Many tourists who come to Spain often begin their journey in Madrid, which is located in the Iberian Peninsula. Afterwards, they usually travel to the south where the weather is milder to visit ancient Moorish castles, or they head east to cities like Barcelona or Valencia. Unfortunately, they fail to discover the wonders of northern Spain.
This region offers well-preserved medieval villages, scenic wine regions, the stunning Bay of Biscay coastline, and the unique Basque country, among other attractions, just waiting to be discovered.
10. Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful little island in the Bay of Biscay that looks like a castle and is named after it. You can get to the island from the land by crossing a footbridge over some rocks. On top of the island, there is a small chapel dedicated to St. John.
To reach the top, you have to climb 231 steps on a rocky hill, but it’s better to take it easy and not rush because it can be tiring. However, people who have been there before say that the views from the top are incredible and definitely worth the effort.
9. Santander
The beaches of Santander are a popular draw for visitors to this port city on the Bay of Biscay. One beautiful beach, Playa el Sardinero, features a long arc of golden sand that is considered one of the most stunning in Northern Spain. The experience of reaching the beach is made even more enjoyable by walking through the charming Piquio Gardens.
While Santander has a long history, a significant portion of its old quarter was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1941. However, the Municipal Museum of Arts has been renovated since then and now showcases both local contemporary Cantabrian artists and renowned masters like Goya.
8. Bilbao
Bilbao has transformed itself from a city focused primarily on industry to becoming a hub of modern art and architecture. Situated in the picturesque countryside of Basque country, Bilbao is famous for its impressive Guggenheim Bilbao Museum.
Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this museum is a shining example of modernistic design with its titanium exterior. But Bilbao’s charm doesn’t end there; the city also boasts stunning historic architecture such as the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, which dates back to the 14th century, and the beautiful Basilica de Begoña.
7. Rioja Wine Region
If you love wine, you should visit La Rioja Wine Region. It has over 500 wineries, and some of them let you ride horses or drive all-terrain vehicles through their vineyards. You can also take classes to learn how to make your own wine at some wineries.
The vineyards in northern Spain are located on the hills, and the winemakers there have been making amazing wines for over a thousand years. The main wine regions in La Rioja are Rio Baja, Rio Alta, and Rio Alavesa.
6. Pamplona
Pamplona is a city with a rich history that used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Navarre. Nowadays, it is famous for its yearly San Fermin festival where adventurous individuals attempt to outrun a group of bulls through the streets of the city. This thrilling festival lasts for six days in July.
Bullfighting is also a popular activity in Pamplona, with the city housing the fourth largest bullring globally. Additionally, Pamplona holds significance as the starting point for the Camino de Santiago or Pilgrims Road to Santiago. The city offers numerous parks and historic buildings that are perfect for leisurely walks.
5. Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital of Asturias province and it is famous for its religious monuments. It is also a part of the Pilgrims Road to Santiago, and in Oviedo, you can find ancient churches that have been around since the eighth century.
Some notable ones are the Cathedral of San Salvador and the Basilica of San Julian de los Prados, which are both well-preserved. There is also a fascinating pre-Romanesque fountain called La Foncalada, which dates back to the ninth century. For movie trivia enthusiasts, Oviedo was even featured in Woody Allen’s film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
4. San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a beach resort located in Basque country, just 19 km away from France. The surrounding hills add to its beauty and make it a popular destination. The main attraction of San Sebastián is La Concha, which is considered one of the world’s top urban beaches.
The Old Town, also known as Parte Vieja, is a favorite spot for people who enjoy going out and partying, mainly because of its many bars. Most of the buildings in San Sebastián were built in the 19th century since the city was destroyed by the English and Portuguese in 1813.
The city is famous for its July jazz festival, which is the oldest in Europe. Additionally, San Sebastián hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
3. Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of Galicia, known for being the end point of the ancient pilgrimage called Camino de Santiago. Many people value this pilgrimage, also known as the Way of St. James, because they believe it is where St. James, one of Jesus Christ’s Apostles, is buried.
The main square is usually where most pilgrims reach their destination. This lively plaza, situated in the center of the city, is significant because it is the location of various important landmarks, including the Santiago Cathedral, where St. James’ tomb can be found.
2. Picos de Europa National Park
Picos de Europa National Park is the first national park in Spain, established in 1918 under the name Montana de Covadonga National Park, but later renamed in 1995. The park is renowned for its tall mountains and steep canyons, which attract hikers, although they must remain cautious of dense fog. The park experiences snow throughout the year.
Additionally, it includes beautiful forests, oak groves, and four rivers. For those who prefer not to hike, there is an option to take the Fuentede cable car, which ascends more than a mile above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the park.
1. Santillana del Mar
If you are planning to visit Santillana del Mar, it is important to wear comfortable shoes because the village can only be explored on foot. Santillana del Mar is a well-preserved medieval village situated on the west coast of Spain, less than 30 km (20 miles) away from Santander.
It is also located near the renowned Caves of Altamira, famous for their prehistoric paintings. Despite its name, which suggests three falsehoods (not being a saint, not being flat, and not being by the sea), the town is actually named after Santa Juliana, whose burial site can be found in the Colegata, the most famous church in Cantabria.
Additionally, a popular attraction in Santillana del Mar is the Museum of the Inquisition, which displays various instruments of torture.
