7 Northern Spain Itineraries - from 5 days to 2 weeks
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Welcome to Northern Spain, my home region, and one of the most fascinating and rewarding places to visit in the entire country!
Before we even begin discussing the (endless) itinerary options you’ll have when traveling here, I need to make sure that you’re prepared for what a trip to Northern Spain entails. So, my very first piece of advice for you is to pack an extra pair of pants that have a little bit more room in the waist than you might think necessary.
Why? Because Northern Spain is a gastronomic paradise and you need to get ready to eat, eat, eat!
What else? Well, bring good hiking boots that will get you through the trails ahead, pack a swimsuit for some of the most beautiful, untamed beaches that Spain has to offer, and bring a notebook so that you can jot down the wonderful stories that your time here will leave you with.
A trip to Northern Spain is an opportunity to explore somewhere totally unique on the Iberian peninsula, and if anything encapsulates this region, it’s the cuisine, the spectacular seaside and mountaintop landscapes, and the vibrant, charming cities and towns filled with friendly northerners.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get into it!
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Plan your itinerary with local help
With so much to see and do, the hardest part of planning an itinerary for Northern Spain is always what to leave out.
So if you could use some help coming up with a great plan, schedule a Spain travel consultation with Alfonso, our Basque Country-based Local Expert!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you can chat with Alfonso about the trip you’re planning and he’ll share his tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Where is Northern Spain and what defines it?
If you ask us Northerners, we’ll tell you that Northern Spain is that range of coastline that stretches west from the border with France, where the Pryenees Mountains run out into the sea, all the way on to the Atlantic Ocean on Spain’s western border, where northern Portugal and Galicia meet.
Being this coastline so diverse and endless, longer than 1000 kilometres, the variety and the mix of flavors are traits stamped at the very heart of Northern Spain. This means that there is a different North of Spain for every taste and kind of travel —and in this guide I’ll try to show you all of them!
Now, geographic boundaries aside, what defines us in a more holistic sense are the following three pillars:
First, our medium-sized cities and small villages that dot the entire region. Each one has its own distinct personality, architecture, and charm. While we have no real marquee city, as some places do, we’re filled with lovely smaller ones just waiting for you to discover them.
Second, the landscapes here are lush, verdant, astonishingly beautiful, and remote. All within this one region you’ll find pristine forests, impressive mountains, wild and untamed beaches, Carribean-esque islands, and gently sloping hills filled with vineyards and orchards. The nature here simply cannot be beat.
And third, Northern Spain is famous as one of the best places in Europe for good food, good drinks, good nightlife, and therefore, a good lifestyle. We know how to eat well, drink well with dear friends, and enjoy ourselves. Come here and you will too!
What to do on a trip to Northern Spain
Before we get into the specific itineraries, let’s first quickly take a look at the type of things that are essential for any Northern Spain trip. Because before you decide where to go, you need to now what to do when traveling here.
So, to sum up all the appeals of this region, here it is what you should do in Northern Spain:
1. Discover the cities of Northern Spain
Enjoy the Basque culture and good lifestyle that permeates San Sebastián and Bilbao, the maritime breeze that defines Gijón and A Coruña, or the longer-than-a-millennium timeline of Santiago de Compostela.
San Sebastián is the food Meccah in the Iberian Peninsula. Bilbao is a cultural gem only comparable to cities such as Valencia, Madrid, or Barcelona. A Coruña’s nightlife is intense, and it must be experienced at least once in your lifetime; Oviedo and Santiago are historic landmarks with huge importance for the whole of Europe.
2. Climb the mountains, surf the waves, and walk through the forests
Northern Spain is the premier place to go in Spain in terms of active tourism. From the Pyrenees to the Picos de Europa, from the Asturian beaches to Galicia’s Atlantic Ocean, from the forests of Navarre to the Basque countryside, Northern Spain has everything you could want for an outdoor vacation.
Once you escape the cities and the concrete, amid our untouched nature is where a great deal of the magic of Northern Spain will be waiting for you.
You’ll find it high in the Picos de Europa, the Alp-like mountains that run out into the sea in Cantabria; in the serene Ciés Islands, the Galician islands that hold the best beach in the world, according to The Guardian; and inside the Caves of Zugarramurdi, that mystic spot in the Pyrenees where nature comes together with and history.
You could spend your whole trip hiking the mountain trails, hopping from beach to beach, or meandering through the lovely countryside and small villages of the region.
3. Eat everything
Each region in Northern Spain has its own particular cuisine, and all are excellent. While we’ll debate fiercely amongst ourselves whose food is the best, there’s no question that collectively, the North has better food than anywhere else in the country.
Some would say that undoubtedly the honor of “best cuisine” should be owned by the Basque Country, the Meccah of the txuleta (t-bone steak in Basque language) and our famous cider.
However, in Asturias they would claim than their cider is better, and that their meat dishes are superior too, such as the cachopo: twice-breaded meat steaks stuffed with cheese, ham, and whatever else you desire.
Galicians (Gallegos, in Spanish) would argue that no one can compete with the seafood of the their Atlantic coast, where the percebe (goose barnacle) is the most precious of foods, and which must be mixed with their Albariño white wines, the best in Spain.
And finally, there are the anchovies of Cantabria, the Cabrales cheese of the Picos de Europa, and the peppers of El Piquillo in Navarra…
The debate over whose food is best will rage on forever, but one thing is for certain: here, you will eat and drink like nowhere else.
4. Visit little villages that will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time
The true charm and essence of this region is hidden in its little villages, often found either at the foot of a mountain range or right by the sea. Here, these are the places that hold the magic of northern Spain, accumulated over centuries.
Every region has its own village that the locals consider more beautiful than all the rest, so while I can’t tell you which is “best”, here are a few of the most famous: Hondarribia in the Basque Country, Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Cangas de Onís in Asturias, and Cambados in Galicia.
While these are the best-known, there are many more, and you may just find that a little unknown village you’ve never heard of is the one you like best. You’ll have to go find out!
5. Discover our history
History and its impact on the modern world can quite literally still be seen and heard today in the cities of northern Spain. The residents of Santiago de Compostela have been watching thousands of pilgrims come and go every year since the 10th century, when the tomb of the Apostle St. James was found in Galicia.
In A Coruña, the Roman lighthouse known as Torre de Hércules has given light to the Atlantic Ocean for 2000 years.
And something similar happens in Covadonga, capital of the first Christian kingdom in Spain, where history lovers can visit the place where the Arab caliphate of Al-Andalus was defeated for the first time in 722.
But history is also about more recent events. Events such as the Peninsular War, which pitted Spain against Napoleon in the 19th century and led to San Sebastián being burnt to the ground (the whole city was destroyed, except for one street, the 31 de Agosto, which you can still visit)
Other crucial moments, such as the industrial reconversion that overtook Bilbao during the second half of the 20th century and converted the city into a national cultural landmark - all without losing its authentic, gritty energy.
Northern Spain is all about history, and you can feel it and experience it everywhere you go here.
How to get around Northern Spain
Public transport
Northern Spain is a long, thin region and most of the major towns and cities are located on, or just off of, the Atlantic coastline. Buses and trains are viable options for getting to cities and most major towns, but departures are not always very frequent and you may have to make a change or use both train and bus, depending on where you’re going.
Using public transport for your trip is a fine option if you have a flexible schedule or are sticking to larger and/or popular destinations.
In general, I recommend booking your public transport tickets directly with the service provider. That said, when you have a lot of options or when you’re not familiar with the different companies, it can be a real hassle to look them all up in order to compare routes and prices.
Omio is an aggregator I like that shows options for public transport routes all over the world. When you do a search, you’ll be able to see all your options for trains, buses, flights, and even ferries along with a host of different companies that provide the services. Comparing prices is easy, the site has a great design, and you can keep all your bookings in one place. It costs a little bit more than booking direct, but it’s really convenient.
Car rental
If you’re on limited time or if you want to get off the beaten path and visit some of the region’s most beautiful and wildest places, then you really want your own set of wheels. Northern Spain is a great destination for a road trip, and winding your way around the regions backroads and country lanes is a true pleasure. It’s deep in the verdant countryside and on remote windswept coast that you’ll discover this region’s heart.
If you opt to rent a car, you’ll find all the major car rental companies here, and most have offices in major cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, Gijon, Vigo, A Coruña, etc. For the best selection, you’ll want to look at renting in a city that has an international airport or a busy train station.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
I use it myself and have always had good experiences.
Walking
No article about transportation in Northern Spain would be complete without discussing walking! After all, this is the home of the ancient Camino de Santiago. With other 800 km (500 miles) of marked route running through Spain’s north, dedicating anywhere from an afternoon to multiple weeks to walk a section of this famous trail is something every traveler should do!
7 Northern Spain itineraries - from 5 days to 2 weeks
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what defines northern Spain and what to do when visiting the region, we’re ready to take a look at some potential itineraries.
To give you lots of ideas and options, we’ve put together a balanced mix of itineraries of varying durations (from 5 days to 2 weeks) and different focuses, from city-hopping to road trips, and outdoor adventure to history & culture.
And just a quick note about transportation: northern Spain is well served by buses, with long-distance routes primarily operated by the company ALSA. Locally, cities and larger towns will have urban/suburban buses that reasonably comprehensively cover the surrounding areas.
The Basque country has an excellent rail network, but outside of that region, most of the north of Spain is not well connected by train.
And in almost all cases, if you want to get out into the region’s stunning natural areas and charming little villages, you will really need to have a car. That’s certainly the case for many of the itineraries below
Now, let’s have a look at the itineraries:
5-day Highlights itinerary
Even with only 5 days to spare in Northern Spain, you can see and do quite a lot. While many 5-day itineraries would suggest sticking to just the big cities, and each is certainly worth visiting, I don’t think that would be the right way to introduce you to the region though.
While the cities are lovely and they’re a delight to explore, if you only stay in urban areas you’ll miss out on much of the true essence of Northern Spain.
So, instead, this itinerary has you first passing through the cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao in the Basque Country, and Oviedo in Asturias, before departing for a history lesson in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, and finally, winding down with a blissful day of pristine nature and beaches in the Ciés Islands.
Here’s the route:
Day 1: San Sebastián – Arrive to the city, explore the charming old town, walk along La Concha Beach, and spend your evening eating pintxos and hopping from one restaurant and bar to the next.
Day 2: Bilbao – Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, go for a stroll along the river, listen to music at Kafé Antzokia, and try to catch an evening opera or theater performance.
Day 3: Oviedo – Walk until you can’t walk anymore, losing yourself in the winding streets and narrow alleyways of the city’s old town. Eat, eat, and eat some more.
Day 4: Santiago de Compostela – Discover Spain’s Medieval history, learn about the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, visit the Santiago Cathedral, eat seafood at O Gato Negro
Day 5: Cíes Islands or Pontevedra
Cies Islands: Visit the “best beach in the world”, observe the sea life and wildlife, go for a boat trip, and watch the best sunset of your life.
Pontevedra: tour the Galician wineries, people watch, and admire the town’s architecture and its car-free way of life
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Begin your trip in San Sebastián, the Basque gem that will make you feel as if you’ve transported back to the Belle Epoque times. What to do when here? Well, walk along the best and most famous urban beach in Spain, La Concha. Then, head to La Parte Vieja, which is what we locals call the old town. Admire the architecture, check out the cathedral, and just meander about, enjoying yourself.
Whenever you get hungry, San Sebastia’s Old Town is known to have the most “must-visit” restaurants in Spain per square kilomter. Once you ge tthere and sink your teeth into your first pintxo, you’ll understand why San Sebastian is the obligatory first stop on any trip through Northern Spain.
On Day 2, I recommend visiting Bilbao, the biggest and most important city in Northern Spain. While it is not the most stereotypically beautiful city, it is a cultural hotspot, and every night you’ll find opera, theaters, and concerts at the Kafe Antzokia.
Of course, the one place that every visitor to Bilbao should know about is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, an architectural reference in all of Europe. The Guggenheim has been Bilbao’s preimier landmark and cultural institution since it was built back in 1997.
Next, for your third day, continue heading west until you reach Oviedo. Located half-way between the Basque Country and Galicia (in the far west), this architecturally gorgeous Asturian city offers the perfect environment to walk, relax, and unwind.
For your last two days in Spain, travel on to Galicia. There, in the westernmost region of Spain, the city of Santiago de Compestela will graciously welcome you with open arms just as this medieval gem does for all the tens of thousands of pilgrim who come here every year. Walk its old town, stare in amazement at its towering cathedral, learn about the life of Saint James, and try traditional Gallego food at O Gato Negro.
So, on your fifth and final day, where should you say goodbye to Northern Spain? Well, I have two ideas. If you’ll be visiting in the summer, go to the Illa de Arousa, an island that offers all the beauties of the Galician coast - wine, sun and sand, and crystal clear water.
Alternatively, if you’ll be here in any other season, head to Pontevedra instead. This tiny city has garnered attention from international newspapers because of its perfect balance of beautiful architecture and a healthy lifestyle (the city is almost entirely car-free!).
5 days in the Basque Country and Navarra
If you don’t have the time to calmly visit the whole North of Spain, or if you prefer to more completely explore a smaller portion of land rather than spending your days traveling from one place to another, here is a solution: visit the two easternmost regions of this area - the Basque Country and Navarra.
In only 5 days you will have an ample taste of all that defines Basque culture: mountains and nature, fishing towns and a people closely linked to the ocean, and two cities that are cultural and foodie references for all of Spain: Bilbao and San Sebastián. The trip starts and ends in those cities, but in between you’ll be seeing some of the true, less-touristed gems of the region.
You’ll have a chance to make your way to Navarre, an often-ignored region by most international tourists. If you have good weather, especially during the autumn months, your goal here should be to walk through one of the natural wonders of Navarre, the Selva de Irati beech forest, sitting at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains.
For a bit more nature and taste of small-town life, we suggest a day trip out from San Sebastián to the vivid colorful towns of Gipuzkoa province: Tolosa, Pasaia and its historic port, or the fisherman-town of Hondarribia.
And finally, traveling from San Sebastián to Bilbao, you’ll cruise along every inch of the Basque coastline, visiting lovely seaside towns all along the route.
Here’s the daily plan:
Day 1: San Sebastián
Arrive to the city, go for a tour hopping from one pintxos bar to another, catch some waves at Zurriola beach, visit the 31 de Agosto street, and end the day climbing Urgull mountain to see the sunset.
Day 2: Navarre
2-hour trip from San Sebastián to the Selva de Irati forest. Go for a hike and marvel at the biggest beech tree reserve in Europe. Enjoy the wildlife and nature of the Pyrenees, and then head back to San Sebastián.
Day 3: Gipuzkoa
Visit the colorful and vivid villages of Gipuzkoa that surround San Sebastián: Tolosa, the ancient capital city of this province, Pasaia and its historic port, and the fishing town of Hondarribia, where you should end the day with a dinner at Abarka Restaurant.
Day 4: Basque coast
Go for a ride along every single kilometer of the the Basque coast, from San Sebastián to Bilbao. Visit Getaria, Mutriku, Lekeitio, and Bermeo, and absorb every little touch of ocean breeze on your way to the big city.
Day 5: Bilbao
Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, try to catch a soccer game in the San Mamés stadium, explore the neighborhoods ofof Zazpi Kaleak, San Frantzisko, and Deusto (and stay in one late into the night for great nightlife).
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The trip would start in San Sebastián, as usual, and there you would have a few options. The foodie one, visiting the best bars of pintxos. The sportive one, catching some waves in the Zurriola beach. Or the historic one, walking the seaside promenade, climbing the Urgull mountain to see the sunset from the Polboriña bar and visiting the street 31 de agosto. Or do it all at once!
Next day should be the one for a one-day trip to the beauty wonders of Navarre. If the weather is benign, specially during the autumn season, the goal should be to walk one of the nature wonders in Navarre, the Selva de Irati, at the foot of the Pyrenees. Thus, a more nature-oriented day would be the perfect prelude to travel from San Sebastián to some of the vivid, colorful tows of the Gipuzkoa province: the ancient province’s capital city of Tolosa, Pasaia and its historic port, or the fisherman-town of Hondarribia, where you should visit Abarka restaurant.
Last, the Basque coast would be the witness to the trip on the fifth day. This is the best way to travel to the city of Bilbao, where its nationally renowned fame for day and nightlife in the neighbourhoods of Zazpi Kaleak, San Frantzisko, or Deusto, as well as the Guggenheim Museum or the San Mamés Stadium, will be waiting for its visitors.
Connect with Alfonso in San Sebastian for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips!
6-day Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia itinerary
We’ve just covered an itinerary for the eastern part of Northern Spain, so now let’s take a look at a 6-day option for the west of the region, traveling through Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
This itinerary is quite well balanced, and it offers a nice blend of history, nature, and city life. You’ll have a chance to delve deep into Spain’s medieval history in Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela, as both cities were cultural and political centers during medieval times.
For a more modern ambiance, the maritime city of A Coruña awaits. Here, you’ll eat like kings and queens and will experience perhaps the best nightlife of your life.
Of course, the nature of northern Spain is never far away, no matter where you go, so we’ve got ample opportunities to unwind in blissful surroundings: the trip starts in the Picos de Europa mountain range, a hiking paradise.
You’ll then pass through the already-mentioned cities, until you reach the Rías Baixas - an area of vineyards, beaches and coves, sun and wine. And finally, your trip will wrap up in the the blissful Cíes Islands, where you’ll say goodbye to northern Spain while watching a brilliant sunset.
Here’s a summary of this itinerary:
Day 1: Picos de Europa
Ruta del Cares: Walk the 24 kilometer round-trip of the most renowned hiking trail on the Iberian Peninsula.
Riaño: This less-trafficked hike is a better option if you visit in summer, when the Ruta del Cares might be packed. A paradise for hiking and biking lovers, any activity in Riaño should finish with a swim in the Pantano de Riaño.
Day 2: Oviedo
Get lost in the city’s old town, visit the medieval church of Santa María del Naranco, and feast on a fabada in Alterna Sidrería restaurant.
Day 3: A Coruña
Walk the longest seaside promenade of Europe, visit the only Roman lighthouse still in service (Torre de Hercules), and get to know traditional Galician food in the Taberna O Tarabelo.
Day 4: Santiago de Compostela
Walk through Santiago’s old town and imagine you’re a pilgrim from the 10th century. Check out the magnificent cathedral, visit Restaurant La Radio for a fancy dinner.
Day 5: Rías Baixas
Finally, a day of rest after so much walking. Visit some of the many wineries this area has to offer, go to the beach and feel the ocean breeze, have some seafood for dinner, and just unwind.
Day 6: Illas Cíes (Cié Islands)
Take a boat trip to the “best beach in the world”, enjoy a glorious sunset from the islands, and catch an evening boat back to the mainland.
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I would definitely start this trip close to the border between Cantabria and Asturias, where the famed and prominent Ruta del Cares is one of the best options in the Picos de Europa for a hiking route —but not the only one. If you prefer something less obvious, try the Riaño area of the Picos de Europa, already in the province of Leon, a paradise for hiking and biking lovers, as well as the home of the Pantano de Riaño.
After this start deep in nature, next three days are going to be very urban. First, in the Asturian city of Oviedo, home of the ancient Christian Kingdom of Asturias, historic prologue of what would end up becoming the country of Spain. Walk as much as you can this wonderful city, visit the medieval church of Santa María del Naranco and regain energies with a fabada in Alterna Sidrería.
Get on the move on the next day and repeat the process in A Coruña: walk a lot, in this case throughout the longest seaside promenade in Europe, get to know the Torre de Hércules (the only Roman lighthouse still working in the world) and visit O Tarabelo for a traditional, old-way Galician meal. And why not, let’s maintain the plan for Santiago de Compostela: get to know this Medieval old town which was a reference for pilgrims ever since the 10th century and grab a fancy meal in La Radio.
Final step of the final itinerary after you go down to the Rías Baixas, the end couldn’t be other that the Illas Cíes, the most western point of this regional guide of Northern Spain.
Here, the most beautiful of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia should be the perfect point to grab a drink, enjoy the most impressive sunset you can enjoy in Western Europe and plan when it’s going to be the next time you’re coming to Northern Spain —this land that, whatever itinerary you choose to follow, will make you fall in love with it.
7 days City hopping through Northern Spain
If you’re not so interested in nature and prefer cities and the cultural attractions that they have to offer, this is the itinerary for you. Over the course of a week, you’ll visit all of northern Spain’s major cities, and will have a full picture of what city life here is like.
The trip starts with a heavy dose of culture in San Sebastián and Bilbao, with a quick stop in between in Pamplona - the land of the San Fermín bulls, and the beloved spot of Ernest Hemingway.
From there, you’ll move on to Cantabria to visit the regal city of Santander, before spending half a day in each of Oviedo and Gijón, the two Asturian gems.
Finally, your trip ends in Galicia, where you’ll first spend a day enjoying the sea breeze and maritime atmosphere of A Coruña. On your last day, it's on to the medieval town of Santiago, a historical gem with a beautiful city center and one of Spain’s most magnificent cathedrals.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Visit the 31 de Agosto street and the rest of the historic center, walk along La Concha beach, catch some waves at Zurriola beach, and end the day climbing Urgull mountain to see the sunset. In the evening, eat everything, hopping from one pintxos bar to another.
For some culture, check out the city’s jazz festival, Zinemaldia, if you’re there during the month of June. Or, if you come in September, San Sebastián’s International Fil Festival will be waiting you.
Day 2: Pamplona
Walk the famous streets that the bulls of San Fermín run through to the city’s bullring in the month of June. Follow Ernest Hemingway’s route through the city, and eat some txistorras with eggs - yes, it’s greasy, but that’s why is so good.
Day 3: Bilbao
Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum and enjoy the cultural life of Bilbao in a concert; in the theater; or at the opera. Have a busy day exploring the city and use up all your energy, as you’re going to refuel in the evening with a hearty feast at Iñakiren Taberna.
Day 4: Santander
Walk all along Santander’s seaside, from the Centro Botín (check out the temporary exhibitions) to El Sardinero beach, whose sparkling but chilly waters will be waiting for you. This is for sure one of the most beautiful urban routes that Spain has to offer. Be sure to also visit the Palacio de la Magdalena.
Start your day in Gijón, enjoying its ocean breeze and urban beaches. In the afternoon, head to Oviedo and walk until you can’t walk anymore, admiring the city’s architecture, history, tiny squares, and classic urban life. In the evening, it’s time to head back to Gijón to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Day 6: A Coruña
Walk the longest seaside promenade of Europe, visit the only Roman lighthouse still in service, and get to know traditional Galician food in the Taberna O Tarabelo.
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela
Walk through Santiago’s old town and imagine you’re a pilgrim from the 10th century. Check out the magnificent cathedral, visit Restaurant La Radio for a fancy dinner.
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The first step is the shared with all the other itineraries: San Sebastián. However, we must tell you that Donostia is not only about food. The city hosts a very relevant jazz festival during the month of June, the biggest film festival of Spain in September and many cultural activities during the whole year. If you plan your trip with enough time, you might be able to enjoy them!
San Sebastián is made for city-life lovers and, without leaving San Sebastián, I recommend you pay a one-day visit to Pamplona: the town of San Fermín, of Ernest Hemingway, the txistorra —I’m not going to explain what a txistorra is, just order it with eggs in Pamplona, and you’ll be forever thankful.
Next stop on the third day will take you to the most eastern city of the Basque Country, Bilbao, the cultural landmark of Northern Spain. Again, my recommendation here doesn’t change. Even if you’re not really into museums, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-go. And before you leave the Basque Country, visit Iñakiren Taberna to gain some energies before the next two days.
Because the next two days will require you walk. A lot. First in Santander, where the best way to know the city is to walk from the Centro Botín to El Sardinero, all the way by the coastline. One of the loveliest urban routes in Spain, no doubt.
And then in Oviedo and Gijón on the fifth day. You can choose to do only one, you can do both. But depending on what you desire, every city has its own appeal. Oviedo is architecture, history, tiny squares, classic urban life. Gijón is ocean breeze, urban beaches, owner of that kind of vibe that only ports give to towns. You travel, you choose.
Finally, as usual, we say goodbye in Galicia. First with a walk in A Coruña through the longest seaside promenade in Europe all the way to the Hercules Tower, oldest Roman lighthouse still working. Then, diving into the medieval times that made Santiago de Compostela one of the most important cities of Christian Europe.
1-week History-focused trip
Northern Spain is full of nature, culture, and cuisine, no matter where you go. However, it’s also a land with a deep history, and one that’s quite unique on the Iberian peninsula. and the chronicles here go back centuries.
In northern Spain, you can learn about Arab caliphates and their wars with Spain’s first Christian kingdoms, about Romans finding the “end of the world”, and witches celebrating their rituals in the Pyrenees.
This one-week trip through Northern Spain will show you all of that - and much more.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Visit the 31 de Agosto street, San Sebastián’s only street that remained standing after the Peninsular War against Napoleon. Climb up Urgull mountain, one of the old defenses of the city. Walk along La Concha beach, and in the evening, eat everything, hopping from one pintxos bar to another.
Day 2: Zugarramurdi
Go for a day trip to Navarra and visit the caves of Zugarramurdi, where the ancient Basque witches used to celebrate their akelarres (the word for witches’ sabbath in English).
Day 3: Getaria and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Today, you’ll be exploring the past through visits with sailors and conquerors. How? Well, the tiny village of Getaria was the hometown of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the leader of the first journey to circumnavigate the Earth. From there, continue on for a 1-hour drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose landscapes were used as the setting for the home of Queen Daenerys, a character from the Game of Thrones television series.
Day 4: Covadonga
Visit the chapel built on the site where the Christians won their first battle against the Arab caliphate in 722. While there, check out the gorgeous lakes, the mountains, and all the nature that surrounds this beautiful area of the Picos de Europa park.
Day 5: Oviedo
Walk through the old town, admiring its tiny squares and narrow alleys, and pay a visit to the church of Santa María del Naranco. Oviedo was the first Christian city of the Peninsula, and you can still get that medieval feel if you let yourself get lost in the city’s streets.
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela
Sit in front of the Santiago Cathedral and think of how that majestic structure would have looked to the arriving pilgrims centuries ago. Then go inside and visit the tomb of the Apostle St. James, which of course is why those same pilgrims first started coming here. The entire city is a medieval gem, so enjoy the ambiance and take your time exploring it.
Day 7: Finisterre
Finisterre, in the far west of Galicia was thought to be the end of the world by Romans, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. Come for sunset, and walk out to the end of the cap and watch the sun set behind the Atlantic Ocean.
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We start the trip again in San Sebastián, but the target now is not to eat some pintxos. Rather than that, I propose a historic route to initiate this historic itinerary through the North of Spain. This first day you should visit the street 31 de Agosto and climb the Urgull Mountain. You’ll see there the historical remains of the Peninsular War (1807-1814), undertaken after the French emperor Napoleon invaded Spain. There, on the Old Town of Donostia, you’ll be a witness of how culture, history and present blend together.
On the second day, my recommendation is to carry out a one-day trip to the Caves of Zugarramurdi, in Navarre, full of story and one of the best representations of the old, atavistic Basque culture.
This is an ancient culture that you can keep enjoying on the third day with a trip through the Basque coast, land of world-renowned sailors —both in the reality and the fiction. Because Getaria was the hometown of explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano, known for having completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth. And the impressive, breathtaking chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was the home of another great explorer, although fictional: Queen Daenerys of Game of Thrones.
The fourth and fifth day should be the time to visit the beginnings of the Asturian Christian kingdom, predecessor of what would end up being known as Spain. Go first to Covadonga, in the Picos de Europa, where it was fought the foundational battle between this kingdom and the Arabe caliphate. Go then to Oviedo, full of history after being converted to the capital city of this Christian kingdom and visit the church of Santa María del Naranco.
Finally, next two stops are the ending visits of this itinerary. After Oviedo the target is Santiago de Compostela, probably the most important city of the Spanish Christian Medieval Age, where exerted as a reference for Europeans pilgrims looking for the tomb of apostle James. Those pilgrimages converted the city in what still looks like today: a medieval, culturally vibrant, multicultural town.
Also, in the previous step on the route to what was considered by Romans as the end of the world: Finisterre. The western point of Spain, a mystic cape going into the Atlantic Ocean, full of stories of shipwrecks and pirates and Vikings and other dangers that came from far away. A must-go for history lovers.
10-day Nature and outdoors Itinerary
If your ideal vacation involves getting away from the cities and heading out for glorious days of adventuring in pristine nature, then this is the itinerary for you. With mountains, forests, beaches, and every sort of outdoor activity that you can imagine, this is an action-packed week and a half.
The trip starts on the Basque beaches, famous for their excellent surfing waves, and goes west all the way to the Atlantic coves and islands of Galicia.
In between, hikes through the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa, a kayak ride down the Sella River, and some snorkeling in Asturias await you.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Kick off the morning with some surfing at Zurriola beach. There are lots of surf schools or equipment shops where you can rent a board, so get an early start and get out on the water. Afterwards, wander San Sebastian’s historic center, lounge on La Concha beach, and have pintxos in the evening.
Day 2: Navarre
Today you’ve got some hikes waiting for you. If you visit during the autumn, you should absolutely go for a hike through the impressive beech forest of the Selva de Irati. If you come during the other seasons, you still have many Pyrenees peaks to choose from: Urkulu, Larrún, or Orzanzurrieta.
Day 3: Navarre
Camp out in nature tonight. Hike through the plateau of Urbasa, visit the Nacedero de Urederra, and sit out under the brilliant night sky, watching the stars until you fall asleep.
Day 4: Basque coast
More surfing? Yes, please! The tiny village of Mundaka hosts the best left wave in Europe for surfing, so if you’re an experienced surfer, that’s a must-visit beach. For something more quiet, try renting a SUP and paddling around the Urdaibai bay.
Day 5: Picos de Europa
Walk the 24 kilometer round-trip of the most renowned hiking trail on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s not that technical or difficult, but it’s incredibly beautiful.
Day 6: Sella River Kayaking
Sing “rolling, rolling, rolling down the river” (just like Tina Turner did!) while you paddle your kayak down the Sella River, one of the Meccas of kayaking in Europe. After that, stop off and drink some cider as a reward for your hard work.
Day 7: Asturian coast
After so many busy days of active travel, it’s time for a little break. Go for a road trip along the Asturian coast to Galicia, visiting some beaches, eating some cachopo, and getting ready for the last 3 days.
Day 8: Finisterre
Get to Cape Finisterre - the Roman’s “end of the world” - and hike on the portion of the Camiño dos Faros that runs from Finisterre to Nemiña. Then, come back to Finisterre and watch the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see.
Day 9: Rías Baixas
Head down to the rivers, coves, and beaches of the Rías Baixas and go paddle boarding or snorkeling. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will fall in love with this magical place.
Day 10: Illas Cíes
Take a boat trip out to the Cíes Islands and go on the last hike of this trip. While you walk, you’ll pass from the “best beach in the world” to a mountain peak where you’ll enjoy the last sunset of your time in northern Spain.
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Ok, yes, I know. Go for some pintxos in San Sebastián doesn’t look like the start for the most nature-driven itinerary. But trust me, you’ll need to eat well after you catch some waves in the Zurriola beach, the most famous Spanish urban beach for surfing.
Also, because the start of the route next day is pure hardcore: going from San Sebastián to the Navarre Pyrenees. The Selva de Irati, the biggest beech reserve in Western Europe, might be a perfect option to do a hike, specially during Autumn. If not, any peak of the Pyrenees will be waiting for you.
And before you leave Navarre, I would recommend visit the wonders of the plateau of Urbasa on the third day.
After Navarre, it is time for traveling through the Basque Coast on the fourth day —and catch some more waves in Mundaka if you’re up to try the best left wave in Europe.
Next stop is the Picos de Europa, those mountains between Asturias and Cantabria that offer an Alpes-kind-of-feel right next to the Cantabrian Sea. Here, there are two activities of nature can’t skip on its visit: the Ruta del Cares, one of the most renowned hiking trails in Southern Europe; and the Descent of the Sella River, a must-do for canoeing lovers.
Finally, and before you spend your last energies in Galicia, you should carry out a route through the Asturian coast. Drink some cider, eat some cachopo and get prepared for the last three days.
First, for a hiking route in Finisterre, a stage of the as hard as beautiful or wild O Camiño dos Faros. The perfect prelude before you go down to the Rías Baixas, do some paddle-surf in one of its many beaches and end the trip with a hike on the Illas Cíes on the tenth day.
14-day Comprehensive Northern Spain Itinerary
If you have a full 14 days to travel through Northern Spain, consider yourself fortunate indeed. Because with two weeks you’ll have enough time to really experience just about everything that this region has to offer: from cities to tiny villages, mountains to the sea, vineyards to islands, and culture, concerts, history, and of course, cuisine.
Your route starts in San Sebastián (as always), the foodie Meccah of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as its most Belle Epoque city. From there, you’ll see everything you need to: you’ll follow Hemingway’s ghost in Pamplona, enjoy the cultural life of Bilbao, see firsthand the medieval history of Oviedo and Santiago, explore the tiny villages, get out into beautiful nature, and traverse entire stretch of coastline that makes up this region.
In these two weeks, you will walk, hike, swim, and feast your way through Northern Spain. So prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Explore the charming old town, walk along La Concha Beach, and whenever you’re hungry, go from bar to bar and from pintxo to pintxo, feasting on the best food the Basque Country has to offer. I suggest the following restaurants: Atari, Txuleta, Kapadokia, and Gandarias.
Day 2: Navarre
Do a day trip from San Sebastián to Navarre, either to Pamplona or the Selva de Irati forest.
Day 3: Basque coast
Head out along the Basque coast, traveling from San Sebastián to Bilbao. Visit Getaria, Mutriku, Lekeitio, Bermeo, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Eat some seafood wherever you wind up for your meals - it’s going to be fresh and delicious anywhere.
Day 4: Bilbao
Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum and enjoy the cultural life of Bilbao in a concert; in the theater; or at the opera. Have a busy day exploring the city and use up all your energy, as you’re going to refuel in the evening with a hearty feast at Iñakiren Taberna.
Day 5: Santander
Santander is a regal city, made by and for the bourgeoisie and royalty in old times. Experiencing the stately architecture of this lovely, and often-skipped city is a delight. Check out the Centro Botín, El Sardinero beach, and the Palacio de la Magdalena.
Day 6: Cantabria’s coastal towns
Set out from Santander and travel along the Cantabrian coast, visiting the region’s charming seaside towns: Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera, and Santillana del Mar are three of my favorites. Explore the towns, eat great Cantabrian food, and enjoy the culture.
Day 7: Picos de Europa
There’s no more renowned hiking trail in the Iberian Peninsula than the Ruta del Cares, and this is your chance to walk its 24 kilometers and experience its stunning nature. It will take you all day, but it will be worth it.
Day 8: Oviedo
Get lost in the city’s old town, visit the medieval church of Santa María del Naranco, and feast on a fabada in Alterna Sidrería restaurant.
Day 9: Gijón
Spend a relaxing day in coastal Gijón, recovering from all the walking you’ll have just done in Oviedo. You can lounge on San Lorenzo beach soaking up the waves, eat some fabas at Sidrería Román, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife (just don’t go overboard, as you still need to get up early enough tomorrow!).
Day 10: The Asturian and Galician Coast
As you head west from Gijón, it’s the perfect opportunity to cruise along the Asturian and Galician coasts. When doing so, there are two mandatory stops: the town of Cudillero and the Praia (beach, in Galician) das Catedrais.
Day 11: A Coruña
A visit to A Coruña is your chance to walk the longest seaside promenade in Europe and climb the only Roman lighthouse still in service: the Torre de Hércules. To celebrate, why not, drink a Galician wine in the Pescadería neighborhood of the city.
Day 12: Santiago de Compostela
Wander and get lost in this labyrinthine old town, which is full of history and legends. And don’t forget to visit the impressive Cathedral of Santiago.
Day 13: Rías Baixas
After so much work, today is a day to rest. Go to Cambados, the most beautiful town in the Rías Baixas, and enjoy the three good things it holds: good wine, good weather, and good architecture.
Day 14: Illas Cíes
Time to say goobye to northern Spain. Take a boat to the Illas Cíes, get to know the best beach in the world, and say chao to all of that you’ve enjoyed in these two weeks. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the best sunset waving back to you.
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This itinerary starts off in San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in Basque language. Here, the first thing you must do is clear: leave your stuff at the hotel, wriggle into some comfortable sneakers and prepare yourself to walk and eat and repeat.
The plan is to go to the Old Town of the city and try the best pintxos (small food bites) bars in Spain: Atari, Txuleta, Kapadokia, or Gandarias. A perfect welcome and a good way to get some energies for the next days in the Basque Country.
On your second day, I recommend you visit one of the beauties of Navarre —a natural one, like the Selva de Irati, or a vibrant city, like Pamplona.
After that, day three should be the start of the trip through the Basque coast to Bilbao, where the mandatory visit on the fourth day is the Guggenheim Museum.
Next region is Cantabria and its capital city, Santander. Santander is worth spending a whole day walking its promenade, its urban beaches, its seaside mansions —all of that urbanite feel that is the best example of Belle Epoque architecture along its cousin city of San Sebastián.
Then, on the sixth day, the best idea is to visit some of the picturesque villages Cantabria has to offer (Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera, Santillana del Mar), and eventually spend the night in Santander.
Make your way to the Picos de Europa on the seventh day. There, on those astonishing mountains, there is one of the must-do outdoor plans the North of Spain offers: the Ruta del Cares, probably the best hiking trail of the Peninsula.
Further west, the eighth and ninth day are the ones to stop in the two main Asturian cities: Oviedo and Gijón. The plan here is simple. Walk until you can’t walk more the old town of Oviedo, an absolute beauty, full of little squares and alleys that deserved to be found by surprise.
Go on the next day to Gijón, swim in the beach of San Lorenzo and get the fabes (typical plate of Asturian beans) of Sidrería Román.
Finally, it’s time for Galicia. The trip from Asturias to this last region through the Cantabrian coast is a total wonder, and you can enjoy it in little villages as Cudillero or beaches like the Praia das Catedrais.
The next two days you could visit two very different ways of approaching a city: A Coruña, with its sea breeze and the longest seafront promenade of Europe; and Santiago, whose old town is a reminder of the Medieval times.
The end is reserved for the Rías Baixas, where you could enjoy a nice goodbye. First, on a town like Cambados, with the perfect combination of good wine, good weather, and good architecture. Then, on the Illas Cíes, probably the most Caribbean-like islands you can find in Continental Europe.
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Alfonso Nuñez
Spain Expert based in San Sebastián
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Alfonso, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Spain for the last 18 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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