best places to visit north spain

The Basque Country and Cantabria are the regions that form the northern coast of Spain and are home to some of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country. Here are just a few of the best places to visit in Northern Spain⁚

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful city located on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country. It is known for its stunning beaches‚ delicious food‚ and vibrant nightlife. The city is also home to a number of historic and cultural attractions‚ including the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and the San Telmo Museum. Here are a few of the best things to do in San Sebastian⁚

• Visit the Playa de la Concha‚ one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
• Explore the Parte Vieja‚ the historic old town of San Sebastian.
• Indulge in the city’s famous pintxos‚ small snacks served in bars.
• Visit the San Telmo Museum‚ which houses a collection of Basque art and history.
• Take a walk along the Paseo de la Concha‚ a beautiful promenade that offers stunning views of the bay.

– Playa de la Concha

The Playa de la Concha is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It is located in the heart of San Sebastian and is known for its golden sands‚ crystal-clear waters‚ and stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The beach is also very popular for swimming‚ sunbathing‚ and surfing. Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Playa de la Concha⁚

• Arrive early to get a good spot on the beach.
• Bring sunscreen‚ sunglasses‚ and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Be aware of the strong currents and waves‚ especially if you are swimming.
• Take a walk along the Paseo de la Concha‚ a beautiful promenade that runs along the beach.
• Enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

– Parte Vieja

The Parte Vieja is the old town of San Sebastian and is one of the most charming and historic neighborhoods in the city. It is a maze of narrow streets‚ lined with traditional Basque bars and restaurants‚ and is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks. Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Parte Vieja⁚

• Get lost in the narrow streets and explore the many bars and restaurants.
• Visit the Church of San Vicente‚ one of the oldest churches in the city.
• See the Plaza de la Constitución‚ the main square of the Parte Vieja.
• Enjoy the views of the harbor from the Paseo Nuevo.
• Try some of the local Basque cuisine‚ such as pintxos and txakoli.

Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and is a major cultural and economic center. It is home to some of the most famous museums in Spain‚ including the Guggenheim Museum and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Bilbao is also a great city for shopping‚ dining‚ and nightlife.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to Bilbao⁚

• Visit the Guggenheim Museum‚ one of the most famous museums in the world.
• Explore the Casco Viejo‚ the old town of Bilbao.
• Take a walk along the Nervión River.
• Try some of the local Basque cuisine‚ such as pintxos and txakoli.
• Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife;

– Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and is a must-see for any visitor to Bilbao. The museum is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art‚ including works by Picasso‚ Kandinsky‚ and Warhol. The building itself is also a work of art‚ designed by Frank Gehry.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Guggenheim Museum⁚

• Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid lines.
• Allow plenty of time to explore the museum‚ as there is a lot to see.
• Take a guided tour to learn more about the art and the museum.
• Visit the museum’s café for a snack or a meal.
• Enjoy the views of the Nervión River from the museum’s terrace.

– Casco Viejo

The Casco Viejo is the old town of Bilbao and is a great place to explore on foot. The narrow streets are lined with shops‚ bars‚ and restaurants‚ and there are many historical buildings to see‚ including the Bilbao Cathedral and the City Hall.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Casco Viejo⁚

• Wear comfortable shoes‚ as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Start your exploration in the Plaza Nueva‚ the main square of the Casco Viejo.
• Visit the Bilbao Cathedral‚ a Gothic masterpiece.
• Explore the Mercado de la Ribera‚ one of the largest indoor markets in Europe.
• Have a drink or a meal in one of the many bars and restaurants in the Casco Viejo.

Santander

Santander is the capital of Cantabria and is a beautiful city located on the Bay of Biscay. The city is home to a number of beaches‚ parks‚ and museums‚ and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to Santander⁚

• Visit the Playa del Sardinero‚ one of the most popular beaches in Santander.
• Take a walk through the Parque de la Magdalena‚ a beautiful park with gardens‚ a zoo‚ and a palace.
• Visit the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico‚ a maritime museum with a collection of ships and maritime artifacts.
• Have a drink or a meal in one of the many bars and restaurants in Santander.

– Playa del Sardinero

The Playa del Sardinero is one of the most popular beaches in Santander and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The beach is long and sandy‚ and has a number of facilities‚ including showers‚ toilets‚ and lifeguards.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Playa del Sardinero⁚

• Go for a swim in the ocean.
• Build a sandcastle.
• Take a walk along the beach.
• Have a picnic on the beach.
• Watch the sunset over the ocean.

– Palacio de la Magdalena

The Palacio de la Magdalena is a beautiful palace located on a small peninsula in Santander. The palace was built in the early 20th century and was once the summer residence of the Spanish royal family.

Today‚ the Palacio de la Magdalena is a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the palace’s many rooms‚ including the grand ballroom‚ the dining room‚ and the royal bedrooms.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your visit to the Palacio de la Magdalena⁚

• Take a guided tour of the palace.
• Explore the palace’s gardens.
• Have a picnic on the palace grounds.
• Attend a concert or other event at the palace.
• Enjoy the views of Santander from the palace’s terrace.