best places to visit north spain

Northern Spain is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture. From the rolling hills of the Basque Country to the rugged peaks of the Picos de Europa, there’s something for every traveler. I’ve had the privilege of exploring this enchanting region, and I’m eager to share my favorite destinations with you.

Basque Country

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Spain, the Basque Country is a land of captivating beauty and vibrant culture. I was immediately smitten with its charm when I visited. The rolling green hills, dotted with traditional farmhouses, stretch out before you like a picturesque tapestry. The rugged coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, is a sight to behold.

But it’s not just the scenery that captivates in the Basque Country. The region is also renowned for its rich history, fascinating culture, and delectable cuisine. I highly recommend indulging in the local pintxos, small plates of culinary delights that are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

To fully immerse yourself in the Basque experience, I suggest visiting the charming city of San Sebastian. With its beautiful beaches, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, it’s a true gem. Bilbao, with its iconic Guggenheim Museum, is another must-see destination.

So, if you’re looking for a region that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and gastronomic delights, the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. I guarantee you’ll be captivated by its unique allure.

a) San Sebastian

San Sebastian, a coastal gem in the Basque Country, is a city that effortlessly blends elegance and charm. I was captivated by its beautiful beaches, which stretch along the Bay of Biscay like a golden crescent. La Concha Beach, with its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, is an idyllic spot to relax and soak up the sun.

But San Sebastian is more than just a beach destination. It’s also a culinary paradise, renowned for its pintxos bars. These small establishments serve a tantalizing array of miniature culinary delights, from traditional Basque dishes to innovative creations. I highly recommend embarking on a pintxos crawl and sampling the diverse flavors that the city has to offer.

Beyond its culinary scene, San Sebastian boasts a vibrant cultural landscape. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. I particularly enjoyed visiting the San Telmo Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of Basque art and history.
Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked relaxation, gastronomic adventures, or cultural immersion, San Sebastian has something to offer every traveler. I highly recommend adding this enchanting city to your itinerary when exploring northern Spain.

b) Bilbao

Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country, is a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. I was particularly impressed by the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning architectural masterpiece that has become an iconic symbol of Bilbao’s cultural renaissance. Inside, I marveled at the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko.

Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao offers a wealth of cultural attractions. I highly recommend visiting the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which houses a diverse collection of Spanish and Basque art from the Middle Ages to the present day. For a glimpse into Bilbao’s industrial heritage, I suggest exploring the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the city’s shipbuilding and maritime trade.

But Bilbao is not just about museums. It’s also a city with a lively atmosphere and a thriving culinary scene. I enjoyed wandering through the charming streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where I stumbled upon numerous pintxos bars and traditional Basque restaurants. The food in Bilbao is simply divine, and I highly recommend indulging in the local specialties, such as bacalao al pil pil (cod with garlic and chili peppers) and txakoli (a local white wine).

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a美食爱好者, Bilbao is a city that will undoubtedly captivate and delight you. I highly recommend adding this dynamic destination to your itinerary when exploring northern Spain.

Cantabria

Cantabria, a region in northern Spain, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. I was fortunate enough to spend several days exploring this enchanting region, and I was captivated by its stunning landscapes and charming towns.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Picos de Europa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I embarked on a scenic hike through the park’s verdant valleys and towering peaks, and I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including chamois, ibex, and wolves.

Beyond the Picos de Europa, Cantabria offers a wealth of other natural attractions. I highly recommend visiting the Altamira Caves, which contain some of the finest examples of prehistoric cave paintings in the world. The paintings, which date back over 35,000 years, depict animals, human figures, and enigmatic symbols.

For a taste of Cantabria’s coastal beauty, I suggest exploring the beaches of Santander, the region’s capital city. I spent a relaxing afternoon strolling along the city’s promenade, enjoying the fresh sea air and admiring the views of the Bay of Biscay.

Cantabria is also renowned for its delicious cuisine. I savored the region’s seafood specialties, such as grilled sardines and lobster stew. And for dessert, I indulged in the local delicacy, sobaos pasiegos, a sweet pastry filled with butter and sugar.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or cultural immersion in charming towns, Cantabria is a region that has something to offer every traveler. I highly recommend adding this beautiful destination to your itinerary when exploring northern Spain.

a) Santander

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a vibrant city nestled on the shores of the Bay of Biscay. I spent a delightful day exploring this charming city, and I was impressed by its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and stunning coastal views.

One of the highlights of my visit was a stroll along Santander’s Paseo de Pereda, a wide promenade that stretches for over a kilometer along the waterfront. I enjoyed the fresh sea air and admired the views of the bay and the city’s landmarks, such as the Palacio de la Magdalena and the Gran Casino.

For a taste of Santander’s cultural heritage, I visited the Museo de Arte Moderno y Contemporáneo de Santander y Cantabria (MAS). The museum houses a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Spanish masters such as Picasso and Dalí.

Santander is also known for its delicious cuisine. I indulged in a traditional seafood lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay. I savored grilled sardines, clams, and a hearty bowl of lobster stew.

After lunch, I took a leisurely walk through the Jardines de Pereda, a beautiful park located in the heart of the city. I admired the colorful flowerbeds, the tranquil ponds, and the sculptures that adorn the park.

Santander is a city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, exploration of historic sites, or indulgence in culinary delights, Santander is a destination that has something to offer every traveler.

b) Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa is a stunning mountain range that straddles the regions of Cantabria, Asturias, and León. I embarked on a breathtaking hike through this natural paradise, and I was rewarded with awe-inspiring views, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes.

My hike began in the village of Sotres, where I followed a well-marked trail that led me through a verdant valley. As I ascended, the scenery became increasingly dramatic, with towering peaks rising above me and deep gorges cutting through the landscape.

Along the way, I encountered grazing sheep and cows, and I marveled at the wildflowers that carpeted the meadows. I stopped for a picnic lunch beside a sparkling mountain stream, and I enjoyed the tranquility of my surroundings.

As I reached higher altitudes, the vegetation changed to alpine meadows, and I was treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. I could see for miles in every direction, and I felt a sense of exhilaration and freedom.

The Picos de Europa is a hiker’s paradise, and I highly recommend exploring this stunning mountain range. Whether you’re seeking a challenging climb or a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail to suit every level of fitness.
After my hike, I relaxed in the charming village of Cangas de Onís, where I enjoyed a traditional Asturian dinner and a well-deserved rest. The Picos de Europa is a place of natural beauty and adventure, and I will cherish the memories of my time there forever.