenic drives in northern Spain, but if driving into the mountains isn’t for you, pick up a Picos Mountains day trip from Cangas de Onís , and relax whilst someone else drives and you admire the scenery!

Day 5: Llanes to Oviedo

The fifth day of your Asturias road trip takes you through Colunga and ends the day in Oviedo. 

About 27 miles west of Llanes is the small town of Colunga , known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and striking natural surroundings. 

Before arriving in Colunga, make a stop at Ribadesella for the Tito Bustillo Cave, discovered in 1968, which contains 25,000-year-old Paleolithic rock art, perfectly preserved after the cave’s original entrance collapsed thousands of years ago, and only discovered in 1968.

Once in Colunga, start by visiting the Jurassic Museum of Asturias to explore the history of dinosaurs through life-size models, fossils, and interactive displays.

Follow it up with a visit to the 17th century Chapel of San Roque and the 13th century Church of Santa Maria, which offers magnificent Gothic architecture. Both churches can be found near the city center.

Venture slightly out of the center to relax on Playa de la Griega beach or take on one of Colunga’s several hiking trails. 

The Ruta de las Xanas trail, named after the mythical creatures said to inhabit the area, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside as you hike a gorge cut into the rock where stalactites from old caves are exposed.

If you venture further out, you can explore Sierra del Sueve, an incredible Cantabrian mountain range, on foot or by bicycle to experience breathtaking views.

En route to Oviedo , stop at Restaurante Feleches (just off the A64) for a hearty local lunch. 

Oviedo is the capital of the Asturias province and has much to offer visitors. An excellent introduction to the city is a walk along the Oviedo City Walls, dating back to the 9th century, to see incredible views of the town and its surrounding countryside.

Visit the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, which features stunning stained glass windows and an impressive altarpiece. Keep to the tune of the arts and explore the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias , which boasts art from local and international artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. 

Explore the beautiful San Francisco Park and see if you can find the statue of Mafalda, created by Argentine graphic humorist Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón.

Walk through Oviedo’s historic center towards the Plaza del Fontán. Here you will find a lively square with a traditional market where you can sample great local cheeses, cured meats, and other local delicacies. 

Alongside all that fantastic produce, Oviedo is also the home of Spanish cider. You’ll find traditional sidrerias along Calle Gascona, known as cider boulevard.   Visit in September for  Fiestas de San Mateo , a live theatre and music spectacular, and if you go in October, you’ll be in the middle of the Asturias apple harvest.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunity to canoe the nearby Nalón river , surrounded by the natural beauty of Asturias. With a little white water to get your adrenalin pumping, and calmer stretches to relax and enjoy, this is the perfect antidote to hours behind the wheel!

If you still have space for dinner, treat yourself to the Michelin-star Cocina Cabal . For a cheaper alternative, yet loved by the locals, try Meson El Viso .

• Where to Stay in Oviedo

Upmarket: Gran Hotel Las Caldas – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Gran Hotel España – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Austria.

Day 6: Oviedo to Lugo

The sixth day of the northern Spain itinerary offers Gijón and the historic town of Lugo. 

Travel 30 minutes to Gijón , a beautiful coastal town with stunning natural landscapes. You can experience the local flora at the Jardín Botánico Atlántico , the Atlantic Botanic Garden, or by hiking in the Monte Deva Natural Park, which offers stunning views of the city and the sea. 

Stroll along the Playa de San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Beach), a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning sea views, before continuing to Lugo.

Just after Ribadeo as you head west along the coast, stop at the breathtaking La Playa de las Catedrales , or in the local Galician dialect, Praia das Catedrais.

This natural monument is located on the Cantabrian Ridge, a flat surface located between the Cantabrian Sea and the mountainous foothills, which generates a type of linear coastline where the formation of beaches at the foot of cliffs and sandbanks is common.

The beach is also known as As Catedrais and is a must-see on any Northern Spain road trip itinerary. Try and time your visit with a low tide , so you can explore the narrow corridors between the cliffs, cracks, and caves and pass under its huge arches.

The trip from Gijón to Lugo is the longest on this itinerary, covering 153 miles as you cross from Asturias into Galicia. Stop halfway at Restaurante San Miguel in Ribadeo for a great lunch and a view. 

After the drive to Lugo, you will appreciate the opportunity to stretch your legs. Walk along Lugo’s well-preserved Roman walls, which date back to the 3rd century and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the top of the walls, you can enjoy beautiful city views.

Some other highlights of the old town include the Romanesque 12th century Cathedral of Santa María, the even older 10th century Igrexa de San Pedro, and the busy Plaza Mayor, which is lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants.

Museo Provincial de Lugo , or Provincial Museum, is dedicated to regional archaeology and art. The museum was established in 1932 but has been in its present location, the former San Francisco convents, since 1957.

Afterward, dine at Las Cinco Vigas or La Pizzeria di Toto for the best pizza in town.

If you are in Lugo during June, see if you can experience the annual Arde Lucus festival, which celebrates the town’s Roman heritage. 

• Where to Stay in Lugo

Upmarket: Hotel Monumento Pazo de Orbán – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Forum Ceao – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Mendez Nuñez – Booking.com | Agoda

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Day 7: lugo to a coruña.

The seventh day of your Galician road trip lets you visit Betanzos and the beautiful A Coruña.

Northwest of Lugo is the small town of Betanzos , located in the province of A Coruña. 

Betanzos has a charming and historic town center with many narrow streets, old buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Church of Santa María del Azogue. Visit the Museo das Mariñas in an old convent to explore Galician art, crafts, and objects related to the town’s history.

Take a relaxing walk along the river Mandeo to see the Ponte Viejo , or old bridge, or stroll through the Jardines del Pasatiempo, a park designed in the 19th century with an exciting layout of hidden paths, sculptures, and fountains. Go for lunch at A Artesa da Moza Crecha .

Betanzos hosts several festivals throughout the year, so see if you can catch the Medieval Festival in July and the Festa de San Roque (patron saint festival) in August.

A Coruña is a beautiful city just half an hour from Betanzos. Start your visit with a trip to the Tower of Hercules , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the world’s oldest working lighthouse (built in the 1st century) and offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.

For more scenic views, walk through the tranquil San Carlos Gardens or bike along A Coruña’s seafront promenade, the Paseo Marítimo. While at the coast, catch an hour or two of the sun at a beach – both Playa del Orzán and Playa de Riazor are good options. 

A Coruña ‘s most famous product is Estrella Galicia, a delicious blonde beer beloved in Spain. Visit MEGA Estrella Galicia , a beer museum within Estrella Galicia’s brewery in A Coruña to learn the history, origins, and traditions of this famous beer, and get to pull your own draught beer.

End the day at Pulpeira de Lola la Antigua de Melide (their octopus is a must-try menu item) or Terreo Cocina Casual for a Michelin-starred experience.

• Where to Stay in A Coruña

Upmarket: NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Attica21 Coruña – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hostal La Provinciana – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Day 8: A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela

The final day of the northern Spain trip is spent in Santiago de Compostela before you head on to your next destination or set homeward. 

Approximately 45 miles south of A Coruña is Santiago de Compostela , a gorgeous city famous for being the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. It is thus fitting that it is also the final destination on this northern Spain itinerary. 

Even if you’re not a pilgrim, you can still walk a section of the Camino de Santiago and become a pilgrim for the day. This highly rated semi-guided walk of the Camino de Santiago takes you lets you experience arriving in Santiago like a pilgrim, seeing your first view of the Cathedral from Monte do Gozo , the Mount of Joy, and walking the last 4 miles / 7km on the French Way, one of the most important pilgrimage routes in Christianity.

Once in the city, you should visit the beautiful Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the city’s most iconic landmark and an important pilgrimage site for Catholics. Anyone can admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with its grand façade, stunning interior, and a crypt containing the tomb of St. James.

Galicia is famous for its delicious seafood, and mussels are a particular specialty. Grab our recommended boat trip and winery tour and explore the south Galician rivers and ancient villages famous for wine, with delicious fresh mussels and local Spanish wine to sample onboard.

• Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela

Upmarket: A Quinta Da Auga Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Parador de Santiago de Compostela – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel A Tafona do Peregrino – Booking.com | Agoda

Spanish Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Spain.

• Search for affordable flights to Spain with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Spain with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Spain with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Spain with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Driving in Northern Spain

Touring northern Spain by car is easy, with a good network of Autovias (A) and Autopistas (AP). The latter were toll roads until 2020 when many (but not all) became toll-free.

Fuel and parking are some of the cheapest in Europe making Spain a really cost-effective place to take a road trip. 

Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or you’re in a rental car for your road trip in northern Spain follow our driving in Spain tips;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from Spain.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an IDP, you can check here .
• You must carry two warning triangles for the front and rear. These warning triangles are now being phased out and from 1st July 2021, a new law requires that a V16 flashing emergency light is used, although both means of advising other traffic will be legal until the end of 2024.
• You must also carry a reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers) and a spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel or a tire repair kit.  
• If you wear glasses you must also carry a spare pair in the vehicle.
• The use of winter tires in Spain is regional. Look out for traffic signs indicating that winter tires or snow chains are compulsory where you are.
• Anything with a screen (television, video, DVD, etc.) which could distract you when driving should be positioned where you can’t see it. This doesn’t apply to a sat nav but you must not touch or program your sat nav unless parked in a safe place.
• Using radar detection equipment is prohibited under Spanish law and new regulations from January 2021 mean that it will also be illegal to be in possession of such equipment .
• On roads with single carriageways, the speed limit established may not be exceeded by more 20km/h when overtaking

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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How to get to Northern Spain

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This itinerary can start either in Santiago de Compostela or if you reverse it, in Pamplona. Even though Santiago de Compostela is a larger city than Navarra, I do not think there are many international flights arriving there. So, if you fly in from abroad, you will most likely end up in either Madrid or Barcelona. From there, there are multiple flights a day to either destination.

Once in your destination, I would recommend you to rent a car. As mentioned before, it is indeed possible to move from stop to stop using buses and trains, but it will be complicated. While a trip by car will be 2h, by bus it can be up to 7 or more.

I was in this area of Spain last time about 5 years ago. The roads were all new, wide and it was very easy to drive there. Spanish people are not the best drivers in Europe, but we are also not the worst. As long as you have experience driving on the right side of the road, the mechanics should not be a problem.

A possible issue you may encounter though, are the signs. Some parts of Spain, specially Galicia, the most occidental part of Spain, don’t have enough signs on their roads. If you decide to rent a car, either bring a GPS with you from home or make sure that the rental comes with one. Spain will be much easier to navigate with it.

I think that the best time to start this Northern Spain itinerary is around the end of Spring. From May until mid-August you should be (mostly) fine. Although Spain is known for having a very moderate climate and warm temperatures, Northern Spain is an exception. It rains in Galicia every week and often it does not stop for days. Other stops in this itinerary have better sun/rain ratios but then the wind comes into play. In general, I think that the best time to visit Northern Spain is by the end of spring and early summer: the weather will be warm, the rain will be at its lowest and, in general, tourists will still not be everywhere.

In this area of Spain, you can go from scorching sun to insane wind and hail within minutes. Because of this, the layer-up system is the way to go when visiting Northern Spain. Bring comfortable shoes, one pair closed, one pair open. The closed pair of shows will help you when you are in the mountain by keeping your feet away from snakes and spikes. The open pair will be perfect for visiting the cities and heading to the beach. Although be prepared, there will be lots of rocks in many coastal areas so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have some rock shoes around for that too.

Spain is a land of colors and contrasts. Of easy-going and pragmatic people. Of sweet and sour if you ask me. Visiting Spain in a short period of time is unattainable, but you can always go back repeatedly and enjoy different areas. To make sure you discover the most, I will be writing a series of posts with detailed itineraries for different areas. This one, the first, will be about one of the lesser known parts: the North. Here I present you the ultimate Northern Spain Itinerary.

This itinerary is planned from West to East. Starting from North East, in Spain we have Galicia. This amazing area of Spain is well known for having some of the best food in the country. From very weird seafood to the best beef on town.

You can read more about the fantastic foods we have in town in this very extensive post: Best food around Spain

Something else you can expect from Galicia are never-ending green fields. Lots of rain and very warm people. Galicia has four individual regions, although my favorite of them all is Santiago de Compostela. This beautiful city is the end of the many “Camino(s) de Santiago” that run through Europe and gets its name from the Santiago apostle.

This beautiful town receives millions of pilgrims that arrive after walking hundreds of kilometers. Even though officially it is an activity for those who believe in God, many people from around the globe come to walk the camino just because of the social side of it. 

Santiago houses tones of hotels and hostels as well as many activities suited for everybody. The main one, anyways, has to be the Cathedral. This is one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain, built more than one thousand years ago. One of the most curious things about this cathedral is the Botafumeiro. This is a very weird… Instrument? That hangs from the ceiling and on specific days, it is balanced inside the cathedral while expelling smoke with a very interesting smell.  The smell is similar to a fermented bag of sweaty socks.

After spending a while discovering the Cathedral and its façade, you can dedicate the afternoon to explore the city by joining a free walking tour and learning about all the curiosities and history of the old quarter. They will take you to the best places to see the city and you will also have an interesting and active afternoon.

Halfway through the afternoon take your car and drive to Finisterra. The name of this place literally means the end of the Earth and it was believed to be the end of the known world during Roman times. It is also the most Occidental point of Spain. It will take you about one hour to reach this place from Santiago de Compostela. You can visit Finisterra by car (ideally) or by bus. Once there, you will find lots of people just enjoying the sunset over the cliffs of Galicia. Many of them taking pictures. Some of them singing to the sun while playing the guitar or the ukelele. It is a beautiful sight and well worth a visit.

If you have a more relaxed itinerary in mind and want to spend more days around the North of Spain, you can spend much more time in Finisterra. In this small cape, there is also another one of the “camino(s) de Santiago”, a fantastic lighthouse and a small boot symbolizing one of the pilgrims. With a few extra hours, you can also taste more local delicacies, visit the harbor or just enjoy the small cobblestone streets around town.

If after all of this, you can still move (and are quite brave), there’s an additional activity almost only known by the locals: The Paris-Dakar. This is a historic race that originally started in Paris and ended up in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. It crossed mountains, desserts and much more. It was an epic race. Well, the version of it in Santiago de Compostela may still be epic, but that will mostly depend on you.

The Paris-Dakar in Santiago de Compostela is a bar-itinerary in a street in the old town of the city. Why the name though? Well, the first bar in this route is “Café Bar Paris”, and the last one is “Restaurante Dakar”. You get it now, right? Well by foot, there’s barely 200m between them (less than a tenth of a mile). The enduring part of this race though is that you need to stop on every bar in the street between these two and have a pint. Usually these now include a small tapa to go along, but they still remain pretty cheap.

You may think, well, there won’t be many bars between these two, right? Well, think again. The minimum bars you will visit during this tour are 28. You can do as the locals and grab a white sheet of paper and get signatures from the bartenders to prove you have been there. If that does not sound enough challenging to you, and you want to be a little extra… the route today has expanded to neighboring streets and many more bars participate on this activity. The total number of bars you can visit within this itinerary goes up to 40 stops.

So, what do you think? Are you ready for this type of Paris-Dakar? Or are you already quitting only in the first stop of this Northern Spain Itinerary?

Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela

If you decide to spend the first night of this Northern Spain itinerary in Santiago de Compostela, there are many options available for you regarding accomodations. For example, if you are looking for a simple, clean and well located hotel, my first recommendation would be Miradorio de Belvís . It is nice, cheap and a good hotel in my opinion. If you want to go to more fancier options, You can go to a proper castle and stay at Hotel A Quinta Da Auga . Spend a couple of additional days relax in the spa and take in the surroundings.

Assuming you did not do the Paris-Dakar the previous night. Or that if you did it you did not do all 40 stops, the ideal would be to start the day early. Then, you can drive up to the Las Médulas in León. This site, recognized by the UNESCO as a world heritage site, was the largest open sky mine during the reign of the Roman empire. They exploited this area for decades and found lots of gold. Today, even though 17 th centuries have passed since their closure, it is still possible to witness their mark and see how they worked the land. There are a few historical sites that explain in more detail how they mined the land and their gains.

Your next stop, a little bit over 2h down the road, would be Ponferrada. This small town is really not well known, and quite small. I don’t think it requires a full day visit. But it has a beautiful castle: the templars castle. As the name suggests, this castle was given to the templar knights in the 12 th century and throughout history has been a place where knights and pilgrims met.

After a short visit to the Castle, you can move then to Astorga. This small town is located between Ponferrada and the capital of the county, León. Even though most people will overlook this tiny city, it has one unique characteristic that I think makes it worth a visit. My reason is simple: it homes the Episcopal Palace of Astorga.

And why is this palace of importance? Well, this building is one of the only three sites built by Antoni Gaudi (the architect behind some of the most amazing buildings in Barcelona) outside of Catalonia. This beautiful building, also known as Palacio Gaudi, currently houses the museum of the roads (sounds weird, but the original name is the Museo de los Caminos). This museum showcases artifacts, sculptures and paintings from the Roman to the Gothic period. It is possible to visit it and the entrance fee is, today (March 2020), only 3€!

Other interesting places in Astorga

Another very interesting thing about Astorga are some specific sweets of the region. You know we Spaniards love our food. Even though there are larger areas with dishes in common, it is also possible to find city/town-specific delights. And it is the case for this small town. These sweets are small and square millefeuilles with a hole in the middle. Then, once cooked, they submerge them in a bath of sweet syrup. They are the type of sweet that you can only eat one piece before having a sugar crush. But they are also very nice.

To spend the night, you will be heading to León. Yes, we have a town that it is called lion. Although in this case it qualifies as a city. This is the perfect spot to spend one or two nights and get a real feeling of León halfway through this Northern Spain Itinerary.

Although there are many things to see and visit, these are some of the most interesting ones: the Cathedral, the square in front of it, the Casa Botines (another one of Gaudi’s pieces of art) and the wet neighborhood. In the latter, you can go have some shorts (cortos). These are smaller than a pint and always come with a free tapa on the side. Usually by having four or five of these you can have a proper meal. And like in Santiago de Compostela, you can also do some pub crawling. If you are feeling fancy, you can also decide to sleep on the beautiful Saint Mark Convent (Convento de San Marcos). This parador, previously an abbey, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Besides how amazing and luxurious it currently is, this abbey has been from a hospital and a pilgrim home to a prison. Actually, one of the most praised authors of Spanish literature, Francisco de Quevedo, was kept there. He used the time to write some new and later-well-known pieces. If you decided to book this amazing location, be prepared to feel like a member of the Spanish court from many centuries ago. It is a unique experience.

If you are interested in something a bit more modern or budget friendly, the Abad San Antonio hotel (****) is also a fantastic option. Rooms for two don’t even reach the $50 (45€).

The following stop in this itinerary through Northern Spain is one of the most amazing sections of Spain: Asturias. This is not a very well-known area outside of the country, but it receives lots of national tourists.

The first stop that I suggest you to take is Cabo Vidio or Cape Vidio. Even though it is a little bit out of the way coming from León, I do believe it is worth the visit. From Cape Vidio you have an advantaged view of some of the most breathtaking cliffs in Spain. Both to the east and to the west. It is the perfect spot for some panoramic shots that will look fantastic in your wall.

Want to know how to take the best panoramic shots without spending a lot of money on a wide angle lens? Here you have it: Panoramic Shots, the wide angle of the poor.

Moving on to the East, you can then decide whether you want to make multiple stops along the coast on. I think that the very picturesque towns deserve some minutes, but if you are in a rush, then your next stop could be Gijón.

Some of the nicest things to do in Gijón is to just wander through the seaside, sunbath (if visiting during the summer) on its beach, and then enjoy some of the amazing local restaurants. Gijón is a nice spot to spend the night or just a meal, but if there is something you need to do when there is to go to a sidrería. Sidra or cider, is the typical drink of the region. And tradition says that it needs to be thrown from above your head to aerate and get the best possible flavor. It is lovely to watch and one of the most typical things you can do there.

Following up this Northern Spain itinerary you will find yourself next in Llanes. This tiny town is lost between cliffs and beaches and it is one of the most picturesque locations you will find in Europe. If you decided to follow this Northern Spain Itinerary you may think of skipping it, but believe me when I tell you that you should not. With green hills, adorable little houses and rock formations from out this world, Llanes is the delight of anyone who visits both during summer or winter. If you are visiting during the hottest season, rent a bike and explore the surroundings of this natural marvel. In case you visit during winter, walk along the beach and finish the day with a good plate of local stew.

If you have the time, then, Llanes can also be the perfect basecamp to drive to Picos de Europa. These are some of the highest set of mountains in Spain and also some of the most protected. In Picos de Europa you will find many animals that are on the verge of extinction or that only exist there. Among them, eagles, the “bonebreaker” or quebrantahuesos, some bears and several unique species of mountain goats. It is possible to spend weeks hiking through these mountains seeing different things every single day.

Where to stay to visit the Picos de Europa

If you decide to spend some extra days in Llanes to discover the Picos de Europa, there are some nice options for you. Most accomodation in this area will be from very cheap to cheap, although there will be a wide range of comfort levels included in these options. A cheap but very nice option would be Hotel Don Paco (about $45 or 40€ the night for a double room). On the other end, with views to the mountains and still keeping a rustic feel to it, there is Hotel Balcón de la Cuesta . This is not exactly in Llanes but close enough, and the views from their rooms are somethings worth waking up to. And the price is also not much higher, ranging around the 100€ ($110) per night for a double room in high season.

After Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, Bilbao is the fifth largest city in Spain. Once an industrial hub, gray and dusty, Bilbao has reborn in the last two decades to become a referent in art, and specially, in gastronomy.

Bilbao houses one of the most well know museums in the world: the Guggenheim Museum. The beautiful building where this museum is located presents one of the most well-known profiles in the artistic world. Other areas in the city that are a must-see are: the Old Town, the New town and the museum of Arts.

Even though the question to what to visit can be answered easily enough, when we consider where to eat, we may face a challenge. Bilbao and its surroundings have the highest accumulation of Michelin-star awarded restaurants in Europe. Only in the city, over 30 restaurants have this honor.

In case you want something more ordinary, Bilbao, or the Basque Country is also the place where the pintxos were born. These are small tapas that you buy per piece from one to three euros each, along with a beer or some of the local wines. The current trend of “toothpick” bars that is becoming widely popular across Spain was born here. If you decide to spend some days in Bilbao, just spend some hours jumping from bar to bar and enjoy the local delicacies. You will not regret it.

Where to stay in Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the most well known cities in Northern Spain. Also, it is home of an extremely rich culinary culture. All of these reasons combine to make this city a bit more expensive than other stops in this Northern Spain itinerary. But do not worry, there are also options for the likes of everybody. In the cheapest end, costing only 65€ per night (approx $70), you can find the Guesthouse H30, offering modern appartments located in the heart of the city.

Going for the more luxurious option, you can find both Tayko Bilbao , with a luxurious industrial vibe rich in black and whites while cozy. Another high end option would also be the Grand Hotel Domine Bilbao , a more traditional hotel, but located in front of the Guggenheim Museum. The cost of Tayko per night is around 100 to 150€ per night ($110-$170), while the cost of Domine is about twice that amount.

On your way to the next stop, you can make a small detour and visit Guernica. This town is depicted in the famous painting by Pablo Picasso by its own name. Painted at the end of the civil war, in 1937, Picasso wanted to make this piece of art as an anti-war manifesto, showing how people and animals were suffering during the conflict. This painting is one of the most well known of the artist and a fine example of cubism. It is currently in the Museo del Prado in  Madrid.

After doing some exploration of this historic town, head to San Sebastian to discover the next stop in this Northern Spain itinerary. This lovely city celebrates every year one of the most well known cinema festivals in Spain, the San Sebastian International Film Festival . The sign of this festival is a shell. A clam shell to be exact. This is actually the symbol of the city because it represents the beach of San Sebastian. With this shape… it kind of makes sense.

A city of art

San Sebastián, or Donosti, as it is known in the local language, is a windy and clear city with lots to offer. Spending a day in San Sebastián you can discover all the “Shell’s Beach” or la Playa de la Concha have to offer. Walk until the westernmost part of that beach and you will find there a piece of art by Eduardo Chillida: El Peine de los vientos. Or translated, the Wind’s comb. According to the artist, it is a representation of how the wind combs the sea before entering the bay to give it its white wavy look.

Also around la Playa de la Concha you can find “ La Perla ”, this spa center with more than a century on its back is one of the most well-known centers of physiotherapy using sea water. They also have lots of alternative therapies and spa treatments, so if you want to splurge on something different… This is your best chance!

San Sebastian also has lots of baroque buildings and constructions from the end of the 1800s. It is a lovely place where you can just wander through the streets and take in the sights. In addition, it is also possible to visit the small island in the bay or climb the mountains around it. The views are well worth it and if the weather is nice, you will enjoy it.

Surfers’ Paradise

Because of how extremely windy this town is, it is heaven for surfers. If you enjoy wave-riding, and already have quite some experience, San Sebastián can be a perfect spot to spend a few weeks. There’s almost always wind and the waves are usually wild. And there are plenty of surf schools around the bay, so you can rent out the material there quite easily.

If you are considering where to eat in San Sebastian, I would recommend you again to go have some pintxos. Euskadi (or the Basque Country), is amazing in this regard.

Where to stay in San Sebastian

Of course, if you want to spend a night in San Sebastián you will not look for the same type of accomodation that you would need if you spend a month there, so here you have some options for both. If you only want to spend one or two days in this city, but you still want to stay on the cheap end, the Pension del Mar will be a good option for you. For only 60€ ($67) you will have a nice room in a quiet location.

On the more luxurious end, another interesting option would be Hotel Arbaso, a modern yet cozy hotel located in the center of the city. The price per night of this hotel is in the high 200 dollars/euros per night. If you want to spend a few weeks in Donosti (aka San Sebastián), I would go for AirBnB options. An interesting well rated option is this one, and the price for a month is only a bit above 2000€ ($2200).

One of the most beloved locations of Ernest Hemingway was Pamplona. He lived there for an important part of his life and loved spending time at its bars and streets. Captivated by the San Fermines (when bulls run along with people through the streets of Pamplona), Hemingway wrote “The Sun Also Rises”. This piece happens around the celebration of San Fermines and brought the attention of the international public to this great party.

Even though San Fermines only last for one week (from July 6 th until the 13 th ), Pamplona is mostly known for it. Outside of these dates, the city is a quiet, clean and relaxed location well worth a visit. Some of the nicest places to visit in this last stop in your Northern Spain Itinerary is the city hall square as well as the cathedral, a very interesting mix of neoclassical and baroque styles. If you want to walk for a bit longer, a very interesting place to visit are the city walls of Pamplona . This military structure covers over 5km (~3 miles) and takes you back in history to the time when Spain had to keep France at bay. Which was the case for an important part of our history.

If you decide to extend your stay and you like wine, drive South to one of the many wineries in the area and enjoy the gold that is the local red wine. You can there learn about how wine is made and buy some of the most unique bottles you will find.

If you only have one week, then start (1) in Santiago, move on the next day (2) to León without doing any of the previous stops. Then drive North until Gijón and enjoy the life of the city (3). The following day you will make it to Los Picos de Europa and enjoy some trekking to get out of the car and stretch your legs (4). Then, the following day (5), you will reach Bilbao, where you can have dinner in some of the most amazing restaurants in the country. Finally, spend one day (6) discovering the shell in San Sebastian and go to your final destination: Pamplona (7).

I believe that in two weeks you can fully see all the small spots and places I have recommended in this post without having to skip any.

If you plan to visit Northern Spain in 10 days, then you can skip Finisterre, Cape Vidio and maybe Gijón. Must do’s, in my opinion, would be Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao and Pamplona.

I hope this post is useful to you and please tell me if you decide to follow my tips!

And thank you for reading up until here!

Share the love if you enjoyed the post =)

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27 Comments

I love Northern Spain! I walked the camino three years ago and I fell in love with the area. Great info – I hope to go back soon.

Thanks for this informative post! We are planning on doing a longer road trip from Italy over to France and are thinking of squeezing a bit of northern Spain in there. This post just convinced me 🙂

Having walked the Camino de Santiago from Roncevellas to Santiago de Compostela, you’ve brought back many magical memories. Along with added locations that you’ve visited as part of the drive.

Oh, it must have been a great experience!

I had never thought that Northern Spain was this beautiful and I was very wrong! We mostly hear about East and South Spain so it’s nice to discover something new! Your pictures are beautiful and it looks like you had such a great time exploring!

Yes! Most people only think of Andalusia, and while that region is great, there is so much more to explore than that!

I recently spent some time in Northern Spain and immediately wanted to go back. Would love to walk some of the Camino de Santiago one day!

Those mountain views are seriously stunning!

We did a road trip/hiking holiday in Northern Spain last autumn, but we spent time further East in Aragon and Catalonia. I think you would love that area too as the Pyrenees and canyons are simply stunning.

I need to go back and explore further West! I LOVE the views you have shared.

I am from Catalonia and I have spent many summers around the Aragon Pyrenees, but since I want to do another itinerary around this section I preferred to separate them. While they are both North of Spain, most people will consider the coast of the Cantabric the North. Let me know if you enjoy this area too!

I’ve always wanted to go to San Sebastian, but reading this makes me want to explore the whole of Northern Spain! Thanks for the great tips!

San Sebastian is great, but only one of the many amazing zones in the North of Spain. Check out Bilbao too, since it is nearby and if you like wine, then visit some Rioja wineries. The whole region is beautiful.

Amazing blog! I love Spain so much, I need to get back to explore more of Northern Spain!

Wonderful itinerary! I used to study in the North of Spain.

It’s really a great article.A nice piece of information we get and it really great working for us when we in northern Spain

Thanks Gina! I hope you find it useful when you visit this amazing zone of Spain! It is truly one of the most beautiful areas in Europe!

I am so keen to get back to Spain and explore the north. Thanks for sharing!

Great itinerary! I was supposed to be going to this area on a girls trip last year to celebrate our 50th birthdays. It was bitter sweet to read this post as it looks amazing. We will make it there one day & I will come back here for all the info.

Well we are all delaying our plans due to the pandemic, but you can still do this trip for you 50+Covid birthdays. These years, we are not using them, so do like me and don’t count them!

So far I’ve only travelled around the south, but the north has so many fascinating places to visit as well! Thanks for your tips – I’ve added some new places to my list!

Well the North and the South is clearly different. Where Southern Spain is very laid back the North is… more intense, let’s just say =)

Such an informative post! And so many places I want to see in Spain. I really haven’t explored this country as much as I want to. Hopefully, I’ll manage it soon.

Yes, Spain is great. And there’s so much more to it than fiesta and siesta. This region has a great cultural offer.

It’s such a beautiful region to explore! I did a mini road trip in this area and visited Bilbao and San Sebastian a long time ago. I loved it! Definitely recommend this trip and I hope to see more of the cities that you recommend

Ohh both San Sebastián and Bilbao are great, specially their restaurants. I need go back soon!

wow those mountain goats are beautiful! There’s so many things to do, and the outdoor options are endless. And a stay at Hotel A Quinta Da Auga looks amazing 😍

The whole region of Picos de Europa is truly amazing. And if you can splurge and go to a nice hotel, it’s even better!

At age 19, I studied in Madrid and travelled a bit in all areas of Spain. I knew I wanted to someday buy a house inSpain! 38 years later I found my perfect stone cottage about 1/2 hr south of the Picos de Europa! It is in a tiny village in the province of Palencia, ( Castilla y Leon), a few kilometers south of Cantabria. We have explored all this area and love the history, the countryside, the people and the FOOD. Best part of Spain!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Spain | Itineraries + Map

Home | Travel | Europe | Spain | 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Spain | Itineraries + Map

Deciding where to go and what to see in northern Spain is no easy feat. There are so many beautiful places worth visiting, so your itinerary will depend on your interests and the length of your trip. Regardless, I can assure you that the north of Spain is full of green landscapes and delicious food, so you won’t be disappointed.

The biggest challenge when traveling in northern Spain is choosing a route since there are different autonomous communities you can go through. The northern part of the country generally refers to the regions of Galicia , Asturias , Cantabria , and the Basque Country , so those are the areas I’m focusing on in this guide.

Each of these communities has lovely places and attractions, so keep reading to discover the best northern Spain itinerary and travel ideas.

Guide to planning your northern Spain road trip

There are numerous beaches, mountains, and cities in northern Spain ’s four autonomous communities, so I recommend planning ahead. This way, you can make the most of your trip and see all the places that match your interests and preferences.

In this guide, I’ll include several itineraries through the north of Spain to help you organize a route through this region. You’ll find travel ideas for a weekend getaway as well as longer trips up to two weeks. I’m also sharing some tips for your vacation and my top 10 best places to visit in northern Spain .

• 10 Best places to visit in northern Spain

Northern Spain map

• Weekend getaway
• 10-day trip
• 15-day trip
• Other tips for traveling to northern Spain

1. Bilbao, one of the best cities in northern Spain

First, Bilbao is one of the most popular cities in northern Spain , so it’s a must-see. It’s located in the Basque Country and has undergone some impressive changes in recent years, making it a hub for culture and history.

One of the crown jewels of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum , which was designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. In addition to its iconic façade, floral puppy sculpture, and unique structure, the inside of the museum is full of intriguing contemporary art exhibits. If you plan on visiting, I recommend getting your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Besides the Guggenheim, I also suggest watching the sunset from the Marzana Pier, a fun place to socialize and grab drinks. You should also stroll through the Arenal, La Ribera Market, and the arches of Plaza Nueva.

You can get a general overview of the city by taking this free tour . Also, Bilbao has some of the best food in northern Spain , so I recommend going out for pintxos , or tapas. Some common pintxos here include gilda (green olives, gherkins, pickled green chiles, and anchovies) as well as various cheeses and meats.

• Recommended accommodation : If you can, book a room at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao , one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain that’s located in front of the Guggenheim Museum. It was designed by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal and has a spectacular rooftop terrace overlooking the city.

2. San Sebasti án, a city with some of the best food in northern Spain

Another city in northern Spain ’s Basque Country that you must visit is San Sebastián . It’s always included in the top 5 lists of the most beautiful cities in Spain , and it’s not hard to see why.

One of the most striking features of San Sebastián is that its bay is framed by Mount Igueldo and the island of Santa Clara. This city is home to a couple of urban beaches as well as Playa de la Concha , one of the best beaches in Spain . So, if you’re traveling during the summer, this is a stop you must make along the north coast of Spain .

2. San Sebastián, a city with some of the best food in northern Spain

While you’re here, I recommend taking a stroll along the Zurriola Beach Promenade. Follow it around Monte Urgull, along the Paseo Nuevo, and cross the bay to Ondarreata Beach. There, you can see the Peine del Viento , an impressive sculpture by Spanish artists Eduardo Chillida and Peña Gantxegi.

It’s also worth visiting the city center, which is full of plazas, bridges, buildings, and restaurants. In fact, San Sebastián is another great place to eat in northern Spain , thanks to its delicious pintxos . The best way to sample all the delicious options is by taking this gourmet pintxos tour .

• Recommended accommodation : This city is home to one of the best luxury hotels in Spain that has welcomed famous faces like Woody Allen and Elizabeth Taylor. The Hotel María Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel is across from the Victoria Eugenia Theater and offers stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River, so it’s a phenomenal place to stay.

3. Cudillero, one of the most charming places in northern Spain

Over in Asturias, Cudillero is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain , so I highly recommend adding it to your northern Spain itinerary . The town’s biggest draw is its unique landscape, which features colorful houses nestled around the blue sea and among the green trees.

In addition, the nearby community of Castañeras is home to Playa del Silencio , one of the best beaches in Spain with virgin sands and a rustic environment. It’s in the shape of a shell that curves around a rocky cliff, which acts as a natural barrier against the wind. This makes the waters here very calm, so it’s a pleasant beach in northern Spain that you can visit for some peace and quiet.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at Casona de La Paca , an old Asturian country house with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s surrounded by lush gardens filled with the typical vegetation of Asturias, so it’s a relaxing place to rest before continuing your trip.

4. Santiago de Compostela, a must-see on your route through the north of Spain

If there’s one thing in the north of Spain that you must do at least once in your life, it’s the Camino de Santiago . This is one of the most important hikes in Spain and a sacred pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

This city is the perfect place to end such a monumental hike, as it’s full of history and religious significance. One of its most iconic landmarks is its cathedral, which was built at the site where the hidden tomb of the Apostle Santiago was discovered in the 9 th century. Since then, devout followers have been making the pilgrimage here, and in 1805, King Alfonso VI ordered that a Romanesque cathedral be built. You can learn more about the Santiago Cathedral on this guided tour .

I also suggest you go to the Church of San Martiño Pinario, Alameda Park, and the Plaza de Cervantes, as well as stop at some of the bars and restaurants for some delicious Galician food. Another excellent city tour is this one , which goes to sites like the Palacio de Rajoy, the Plaza de Laterías, and the University of Santiago.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Católicos , a beautiful 15 th -century building next to the Santiago Cathedral. It used to be an accommodation for traveling pilgrims, and it still has its original vaulted ceilings, stone arches, and tapestries. It also has two restaurants where you can order Mediterranean and Galician dishes.

5. The Lakes of Covadonga, another place to visit in northern Spain

While you’re exploring the northern region of Spain , you can’t miss the Picos de Europa. Not only is this one of the top national parks in Spain, but it’s also home to the Lakes of Covadonga , a magnificent natural treasure.

If you love nature, I can’t recommend this place enough since it has the most beautiful landscapes in the north of Spain . The famous Enol and Ercina Lakes are gorgeous, and the Queen Viewpoint is the perfect spot to look for native birds like bearded vultures and golden eagles.

Also, some of the best tours through the north of Spain leave from the Lakes of Covadonga, so if you want to discover more about this incredible environment, you can do so. I recommend this excursion , which includes a visit to a vega , a dwelling where shepherds live during the summer to rest and make Gamoneu cheese, a famous product of this area.

• Recommended accommodation : The Arcea Gran Hotel Pelayo is in the center of the Picos de Europa National Park, so it’s a good place to spend the night. From here, you’ll have nice views of the Cathedral of Covadonga.

6. Santillana del Mar, a medieval town in the north of Spain

Santillana del Mar is another one of the best places to visit in northern Spain . While its name refers to the town being holy, flat, and by the sea, it has none of these characteristics, which is why it’s also known as “the town of the three lies”. That said, there is a lot to do and see in this Asturian town, so I recommend adding it to your northern Spain itinerary .

First, this is one of the most important medieval towns in the country, with thousands of years of history. The best way to learn more about its great historical and artistic value is by taking this free tour (in Spanish). A guide will lead you through the cobbled streets and past iconic landmarks like the House of the Marqués de Santillana and the House of the Archduchess of Austria.

If you prefer something more adventurous, check out the Altamira Museum and the Neocave, a life-size replica of the original Paleolithic caves. This excursion includes a guided tour of the archaeological wonder, its cave paintings, and other curiosities.

• Recommended accommodation : To make your stay extra special, stay at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , one of the best paradores in Spain . This modern hotel is in the town’s main square and has a private patio.

7. Playa de las Catedrales, one of the best beaches in northern Spain

The northern coast of Spain is absolutely gorgeous, and it has one of the most unique beaches in the entire country. Playa de las Catedrales in Lugo, Galicia is considered one of the best beaches in Spain , so you must include it in your travel plans.

Playa de las Catedrales is one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Spain , so much so that it’s known by its nickname rather than its original name of Aguas Santas (Holy Waters). Tourists began calling it the “Beach of the Cathedrals” since the gigantic rock formations here create arches and towers that resemble churches.

If you want to visit this beach in northern Spain but if you don’t have a car, consider this excursion from La Coruña. It’ll take you to Playa de las Catedrales as well as the city of Lugo so you can see its Roman wall.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Hotel Playa de las Catedrales , which faces the Cantabrian Sea and is within walking distance of Playa de las Catedrales and Arealonga Beach.

8. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an amazing place to see in northern Spain

Back in the Basque Country, in the town of Bermeo, the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a unique place to add to your northern Spain road trip . This gorgeous setting looks like a fantasy land, and it kind of is since it was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones .

The island is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge, and you can walk along the 241-stepped path to reach the top. It’s worth the effort to climb these famous stone steps, which lead to a hermitage and a place that’s believed to have been visited by John the Baptist. The hermitage has a bell, and it’s said that if you touch it three times, you’ll have good luck, while others think that if you make a wish here, it’ll come true.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is just over 20 miles from Bilbao, another must-see city in northern Spain . You can easily drive there or take this tour from Bilbao if you don’t have a car. The tour includes a stop at the historic city of Guernica, where the first Nazi air raid occurred.

• Recommended accommodation : The Ureta Landa Gaztelugatxe apartments are a good option since they are surrounded by a beautiful landscape and are located just over a mile from Areaga Beach.

9. C íes Islands, a dreamy place to visit on the coast of northern Spain

Another wonderful stop to include on your itinerary through northern Spain is the Cíes Islands . These islands have a privileged location in Galicia and are full of history and beauty.

Back when the Romans passed through this archipelago, they left behind traces of their culture, including pottery and artifacts. Today, you can see these objects in the Pontevedra Museum along the Lérez River in Galicia. Legend has it that Julius Caesar came here during the persecution of the Portuguese people of herminios, who sailed here after fleeing the troops of the Empire.

9. Cíes Islands, a dreamy place to visit on the coast of northern Spain

In the Middle Ages, various religious communities began to inhabit the Cíes Islands, but they were wiped out in the mid-18 th century by pirates and the English navy. After this, people began repopulating the island, and by the late 20 th century, the area had become a declared Natural Park and a Special Protection Area for Birds.

Since 2002, the Cíes Islands have been part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, along with the archipelagos of Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada. If you come here, you must visit Playa de Rodas , one of the best beaches in northern Spain with impressive pine forests. Be aware that only 2,200 people can visit per day, so it’s best to book this ticket in advance, which includes the ferry ride and permit to access the beach.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Pazo Los Escudos Hotel Spa & Resort , which offers ocean and garden views as well as relaxing spa facilities.

10. San Vicente de la Barquera, the perfect place for a northern Spain holiday

Finally, San Vicente de la Barquera is a spectacular destination in northern Spain that you should visit. This fishing village is on the western coast of Cantabria and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

What stands out about this place is its medieval history and architecture, including the Puente de la Maza and the ruins of the Convent of San Luis. You should also check out the old town ( Puebla Vieja ), which has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.

From there, you can continue along Calle Alta to the Palacio de los Corro, which has been converted into the Town Hall. The Church of Santa María de Los Angeles is at the end of the street, and the Castillo del Rey is also nearby.

Of course, a different way to explore this northern Spanish town is by taking this kayaking excursion through the San Vicente estuary. You’ll get great views of the historic town center while enjoying some exercise.

• Recommended accommodation : Just over a mile from the town center, you’ll find the Posada Punta Liñera . This charming rural property has a terrace overlooking the countryside, the Bay of Biscay, and the beautiful surroundings of Cantabria .

To help you organize your northern Spain itinerary , here is a map with all the attractions and cities I mentioned:

I’m also sharing some ideas for planning a road trip through northern Spain , whether you just have a weekend, or you can stay for a couple of weeks .

Best road trip itineraries in northern Spain

Now that you know the best places to visit in northern Spain , here are some itinerary suggestions for a weekend trip and longer road trips of 4, 7, 10, and 15 days .

Weekend trip to northern Spain

For the best weekend visit in northern Spain , consider spending some time exploring the Basque Country. Below you’ll find the route we took during one of our trips.

Day 1: Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the best cities in northern Spain ’s Basque Country, so I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary. It’s not very big, so you should be able to see most of it in one day.

If you prefer a guided overview of the city, consider doing this free tour in the morning. If you’re exploring on your own, check out the Guggenheim Museum. It’s worth seeing both the outside and inside of the museum, so book your ticket in advance to avoid long lines.

In the afternoon, walk along the water toward Casco Viejo, where you can see the beautiful Arriaga Theater. This area is also full of bars and restaurants where you can try the most delicious pintxos .

I also recommend visiting La Ribera Market and the Santiago Cathedral, then ending your day in Plaza Nueva.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao , one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain that’s across from the Guggenheim Museum.

Day 2: San Sebastián

The next day, get up early and head to San Sebastián , another lovely city in northern Spain . It’s about 60 miles away, so it’ll take about an hour and 15 minutes to drive there.

Once you reach San Sebastián, check out the Zurriola Beach Promenade and walk around Monte Urgull and Paseo Nuevo. From there, you can cross the bay to Ondarreta Beach, where you’ll find the Peine del Viento sculpture.

Then, head into the city center and discover its plazas, bridges, and buildings. It’s also worth doing this gourmet pintxos tour to try some delicious food. Also, a visit to San Sebastián isn’t complete without a stop at La Concha Beach, one of the best beaches in Spain .

• Recommended accommodation : You’ll love the Hotel María Cristina , one of the most luxurious hotels in northern Spain with great views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River.

4-day trip through the north of Spain

If you have a couple more days to add to your itinerary through northern Spain , you’ll be able to discover some of the charming areas in Cantabria and Asturias.

Day 1: Santander and San Vicente de la Barquera

Start your northern Spain road trip in Santander , Cantabria with a tour of the Magdalena Peninsula. Then, continue along the Sardinero to see the most beautiful beaches in Santander, including Mataleñas Beach and the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse. Finish up the morning with a visit to the Botín Center and the Paseo Marítimo.

For the second half of the day, go to San Vicente de la Barquera , which is about 35 miles (30 minutes) from Santander.

Start your visit here by crossing the Puente de la Maza to the ruins of the Convent of San Luis. Then, follow Mata Linares Street to the Puebla Vieja (old town) and see the Tower of the Provost. Along Calle Alta, you can see the Palacio de los Corro, which is now the Town Hall, as well as the Church of Santa María de Los Angeles. If you have time, go to the Castillo del Rey.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Posada Punta Liñera , a rural estate that’s a mile from San Vicente de la Barquera’s city center. It has a lovely terrace that overlooks the countryside and the Bay of Biscay.

Day 2: Llanes and its beaches

After spending the night in San Vicente de la Barquera, get up early and head to Llanes , Asturias. It’s 25 miles away, so it’s only about a 30-minute drive.

Take this opportunity to visit beautiful Gulpiyuri Beach, one of the best beaches in Spain and one of the smallest beaches in the world. It’s also worth seeing Playa de Poo, a family-friendly beach with gentle waves.

In the afternoon, you can visit the port of Llanes and its famous Cubes of Memory, which are painted rocks that serve as a breakwater. Then, take a walk through Llanes’ historic center, which is an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Site. Later, enjoy a nice dinner to end your day.

• Recommended accommodation: One of the best places to stay is the Hotel Sablón , which is located on a cliff. Along with lovely views, it offers direct beach access.

Day 3: Ribadesella, Lastres, and Tazones

The next stop on this northern Spain road trip is Ribadesella . It’s also in Asturias, and it takes less than 30 minutes to drive the 20 miles to Ribadesella from Llanes.

Once you arrive, head to the pier where you can take a stroll along the water and through the old town. Check out the Casa de los Ardines, the Casona del Escudo, and the Prieto Cutre Palace, which is now the Town Hall.

Before lunch, I suggest going to Lastres , one of the most beautiful towns in Spain that’s about 20 miles from Ribadesella. It’s known for its steep and narrow streets as well as the Mirador de San Roque, an incredible viewpoint where you can see the town, the sea, and the mountains.

Then, end the day at Tazones , which is less than 20 miles from Lastres. You must walk through the town center and see the iconic shell house (Casa de las Conchas).

• Recommended accommodation : The Apartamentos Rurales Les Mestes has super cozy rooms in a peaceful area of Tazones.

Day 4: Cangas de Onís and Lakes of Covadonga

To start the fourth day of your northern Spain itinerary , go to Cangas de Onís in Asturias. It’s about 45 miles (1 hour) from Tazones, so I recommend getting up early to maximize your time.

The highlights of this city include the Roman Bridge and the old town, where you can people-watch and relax at a cider house ( sagardotegi ), a staple of Basque Country culture.

Then, go to the Lakes of Covadonga , the most beautiful place in northern Spain to end your trip. The Lakes of Covadonga is one of the best national parks in Spain and home to magnificent natural wonders like the Enol and Ercina Lakes. You must explore this impressive landscape, and if you prefer a guide, I suggest this excursion .

• Recommended accommodation : I highly recommend staying at the Arcea Gran Hotel Pelayo , which is in the middle of the Picos de Europa National Park and overlooks the stunning Covadonga Cathedral.

7-day northern Spain road trip

A 7-day itinerary through northern Spain is ideal if you want to explore the areas of the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias. You can see my top destinations and recommendations below, but feel free to change things around to suit your travel plans.

Day 1: Hondarribia and San Sebastián

I’d start this trip through the north of Spain in Hondarribia , in the Basque Country. If you have a rental car, you can park it in the lot by the Puerta de Santa María, then walk into the walled city to see landmarks like Plaza del Obispo, Calle Mayor, and Plaza de Armas.

In the afternoon, head to San Sebastián , which is about a 30-minute (15-mile) drive away. San Sebastián is one of the most charming Spanish cities with an impressive town center. It’s also home to some of Spain’s best beaches , including La Concha Beach.

• Recommended accommodation : The best place to stay in is the Hotel María Cristina , one of the best luxury hotels in Spain . it’s across from the Victoria Eugenia Theater and offers great views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River.

The next day, take some time to explore the hidden gems of San Sebastián. Walk along Zurriola Beach and go around Monte Urgull. If you follow the Paseo Nuevo and cross the bay, you’ll find Ondarreata Beach and the Peine del Viento sculpture by Spanish artists Eduardo Chillida and Peña Gantxegi.

Afterwards, you can go back to the town center to enjoy some delicious pintxos and Spanish cuisine. This gourmet tour is the best option if you want to try all the typical pintxos of this region.

• Recommended accommodation : Return to the Hotel María Cristina for a good night’s sleep before continuing your northern Spain road trip .

Day 3: Bilbao

For day three, wake up early and make the drive to Bilbao , one of the best cities in northern Spain . It’s about 65 miles away, so it’ll take about an hour and 15 minutes by car.

Check out the famous Guggenheim Museum and its stunning exterior, which was designed by architect Frank Gehry. It’s also worth browsing the art exhibits inside, so if you plan on visiting, get your ticket in advance.

I also recommend going past the Arenal, La Ribera Market, and the arches of Plaza Nueva. Depending on your interests, it’s worth doing a pintxos tasting or taking this free tour for more insights into the city.

To end your day, you must watch the sunset from the Marzana Pier. It’s a dreamy location where you can spend a romantic evening with your partner and grab a drink.

• Recommended accommodation : If you can, book a room at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao , one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain . It was designed by Spanish architect Javier Mariscal and has an impressive rooftop terrace where you can see the city and its surroundings.

Day 4: Santillana del Mar and Comillas

To start this fourth day of your northern Spain trip , get up early and make your way to Santillana del Mar in Cantabria. It’s 75 miles away, so it’s about a 1.5-hour drive.

Santillana del Mar is a medieval Spanish town with lots of historical and artistic value. You’ll love strolling through its cobblestone streets and past picturesque landmarks like the House of the Marqués de Santillana or the Palace of the Archduchess Margarita of Austria. If you have time, book this free tour (in Spanish) or this guided tour to visit the Altamira Museum and Neocave.

Next, continue your journey by visiting the beautiful town of Comillas , which is about a 20-minute (15-mile) drive away. Don’t miss the most important monuments here like the Plaza de los Tres Caños, the Plaza de la Constitución, the Church of San Cristóbal, and the Capricho Villa by Gaudí.

• Recommended accommodation : I suggest returning to Santillana del Mar and spending the night at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , a modern hotel in the main square.

Day 5: Llanes and Ribadesella

If you spent the night in Santillana del Mar, then you can wake up early and drive to Llanes , Asturias. It’s about 40 miles away, so the drive takes about 45 minutes. Once you reach Llanes, check out the port and see the famous Cubes of Memory along the shoreline. Then, take a walk through the old town, which is a declared Historic-Artistic Site and Asset of Cultural Interest.

Grab some lunch, then drive to Ribadesella , which is just 20 miles from Llanes. You should have enough time to stroll along the pier and see the most famous sights in Ribadesella’s old town.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Hotel Don Pepe in Ribadesella, a clean hotel with bright and spacious rooms.

Day 6: Cudillero and Luarca

Next, it’s time to visit Cudillero , a must-see area of northern Spain . It’s about 70 miles from Ribadesella, so I suggest getting up early to make the 1 hour and 15-minute drive.

Cudillero is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and is located on a cliff, so it’s quite scenic. Go up to the La Garita Viewpoint for an amazing perspective of the town, then spend some time exploring the narrow streets of the center. Make your way to the Plaza de la Marina, where you can grab a bite to eat and see the port.

Since Cudillero is pretty small, you should have time to also visit Luarca , which is less than 30 minutes away. This is another charming Spanish town with a bustling port. Take a walk through this small seaside town and discover the Puente del Beso, the Casas de Indianos, and the Gardens of the Fonte Baxa.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Villa de Luarca is an elegant accommodation with a great location by the town center and the beach.

Day 7: Ribadeo, Playa de las Catedrales, and A Coruña

For the last day of this week-long holiday in northern Spain , go to Ribadeo , which is 30 miles from Luarca and a 30-minute drive away.

One of the sites here that you can’t miss is the Plaza de España. It’s where several iconic buildings and monuments are located, such as the Pazo de Ibáñez and the Torre de los Moreno. Some other places to see in town include the Convent of Santa Clara, the lively port, and the Chapel of San Miguel, which has lovely views.

Also, before leaving Ribadeo, you must visit Playa de las Catedrales , a National Monument and one of the top beaches in Spain . Then, get in the car and head to A Coruña , which is about an hour and a half (95 miles) away.

There are many beautiful things to see in this city, so I suggest taking this free tour (in Spanish) to see as much as possible. You could also visit the historic center on your own and check out popular sites like the Galerías la Marina, the Plaza de María Pita, and the Jardines de Santiago.

• Recommended accommodation : The NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre has a great location that’s within walking distance of the center and some of the city’s main attractions.

10-day itinerary for northern Spain

With 10 days in northern Spain , you can expand your itinerary to include the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

Day 1: San Sebastián

San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful Spanish cities , as well as an excellent starting point for your northern Spain itinerary . Begin your visit with a stroll along Zurriola Beach, then go around Monte Urgull and follow the Paseo Nuevo to Ondarreta Beach. There, you can see the famous Peine del Viento sculpture.

Continue your adventure by walking through the city center and getting lost among the streets, squares, bridges, and historical buildings. To all this, I must add La Concha Beach, one of the best beaches in Spain . I also recommend this gourmet tour , especially if you want to try the most popular pintxos in San Sebastián.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Hotel María Cristina , one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain that’s across from the Victoria Eugenia Theater. Not only is the inside gorgeous, but you’ll have great views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River.

Day 2: Bilbao

Bilbao is another city in northern Spain that you can easily explore on foot, and you can see all its main tourist attractions in one day. It’s 65 miles from San Sebastián, so I recommend waking up early to make the one hour and 15-minute drive.

Start your visit to Bilbao with this free tour , or check out the famous Guggenheim Museum . It was built by famed architect Frank Gehry and is known for its floral puppy sculpture out front. If you plan on looking at the art exhibits inside, I suggest getting your ticket in advance.

Afterwards, head toward the estuary and follow it to the Casco Viejo, where you can see the Arriaga Theater. It’s also worth visiting La Ribera Market, the Santiago Cathedral, and Plaza Nueva. Along the way, be sure to stop for delectable pintxos .

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao , one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain . It was designed by Spanish architect Javier Mariscal and is in front of the Guggenheim Museum.

Day 3: Castro Urdiales, Faro del Caballo, and Santander

The third day of this northern Spain road trip begins with a visit to Castro Urdiales , a city in Cantabria with beautiful beaches, a lively port, and an interesting old town. It’s just 20 miles from Bilbao, so it’ll only take about a half hour to drive there.

After spending the morning discovering Castro Urdiales, make your way to Santander, stopping at the Faro del Caballo along the way. This picturesque place is located between some seaside cliffs, and it’s about 25 from Castro Urdiales. Be aware that if you make this pitstop and climb the 763 steps of the cliffs, it’ll cut into your time at Santander, which is 30 miles from here.

Regardless of whether or not you take this detour, you should get to Santander with enough time to walk through the Sardinero and enjoy a cold beer at the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, which offers stunning views.

• Recommended accommodation : The NH Ciudad de Santander is a simple, clean hotel with a great location, so it’s a good value for your money.

Day 4: Santillana del Mar, Altamira Caves, and Comillas

For day four, I suggest making a stop in Santillana del Mar , where you can see the famous Cuevas de Altamira , one of the most important Paleolithic sites in the world. Santillana del Mar is an intriguing medieval town in northern Spain that’s less than 20 miles from Santander, so it’ll only take a half hour to get there.

Use your time in Santillana del Mar to visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, Plaza Mayor, and the historic town center, which is characterized by cobblestone streets and small mountain homes. You can either do this free tour to learn more about the city, or this guided tour , which takes you to the Altamira Museum and the Neocave.

Later, make the 20-minute drive to Comillas , one of the most scenic towns in Cantabria. Here, you can see one of the few works by Gaudí that’s outside of Catalonia, the Capricho Villa. Some other highlights of this city include the Sobrellano Palace, the Chapel Pantheon of the Marquises of Comillas, and the historic center, where you’ll find the Fuente de los Tres Caños (the Fountain of the Three Pipes).

I recommend returning back to Santillana del Mar to spend the night.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , a modern hotel located in the main square.

Day 5: Cabezón de la Sal Sequoia Forest, Llanes, and its beaches

If you spent the night in Santillana del Mar, you’ll be less than 20 minutes from the Cabezón de la Sal Sequoia Forest . This is one of the best places to visit in northern Spain , especially for nature lovers, as the redwoods here reach up to 130 feet tall. The route through the forest takes about two hours and is absolutely breathtaking.

After your forest trek, go to Llanes , which is just 30 minutes away. This Asturian city is full of beaches and coves, although it also has a lovely historic center. Take some time to enjoy the coast as well as the interesting monuments and buildings in town.

• Recommended accommodation : Sleep at the Hotel Sablón , a cliffside accommodation with amazing views and direct beach access.

Day 6: Lakes of Covadonga, Covadonga, and Cangas de Onís

Next, it’s best to get up early so you can make the one hour and 20-minute drive to the Lakes of Covadonga with time to spare. This place is within the Picos de Europa National Park, one of the best national parks in Spain and a must-see during your tour of northern Spain .

This natural wonder is full of pristine landscapes, the glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina, as well as incredible attractions like the Sanctuary of Covadonga. This is where you can take a nature walk, breathe the fresh mountain air, and mingle with the grazing cows.

You can visit the Lakes of Covadonga for free, although I like this guided tour since it starts from Cangas de Onís , another place I recommend visiting. There, you can see the old Roman Bridge and the historic center. It’s full of churches and hermitages, most notably the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of St. Mary and the hermitage of Santa Cruz.

• Recommended accommodation : The Arcea Gran Hotel Pelayo is in the middle of the Picos de Europa National Park and offers beautiful views of the Covadonga Cathedral, so it’s the perfect place to rest after a full day.

Day 7: Gijón and Oviedo

The next stop is Gijón , which is about 60 miles away, so get up early to make the 1.5-hour drive. Once you get there, start with a walk along San Lorenzo Beach, then go up to the Cerro de Santa Catalina and see the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture over the water.

Later, check out the Cimadevilla neighborhood, the oldest part of the city with interesting sites like the Palacio de Revillagigedo, Plaza del Marqués, and Plaza Mayor. You can also do this free tour (in Spanish) if you prefer a guided walk through the city.

Depending on how much time you have, you can stop by the port or go to Oviedo , which is about a 30-minute drive away. This city in northern Spain is full of historic attractions like El Fontán Square and the Plaza de la Catedral, where you can see the Cathedral of San Salvador.

I also recommend walking through the city center and looking for the interesting statues of famous figures. For example, on Calle Milicias Nacionales, you’ll find a Woody Allen statue, while San Francisco Park has a statue of the Argentine cartoon character Mafalda. Finally, you can’t leave Oviedo without stopping at La Gascona for delicious cider.

• Recommended accommodation : The beautiful Gran Hotel España is the best place to stay thanks to its spacious rooms and great location by the city center.

Day 8: Ribadeo and Playa de las Catedrales

Ribadeo should be included in any northern Spain itinerary , so don’t miss it. Make sure you get up early so you can drive the 85 miles to Ribadeo from Oviedo, which will take about 1.5 hours.

Among the many attractions here, the Plaza de España stands out. It’s home to two historical monuments, the Pazo de Ibáñez and the Torre de los Moreno. You should also walk through the streets of the city center to see the Convent of Santa Clara and the Chapel of San Miguel, as well as the port.

There are also excellent lookout points here, such as the Ribadeo Watchtower and the Isla Pancha Viewpoint. That said, you should definitely make time to visit Playa de las Catedrales , one of the best beaches in Spain that’s also a National Monument.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Hotel Playa de las Catedrales , which faces the Cantabrian Sea and is next to Arealonga Beach. Plus, it’s just a ten-minute walk from Playa de las Catedrales.

Day 9: A Coruña

If you’re leaving from Playa de las Catedrales, then make sure you wake up early enough to make the 1.5-hour drive (95 miles) to A Coruña . This city in northern Spain ’s Galicia region is a must-see, and if it’s your first time here, consider taking this free tour .

If you’re visiting the city on your own, I recommend stopping by the promenade, where you can see the Castle of San Antón and the Sculpture Park of the Tower of Hercules. Another iconic site is the Ciudad Vieja, the old part of the city with some of the best tapas.

You’ll also find some of the best beaches in Galicia here, such as Riazor Beach, a beautiful place in northern Spain to go swimming or sunbathing. Finally, I suggest ending your day with a walk around the port and admiring the amazing views of A Coruña from Monte de San Pedro.

• Recommended accommodation : The NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre has a great location that’s within walking distance of the city center and main attractions.

Day 10: Santiago de Compostela

The last day of this northern Spain itinerary involves a visit to Santiago de Compostela , which is about 50 minutes from A Coruña by car.

Once you reach the city, consider taking this free tour or exploring the tourist attractions on your own. Of course, one of the sites you must see is the Santiago Cathedral, which is the final destination for pilgrims making the trek along the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important hikes in Spain . You can learn all about the secrets of this church by taking this guided tour .

I also recommend roaming the streets of the old city and walking through the Parque de la Alameda, an urban park full of chestnut, eucalyptus, and oak trees. The Mercado de Abastos is a market that’s been around for over a century, so I suggest stopping by to browse or pick up some products. If you like art, the City of Culture of Galicia is a complex of cultural and artistic buildings that you’ll find interesting.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Católicos , a beautiful 15 th -century building next to the Santiago Cathedral. It still has some of its original architecture, as well as two delicious restaurants specializing in Mediterranean and Galician food.

15-day road trip through northern Spain

A 15-day road trip through northern Spain is the perfect opportunity to get to know this area of the country in depth. Here is the route I suggest following:

This 15-day northern Spain itinerary begins in Hondarribia in the Basque Country. I recommend leaving your rental car in the parking lot by the Puerta de Santa María and heading into the city on foot. There, you can visit points of interest like Plaza del Obispo, Calle Mayor, and Plaza de Armas.

After strolling through town, head to San Sebastián , which is about a 30-minute (15-mile) drive from Hondarribia. San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain , as well as where you can see La Concha Beach, one of Spain’s best beaches .

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Hotel María Cristina , one of the best luxury hotels in Spain . It’s across from the Victoria Eugenia Theater and offers great views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Urumea River.

Dedicate day two of your tour through northern Spain by exploring the ins and outs of San Sebastián . I recommend going around Monte Urgull, where you’ll find the Paseo Nuevo. If you follow it to the end, you’ll reach Ondarreta Beach and the famous Peine del Viento sculpture.

Continue your visit by spending some time in the city center, which is full of interesting plazas, bridges, and historical buildings. You also can’t leave San Sebastián without trying the typical pintxos , either by stopping at a café or taking this gourmet tour .

• Recommended accommodation : Spend another night at the Hotel María Cristina , or book this place for your second night if you didn’t stay here the first night.

On day three, wake up early and head to Bilbao , which is 65 miles from San Sebastián, or about a one hour and 15-minute drive away. This is another city in northern Spain that you can explore on foot, so consider taking this free tour to get to know all the main attractions.

Of course, the crown jewel of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum , which is known for its floral puppy sculpture and mesmerizing architecture by Frank Gehry. If you want to go inside the museum and peruse the art collection, I recommend getting your tickets in advance.

Afterwards, follow the estuary to the Casco Viejo (old town), where you can see the Arriaga Theater. Some other cool places in Bilbao include La Ribera Market, the Santiago Cathedral, and Plaza Nueva. Of course, be sure to stop and try some pintxos that are typical to Bilbao.

• Recommended accommodation : Located by the Guggenheim Museum, the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao is one of the best 5-star hotels in Spain and has a beautiful structure designed by Spanish architect Javier Mariscal.

Day 4: Santander

The next day, take some time to discover the beautiful city of Santander . This free tour is a great introduction to Santander, although you can also explore the city on your own. If you do, I recommend starting with a little tour around the Magdalena Peninsula, one of the most beautiful places in northern Spain .

For your next stop, head to El Sardinero, one of the most popular beaches in Santander. It’s also worth visiting Mataleñas Beach, where you can admire the lovely views from the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse. Another way to get a panoramic perspective of the area is by taking the Río de la Pila funicular.

End your day with a visit to two iconic places in the city, the Botín Center and the Paseo Marítimo.

• Recommended accommodation : The NH Ciudad de Santander is a simple hotel, but it’s clean, well-located, and a great value for your money.

Day 5: Santillana del Mar and Comillas

Santillana del Mar is a must-see in northern Spain , so for day five of your itinerary, I suggest heading there. This medieval Spanish town is less than 20 miles from Santander, so it’s only about a 30-minute drive.

The Cuevas de Altamira is the most famous attraction in the city, although you should also check out the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, Plaza Mayor, and the historic old town, with its cobbled streets and small mountain homes. If you have time, consider this free tour (in Spanish) or this guided tour to the Altamira Museum and Neocave.

That same day, you can go to Comillas since it’s just 12 miles (20 minutes by car) from Santillana del Mar. This city is home to some beautiful structures, like the Sobrellano Palace, the Chapel Pantheon of the Marqueses de Comillas, and the Fuente de Tres Caños (The Fountain of Three Pipes). This is also where you can see one of the few works by Gaudí outside of Catalonia, the Capricho Villa.

• Recommended accommodation : Return to Santillana del Mar and spend the night at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , a modern hotel in the main square.

Day 6: San Vicente de la Barquera and Cueva del Soplao

The sixth day of this northern Spain itinerary begins in San Vicente de la Barquera in Cantabria, just 25 minutes away. I suggest starting your visit here by crossing the Puente de la Maza and seeing the Convent of San Luis, an iconic landmark in the city.

Then, cross the town and follow Mata Linares Street to Puebla Vieja , or the old town. Here, you can see the Provost Tower and the Palacio de los Corro, which is now the Town Hall. If you have time, you can visit the Castillo del Rey, although I highly recommend seeing the Cueva del Soplao . This impressive rock formation is a must-see in northern Spain, and you can book a guided tour and entry ticket here .

• Recommended accommodation : Spend another night at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , which is very close by.

Day 7: Llanes and Ribadesella

If you spent the night at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas , you’ll be just 45 minutes from Llanes , Asturias, the next stop on this northern Spain road trip .

Llanes is a city that’s full of lovely beaches and coves, although the historic old town is also worth seeing. In fact, it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historic-Artistic Site, so check it out and be sure to see the Cubes of Memory breakwater rocks.

Then, you can grab something to eat and head to Ribadesella , which is 20 miles away. Take a walk through the port and stroll through the old town, which is super scenic and full of historic structures.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Don Pepe is a nice place to stay with spacious rooms and a good location.

Day 8: Gijón

For day eight, drive to Gijón , Asturias, which is 40 miles, or about 45 minutes, from Ribadesella. You can start your visit here with this free tour (in Spanish) or by exploring on your own. There are lots of cool places to check out, such as San Lorenzo Beach, the Cerro de Santa Catalina, and the Elogio del Horizonte, a sculpture by the water.

Then, journey into the Cimadevilla neighborhood, the oldest part of the city where you can see Revillagigedo Palace, Plaza del Marqués, and Plaza Mayor. To end the day, go to the port and Poniente Beach, where you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the north of Spain .

• Recommended accommodation : Hotel Begoña is quite basic, but it’s clean, comfortable, and situated in the heart of the city.

Day 9: Oviedo

Oviedo is another city in northern Spain you can’t miss, and it’s only 30 minutes from Gijón. Among the many attractions here, the Plaza del Fontán, the Plaza de la Catedral, and the Cathedral of San Salvador stand out.

I also suggest going into the city center and looking for some of the interesting statues here, like those of Woody Allen or the Argentine character Mafalda. The former is on Calle Milicias Nacionales, while the latter is in San Francisco Park, another place in Oviedo you should spend some time at.

Moreover, Oviedo is home to three pre-Romanesque churches that you should see: Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo, and San Julián de los Prados. If you feel like going shopping, you’ll find all kinds of goodies on Calle Uría, and for the most delicious food, go to La Gascona.

• Recommended accommodation : The Gran Hotel España is one of the best places to stay. In addition to its spacious, beautiful rooms, it’s close to the city center and several tourist attractions.

Day 10: Cudillero and Luarca

Cudillero is a beautiful Asturian town situated on a cliff, making it one of the best places to visit in northern Spain . It’s about 40 miles from Oviedo, so wake up early in the morning and make the 45-minute drive to this gorgeous city.

Once you arrive, go to the La Garita Viewpoint for a spectacular overview of the town. Then, head down into the city center and walk among the narrow streets as you make your way to Plaza de la Marina. This is one of the liveliest areas of Cudillero with numerous bars and restaurants.

Check out the port, then make the 30-minute drive to Luarca , another lovely city in northern Spain . Here, you can stroll through the town center and see the most popular attractions, such as the Puente del Beso, the Casas de Indianos, and the Jardines de la Fonte Baxa.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Villa de Luarca is an elegant hotel with a great location by the town center and the beach.

Day 11: Ribadeo and Playa de las Catedrales

Spend the next day visiting Ribadeo , another beautiful city in the north of Spain that’s just 30 minutes from Luarca. Among the many attractions in Ribadeo, you can’t miss Plaza de España, which is where the Pazo de Ibáñez and the Torre de los Moreno are located.

As you walk through the town’s streets, you’ll find other interesting sites like the Convent of Santa Clara and the Chapel of San Miguel. It’s worth going inside the chapel for the views, although you’ll also get a nice perspective of the city from the port.

Also, if you want to capture some amazing photos, go to the Ribadeo Watchtower or the Isla Pancha Viewpoint. Finally, make sure you leave enough time to visit Playa de las Catedrales , a National Monument and one of the best beaches in Spain .

• Recommended accommodation : Have a good night’s sleep at the Hotel Playa de las Catedrales , which faces the Cantabrian Sea. It’s right next to Arealonga Beach and just a ten-minute walk from Playa de las Catedrales.

Day 12: A Coruña

For day 12, it’s time to visit A Coruña , an incredible area of northern Spain . It’s about 95 miles from Playa de las Catedrales, so get up early and get the 1.5-hour drive out of the way.

In A Coruña, you can take this free tour (in Spanish) to visit some of the city’s highlights and learn more about its history. If you’re touring the city on your own, I recommend starting at the promenade, which leads to the Castle of San Antón and the Sculpture Park of the Tower of Hercules. Also, be sure to check out the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), where you can stop for yummy tapas.

After lunch, take a walk along Riazor Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches in Galicia. Then, stroll around the port and end your day by watching the sunset from Mount San Pedro.

• Recommended accommodation : You’ll have a comfortable stay at the NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre , which is just a short distance from the city center and several main attractions.

Day 13: Santiago de Compostela

One of the best places in northern Spain that you must add to your route is Santiago de Compostela , which is a 50-minute drive from A Coruña.

Have fun exploring the city on your own or taking this free tour . Santiago de Compostela is the final stop on the Camino de Santiago, a religious pilgrimage and one of the most important hikes in Spain . The route specifically ends at the Santiago Cathedral, which you can learn more about on this guided tour .

You should also spend some time wandering the streets of the Old City, as well as visiting Alameda Park. I also recommend browsing the Mercado de Abastos, where you can buy fresh Galician cheeses and products. If you’re an art lover, you can’t miss the City of Culture of Galicia, a complex full of contemporary galleries and artistic spaces.

• Recommended accommodation : Stay at the Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Católicos , an old pilgrim accommodation that’s inside a 15 th -century building. It’s next to the Santiago Cathedral and has some original architectural elements as well as a Mediterranean and Galician restaurant.

Day 14: Vigo

People sometimes overlook the city of Vigo , but if you’re taking a 15-day road trip through northern Spain , you’ll have time to visit it. Vigo is 55 miles (one hour) from Santiago de Compostela, so get up early and make your way there in the morning.

You can take this free tour of Vigo to get a general overview of the city and learn more about its top attractions. Some of the most famous places here include the Praza da Constitución, the Mercado da Pedra, the Plaza de los Pescadores, and the Praza do Berbés.

You should also check out the Bouzas neighborhood, a traditional seafaring community. For the best views, go to Mount O Castro, where you can see the entire city and the Cíes Islands.

• Recommended accommodation : The Hotel Pazo Los Escudos Spa & Beach is one of the best options with a spa and rooms overlooking the ocean and the gardens.

Day 15: Cíes Islands

For the last day of this northern Spain itinerary , take a boat from Vigo and go to the Cíes Islands . You can book this ferry ride , which also includes your permit to access the islands.

These paradisiacal islands are home to Playa de Rodas, one of the best beaches in northern Spain , and the entire world. There are also four awesome trails, so you can find a northern Spain hike to suit your fitness level. The trails are the Cíes Lighthouse (2.1 miles), the Faro da Porta (1.6 miles), the Alto do Príncipe (1.1 miles), and the Faro do Peito (1.6 miles).

Without a doubt, this day out in nature is the best way to end your two-week trip through the north of Spain .

• Recommended accommodation: Spend another night at the Hotel Pazo Los Escudos Spa & Beach .

Best time to visit the north of Spain

The best time to visit northern Spain is during the spring and autumn months when the temperatures are milder. If you plan on going to some parks or natural areas, the autumn season offers the most stunning colors.

That said, the summer weather in northern Spain is more pleasant compared to other areas of the country, so this time of year can also be a good time to visit. You can take advantage of the summer temperatures to enjoy the best beaches in northern Spain .

If you planned on going to the north of Spain in the winter, you still can, although you should be aware that there will be much more precipitation. On the other hand, the prices for flights and hotels will be cheaper.

Main airports in northern Spain and other ways to get there

There are several airports in northern Spain , so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a good place to arrive in the country, regardless of your starting point.

In Galicia :

• A Coruña Airport
• Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport
• Vigo Airport

In Asturias :

• Asturias Airport

In Cantabria :

• Santander Airport

In the Basque Country :

• Bilbao Airport
• San Sebastián Airport
• Vitoria Airport

To find the best flight deals to the north of Spain , I recommend using Kiwi and Skyscanner . We’ve had the best luck finding cheap flights with Kiwi, and you can even activate price-drop alerts and keep track of the flights that interest you.

How to get around the north of Spain

The easiest way to get around during your northern Spain road trip is by renting a car. We have a complete guide on how to rent a cheap car , although I’ll tell you now that we always use DiscoverCars since they offer the best prices.

Of course, if you don’t want to drive, you won’t have any problems getting around since there are all kinds of tours in northern Spain . You can also get to different towns by train or bus, and I recommend checking Omio and Flixbus for discounted tickets .

Other tips for your road trip through northern Spain

If you’ve decided to take a road trip through northern Spain by car, make sure you calculate the driving times in advance so you can plan your route as accurately as possible. This is particularly important if you’re visiting two towns in one day since you’ll want to spend half the day in one town, then head to the other town and spend the night there.

Remember, there are many beautiful places in northern Spain , and the cities I mentioned are just my recommendations. Feel free to add or replace any attractions that don’t fit your schedule or interests. It’s also important to consider the weather, especially if you’re traveling in the winter. You may need snow tires or chains for the car depending on which area you go to.

Always keep water and some food with you in the car and try to keep your cell phone charged so you can make emergency calls or locate the nearest gas station.

Finally, if you want to enjoy the best food in northern Spain , try to avoid the more touristy areas. When in doubt, ask the locals and they’ll give you some great restaurant suggestions.

That’s it for this guide to the north of Spain ! I hope you feel better prepared to organize your northern Spain itinerary , and that you have the best time exploring this gorgeous part of the country.

If you have any questions, or if you want to share your favorite destinations in northern Spain , leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Have a fantastic trip!

Ascen Aynat

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Northern Spain Itinerary: Coastal Cities and Wineries (7 days in Spain)

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7 days in Spain.

Damn, is that it?

But hey, can I complain when the tourism board of one of the coolest countries on the planet is inviting you to come see a region you know nothing about and haven’t even thought of visiting yet?

No, no you can’t.

While I was traipsing through the North, I managed to visit four different regions and compile lists of things to do and places to see, all of which I have organized into separate pieces here on my site.

But, in the interest of streamlining information, and in case you only have time for a quick peek, I wanted to provide you with a highlight reel of sorts, a Northern Spain Itinerary for your own quick, or not so quick trip to the area.

If you’d like to get it all in, see each region, and really appreciate it, but don’t have eight months, I’d recommend planning at least ten full days in Northern Spain. If you can’t get away for that long, 7 days in Spain will get you a little bit of everything, on the fast track.

A Northern Spain itinerary 7-day plan is workable.

I’ll provide you with the four regions you must see and the best things to do and see for each place. This way, you’ll be sure to get the most from your trip, and you’ll end up longing for more just like me. We can be nostalgic together.

Table of Contents

Resources for Your Trip:

San juan de gaztelugatxe, bodegas vidular winery, pazo de galegos, santiago de compostela, 7 days in spain: how to get around, one week in spain itinerary: granada, seville, & madrid, north spain: cantabria's wineries and palaces, north spain: visit galicia's gardens and wineries, north spain: the basque coast, txakoli, and pintxos, north spain: asturias beach towns, cliffs & cider, northern spain itinerary.

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Northern Spain Itinerary: Basque Coast for 2 Days

Oh, Basque! How I love you so. This may be my favorite area of Northern Spain, though I loved it all. Basque is its own little place in the world, and throughout many periods of history, it fought for its independence from Spain.

Basque Coast is romantic, unique, gorgeous and ethereal.

I felt like I was on a movie set while there. In fact, I was at one point! I live and breathe for coastlines and pintxos, I’m a simple girl what can I say?

Explore more about the Basque Coast with me…

I felt like I was in a historical romance novel while wandering along the pathways in this area.

It’s no wonder that some scenes from Game of Thrones are shot here. It is a slice of heaven that you must not miss while on your Northern Spain itinerary. Should you be willing to take on all 241 one steps, you can visit that adorable church at the top.

Talk about history! Laguardia used to be an underground village.

This place is so full of antiquity and archeology that you will want to write your own historical novel once you leave. Laguardia stays with you for life. The tunnels that were once dug as defense holds are now filled with wine and vibrant life with bars and wine cellars. It is such an eclectic mix of past meets present.

It’s hard to avoid Bilbao during your visit and why would you? While you may want to escape to the coast as quickly as possible, I urge you to spend a day or two roaming the hip city that’s nestled in the rolling green hills.

The Guggenheim Museum is as spectacular from the outside as it is from the inside (and I’m not a big museum-goer!). While wandering the city, the charming alleyways and the eclectic facades telling the story of time will rope you in.

Oh! And the Basque Coast has their own riff on tapas, they are called pintxos (OK they are essentially just like tapas) and you will likely go pintxos bar hopping… If you want to be like a local that is. Grab a few  pintxos at a few different bars until you’re full. Pair it with some txakoli, the regional wine, and you’ll be set!

Popular Northern Spain Tours Around the Basque Coast:

• Basque Country 3 Capitals 5-Day Coach Tour

↠ Read more about what to do and see along the Basque Coast .

Northern Spain Itinerary: Cantabria for 2 Days

Albarino and art! Okay, who am I kidding? Emphasis on the Albarino.

Cantabria is famous for its white wine which is citrusy and a bit sweet in taste.

I’m a red wine drinker by nature, but I couldn’t stop drinking this fresh white while in Cantabria. Oh, and there’s more than just wine… promise.

If you visit no other winery in Cantabria, you must visit these brothers and their family-run winery.

Bodegas Vidular Winery serves up a delightful Albarino to get you started and you’ll get to smaple the dessert wine a la a delicious orujo.

The winery is gorgeous, the wine is fabulous, what more can you ask for? Oh, yea, there are cozy Napa style cabins to spend the whole weekend in. If you have 7 days in Spain, take at least 1 of them here.

While in Cantabria, and perhaps still tipsy from the Albarino, be sure to visit El Capricho de Gaudi , a spectacularly vivid and wacky piece of work by Gaudi while in his thirties.

El Capricho is in the Santander Center area, so you will have a ton of art to explore while there, including the grand palace itself. This is an area to wander, to drift in and out of rooms and walkways, and in and out of the past and the present.

↠ Read more about what to do in Cantabria .

Popular Northern Spain Tours Around Cantabria:

• City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Northern Spain Itinerary: Asturias for 2 Days

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches!

Asturias is home to not only what seems like a trillion beaches, but those beaches also happen to be peppered with a combination of the old world and the new.

Colonists from Latin America brought money back from the new world and used it to build houses that closely resemble the beautiful Spanish homes you’ll see throughout Latin America. These homes are seaside and many have been converted for public use today. So Asturias will give you a bit of beach and a bit of history.

There’s a reason this town is on the top of my Asturias list. The town is lovely, the beach is stunning, and it seems like the sun is always shining. I’m definitely a sun lover. Sit on a cliff, look down at the beach, and then head down for a walk in the waves. Be sure to go during off-season, unless you like huge crowds. The locals know Llanes is the place to be.

If you’re looking for some great hiking, a mere two hours north you’ll find tons of hikes in Picos de Europe with some seriously stunning mountain views.

In stark contrast to Llanes is Cudillero. If Llanes is a tourist hotspot, Cudillero is its sleepy sister. But that’s what makes it great. You must experience one and then the other to understand and appreciate the stark contrast. Enjoy the simplicity here, visit a small cafe, and bask in the slow daily pace of a life well lived.

Oviñana, Ribadesella, and Luarca are all worth a visit as well!

The apple scene in Asturias is like no other. Who knew apples could be so cool? They made some truly spectacular apple desserts but what really steals the scene… is the sidra, or cider. Usually, cider , to me, is a bit overly sweet, which isn’t my thing. Not this cider!

It’s perfect and the way it’s poured is highly entertaining. To keep the bubbles fresh in your cup, it’s poured from up high and aimed at the glass below. It’s poured in single shots so your cider never goes flat. Drink all the cider!

↠ Read more about what to do while visiting Asturias .

Northern Spain Itinerary: Galicia for 2 Days

Wine and bagpipes! Seriously though, if that was all Galicia had to offer, it would be plenty. Who needs more in life than wine and bagpipes?

I discovered during my trip to Galicia that the region has Celtic roots, which fascinated me so much that I’d love a trip back just to explore those roots more deeply.

I also happened to drink wine, a lot of wine, while wandering the palatial wineries the region is known for. Hey, when in Rome. Er, Galicia.

If you visit no other winery during your time in Galicia, visit this one. Pazo de Galegos is a sprawling father-son winery that offers luxury, abundant green nature to bask in, and, of course, top-quality wine.

The attention to detail and tradition is clear here, obviously a family run business. I felt like a beloved family member, with a glass of wine in my hand, so of course, I can’t wait to go back. Meet me there and we’ll clink wine glasses!

The grand city  you’ll likely base in has wineries, historically significant buildings, and the “regular” Spain charm you’ve surely become accustomed to by now. Meander outside the city walls to Manolo Paz’s Menhirs or Castro de Viladonga to explore those Celtic roots Galicia boasts.

↠  Read more about what to do in Galicia .

Popular Northern Spain Tours Around Galicia

• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour
• Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

To be able to get around efficiently and experience most of the things on this trip, you’ll need to rent a vehicle . It’s the only way to truly get around in shorter periods of time.

Alternatively, you can take a few tours around the main area if that suits your need more. Individual tours are mentioned above.

So there you have it. My absolute musts while spending (at least) 7 days in Spain if you’re into wine and coastlines (and who isn’t?)! There is, of course, so much more, and you can take a look at my much longer independent essays on the site for more in-depth travel info (below). Which area are you most excited about on this Northern Spain itinerary?

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Ilove the Itinerary and i will be doing it. I am doing a budget travel and i don’t know to drive a car . Can you please help with any other alternative?

10 Days In Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary, From Barcelona to Bilbao

Planning a road trip in northern Spain? Here’s the perfect 10 day road trip itinerary takes you from the cultured city of Barcelona in Catalonia to the culinary and architectural haven of Bilbao in the Basque region.

These regions are divine, renowned for their sun-kissed beaches, architectural masterpieces, must see art museums, and rich gastronomic traditions. And wine!

A road trip is the perfect way to take in the wide variety of amazing destinations in northern Spain.

Let’s hit the road for the perfect route from Barcelona to Bilbao. You’ll be rewarded with a world rich in contrasts — tranquil medieval villages, golden sand beaches, dazzling contemporary and Gaudi-designed architecture, the best red wine, and some world class art.

Overview Of 10 Days In Northern Spain

Here’s a snapshot glance at the path you’ll follow for this ten days in northern Spain itinerary:

• Day 1 : Explore Barcelona
• Day 2 : Explore Barcelona
• Day 3 : Drive to the La Rioja region, stop in Zaragoza en route
• Day 4 : Explore La Rioja
• Day 5 : Optional Day Trip to Pamplona

Day 6 : Day Trip To Vitoria-Gasteiz

• Day 7 : Drive To San Sebastian
• Day 8 : Explore San Sebastian
• Day 9 : Drive to Bilbao, stop in Getaria en route

Day 10 : Explore Bilbao

This detailed 10 day Spain road trip itinerary is perfectly adjustable. You can make it shorter or longer, depending on your available vacation time or personal fast/slow travel pace. I’ve tried to give you a mix of cities, leisurely villages, and nature.

You’ll have four bases for touring Spain’s northern exposures: Barcelona (2 nights), La Rioja region (4 nights), San Sebastian (2 nights), Bilbao (2 nights). Don’t pick up your rental car until you leave Barcelona and drop it off right away in Bilbao. You won’t want a car in these two cities.

10 Day Itinerary for a Northern Spain Road Trip

Days 1-2: explore barcelona.

You start your ten days in northern Spain in the beautiful city of Barcelona . You could easily spend a week in Barcelona and not get bored.

A city like no other, Barcelona is a non-stop feast for the eyes. Barcelona is rich in historic sites, with some of the world’s most unique and fantastical architecture . The city is bordered on one side by mountains and the other by golden sand beaches. Barcelona has nine UNESCO sites.

Gothic Quarter

Begin day 1 with a stroll down the teeming maze-like Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most celebrated central artery near the Gothic Quarter.

It’s an almost one mile walk from Placa Catalunya to the old port, taking you past historic sights in a sensory free fall with a dash of carnival atmospherics.

There’s a lot to see in the Gothic Quarter . You may want to book a guided walking tour . You can also book a guided food tour in the evening.

It’s magical and ancient district of history-steeped back streets and charming squares. The must see sites include Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, Placa Reial, Palau Guell, La Boqueria, and Palau de la Musica.

You can’t leave Barcelona without visiting two of Gaudi’s most famous masterpieces — Casa Batllo and La Pedrera . They’re only minutes apart on the the Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample neighborhood.

It’s essential to book skip the line tickets for each site well in advance. You can’t miss these two Gaudi gems, which still seem startlingly modern. Click here for skip the lines tickets to Casa Batllo and here for La Pedrera.

Sagrada Familia

A 5 minute taxi ride away is Sagrada Familia. The basilica is Gaudi’s wildly creative and vertigo-inspiring masterpiece.

It’s the undisputed jewel of Barcelona, with its beige-pink spires that culminate in glitter. Despite being under continuous construction, Sagrada Familia is a place of superlatives both inside and out.

The exterior of the basilica is audacious and “gaudy” in appearance, a mountain (or termite hill) almost. But the interior is entirely sublime.

Gaudi intended it to be a retreat into nature. And, indeed, you could be standing in a majestic star-lit white forest. It’s an astonishing space, an alternative reality full of detail.

Here’s my complete guide to Sagrada Familia . You’ll need to book a skip the line ticket to visit.

To complete your Gaudi architectural tour, visit Park Güell, perhaps at sunset. Park Guell also requires a timed entry pre-booked ticket .

Park Guell might be Gaudi’s most fantastical and hyperactive creation. It’s a large 30 acre public park and bejeweled garden complex, with stunning mosaic art, located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona’s Gracia neighborhood.

You should also explore Montjuic one afternoon or evening. You get there via taxi or glass cable car up to the hilly Montjuic area. Click here for information on taking the cable car.

On Montjuic, you’ll find the Miro Foundation, a beautifully designed museum with works by the Surrealist artist Joan Miro. You’ll also find the Magic Fountain, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, National Museum of Catalan Art, Olympic sites, and a botanical garden.

Where To Stay In Barcelona : Mandarin Oriental ,  Cotton House ,  Hotel Arts , The Serras ,  Hotel Cataloinia Passeig de Gracia , Hotel Bagues  

Day 3-4: A Sip To Sip Tour of the La Rioja Region

On day 3 of your 10 days in northern Spain itinerary, pick up your car and head west to the La Rioja region. That will be your base for the next 4 nights.

There, you’ll indulge in wine and/or embark on day trips to the beautiful off the radar cities of Pamplona and Vitoria-Gasteiz. This Napa-like region is small and easily covered by car.

La Rioja is one of Europe’s best wine regions, specializing in world famous lush reds and crisp oak-aged whites. There are more than 600 wineries in La Rioja.

Most wineries require an appointment. La Rioja is studded with medieval villages, grape vines, and modernist architectural works by Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.

You may want to book a wine tour .

1. Stop in Zaragoza

It’s an approximately 4.5 drive from Barcelona to the La Rioja region. Break up your drive by stopping for lunch in Zaragoza, a good midway point.

Zaragoza is a lovely hidden gem in Spain. Zaragoza is stuffed with Renaissance and Moorish buildings, wonderful museums, and a grand cathedral.

Zaragoza is known for its gastronomy, so you’ll have a delicious lunch on your stopover. Try Casa Lac, Casa Unai, Montal, Celebris, or Cafe Nolasco.

You can also book a guided walking tour or a guided wine tour in the city.

2. Bases for La Rioja

Here are the best four bases for visiting in and around La Rioja. Pick one that matches your personal taste, and visit the others during your time in La Rioja. Or, pick a couple that appeal, if you don’t mind changing your base.

Logrono is the capital of La Rioja. It’s a small city, but the largest one in the region. You’ll find a fantastic selection of hotels, pintxos bars (Tastavin!), and restaurants.

Logrono has a unique mix of an atmospheric medieval quarter, tree-studded squares, and imaginative modern architecture.

If you’re looking for a relaxed rural atmosphere, this isn’t the place for you. If you’re into night life, then Logrono is the perfect place to stay.

If you’re going car-less, you should stay in Logrono and take buses or taxis to your chosen destinations.

Where To Stay In Logrono : Aurea Palacio de Correos , Hotel Sercotel Calle Mayor

Competing with Logrono, Haro is also frequently dubbed the capital of La Rioja. It’s a smaller town.

But it still has an attractive medieval quarter, an intense concentration of historic wineries, and a fine selection of bars and restaurants. (Try Las Duelas.)

It’s not a big city, but there’s plenty to do, see, eat, and drink. On June 29th each year, you can experience the Haro Wine Festival.

Where To Stay In Haro : Eurostars Los Agustinos

Laguardia is located in the Basque side of Rioja wine region, Rioja Alavesa. It is a beautiful and atmospheric medieval town with loads of charm.

The town was originally built as a fortification against Castilian aggression in the 12th century. Despite its diminutive size, there’s still a decent selection of places to stay, restaurants, and wineries.

The titanium-canopied hotel has a Michelin starred restaurant and a spa. It’s also associated with the historic Marques de Riscal winery, which dates from 1858.

Where To Stay In Laguardia : Casa Rural Eruetxe , Hospederia de los Parajes

For a splurge, check into the Hotel Marques de Riscal , just outside Logrono. Frank Gehry’s stunning redesign of a chateau is a true masterpiece and a La Rioja destination in and of itself.

Click here for a guide to the best wineries in Haro and here for the best wineries in Logrono. Be sure to visit Bodegas Ysios. It’s a boutique winery designed, in futuristic fashion, by famed (but controversial) architect Santiago Calatrava

3. Other La Rioja Destinations

If you’d like to do some castle hopping along with wine imbibing, there are a few castles nearby — Castillo de Sajazarra, Castillo de Briones, and Castillo de Davlillo.

Another place you shouldn’t miss is San Millan de la Cogolla. The UNESCO town is the birthplace of Castellano, the modern written and spoken Spanish language.

Visit both Suso Monastery (book online in advance), consecrated in the 10th century, and the nearby Convent of Canas . Between the monasteries, is another great wine bodega, David Moreno.

Day 5: Day Trip To Pamplona

On day 5, if you can tear yourself away from the wineries, head to Pamplona. Pamplona is the leafy and underrated capital of the Navarre region in greater Basque Spain.

It’s a well-heeled university town, home to one of Spain’s most famous and testosterone-fueled festival, the Running of the Bulls, which takes place one week in July.

The San Fermin Festival, a 24/7 party atmosphere, attracts 1 million visitors annually to watch men outrun bulls (or be gored). If it’s not festival time, you can walk the path men and bull follow, called the Encierro. They run through narrow streets to the bull ring, the Plaza de Toros de Pamplona.

But there’s more to Pamplona than bulls. Even if the bulls aren’t thundering down cobblestone streets, picturesque Pamplona will appeal.

It has a grand Gothic cathedral, well-preserved 16th century fortifications, and medieval streets and squares. Pamplona is also a stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Pamplona’s old town was beloved by Ernest Hemingway, who used to nibble pintxos and fill up on the local liqueur, Pacharan, at the historic Cafe Iruna. He set part of The Sun Also Rises in the pretty Plaza del Castillo and helped make the San Fermin festival famous.

You’ll also be in foodie heaven in Pamplona. Spain is known for its jamon, queso, and croquettas.

But Navarre is know for the intense freshness and quality of its local produce. If you stay for dinner, try La Olla, Bar Gaucho, El Mercao, or Bodegon Sarria.

Art lovers can head to Pamplona’s Museo de Navarra, which boasts a collection of Goyas, Roman mosaics, and murals. Just outside Pamplona, in the village of Alzuza, there’s a museum dedicated to the great Basque sculptor Jordge Oteiza.

To see it all, you may want to book a guided walking tour .

Vitoria-Gasteiz is a lovely art-filled small city about an hour from Bilbao. It’s surprisingly overlooked by tourists. But perhaps it won’t be for long, with the good press the town has received in the last decade.

In 2012, Vitoria-Gastiez was named Spain’s Green Capital, for its profusion of pedestrianized squares, gardens, and parks. In 2014, the town was named Spain’s Gastronomy Capital for its delicious restaurants and foodie culture.

In 2021, National Geographic named it among the 25 best travel destinations, calling Vitoria a “timeless place the will define our future itineraries.” I recommend booking a  guided walking tour of the historic center .

At the summit of Vitoria’s old town, you can stroll through the impeccably preserved medieval quarter. The streets are named after medieval craftsmen’s guilds.

Gape at the magnificent and imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria. The Gothic cathedral dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Restoration is ongoing.

Browse in the beautiful Plaza de la Virgen Blanc. In the plaza, you’ll find lots of shops and eateries. Then, take a stroll through the old quarter and under the arcaded passageways of the Paseo de los Arquillos.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is also known as the “painted town” and there are street art murals scattered around the city.

Art lovers can’t miss the Atrium Museum, opened in 2002. In subterranean galleries, you’ll find a fantastic collection of modern art. It includes pieces by Chillada, Miro, and Oteiza. Vitoria-Gasteiz also has a fine arts museum, where you’ll find works by other Spanish artists.

If you stay in town for dinner, head to the Michelin-starred Zaldiaran. Another tasty option is Ikea. If you want pintxos, head to the award winning Sagartoki or Tolono. The tourist office also offers a “Pintxo Map,” so you can do a proper pintxos crawl of the town.

Day 7-8 : Drive To and Explore San Sebastian

From Vitoria-Gasteiz, it’s a 1:20 drive to your next base, San Sebastian. The New York Times says “To visit San Sebastian, is to fall in love.”

San Sebastian is an incredible seaside Basque city, and tourists flock there. San Sebastian is renowned as a foodie resort town and beachy playground.

Its stunning beach, the crescent-shaped La Concha, is world famous and considered one of Europe’s best beaches. The city’s filigreed balconies and Belle Epoque buildings give it a classical elegance.

San Sebastian’s historic center, Parte Vieja, is picturesque. It’s sprinkled with an endless variety of upscale stores, churches, vibrant pintxos bars, and tony restaurants.

Be sure to check out the beautiful Bell Epoque City Hall, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, San Vicente Church, and the Cathedral of the Good Shepard.

San Sebastian’s old town also has one of Basque Spain’s best museums, the San Telmo Museum . Housed in a restored convent and a contemporary wing, you’ll find both artifacts and cutting edge modern art.

If you want some exercise to leaven the sunshine and beach time, you can stroll along the dreamy C-shaped beachside trail.

At the far west end, just beyond Ondarreta beach, are metal sculptures — the Comb of the Wind , by renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillada. It consists of iron installations in the rocks, which seems to “comb” the wind as the water crashes.

Hike up Mount Igueldo for the classic San Sebastian vista. Or, hike up the lesser known Mount Urgull to the local castle, the 12th century Castillo de la Mota. The views are amazing.

If you’re a food traveler, you’ll be in seventh heaven. San Sebastian is frequently called the food capitol of the world. It has 25 Michelin restaurants and boasts three restaurants with the rarest of accolades: a three star Michelin rating. Be sure to book well in advance at Mugaritz, Arzak, or Kokotxa.

San Sebastian also has a thriving pintxos scene. The cardinal rule of Basque pintxos-bar dining is to never stop moving, sampling different haute cuisine bites on your nocturnal journey.

The best ones are Gambara and Txepeta. Or, just wander between Calle Fermin Calbeton and Calle 31 de Agosto and see what’s on offer. You can also go on a guided pintxos and wine tour .

Where To Stay In San Sebastián : Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra ,  Hotel Maria Cristina , Akellare Relais & Chateaux , Hotel La Galeria  

Day 9: Drive To Bilbao, Stop in Getaria

On day 9, you’ll drive from San Sebastian to Bilbao. En route, stop for lunch or a visit in the pretty secret fishing village of Getaria, just 30 minutes from San Sebastian.

Getaria is one of the most charming towns on the Basque coast, jutting out into the sea with an attractive sandy beach (Gaztepe). It’s a pristine medieval fishing village with old world charm, stone houses, and gorgeous landscapes. You’ll have picture-perfect coastline views.

Getaria is home to the Basque regions’s signature drink, txakoli, a sparkling white wine. You can visit several wineries in and around the town. Getaria is also known for its seafood, particularly baby squid and turbot.

Getaria has a pretty Gothic church and is the birthplace of haute couture fashion icon Cristobal Balenciaga. There’s a museum dedicated to his life and work. You get there via an incongruous outdoor escalator at the outer edge of the town.

Try to depart Getaria and arrive in Bilbao by mid afternoon, so you can explore. It’s a one hour drive from Getaria to Bilbao.

Bilbao is an incredibly cool and underrated city in Spain. It’s beautifully situated amid rolling green hills and mountain ranges — an urban landscape in a country setting. Glimmering on the Nervion River, Bilbao is chock full of historic landmarks, Michelin restaurants, and world class museums.

After you’ve arrived and settled in, explore Casco Viejo. Bilbao’s medieval quarter. You’ll find the “seven streets” of the historic center, where Bilbao was born.

They are teeming with lively and quirky cafes, pintxos (tapas) bars, tony shops, and tiny squares. Locals mix with tourists and there’s definitely Basque energy flowing.

The centerpiece of old town is Santiago Cathedral, a 15th century church with a Gothic facade and decorations. It’s free to enter. For 2 euros, you can peak into the cloister from the famous Door of the Angel.

For a pre-dinner cocktail, head to 19th century Plaza Nuevo or the “New Plaza.” It’s a beautiful Neo-Classical arcade square.

Plaza Nuevo is a gourmet heaven. Popular pintxos spots in Plaza Nuevo include Cafe Bar Bilbao, Gure-Tok, and Casa Victor Montes. It’s common custom to hop from bar to bar sampling the wares.

Loosen your belt in Bilbao. Bilbao has 22 Michelin starred restaurants , including one three starred restaurant, and is considered a foodie haven. Azurmendi , with its three Michelin stars, is the jewel of Bilbao. Restaurant Mina is another culinary trendsetter and deserving Michelin star recipient.

Aside from these heavy hitters, Bilbao also has fabulous local restaurants, many scattered throughout its old town. You can find innovative pintxos and food at Irrintzi, La Vina Del Ensanche, Cafe Iruna, and Ledesma No 5.

Bilbao is the Basque region’s premiere city, a foodie destination with great architecture. I advise booking a guided walking tour or a guided food tour .

Guggenheim Museum

Start your final day in northern Spain with a visit to the world famous Guggenheim Museum . It’s locatedin Bilbao’s Abando neighborhood. You can grab breakfast/brunch at the nearby at Sua San, a chic eatery just opposite the museum.

Inaugurated in 1997, Frank Gehry’s twisting shimmering museum is the star of Bilbao. It’s been likened to both a palace and a ship. The museum even has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao, focusing on local Basque ingredients.

The museum exterior courtyards are scattered with world renowned sculptures: Jeff Koon’s massive flowering Puppy, Louise Bourgeois’ 30 foot Maman spider, Anish Kapoor’s Tall Tree and the Eye, and the newest piece Fujiko Nakaya’s The Fog Sculpture.

On the inside, the architecture continues to amaze. There’s a glass-enclosed 50 meter atrium, crowned with a skylight in the shape of a metal flower. Light suffuses the place.

Inside lies a modern art collection on par with Europe’s best modern art museums. You’ll find works by Robert Motherwell, Cy Twombley, Yves Klein, Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol, Eduardo Chillada, and Anselm Kiefer.

A highlight for me was walking through Richard Serra’s outsize and powerful Matter of Time steel sculptures.

Book your skip the line ticket here .

Azkuna Zentroa

To the west of Guggenheim lies what may be Bilbao’s most beautiful and interesting building, Azkuna Zentroa . It’s a bizarre but brilliant culture and leisure center. The building was reimagined by French designer Philippe Starck.

On the outside, it’s a mock medieval castle. On the inside, Azkuna is all Starck, an adventure in experiential contemporary art. Its vast foyer is supported by 43 squat stylized pillars.

It houses a public gym, swimming pool (with a glass bottom), a library, a restaurant, tapas bars, a rooftop terrace, and modern art exhibitions.

Mercado de la Ribera

For lunch, head to the foodie paradise of the Mercado de la Ribera food market on the Nervion River. La Ribera is Europe’s largest indoor food hall.

There’s been a market on this site since the 14th century. Today’s beautiful Art Deco building was built in 1929. As part of Bilbao’s urban renewal, the market was restored and reopened in 2011 to acclaim.

You’ll see goat carcasses and pig heads. But you can also check out the beautiful stained glass panels. Bilbao’s wolfish coat of arms is in the largest panel. Across from the Ribera you can admire the beautiful Neo-Baroque Teatro Arriaga, modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris .

El Ensanche

After lunch, take a stroll through Bilbao’s El Ensache neighborhood. The main boulevard of this tony neighborhood, known as the Gran Via, is Gran Via Don Diego Lopez de Haro. It’s the most cosmopolitan area of the city. There are lots of first rate shops, restaurants, and bars.

On Gran Via, you can also inspect Bilbao’s “Fosteritos.” This is the nickname given to the graceful and sensuous segmented glass entrances to Bilbao’s metro system, designed by architect Norman Foster. The “Fosteritos” were built at the same time as the Guggenheim and are part of Bilbao’s urban architecture.

This area contains some of Bilbao’s most important renovated and eye catching buildings: La Equativo (by Manuel Galíndez), the Banco de Bilbao (by Pedro Guimón), the Naviera de la Sota y Aznar building (by Manuel María Smith Ibarra), and Bilbao Department of Health Building (by Juan Coll-Barreu).

Plaza San Jose is also a must visit square in El Ensanche. It was named after the brilliantly white Church of San Jose.

In the square, you’ll find three over-sized bronze sculptures by Vicente Larrea. Commissioned between 2003-05, the sculptures are made of folded sheets of steel resembling rock formations.

Funicular & Zubizuri Bridge

In the late afternoon, take a funicular ride from the Bilbao’s city center to Mount Artxanda for an aerial view of the city. It’s a must do activity in Bilbao. From the Guggenheim, cross the stark white Zubizuri footbridge and it’s a short walk to the funicular.

The Zubuzuri was designed by the acclaimed (but controversial) Santiago Calatrava, a Neo-Futuristic architect. It’s popularly known as the Calatrava Bridge. The bridge connects El Ensanche with the Calle Campo de Volatin, where you can take a pedestrianized stroll along the Nervion River.

The bridge almost looks like a sailboat on the river. Residents either hate it or love it. The glass tiled footpath became known as the “wipeout bridge” because of its slipperiness after frequent rain in Bilbao.

After enjoying the views, pick another of Bilbao’s fine restaurants for dinner. Or go on a pintxos crawl.

Where To Stay In Bilbao : Hotel Carlton , Vincci Consulado de Bilbao , Occidental Bilbao , Hotel Miro

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 day road trip itinerary for northern Spain. You may enjoy these other Spain travel guides and resources:

• Day Trips From Bilbao
• 3 Day Seville Itinerary
• 2 Day Itinerary for Madrid
• 10 Day Road Trip From Madrid to Seville
• 10 Day Itinerary for Basque Spain
• Six 1 Week Itineraries for Spain
• 25 Famous Landmarks in Spain
• 10 Day Itinerary for Andalusia
• 30+ Hidden Gems in Spain

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Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

A 5-day Northern Spain Itinerary By Train – Cider, Bagpipes And A Surprising Gaudí

Posted on Last updated: 05/12/2023

Categories SPAIN

This Northern Spain itinerary by train takes you through some of the most underrated cities in the country. Find out how easy it is to travel around Northern Spain by train, and discover four off-the-beaten-path cities that will captivate you.

As Agatha Christie once said, “Trains are wonderful…. To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.”

And I have to agree with her. Train travel is the most wonderful way to travel and you do indeed get to see the world around you in a way that you wouldn’t from any other mode of transport.

Not only is it a very romantic way to travel, but train travel is the most sustainable and eco-friendly way too. So there’s no better way to explore this lesser known area of Spain.

This 5-day Northern Spain itinerary by train includes a little bit of everything – from coastal cities and mountain views, to foodie destinations and architectural gems.

Whether you’re into history, culture or good hearty food, this North Spain itinerary has something for you.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Day 1 – Arrival in Asturias
• 1.2 Day 2 – Gijón, ancient coastal city
• 1.3 Day 3 – Oviedo, city of bagpipes and cider
• 1.4 Day 4 – León, medieval wonders and Gaudí
• 1.5 Day 5 – Valladolid, a vibrant university city

5-day Northern Spain itinerary by train

Day 1 – arrival in asturias.

Asturias is not the easiest region in Spain to get to, but with some of the best of Northern Spain on offer here, the extra effort is sure to be more than worth it. 

The quickest way to get here is by flying into Asturias airport from London. Vueling is the only international airline that flies directly, but you can fly from all over the world via Madrid. > Check the best deals on flights on Skyscanner here

If you would like to avoid flying, you could take a ferry from Plymouth to Santander . Once there, take the train from Santander to Gijón , where this 5-day Northern Spain itinerary by train starts.

Another alternative would be to take the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao . Getting from Bilbao to Gijón by train is not straight forward, so if your first port of call in Spain is Bilbao, I would recommend doing this itinerary in reverse and starting in Valladolid.

You can get to Valladolid by train in 3h 20mins. > Check the best deals on train fares on Omio here

Day one of this North Spain itinerary is mostly a travel day, so take the opportunity to take it easy and settle in after you’ve arrived. 

I stayed at the Abba Playa Gijón Hotel , which is right by the beach. If you stay here, you can take a leisurely walk along the promenade, and end the day with a cocktail or two on their rooftop bar. It has wonderful views over the bay. > Book Abba Playa Gijón Hotel here

Day 2 – Gijón, ancient coastal city

Gijón is an industrial port with a history that goes back to Roman times. It is the biggest city in Asturias and the perfect place to start this itinerary of Northern Spain by train.

Discover Medieval Gijón

What started off as a small fishing village called Cimadevilla, is now a bustling city with a vibrant atmosphere. And the best way to get a feel for Gijón is to wander around both the Old Town and neighbouring areas.

The Old Town, still called Cimadevilla , was traditionally the fishermans’ quarter of Gijón. It’s located next to what once was the fishing port and is now the marina. 

Cimadevilla’s picturesque streets and squares have been witness to historical events through the ages – from Roman times, through the Middle Ages, to current times.

During the day it feels like a sleepy village, but these seemingly quiet streets come alive at night, with people gathering around the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Enjoy the best views of the bay

As you walk through the Old Town, head to Cerro de Santa Catalina (St Catherine’s Hill). On your way to the top, you will find Batería de Santa Catalina (St Catherine’s Battery), a 19th century gunnery, now the home to a skate park.

On the highest point of the Cerro is Chillida’s enormous concrete sculpture ‘Elogio del Horizonte’ ( Tribute to the Horizon ). Its size and abstract shape have led it to be dubbed as ‘King Kong’s Toilet’ by humorous locals.

This striking monument has become the symbol of the city, and from here you can enjoy sweeping views of Gijón and San Lorenzo Bay .

As you walk down from the Cerro towards San Lorenzo Beach, make sure you stop at the Roman Baths , where you can learn how the Romans used public baths. Entry is free.

Explore the Modernist architecture

If you are a fan of European cafe culture, you must not miss Cafe Dindurra , Gijon’s answer to European traditional cafes. This elegant modernist cafe can easily rival cafes in Vienna or Paris, with its majestic columns.

Built at the start of the 20th century, Cafe Dindurra was built as part of an ambitious block, whose centre was a theatre. The cafe was designed to connect directly with the theatre. Jovellanos Theatre now occupies the centre of the block.

Modernist architecture is ubiquitous in Gijón. It reveals how forward thinking the city was at the start of the last century. And this attitude has carried forward with a city that has reinvented itself from being an industrial hub to being a city designed with its residents in mind.

Corrida Street is a pedestrianised street where these two aspects of Gijón’s character come together. Don’t forget to look up as you walk down the city’s liveliest street.

Where to stay in Gijón

Stay a second night at Abba Playa Gijón Hotel for convenience and comfort. Alternatively, here are a couple of highly rated options:

• El Môderne Hotel
• Hotel Santa Rosa
• Balenax Pensión

Train from Gijón to Oviedo Gijón to Oviedo journey time – approximately 27 mins Train type – ALVIA high-speed train > Check prices and book your tickets here

Day 3 – Oviedo, city of bagpipes and cider

Founded in the 8th century, Oviedo was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Asturias. Although no longer a Kingdom, Asturias is a Spanish principality with a strong local identity, and Oviedo is still its capital today.

Hunt for statues that tell stories

As you arrive in Oviedo, you will see that it is very different from Gijón. Oviedo’s Old Town oozes charm in every corner, and you will want to wander aimlessly through its narrow streets, getting lost and discovering hidden squares and picturesque lanes.

Oviedo invites you to walk, and as you wander around you will notice an abundance of statues . There are over 170 scattered all over the city! Every other street, crossroad, and square has a statue offering a tribute to elements of Asturian culture. 

A couple that stood out for me were ‘La Lechera’ (The Milkmaid) in Trascorrales Square, which celebrates the milkmaids that used to distribute milk across the city with their donkeys. This practice continued until the 1970s.

I would also like to mention the statue of ‘La Regenta’ (The Regent’s Wife), which can be found in the Cathedral Square. She is the character of a 19th century Spanish fictional novel. It is a classic that most Spaniards have read at school.

While you are in the Cathedral Square, make sure you visit Oviedo Cathedral . It is an important symbol of Spanish Gothic architecture, and the Holy Chamber is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can climb up to the top of the tower for 360 degree views of the city.

Catch the bagpipe bands

If you are in Oviedo on a Saturday or Sunday, there is a good chance that you will come across one of the local bandas de gaitas (bagpipe bands) while you are in the vicinity of the Cathedral Square.

You may be surprised to see and hear bagpipes, but this wind instrument, often exclusively associated with Scotland, is an important part of music in Celtic cultures such as Asturias, Galicia, and Brittany.

Try the local cuisine of Asturias

Another element that is deep rooted in the Asturian culture is the local cuisine . Known for its seafood and its hearty mountain stews, there are a few dishes that every visitor to Oviedo (or Asturias) should try.

The most famous local dish is fabada , a heavy but delicious bean and meat stew that will leave you feeling like you’ve just had the warmest of hugs. It is the epitome of comfort food.

Another traditional Asturian dish is cachopo , the Asturian version of cordon bleu. And for dessert, arroz con leche (local rice pudding) is as Asturian as it gets.

A well known place to try any of these dishes is La Corte de Pelayo Restaurant . Their fabada has been a finalist multiple times in the fabada competition, and their cachopo has won the best cachopo award with a recipe from 1947.

Immerse yourself in cider tradition

When it comes to drinks, cider is king in Asturias. In fact, you cannot visit this Northern Spanish region and not go to a sidrería (cider house), where cider is served by an escanciador (cider pourer). It is one of the most popular things to do in Oviedo .

Cider in Asturias is flat, so the act of escanciar involves pouring it from a height to create bubbles that help enhance the flavour of the cider. Each pour is about two fingers’ worth of drink. More than that and the carbonisation is lost by the time you drink it.

Asturias, land of cheeses

For me, the highlight of the food I tried while in Oviedo was the cheeses.

Asturias is often referred to as the land of cheeses . With over 40 types, it is Spain’s largest cheese producer. The variety and quality is astounding!

Don’t leave without trying a local cheese board. Sidrería Tierra Astur El Vasco has more than 40 varieties of cheese on offer, so the biggest problem you’ll have will be choosing which ones to try.

If you like strong and slightly spicy cheeses, try Casín . For blue cheese lovers, I recommend trying the world-famous Cabrales . And for those who prefer mild cheeses, Afuega’l Pitu is a fantastic choice!

If after a busy day (and a full stomach) exploring Oviedo you still have the energy for more, head to Mon Street, the heart of Oviedo nightlife . With plenty of bars and pubs to choose from, you are guaranteed a good night out. But this is Spain, so make sure you don’t turn up before 11pm!

Where to stay in Oviedo

I stayed at the Gran Hotel España in Oviedo. It is located at the edge of the Old Town and within a short walk from the main attractions. My room had a big balcony with great views over the city and the surrounding hills.

It’s also conveniently located opposite Camilo de Blas , a traditional sweet and patisserie shop where you can buy carbayones , a local specialty similar to eclairs. > Book Gran Hotel España here

Train from Oviedo to León Oviedo to León journey time – approximately 2h 20mins (ALVIA) or 2h 53mins (Regional) Train type – ALVIA high speed or Regional train > Check prices and book your tickets here

Day 4 – León, medieval wonders and Gaudí

Although it was my second visit to León, it was the first time I got to appreciate this historical city properly. My first visit was a quick overnight stay on my way to Santiago de Compostela while I walked the Camino .

Despite not being a religious or spiritual person, the Camino was the most important experience I’ve ever had and I’d go as far as to say it is one of my personal seven wonders of the world . 

Discover a city built for pilgrims

León was, and still is, an important stop for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago . And this has left an important legacy in the city.

Proof of this is the Convento de San Marcos , a former convent originally built in the 12th century as a shelter for pilgrims.

It was rebuilt in the plateresque style in the 16th century, giving it its current grand appearance. Today it is a luxury hotel run by the state-owned Paradores brand.

Enter the House of Light

Another clue of how important the city has been for the Camino de Santiago, is the magnificent León Cathedral . Its grandiosity is breathtaking, but the interior will truly blow you away. 

The light coming through the 1,800 sq metres of stained glass windows will make you gasp as you walk in and look up, earning it the nickname of House of Light.

I was impressed by the largest expanse of stained glass in the Cathedral in York , but León Cathedral takes things to the next level. It is one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the world, so admiring it is one of the top things to do in León .

What’s even more impressive is that around 80% of the stained glass is original, with the oldest glass dating back to the 13th, when the cathedral was built. You can clearly see that its construction was inspired by French Gothic cathedrals in Reims and Amiens.

Admire the Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque Art

Another important building in medieval León is the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro de León . The original church dates from the 9th century, but it was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries after being destroyed.

The church houses the tomb of St Isidore, Patron of Seville. But make sure you don’t miss visiting the Panteón Real (Royal Patheon), known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art’.

This vaulted chamber contains the tombs of kings and nobles of the ancient Kingdom of León. The stunning frescos that cover the ceiling are a medieval masterpiece. Incredibly, they’ve never been restored, they have only been cleaned up.

Find reminders of Roman León

The Middle Ages was the time when León flourished, thanks to the pilgrim-related trade. But León’s beginnings go further back in time. Founded as a Roman camp, the name does not come from the word ‘lion’, but rather from the word ‘legion’, which refers to its origins.

As you walk around the Old Town, you will come across sections of the medieval walls built on top of the original Roman city walls .

One curiosity is that locals have found a way of integrating the walls in everyday life. Walk down Serradores Street and you will see how residential houses have been built into the ancient walls.

Discover Leon’s Gaudí surprise

One of the biggest surprises that León has in store for visitors, is one of only three buildings designed and built by Gaudí outside Catalonia – Casa Botines .

Known for his modernist buildings in Barcelona such as Casa Batlló, Gaudí was commissioned to design a building by two cloth merchants in 1891. The building would serve as a residence for two families and a textile warehouse.

The result was a modernist building in the medieval style. Today the building houses a Gaudí museum about the building and his work, and also a small art gallery with works by artists such as Dalí, Goya and Chillida. 

Get lost in the Barrio Húmedo

Once you finish exploring the cultural aspects of León, head to the Barrio Húmedo , literally translated as ‘wet quarter’ due to the large number of bars and restaurants located in a relatively small area.

The Barrio Húmedo is centred around Plaza de San Martín (San Martin Square), and is one of the liveliest areas in the city. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of León nightlife , and to try the local tapas and the local wines.

Make sure you try Leonese cecina – like serrano ham but from beef. It is a lot leaner, drier, and has a more intense in flavour than serrano ham.

Where to stay in León

With so much history around León, it was only fitting that I stayed at the Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro , once part of the old monastery. The rooms were once monastery cells, although you wouldn’t guess it now. All the rooms have views over the old cloister or the roman walls. > Book Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro here

Train from León to Valladolid León to Oviedo journey time – approximately 1h (AVE) or 1h 11mins (ALVIA) Train type – AVE high speed or ALVIA high speed train > Check prices and book your tickets here

Day 5 – Valladolid, a vibrant university city

Valladolid is often overlooked as a destination by overseas visitors travelling on a Northern Spain itinerary, unless they are interested in the world famous Easter Week celebrations.

But Valladolid was once so important that it was the capital of Spain not only once, but twice – under King Charles I in the 16th century, and again between 1601 and 1606 under King Philip III. 

It has always been at the centre of the Catholic heartlands in Spain, and this is apparent in the dozens of churches scattered around the city, and the abundance of religious art on display in its museums.

Visit the site of the first human rights debate

To understand Valladolid’s part in Spain’s religious history, it is important to visit at least one of the city’s museums, and my recommendation would be to visit the emblematic College of San Gregorio, today the National Sculpture Museum .

The museum contains an expansive collection of religious art from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century. But even if you are not into sculpture as an art, the building itself is worth visiting.

The intricate carvings on the façade will have you staring at it and admiring the elaborate details. Inside, the 15th century cloister is stunning, and the ceilings of each room throughout the museum are also worth noting.

It was in this building where the very first debate about human rights in European history took place in 1550-1551. Known as the Valladolid Debate , it concerned the rights and treatment of indigenous people by European colonisers.

There were a number of opposing views about the way natives of the Americas were being integrated into Spanish society, their conversion to Catholicism, and their rights.

Admire Valladolid’s architectural jewels

As you wander around the city, it is worth highlighting two churches. Convent Church of San Pablo , with its plateresque-style façade, is one of Valladolid’s most famous buildings. Santa María La Antigua Church is a 14th century church with the tallest Romanesque tower in Spain.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Valladolid

Another important building in Valladolid is the Cathedral , a large Renaissance building that was never finished due to lack of funds. You can go to the top of the tower for great views of the city and the countryside beyond.

Have a meal (or two) with wine pairing

Valladolid has one of the most recognised wine growing regions in Spain, the Ribera del Duero . It is a Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP – protected designation of origin) and it’s a region that has been producing wine for thousands of years.

Because of this, Valladolid is a great city to do some wine tasting. But why not take it a bit further and enjoy the wine by pairing it with the local food?

For a lunchtime wine pairing experience, try Vinoteca Señorita Malauva , a wine pairing boutique run by Gustavo Calvo, an expert in wine tourism that also has his own winery. The food is made with local ingredients and is delicious too.

For dinner, don’t miss Restaurante Mêlel , an innovative space where hedonism and becoming a bon viveur is at the centre of everything. This eclectic place serves surprising and creative food with well paired wines from all over Spain. My favourite thing? The beef heart ssam.

Experience the Valladolid’s bars and nightlife

Valladolid is a university city. In fact, Valladolid University is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. And where there is a large university, you are guaranteed a vibrant nightlife too.

Valladolid is a city of bars and pubs. Head to Calle Paraíso , which is lined up with bars, and follow the crowds. You can’t really go wrong. Just make sure you are not out too early, as Valladolid’s party scene kicks off late.

Where to stay in Valladolid

I stayed in Boutique Hotel Gareus , an elegant boutique hotel in an early 20th century building. It is located in the historic centre of Valladolid, so it was very convenient for the main attractions of the city and for the train station. > Book Boutique Hotel Gareus here

Do you have any questions about this Northern Spain itinerary by train? Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Spanish Tourism . As always, all views are my own. 

Teresa is an award-winning travel blogger based in London. She’s on a mission to explore the world through responsible cultural and adventure travel , and through deeper, more meaningful local experiences. She’s a lover of adventure, the outdoors and everything food related, and she’s always looking for ways to make a positive impact through sustainable travel .

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Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary

Most people that travel to Spain end up in the south enjoying the sun-drenched beaches of Costa del Sol and the Moorish heritage of Andalucia, or in the big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, ​​but there's much more to discover in this Iberian country. We're heading North this time on a road trip from the Basque Country to Navarra, passing through picturesque medieval villages, wild beaches and charming wine regions.

We'll admire Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum and explore all the corners of the Picos de Europa National Park, all while tasting delicious pintxos and Rioja wine.

Our Northern Spain road trip starts in Bilbao and ends in Pamplona, lasting for about three weeks. But you can absolutely make this a shorter trip by skipping a few cities if you don’t have that much time. There are also several possible starting points, so you can follow along or choose a city that fits you and go from there.

Note: The links on this article will take you to a personalised itinerary of each city, which include tips on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.

Where to Start and End Your Northern Spain Road Trip

We started our trip in Bilbao, as this is one of the major cities in Northern Spain. The city has an airport with international flights but it is also connected to the UK via ferries that depart from Portsmouth. You can also start in San Sebastián, another Basque city, but this one only has a domestic airport, so you'll need to arrange transportation there from another city like Madrid. Another alternative is to begin in the Cantabria region around Santander, which also has ferries from the UK starting in Plymouth or Portsmouth. Depending on where you start your trip, you'll have a different ending point. When returning home, it's best to choose a city with flights or ferry access to your country. There are international airports in Bilbao (Basque Country), Santander (Cantabria) and Santiago de Compostela (Galicia).

Northern Spain Road Trip Duration

It's worth spending at least a week exploring Northern Spain. The area covers eight regions including the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, Castilla y León, La Rioja, Aragon and Navarra. You can start with a tour to the major cities within each region, such as Bilbao, San Sebastián, Santander, Gijón, Santiago de Compostela, León and Logroño, and spend a couple of days exploring its monuments. Then, you can plan short trips to smaller towns and cities like Zaragoza and Pamplona. Our journey stretches for 23 days and covers most of the region, including the Picos de Europa National Park and the beaches of Cantabria, but you can cut it down to two weeks or less depending on how much time you got.

Day 1-6: Basque Country Road Trip

As the biggest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao is the perfect starting point for a Northern Spain road trip. Once an industrial metropolis, this city dazzles visitors today with its striking architecture. Most people come here to see the Guggenheim museum, but there's much more to cover, including the viewpoint at Mount Artxanda or the 16th-century Basilica de Begoña. We're spending three days here but on this last one, we're heading to the outskirts to visit the towns of Getxo and Portugalete.

After Bilbao, head to San Sebastián , where you can spend some time by the beach and enjoy a meal at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants . Stay here for two days, and then move on to Vitoria-Gasteiz . Despite being the official capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria is the least visited city in the region. One day is enough to visit the city's top attractions including its Gothic cathedral and the lively food market.

Day 7-8: Cantabria

Our road trip continues in Cantabria with a visit to Castro Urdiales , a seaside town with a medieval vibe. Most of its top sites are located on a headland overlooking the water, including the Gothic Church of Santa María and the castle of Santa Ana. Spend one day here and then move on to Santander , the region's capital. Vast sandy beaches, modern art museums and delicious seafood await you in this coastal city facing the Cantabrian Sea. Beyond the beaches, there are also other noteworthy sights such as the cathedral and the Palacio de la Magdalena.

Day 9-11: Asturias

Further west from Cantabria is the region of Asturias. Gijón is the largest city here, featuring lively restaurants and seafront promenades. It's worth visiting the old fisherman's quarter known as Cimadevilla, where you'll find the Cerro de Santa Catalina park and an ancient fort.

After one day in Gijón, drive to Oviedo , the region's capital. Visit its pre-Romanesque churches and get lost in the narrow medieval lanes. Asturias is also famous for its cider, so do not leave without trying this refreshing drink. From Oviedo, you can set off to the Picos de Europa National Park. Part of the Cantabrian Mountains, this mountain range crosses the regions of Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y León. Here you can visit charming hilltop villages or follow one of the many hiking trails.

Day 12-17: Galicia Road Trip

The next stop is the region of Galicia. We start with a trip to another coastal city, A Coruña . Here you can enjoy a 1.4km sandy stretch, drink Estrella beer and capture landmarks such as the Torre de Hércules, one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world.

Spend two days here and then make your way to Santiago de Compostela , Galicia's capital and a famous pilgrimage site. While you're here, do not miss a visit to the stunning Cathedral and the city's monasteries. If you plan on walking the Camino de Santiago we've also included some tips for you.

After exploring Santiago for two days, move on to Vigo. Standing on the west coast of Spain, Vigo is also blessed with many beaches and provides easy access to the paradisiacal Cíes islands. Spend one day exploring the old town and then explore the outskirts on your second day, visiting places like the Ermida da Nosa Señora da Guía or the Museo Quiñones de León.

Day 18-19: Castilla y León

If you drive inland, you'll end up in the region of Castilla y León. The most northern city here is León , which is also a stop on the Camino de Santiago. The Gothic cathedral is the city's main attraction, but there are other places worth visiting including the Basilica de San Isidoro and the Casa Botines, a striking building designed by Gaudí. For food, make sure to check out the tapas bars at the historic neighborhood of Barrio Húmedo. Our two-day itinerary includes tips on where to eat, so you will not miss a thing.

Day 20: La Rioja

The journey continues in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja. This is the perfect base to explore the charming wine region of the same name. It's worth spending a day in Logroño exploring the city's picturesque squares and churches, before moving on to the vineyards. There are over 500 wineries spread across this region, but also covering Navarra and the Basque Country. If you want to learn more about this Spanish wine and the best local wineries, make sure to check out our La Rioja Wine Route Guide.

Day 21-22: Aragon

From La Rioja, head south to the region of Aragon, where you'll spend two days exploring its capital, Zaragoza. This riverside city is halfway between Madrid and Barcelona. Much less popular than those two major cities, Zaragoza deserves a visit for its historical heritage. Here, Roman theaters, Moorish fortresses and Baroque churches stand alongside each other. Noteworthy sites include La Seo Cathedral, the Aljafería Palace and the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The Spanish artist Goya was also born nearby, so many of the city's museums showcase his work.

Day 23: Navarre

The last stop on the road trip is Pamplona . This small town is mostly famous for hosting San Fermín, a bull-running festival that has been celebrated here for more than 200 years. If you miss this summer event, you can still enjoy the city's landmarks, such as the cathedral and the surrounding medieval streets. The city is also home to a series of parks, including a Japanese-style garden called Yamaguchi.

Note: The closest airports to Pamplona are San Sebastián and Bilbao, so you can get a flight home from either one of those cities or head further out to the Santander airport.

Northern Spain Train Journeys

Trains are also another alternative when exploring the North of Spain. You can pick the luxurious Transcantábrico train , which travels from the Basque Country to Galicia in about eight days and includes fine dining meals and city tours. Another alternative is the Narrow-Gauge Railways , a slow-paced journey that begins in San Sebastián and ends in the town of Ferrol in Galicia. You can also prolong your trip, by starting in France at the Hendaye railway station. Whichever train you choose, you can expect stunning scenic views along the way.

Northern Spain Road Trip Map From Bilbao

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Top Small Towns to Visit in Northern Spain in 2024

Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez Last Updated: October 26, 2023

For too long, the north of Spain has been neglected by tourists unaware of the rich experiences that await in this area of smaller towns that are full of life. Well, no more! As a native PhD historian and tour guide , I’ve put together my top recommendations for which towns should be visited by tourists looking for a new perspective of Spain . This list will highlight different small towns to visit in northern Spain, plus activities of all kinds no matter how you like to travel , so dig in!

12 Small Towns to Visit in the North of Spain

In Spain, there is not a specific geographic area designated as “the north.” So, for the sake of consistency and to give you a truly local view, I have stuck with what we northerners of Spain consider to be the northern region. This corresponds with the “Celtic fringe” of the Iberian peninsula which includes the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Pais Vasco (Basque Country), and Navarra. These are highlighted in red in the map.

Basically, I’ll be including all the regions that are wedged between the Cantabrian sea and the mountains before the plains. However, there are some other territories that historically have belonged to the north and I have included some of those here.

Finally, with small towns, I mean cities and urban spaces of 250,000 inhabitants or less. I have tried to highlight some places that are a little bit off-the-beaten path. This way you get the most authentic experience of the north.

Now that you understand the area we’ll be exploring, let’s take you to my land and that of my neighbours! Discover below the best small towns to visit in northern Spain on your next trip to this historic country.

12. Reinosa (Cantabria)

Rural Town | Active Tourism | Eat Pantortillas

I can talk about my homeland Cantabria nonstop, but I settled for Reinosa because it is a fairly unknown town. It is the smallest town on this list (just about 10,000 inhabitants). So for people looking for off-the-beaten-path, secluded places, and lots of outdoor activities, Reinosa is the place to go.

It is only a few minutes by car from Fontibre where the Ebro river starts. That makes it perfect for tourists who love water sports, canoeing, or even rafting. Moreover, Reinosa is one of the gateways to the Cantabrian Mountains, so it is also ideal for skiing, snowboarding, trekking, hiking, and mountaineering. And if that isn’t enough, Reinosa has one of the best golf courses in the region (Nestares) with 18 holes, a PAR 72 and 6,250 meters to play on.

But if you decide you also want to explore the local history, then you’re still in the right place. Reinosa has been a border town for centuries, so it is full of monuments and ruins. The rural manors will impress you, and so will the roman ruins, Cantabrian castros, and other castles that are nearby. Be sure to enjoy some traditional Reinosa pantortilla (sugared pastry) while you’re in Reinosa!

Pro tip: If you like, you can visit the San Pedro de Cervatos, which is an ancient monastery with rather naughty sculptures.

Location: Reinosa, Spain

11. Lugo (Galicia)

Roman Walls | UNESCO Site | Re-enactment Festival

Lugo is a small town of just less than 100,000 in Galicia, according to Britannica. There is one main reason Lugo is famous and should be on your travel list: it is the only town in the world still completely surrounded by a perfectly preserved Roman wall.

This was no small feat! The wall is over 2,000 meters and has 71 towers. The walls date from the 3rd century and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition, the bridge that crosses the river Miño—the main river of Galicia—also dates back to Roman times.

If you’re an ancient history lover, Lugo is a must-visit. I definitely recommend visiting in late June as the city hosts the Arde Lucus. This is a cool Roman festival that usually has nearly half a million visitors and lots of activities showcasing the Roman history of the area.

Location: Lugo, Spain

10. Logroño

Wine Tourism | Tapas and Pinchos | Nightlife

Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, a small region wedged between Castilla, Pais Vasco, and Navarra. Unfortunately, if it wasn’t for the wine, most people (even Spaniards) would probably forget it exists! But that’s even more of a reason to explore these lesser-known places.

One of the best things to do in Logroño is to eat. In fact, there are over 50 tapas bars here to enjoy some wonderful Rioja wine. The best places for eating around Logroño are the streets that connect at the many squares around the city, especially Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza del Mercado.

For those who like to go out or enjoy the nightlife atmosphere, Logroño won’t let you down. Between the streets of Calle del Laurel and Calle San Juan, you will party like a local and have some of the best pinchos (grilled kebabs) and tapas in the country. Here are also a few recommendations of traditional food to try in Logroño: patatas a la riojana (potato stew with chorizo), pochas con cordornices (bean stew with quail), and anything made with lamb—particularly the lamb chops.

And if after all the eating and drinking, you got an appetite for some culture, read on! Make sure to visit the stone bridge and the Concatedral de Santa Maria la Redonda. The name concatedral reflects that the cathedral status is shared with other locations in La Rioja. I bet you’ve never visited a place like that! Finally, visit San Blas Market to take some local goods and crafts home with you.

Location: Logroño, Spain

9. Avilés (Asturias)

Folk Festival | Historical Monuments | Asturian Gastronomy

Avilés is the third-largest city in Asturias, and there are many reasons you should visit. But one particular event deserves your attention: the Interceltic Festival. It is a folk festival advocating for Celtic heritage and folk culture of northern Spain and other European regions that share this cultural past.

Those other areas include Brittany, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. This festival takes place in the summer months, and you can enjoy all traditions, from gastronomy and craft to sports and music in one place.

Aside from the festival, you should see the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre, one of the most notorious landmarks in the city. It’s a modern work of art that looks unlike the ancient buildings here. In addition, visit the town hall square and the gardens of Palacio de Ferrara before seeing the church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the Palacio Valdés Theatre.

This last one is the gorgeous 20th-century building pictured above, and the perfect venue to enjoy a good play, opera, or ballet. Finally, you cannot come to the seashore without enjoying the views from the port and eating some delicious seafood.

I sincerely recommend you find a restaurant serving fabes con almejas (beans with clams), and enjoy one of the many local wines as Avilés is a prolific wine region in Asturias.

Location: Avilés, Spain

Planning a trip to Spain? Discover the top places and monuments you must see in Spain and find out where to stay in Basque Country , Madrid , Granada , or Barcelona .

8. oviedo (asturias).

Pre-Romanesque Architecture | Arts and Sports | Asturian Cider

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and has a rich architectural legacy that goes all the way back to the 8th century. In fact, in Oviedo, you can visit breathtaking pre-Romanesque monuments such as the churches of Santa Maria del Naranco, San Julian de los Prados and San Miguel de Lilo.

All of these are UNESCO sites and because of their age, they have some very unusual architectural features. That means you won’t find buildings like this elsewhere in the country. Even Oviedo’s cathedral (pictured above) dates back to the 8th century!

Moving into modern times, Oviedo is also the location for the Princess (formerly Prince) of Asturias Awards at the Campoamor Theatre. Some previous winners of these awards are Bob Dylan and Woody Allen. Fun fact: many scenes from  Vicky Cristina Barcelona were filmed here in Oviedo.

And of course, the biggest celebrity to ever come from the area, Fernando Alonso (the F1 pilot) has his museum not far from the city, so automobile and racing fans will be right at home. Finally, make sure to stop for a nice glass of acclaimed Asturian cider in many of the bars around the city centre.

Location: Oviedo, Spain

7. Ponferrada (Castille)

UNESCO Site | Templar Castle | Green Tourism

Ponferrada, which is in the community of Castilla y Leon, is a small city of around 70,000 inhabitants. Although Castilla is not traditionally considered part of the north of Spain, its history is closely related to this region.

In fact, before Roman times, the people who occupied this area were the Astures, so it has a Celtic and definitely northern heritage. The reason why the Romans came to this area is actually related to one of the most amazing things you should see when you come to Ponferrada.

This is the area of El Bierzo and Las Medula, the most important gold mine in the Roman Empire, which is an incredible landscape now protected by UNESCO. Ponferrada is located in the Camino and not far from Santiago itself. The historical heritage of the city will interest anyone who likes learning about the Middle Ages.

In fact, there is a huge templar castle spanning 16,000 square meters that’s been well preserved. And an unusual but cool place to visit in Ponferrada is the Radio Museum that tells the story of the radio in Spain. Finally, due to its stunning landscapes, Ponferrada a great destination for people into green tourism, cycling, and skiing.

Location: Ponferrada, Spain

6. Pamplona (Navarra)

San Femin | Fortress | Active Tourism | Running of the Bulls

Pamplona is perhaps most famous for the San Fermin festivities of running with bulls down its busy streets. However, there is so much more to this city. Pamplona has a rich history because it has always been in a very dynamic area of Spain. The Navarra region was an independent kingdom for some time, plus it has ties to the French crown, the Basque territory, and the rest of Spain, so it’s an area of merging cultures.

There are many medieval churches worth seeing in this city including its cathedral and the church of San Lorenzo. You’ll also find amazing Baroque buildings like the town hall, which is photo-worthy.

However, one of the most impressive sites to visit in Pamplona demonstrates its legacy as a contested territory. You can still see the remains of the impressive medieval star-shaped fortress called the Citadel of Pamplona. This location became one of the most important forts for Spain on the western side of the Pyrenees. Navarra and Pamplona have seen much war since the early modern period, so fans of military history will enjoy this stop.

Pamplona is found on the river Ebro and close to the mountains, which is perfect for those into active tourism, hiking (El Camino route goes through the city), and cycling. Did you know that the five-time Spanish champion of the Tour de France, Miguel Indurain, came from Pamplona? Yep!

And as always in the north of Spain, you will be delighted by great food. The pintxos scene in Pamplona is super strong. They’re small appetizers on a toothpick or skewer, by the way.

Location: Pamplona, Spain

5. Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country)

Wine Tourism | Perfect for Walking and Accessibility Friendly | Green City

For those who aren’t locals, Vitoria might come across as the forgotten Basque city. Admittedly it’s not as big as Bilbao, and it is not by the sea with such gorgeous views as San Sebastian. But do not underestimate the interest behind this city. For starters, if you love wine, Vitoria is the gateway to the Rioja Alavesa—one of the best and most prolific regions in Spain for Rioja wine.

The best thing you can do when you arrive here is to walk around. The city is perfect for long strolls any time of the day and despite any weather. Moreover, Vitoria is actually one of the most accessible cities in Spain and even Europe. So any travelers with accessibility considerations will find this a paradise to visit.

It is also one of the greenest cities and has won the title of European Green Capital 2012, according to the city’s website. The old city centre of Vitoria is very well preserved, so it will transport you back to the middle ages in a flash.

The list of attractions and monuments is pretty long. However, make sure you see the cathedral of Santa Maria, as it contains some Rubens and van Dyck paintings inside. Then check out the Artium Museum for contemporary art before wandering Los Arquillos road.

Also add Ataria, the interpretation centre for the Salburua wetlands to your list. Finally, spend some time walking the Green Belt with its formidable parks that will help you connect with nature even when staying in a city.

Location: Vitoria-Gasteiz

Planning a trip to Spain? Discover the top places and monuments you must see in Spain and learn about the history of Spain .

4. león (castille).

Comfortable Urban Space | Medieval Monuments | Something for Everyone

León is the capital of the province of León in Castilla y León. Although it is not the traditional north of Spain, this city is also very closely linked to northern history and territories. In fact, León used to be part of the Kingdom of Asturias for a while.

Moreover, Leon is a great city to visit for those who still want to feel the urban space without being crowded. The city has just over 200,000 people, and it is full of history. It is because of its rich medieval past that we are blessed with many monuments in this city.

One important location to visit is the Basilica de San Isidoro (the burial place of the old kings of Leon) which is just as important of a stop as the Gothic-style cathedrals. In fact, I dare say León has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain (pictured above) called the León Cathedral. Those of you, like me, in love with stained glass windows will live some your best moments here.

The Convent of San Marcos is another important medieval building to see, as well as the city walls and the many noble palaces. But the history of León goes beyond the middle ages. As an example for the Antoni Gaudí lovers, do not miss Casa Botines, one of his prominent buildings that houses famous Spanish artwork!

In addition, León has great green spaces as the course of two different rivers determines its landscape. That means you and your significant other can enjoy brilliant picnics and bridge walks at night. But remember, this is just an introduction to León. The delightful gastronomy, festivities, museums, and art galleries will enchant you whatever your taste.

Location: León, Spain

3. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)

Galician Culture | Historic Old Town | Santiago Cathedral

There are many reasons why you might come to Santiago. Perhaps come to try delicious pulpo a la gallega (Galician style octopus) or tartas de Santiago if you have a sweet tooth and like almond desserts. Maybe you want to visit one of the many local venues where you can enjoy Galician culture, hear some traditional Galician pipe music, or perhaps dance some traditional muiñeiras .

But I suspect you probably came all this way for the elephant in the room: Santiago Cathedral and the famous Camino de Santiago. Whether you’ve come here as a pilgrim or simply to enjoy one of the most beautiful walks of my home country, Santiago will receive you with open arms.

As you enter Praza de Obradoiro as I fondly remember doing as a child (my family is also Galician), you will understand why this has always been an important city for Spain. Here we have what’s known as one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos, which used to be a royal residence for the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century.

Then the Pazo de Raxoi building is also notable as the Galician government building, though it’s currently the Galician Xunta. Moreover, you could explore the Colexio de San Xerome. This is one of the university buildings that has great importance considering the university in Santiago is one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world.

And, finally, the Santiago Cathedral or Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Please take a few moments to take in its imposing majesty and walk around it to observe the breathtaking Portico da Gloria. You can learn more about this cathedral in our other about must-see places in Spain.

Location: Santiago, Spain

2. San Sebastián (Basque Country)

Seaside and Surfing | Arts Hub | Basque Gastronomy

San Sebastián is the capital of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country. It is known for La Concha beach, which is a stone’s throw away from the city centre, and Zurriola Beach that always attracts surfers from all over the world. Along the bay, you will also see the silhouettes of Mount Urgull and Ulia, which you should walk to and enjoy the small hike for those incredible views.

Furthermore, San Sebastián also hosts the International Film Festival and Jazz Festival, which take place every year and give a lot of fame to the city. In fact, San Sebastián was co-named the European Capital of Culture in 2016 along with Wroclaw, Poland. Moreover, it is a very convenient location because it is only 30 minutes away by car from the French border.

Although there has been a settlement in the area since ancient times, San Sebastián has become a prominent town in the last 200 years, particularly during the 19th century. You can see some beautiful buildings from that period along the seafront and in the city centre which will enchant you.

As with most places in the Basque Country, San Sebastián is the place to be if you are a foodie. Why? Well, it has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain. Some famous establishments are Arzak (boasting new Basque Cuisine), chef-named restaurant Martín Berasategui (the most-awarded Spanish chef with 12 Michelin stars), and Restaurant Akelarre (which got its third Michelin star in 2007).

Whatever your reason to visit Sanse, as we say in the north, you will not be disappointed.

Location: San Sebastián, Spain

1. Santander (Cantabria)

Most Beautiful Bay | Perfect Northern Hub | Culture and Nature

Did you know we have one of the most beautiful bays in the world in Spain? Santander is one of the most picturesque towns in northern Spain. It’s the capital of Cantabria, so the major airport is close to the city centre.

Better yet, it’s only one hour away from Bilbao, and two hours from San Sebastian, Gijon, and Oviedo. Santander is also the gateway to the rest of Cantabria and full of nature, history, and good food! The city isn’t overcrowded, and you can walk nearly everywhere.

The city still has a lot of charm, despite the fire it suffered in the early 20th century. Don’t skip a visit to the medieval crypt and cathedral here. And the archaeological museum (MUPAC) contains amazing artefacts from our UNESCO site caves!

You can walk along Paseo Maritimo to enjoy the bay all the way to the area of Puerto Chico (the little port), which is our lovely marina. Also by the seafront is the Centro Botin art museum by Renzo Piano that happens to have perfect views of the bay.

Also keep an eye out for Palacio de Festivales where the FIS (International Festival of Santander) takes place every year. This is one of the oldest music festivals in Spain, bringing some of the best operas, ballets, and plays of the world to the city.

In addition, you cannot miss a visit to the Magdalena Peninsula. It has beautiful woodlands beaches and the Palacio de la Magdalena (pictured above) which used to be a royal residence. Finally, enjoy walks around El Sardinero and stop for some rabas . They’re our Cantabrian take on fried squid/cuttlefish. And I’m just getting started. Come over and see for yourself!

Location: Santander, Spain

About Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez

Dr. Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez is a historian and published author. She specialises in medievalism, the Vikings, popular culture, and cultural identity. She is an educator and has worked at the University of Winchester teaching the Golden Age of Spain as well as working on different research projects.

Her academic work has also taken her to the world of publishing and editorial work. She used to be the director for Revista Medieval and the image editor at the Royal Studies Journal and has contributed to other publications as an ad hoc copyeditor.

She is also de CEO at Travelusion Tours, a tour guiding company that specialises in affordable and accessible guided tours in the UK and Europe. The tours are virtual or face to face.

She is also the host of several podcasts (Nu History, ManaBurnt & Tour Guide Central). Some examples of her published work are:

"Motherhood in Vikings", Vikings and The Vikings: essays on Television's History Channel Series, 2019

"Jessica Jones: Gender and the Marvel Phenomenon", Jessica Jones, Scarred Superhero: Essays on gender, Trauma and Addiction in the Netflix Series, 2018

"Some Reflections on Danes in Wessex Today, pp. 250-262", Danes in Wessex The Scandinavian Impact on Southern England, c.800–c.1100, 2016

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Spanish Wine

Highlights for a Road Trip across Southern Spain

North of spain road trip.

Ideas and options for a perfect road trip experience

Planning a road trip to North Spain? We trust this post will help you with great itinerary ideas and many proposals to make this a road trip of a life time for you!

Northern Spain  is famous for its gastronomy, its elegant cities, which contrast with its small villages, natural landscapes, and sandy beaches. In this post we provide you with lots of details and information that our destination experts have put together as part of of the road trip itineraries they prepare. In broad terms, you have three options to enjoy Northern Spain . 

• Rent a car and organize a roadtrip. This is our favorite option. Motorways and roads in Spain are generally safe. Smaller roads provide fantastic scenery. On the negative side, building a good itinerary can be very time-consuming. Below you can find 3 great itineraries, almost ready to use, to enjoy an itinerary that covers most highlights shown on this article. 
• Join a guided tour. In case you enjoy travelling with groups, group guided tours are an excellent choice.  Guided tours are not a perfect fit for everybody since they reduce flexibility. On the positive side, however, they remove all the burden to get the trip organized, manage time very efficiently and cover the most important highlights. There are not so many guided tours that cover Northern Spain. This one can be a good fit if you are keen on joining one. GUIDED TOUR SPECIAL OFFER
• Travel with public transportation.  Spain has a fantastic public transportation network and this is also the case for the Northern regions. Traveling by public rail and bus is possible but it will take lots of time to build the itinerary and you will have to bear in mind the waiting time for connecting the options available. 

Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela Road trip

Design a fantastic road trip in northern Spain from Bilbao to Sntiago de Compostela with this free itinerary planner that includes recommendations to discover the north of Spain by visiting elegant cities such as San Sebastian, Santander and Oviedo and small fishing villages, all with their traditional architecture. This road trip itinerary has been selected as one of Spain’s best holidays by The Times. Our team of local experts recommends top hotels, restaurants, hidden gems, and activities to enjoy … Read More

Rioja road trip – Rioja at its best

Discover the best of La Rioja with this short but complete road trip itinerary in Spain´s top wine region in which you will visit emblematic wineries and taste their wines, explore magnificent landscapes, taste the traditional gastronomy of Rioja, get to know its culture and curiosities, and enjoy activities related to the world of wine. We have carefully selected each of the services recommended to make this the best way to discover this wonderful region. … Read More

Basque Country road trip with Pamplona and Rioja

This gastronomy road trip itinerary in Spain takes you through the North of Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona and Rioja) and the French Basque country. It is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the real and authentic culture, gastronomy and wine of these regions. You will enjoy wine culture in Rioja, amazing gastronomy, beautiful landscapes and some of Spain´s most charming villages. There is so much to discover in a gastronomic road trip through the North of Spain! … Read More

Madrid to Bilbao road trip via wine country

Top highlights on this itinerary.

List of recommended hotels for this roadtrip

Bilbao - hotel artexe, san sebastian – villa soro, hondarribia – hotel obispo, santander -  gran hotel sardinero, cangas de onis – parador de turismo, lugo – hotel monumento pazo de orban, santiago de compostela. san francisco hotel monumento, rias baixas - quinta de san amaro, north of spain itinerary highlights.

This itinerary and its ideas was  selected by the Times.co.uk as one of Spain´s best holidays. 

The  North of Spain  comprises of different regions (Comunidades Autónomas). In this post we will concentrate on the 4 regions which are located between the borders of France and Portugal: they are the  Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia . All of these 4 regions have in common beaches and mountains, fantastic gastronomy, culture, monuments and natural parks.

We will cover the main cities in Northern Spain first, then the most charming villages in each of the 4 regions in North Spain. We will not forget the natural parks and beaches, local gastronomy and the culture and heritage you will enjoy in Northern Spain. 

Main cities to include in a road trip in Northern Spain (5 highlights)

Highlight 1 – san sebastian (basque country).

The  Spanish kings  decided to spend their summers in San Sebastian ever since Queen Isabel II received the medical recommendation to bathe in the region’s thermal baths. Queen María Cristina installed the court and the government in San Sebastian during two months each year and, today, the city recalls a glorious past with stately buildings and memories of the Belle Epoque.

OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS IN SAN SEBASTIAN   

1- We recommend a walk on the La  Concha beach  from the  “peines del viento”  to the Casco Viejo.

2- Get lost through the streets of the  Casco Viejo  and enjoy its many pintxos taverns.

3- We also recommend eating at a  traditional sidrería  and at one of San Sebastian’s avant-garde restaurants to witness the connections between the old and the new gastronomy.

4 –  Pintxos Tour.  We recommend you to enjoy a pintxos tour (the way tapas are called in the Basque country) during your stay in San Sebastian. it is a good way to combine dining and learning about the city. There are many tours available but they are a bit over-priced in our opinion. During high season you should make sure you book well in advance!  in THIS LINK YOU CAN FIND A  GOOD PINTXOS TOUR  OPTION. 

You can decide to check the best bars in this section with  best things to enjoy in San Sebastian  and build your own itinerary.

HOTELS IN SAN SEBASTIAN   

The bad news is San Sebastian is expensive. the city was isolated for many years due to terrorrism and hotels were not built for decades. Whilst all that belongs to the past and the number of hotels has increased significantly lately, prices are still high compared to the rest of Spain.  Here are some of our favorites. We strongly recommend to book as soon as possible. We recommend using Booking.com since you do not need to pay at the time you book and their cancellation policy is very flexible.

Our favorite hotels:

– Overall good value:  Astoria and The Barcelo Costa Vasca (Location and overall good value for money).

–  Something special:   HOTEL VILLASORO  has the elegance and charm you expect to find in San Sebastian.  AMAZING BUILDING!

–  The Classical and luxury ones:    MARÍA CRISTINA . Maria Cristina hotel is an icon in San Sebastian. This is not a cheap hotel but one where most rich and famous people stay when visiting the city. The second most famous hotel is  HOTEL DE LONDRES E INGLATERRA . Matahari stayed here, lots of glamour and great sea view too. Both these hotels are nearly always fully booked, so if you find a room book it!

Highlight 2 – Bilbao (Basque Country)

A formerly grey and industrial city, Bilbao has been reborn with beauty and splendor thanks to its culture, art, and gastronomy. Today, Bilbao is a must-see in Basque Country.

Top things to do

1-  Guggenheim museum . Amazing from the outside and interesting inside (check which temporary exhibitions will be on during your visit. The Museum of Bellas Artes, very close to the Guggenheim offers a fantastic collection and is a must too!

2-  Old District (Casco Viejo)  Great for tapas and to enjoy a lively atmosphere. The famous 7 calles (7 streets) and Plaza Nueva are where most tapas and pintxos bars concentrate.  There is a flea market in Plaza Nueva on Sundays. 

3-  Views from Funicular de Artxanda. 

4 –  The Bilbao bridge  (15 minutes drive from Bilbao) A fantastic piece of engineering and great fun to try. Another day excursion worth trying is to San Juan de Gaztelugaxte (very popular since it appeared in games of Thrones) 

5-  Mercado de la Ribera.  A great place for any foodie.

More  things to do in Bilbao  in this post where we have one of our guides, born in Bilbao, goes through all the best recommendations in the city. 

These are our favorite hotels in Bilbao:

Barcelo Nervión .  A perfectly located (at half distance from the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo) 4 star hotel that offers a fantastic breakfast and overall good value for money. Modern style

Hotel Gran Bilbao .  A very modern hotel with excellent facilities. Not so close to the city center but at an area where street parking is permitted. Bear in mind that street parking is regulated in Bilbao city centre

Hesperia Bilbao . As Barcelo Nervion, located at a fantastic location and also very modern facilities and excellent breakfast.

Tayko .  Great location and excellent boutique-style decoration.

If you want to enjoy a family-owned hotel, with a traditional basque atmosphere yet not far from Bilbao city center and with great value for money where you can park your car.  Hotel Artexe  is probably a great option for you. 

Highlight 3 – Santander (Cantabria)

Lesser known by the tourist than San Sebastian, Santander is also an elegant city that lives facing the sea. Its beautiful bay and its boardwalks and palaces are witnesses to an important past.

Highlight 4 – Oviedo (Asturias).

No doubt one of Spain’s lesser known cities but one that leaves an impression on those who do visit. Its cathedral, its beautiful market, its cider houses and its elegant shops, buildings and the Campoamor theatre (where the Prince of Asturias awards take place) are sufficient reasons to make a stop in Oviedo.

Highlight 5 – Santiago de Compostela

(Galicia) End of the Camino de Santiago, the capital of Galicia receives pilgrims and tourists alike with open arms. Its famous cathedray and Obradoiro plaza make up the most important enclave of the city, where the spirit of the Way of Saint James is lived and celebrated. Other gems: There are many other cities worth visiting in northern Spain, but time is scarce. Cities such as La Coruña, Vigo and Lugo are unexpected surprises for the traveller.

Charming towns and villages in Northern Spain

We cover now some of the most interesting villages and small towns in Northern Spain and which can be found in the itinerary we are covering and which has been designed to enjoy stops in some of this less known jewels in Northern Spain.

Highlight number 6 – Villages in Basque Country

• Hondarribia. One of those towns that does not leave anyone disappointed. There are so many reasons to visit Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía in Spanish). For one, it has some of the best bars and restaurants of the Basque Country. The small gardens, the fortified wall and cobbled streets, beautiful Basque houses, the church, the square in front of the Parador…just a few of the things that make this town so charming. And for those of you that are adventurous, you might want to make the swim up along the river until you reach Hendaye in France.
• Getaria . From Hondarribia, we continue to Getaria, a fishing village located on the Bay of Biscay. We highly recommend trying their fresh-caught grilled fish or “parrillada”. An experience not to be missed in Getaria. The quality of the fish is unbelievable and the town has gained fame for the use of the grill. Accompany your meal with Txacoli, a white wine produced in the surrounding txacoli vineyards. Fashion lovers will be happy to find the Balenciaga Museum, as Getaria is the birth town of the famous designer. A  txacoli winery wine tour in Getaria  from San Sebastian can also be a fantastic day tour. You can find here more ideas on   things to do in Getaria.
• Bermeo. The largest town of this list, and therefore less charming than the others, Bermeo has a long history of maritime tradition and is still today very dependent on the fishing industry. You can enjoy a stroll along the beautiful old port and stop at one of the many local bars for a drink and a pintxo. The best part of visiting Bermeo are actually its surroundings. San Juan de Gaztlugatxe, at less than 10km away, has become one of the most popular destinations in the Basque Country and is an absolute must.

Highlight number 7 – Villages in Cantabria

• Castro urdiales.  Next up is Castro Urdiales on the eastern end of Cantabria. A seaside village and popular tourist destination. The beach does get overcrowded in the summer months but it is definitely worth a stop. It is filled with beautiful scenery that makes for excellent photo opportunities: the gothic-style church, the castle, the Roman bridge and the port, just to name a few.
• Comillas .  Situated 50 kilometers from Santander, Comillas combines its beauty and elegance with the charm of yet another fishing village in the north of Spain.  The whaling industry was once the town´s source of wealth. Today, Comillas is a town full of history and one of the most beautiful in Cantabria. Historic buildings, nice beaches, lovely plazas, and for Gaudi lovers, El Capricho.
• Lastres . Crossing into the Asturias region of northern Spain, we come across Lastres. The most impressive part of this small town are the houses that look to be attached to the mountain overlooking the sea. A must for anyone planning on stopping in Lastres is a meal at either El Descanso, Bitácora (incredible views), or at the port.

Highlight number 8 – Villages in Asturias

• Cudillero. Gorgeous small fishing village in Asturias wedged between the sea and the mountains. When you first spot the colourful hill of houses next to the port, you will be overcome with an unexpected feeling of happiness. Lots of bars and outdoor terraces to sit down, relax, and enjoy a glass of local cider while taking in the spectacular surroundings and the liveliness of this small town.
• Luarca. Not too far from Cudillero, is Luarca also in the beautiful region of Asturias. It has a beautiful harbour filled with small fishing boats, delicious gastronomy, and excellent beaches. The best views of Luarca are surprisingly from the town´s cemetery located on the hills above. Truly spectacular looking point out to the open sea.

Highlight number 9 – Villages in Galicia

• Ribadeo & Castropol. We continue this “northern road trip” to the border between Asturias and Galicia. Here you will find two towns that face each other, Castropol in Asturias and Ribadeo in the Lugo province of Galicia. Along with the nearby Asturian town of Vegadeo, the three form a type of triangle border with mansions and palaces that stand out against the boats and the sea. Very close to Ribadeo is the impressive Playa de Las Catedrales (literally beach of the cathedrals)… an absolute must if you are in the area, but best to go out of season.
• Cambados. When you reach the Rías Baixas in Galicia, make a stop in Cambados, the albariño capital of Spain. Beautiful stone buildings and architecture, cobbled streets, delicious Galician food, and of course, excellent white wine of the local albariño grape. If you´re up for a lively Spanish fiesta, come for a visit the first weekend of August for the famous Albariño Wine Festival. A winery visit in the area is also not a bad idea.

Combarro. The most characteristic aspects of Galicia all concentrated in one small town: typical Galician “horreos” or granaries, cobbled streets, old traditional houses, stone crosses, fishing boats and the sea. A stroll in the old quarter of Combarro feels like taking a step back in time. A truly unique town that will leave you with a memorable experience of Galicia in its purest form.

• La Guardia. Where the Miño River meets the ocean and Spain meets Portugal. This town´s landscape offers a mix of sea, river, and mountains. The Monte de Santa Tecla is one of those magical places where you can feel its history among archaeological finds. The views from the Celtic Roman ruin looking down at La Guardia from above are also breath-taking.

Highlight number 10 – Natural parks and beaches

Islas Atlánticas (Galicia) The only national park in Galicia, the Islas Atlánticas (Atlantic Islands) extend from the Ría de Arousa to that of Vigo. Throughout the extension of the park, there are linked islands from which the Cíes islands are the most well-known and beautiful. The different islands consist of cliffs, dunes, beaches and rich sea beds, in which sunken ships are found. The island of Rodas is considered one of the best islands in the world. It is important to note that it is not allowed to camp or scuba dive in the national park without having gotten a permit beforehand.

You can find more information on the best beaches in our  Northern Spain best beaches post . 

Picos de Europa (Asturias, Cantabria & León)

Located among the regions of Asturias, León and Cantabria, the Picos de Europa provide an impressive mountainous contrast with the nearby marine coast. The landscape has been formed by glacier erosion and there are many lakes. The most famous are Enol and Ercina (lakes of Covadonga). Gorges like the Cares Gorge (Garganta del Cares) or the peak of Naranjo de Bulnes at more than 2,500 meters of altitude are home to abundant wildlife.

Highlight 11 – Art & Culture in Northern Spain

• Museum of the Galician people (Museo del pueblo Gallego), Santiago de Compostela. An ethnographic museum in Santiago de Compostela that shows the history of Galicia and its relationship with the sea.
• Mining Museum of Asturias (Museo de minería en Asturias) – Asturias is a region with a significant mining past. This museum recreates the way of life of the miners and you have the opportunity to descend to a mine.
• Altamira Museum. Cantabria. The Altamira cabes are one of the most important cave paitings in the world. Visits, temporary exhibitions, and activities bring us closer to the fascinating world of prehistoric life.
• Guggenheim, Bilbao. This museum, the current icon of the city of Bilbao, gave way to the transformation in the appearance of the city. The museum itself is a work of art and a must-see for any lover of architecture.

Highlight 12 –  Northern Spain´s Gastronomy

Historically, the geographic location of northern Spain, with the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains of the Cantabrian Range, have contributed a rich source of raw material to shape the local gastronomy. The Basque Country is famous worldwide for its abundance of Michelin-star restaurants and famous chefs, but we must not forget the quality of Galician gastronomy and its exquisite seafood from its estuaries (rías), or the delicious and generous Asturian gastronomy, not to mention the famous Cantabrian conservas (canned foods).

We trust you will have found useful this guide to Northern Spain. If instead of planning a self-driven road trip you would prefer to enjoy one of our Spain private tours , we recommend having a look at our selection of 1 day or multiple-day private tours. 

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NST is a full-service incoming travel company that offers unique experiences and accommodations in Spain. With our foot firmly in this culture yet with an eye to international class quality, we take you deep into the region, off the beaten path, to places only a local would know.

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Northern Spain Travel is a DMC whose mission is to bring together the best experiences and to select those that reflect the true essence of this region. We are passionate about our land, in love with our traditions, and most of all eager to give you an extraordinary outside-the-box experience.

We combine biking, walking, or pure relaxation, with cultural activities and delectable regional food and wine.

Authentic experiences for private groups, with fully customized trips into the essential elements of adventure, culture, gastronomy and landscape.

Come discover the Rioja wine regions, the Kingdom of Navarra, and the Basque Country as well as other parts of the north of Spain on one of our family, Camino de Santiago, or regional festival tours. 

Extraordinary Adventures in the North of Spain

Embrace this striking destination of golden plains and rolling vineyards. Discover the distinctive Bardenas Desert, or climb up into the breathtaking Pyrenees with its mountain passes and fairytale woods. Wind along the breezy, sparkling Cantabrian coast. With us, it’s all at your fingertips. 

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The Seasonally-Inspired North

This tour is a sophisticated adventure through Navarra’s prettiest landscapes while enjoying the finest food and wine on offer.

Hidden Gems of the North

This one week culinary adventure into the heart and soul of the region consists of day trips out of Pamplona.

A Feast for the Senses

Discover the most emblematic places of the Basque Country and venture into its gastronomy, traditions and culture. This is a sophisticated culinary adventure.

Customer Reviews of the Northern Spain Travel Experience

I first discovered Northern Spain Travel as I researched doing my first Camino Frances online. With Covid happening, I really needed help with the logistics as I was traveling alone. From the minute I spoke to Steph, I knew that I was dealing with professionals and people who listened to what my needs were. She and José Mari were with me every step of the way if I needed them. They had the knack of giving me the true camino life mixed with having some wonderful experiences that would enhance my knowledge of Spain’s rich culture. Based in Pamplona, they provided an amazing Navarran experience as I walked through and my stay at a “Heart of Pamplona” apartment for 2 nights was exceptional. I look forward to returning in 2022 for another camino and I have no doubt they will have some incredible recommendations. Their knowledge, local connections and enthusiasm are what make this team spectacular. 100 stars for NST, Steph, José Mari and their team!!!!

A perfect adventure in a true jewel of nature in Navarra. The experience in the Bardenas with the Northern Spain Travel team was excellent. Every detail was seamless, their knowledge of the terrain in a nature reserve desert was impeccable, permitting us to experience an incredible trip that can only be done with experts like them. We went with my two daughters of 10 and 8 years old and they experienced a true adventure. They loved it and received 100% attention from Northern Spain Travel and viewed this trip as a great challenge that they loved. NST adapted to the group level, they are very positive people and they know how to create a very pleasant atmosphere for you.

I would definitely repeat and continue to sign up for the trips and plans they offer because they are quality and experience!

It was my first time in Spain and I only knew the country through its magnificent wines from La Rioja. The tour Stephanie and Oliver provided was not only educational, it was extremely entertaining. The first bodega (winery) we visited was Lopez Heredia and was truly awe inspiring. It was a traditional winery in which there were no modern tools or equipment, and they practiced the traditional ways of wine making. And of course, their wine was magnificent.

Next, we travelled to a more modern winery called Bodegas Franco-Españolas; one that was frequently visited by none other than Ernest Hemingway. But, don’t let that convince you; their wines will. After a great tour of their facilities, we were treated to the most entertaining drinking game I’ve ever played. Accompanied by some bread and cold cuts, we had a blast playing this game in which there were quizzes, and drinking tests where we tried to identify different things about the wines.

Our visit was made unforgettable mainly because of Stephanie and Oliver. From the moment we made our reservation they treated us like family. They made our departure unbearable and left us making plans for our next visit.

Call them!! You will love it!!

I admit that my experience was Fantastic, but because of the VIP package handled by Steph… no doubt about it. She put an enthusiasm in every event and reservation that it’s contagious. Her team is very kind and professional and they make us feel special all the time !!

Definitely I will recommend to do San Fermin program ALL THE WAY.

Absolutely great trip to San Sebastian, San Juan and San Jose — sailing, walking, a drive through beautiful farm lands, and a magnificent seafood lunch at Casa Camara in San Jose, which has been serving guests since 1884. If you like lobster and beautiful harbor views, this is the place to be. Our guide, Steph, was a delight — fun, knowledgeable and tireless. She started with us at 9 in the morning, and stayed with us until 10 that evening. Beautiful country, beautiful people, beautiful day — Hemingway style.

“This company was able to set me up with the best balcony/viewing area of anyone else I had spoken soon. The price was very reasonable considering the limited options. Once I reached the designated area, our hosts could not have been friendlier or more welcoming. Heart of Pamplona ultimately provided one of the most memorable San Fermín experiences and photo opportunities that exist during fiesta”

Not being one who willingly dives into crowded unfamiliar settings, I put my faith into Steph to get that Pamplona insider experience that just can’t be found during a short visit to a strange new place. Steph knows the best and most creative tapas chefs and local food critics, and they all know and greet her as a welcome friend. This was a memorable experience both meeting people and sampling dishes and wines that I would never have thought to try on my own. This was a fun informative evening and time well spent.

“I went here last year during the Bull Run with my family and it was really good fun. The hosts were amazingly nice and hospitable and the food they served at the balcony was really good. We had a great view of the festival from the balcony. We got to fully participate in the festival and even dress the part, which provided us with a super unique experience. The festival was really wild but it was a very cool and very cultural experience that everyone MUST have when you visit Pamplona…

Thanks for the amazing day! Highly recommend to anyone travelling to Pamplona. “

We stopped in Pamplona during our walk along the Camino from Saint-Jean to Santiago. We booked in advance of the walk to ensure we had the opportunity on opening day to watch the bull run, a bull fight, and have accommodations in Pamplona. Stephanie Mutsaerts from Northern Spain travel made this possible and went out of her way to ensure that we had our bags transferred correctly from our previous stay into our apartment in Pamplona, because the travel services for luggage do not typically transfer luggage into Pamplona unless there is 24-hour reception. We also enjoyed a walking tour (tasting samples from various locations) following the bull run. The company was accommodating and answered all of our questions in advance. Stephanie was so patient to ensure that our dream bucket list items were fulfilled and that we enjoyed our experience. I would highly recommend this event and travel company.

I’ve travelled several times with Northern Spain Travel and have found their indepth knowledge of this area to be second to none. The enthusiasm of this organisation, coupled with the best local contacts and years of research in this region (and beyond), leave me in no doubt that I’d recommend Northern Spain Travel to anyone!

“I can not even begin to express how grateful I am for Steph and her sincere generosity! I reached out to her for a question, and she was extremely kind, helpful, friendly, and helped solve the problem! Though I have not actually met her in person, just via email, she went above and beyond to help me out. Her positive vibes were felt across the ocean, and restored my belief in the basic human believe in kindness and empathy. I would 100%, hands-down recommend Steph as a host. I owe her, big time! 🙂 Much love from New Orleans, Louisiana. Cheers to a wonderful 2017, Steph!!”

We had such an amazing time with Deidre. Not only was she knowledgeable on all things Spain, far beyond food but she also had many personal accounts and stories that were fantastic. This intimate tour was full of mind blowing flavors. From modern takes on traditional foods to the beautiful basics you will not be disappointed!

We came to Pamplona and Stephanie of Northern Spain Travel took us under her wing. We did two tapas tours with her and one tour outside Pamplona to Roncesvalles. The tapas tours were both great. Stephanie is very personable and knows everybody. She knows Pamplona inside out and knows all the best places, as well as what to eat there, so you’re in good hands. The trip to Roncesvalles was a little less successful but that was only because of the horrible weather that suddenly erupted. And maybe because we would have liked to know more about the romantic history of Roncesvalles than about the World War I bunkers we visited also. But Stephanie’s guide, Koldo, made largely up for the bad weather with his stories of the surrounding area and what he finds in nature, to which we listened with fascination and warmed with glasses of Vermut. Overall, we think you cannot go wrong with Stephanie and Northern Spain Travel. They give you the feeling you’re out with local friends rather than with an organized tour! We learned also that Stephanie has enlisted the expertise of a Hemingway scholar to give even more depth to the Pamplona experience.

We booked a balcony for the chupinazo and the first run as well as bull fight tickets. Stephanie and her team welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very comfortable. The San Fermin festival is a little overwhelming with how many people are there but they made it so simple. The balconies were better than advertised and gave us great views as well as great food and drink. The guides were all extremely informative and friendly. Aitor was extremely helpful texting us details ahead of time and even helped us with cabs. We highly recommend northern Spain travel and will definitely use them again if we ever decide to come back to the area.

My wife and I and our 10 year old daughter combined the final 3 days walk into Pamplona from the Camino with the San Fermin celebrations. This was possible with the help of the travel agency “Northern Spain travel” based in Pamplona. Their attention to detail and bespoke customer service ensured our hotel and access to the festivities were seamless, we only wished we had more time to experience all that was on offer from them. At all stages Steph and her English speaking staff guided us through the excitement of the running of the bulls and a non-violent bull fight (Taurine) – both of which I would highly recommend. Pamplona was truly magical – our first but not last taste, thanks to Northern Spain Travel !!

What a wonderful 5 days in Pamplona beginning with the opening ceremony viewed from a premier location on a balcony overlooking city hall to front row seats at the bullfight. Stephanie is the perfect hostess with just the right amount of attention without overwhelming the guests. We were traveling with our 17-year old grandson and Stephanie went out of her way to be sure he had the best and most unique experiences even providing her own teenage son to keep him company and show him some of the local color. Our lovely apartment in old town was in a perfect location and within a short walking distance of all the festivities. We had been to Pamplona several times before but only passing through. We knew we loved it but didn’t know how much. Now, after Stephanie showed us all the wonderful things it has to offer, it is one of our most favorite spots in Spain. Thank you Stephanie for your hospitality, for all of the special arrangements allowing us a front row seat for San Fermin, for lending us your son, and, of course, for the wonderful tour you arranged for us. We hope to see you again and to stay in one of your properties as we pass through Pamplona again in late August, 2019.

“I used Northern Spain Travel to organise a private tour guide for Pamplona. Our guide Odei was awesome. He personalised the tour for our interests. We walked around Pamplona and was shown all the amazing places. Odei is born and raised in Pamplona so had a wealth of knowledge. He also took us to the best bars for pintxos. Worth every euro. If you are in the area you definitely need to get in touch with Northern Spain Travel before you do anything”

“I came here with some friends from the US, Stephanie was such a delightful host and made sure we were always comfortable. She arranged a tour for us the second day we were there so we knew what was going on in the city during San Fermin, this city is such a gem and she is a rose amongst thorns so to speak I cannot recommend this place anymore, if you have the opportunity to stay here please know you are in great hands also we was greeted immediately by the downstairs neighbors for a drink and treated as if we had been friends for years.”

“Stephanie did a wonderful job coordinating ALL of the details of this experience! Everything was made easy for us and we very much enjoyed our opening ceremony experience and hope to have a repeat experience! Highly recommend!”

“I booked a balcony for the bull run through Northern Spain Travel. Stephanie was great to work with – communication was excellent throughout the process and everything ran smoothly on the day of the run. I would definitely recommend all of her services!”

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Walking You love to hike and are not afraid of a little sweat and some good uphills. Our trip may include 12-15 km (7-10 miles) a day on various grades of terrain on a diversity of surfaces. Expect steeper climbs with phenomenal views and mountainscapes.

Biking You love to bike at home regularly and can handle some sweat. Our trip may include 40-60 km (25-40 miles) a day on rolling terrain with a few longer climbs rewarded with views and high points you will not want to miss.

Walking You enjoy longer hikes with an incline or two and don’t mind pushing it a bit. Our trip may include around 6-12 km (4-8 miles) a day of walking on mostly flat terrain with a couple steeper but non-sustained climbs.

Biking You ride your bike at home and are comfortable on a bike for a few hours. Our trip may include 40-60 km (25-40 miles) a day on mostly flat terrain and will include inclines and the occasional sustained climb.

Walking You love to push yourself and can handle a longer hike with some sustained inclines and steep uphills. Our trip may include 10-15 km (6 -10 miles) on terrain that can be quite hilly and rolling with a few steeper climbs thrown in for good measure. The views will blow you away.

Biking Test your mettle on off-the-beaten-paths that will stun and delight, along with legendary cycling routes in the north of Spain. You are an avid rider who loves to push themselves and enjoy the challenge of a big climb or sustained inclines. Our trip may include over 60-80 km (37 – 49 miles) a day in rolling hills with frequent climbs and even longer options available. You will be the master of your universe.

Walking You like to go on walks at home but nothing that works up a sweat. Our trip may include around 5-10 km (3-6 miles) a day of walking on mostly flat terrain, with an occasional hill on well maintained trails or walkways.

Biking You are in decent shape but don’t habitually ride a bike at home. Our trip may include 30-50 km (20-30 miles) a day on mostly flat terrain with a few small and achievable inclines.

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Your activity level will be exactly where you want it. Our itineraries are designed to accommodate everyone. For guidance, we have labeled each trip according to its activity level from Casual to Expert with four fitness grades.