Northern Spain

Northern Spain is really a different world compared to sunny, arabesque Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain.

Temperatures in the north are much milder, but the northern regions of Spain will enchant you with their fascinating mix of landscapes and traditions. Even the tapas here are special: they are called pintxos and should be tried with a glass of the typical northern drink, cider.

The programme of a holiday in Northern Spain can include high mountains where you can enjoy outdoor activities, picturesque seaside towns with delicious fish restaurants, romantic bays with breathtaking beauty, ultra-modern museums, popular traditional festivals and much more!

Northern Spain’s popularity as a tourist destination has certainly been boosted by the growing interest in the Camino de Santiago, probably the most famous pilgrimage and hiking route in the world.

But you don’t have to walk hundreds of kilometres to get to know Northern Spain in depth: you can reach all the main tourist destinations by public transport or (recommended!) hire a car and create a tailor-made itinerary for yourself.

The regions in northern Spain

There are four regions in northern Spain washed by the Cantabrian Sea: from east to west we find the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, plus the region of Navarra, east of the Basque Country, which borders France to the north and the region of Aragon to the east.

The landscape varies considerably between the various regions and each has its own history, traditions and typical culinary specialities.

Towns and cities in Northern Spain

The cities of Northern Spain really do cater for all tastes: romantic, futuristic, with a millennial past or spiritual charm, choose the one that suits you best!

Bilbao is a successful example of how an industrial city can be revitalised through intelligent investment: the opening of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most prestigious contemporary art museums in the world, has breathed new life into the city, which is now more vibrant and exciting than ever.

For more traditional atmospheres, choose Pamplona, a charming inland city nestled in the green of a fertile plain. In July, this romantic town is completely transformed during one of Spain’s most famous traditional festivals, the San Fermin festival. If you are brave enough, you too can participate in the legendary running of the bulls!

Santiago de Compostela has a very important symbolic meaning for those who walk the Camino de Santiago, but it is also a wonderful city to visit for those who come here by much more comfortable means!

Oviedo, the fascinating capital of Asturias, is still little known to tourists: take advantage of this to see a more authentic Spain, far from the routes of mass tourism.

Another location that is too often underestimated is Vigo, a picturesque city with an inseparable link to the sea and a true paradise for seafood lovers!

Beach holidays in northern Spain

The coasts of northern Spain are particularly picturesque, which is why more and more tourists are choosing a seaside town in northern Spain for a holiday that combines relaxing moments on the beach with cultural visits.

One of the most famous seaside resorts in northern Spain is Santander, a city with an elegant past overlooking a picturesque bay. Romantic and trendy at the same time, San Sebastian is a city with a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions. Beautiful are its city beaches, in particular the famous La Concha.