Explore the Wonders of Northern Spain: 11 Exciting Activities to Discover
Journey through Northern Spain's enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history on an unforgettable road trip adventure! Here's what you shouldn't miss:
Delicious San Sebastian
Revered as Europe's culinary cradle, this blissful city takes dining seriously while keeping it social. With top-tier chefs, prestigious culinary institutions, Michelin stars, exquisite pintxos, and local gastronomic societies, foodies of all stripes will find something irresistible on the menu. Don't skip a bar-crawl for pintxos, and keep an eye out for an invitation to a secret txoko, the subterranean community kitchens.
Pilgrimage on the Final Stretch of the Camino de Santiago
Since the 9th century, travelers from far and wide have embarked on the spiritual trek to reach Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, where the relics of Saint James and the breathtaking cathedral await. Spend a week conquering the final 110 kilometers of the famed Camino de Santiago from Sarria, where lush, verdant Galicia serves up serene beauty, seafood-heavy cuisine, and historic sites along the way.
Marvel at Bilbao's Cultural Catch
A gritty port town in the past, Bilbao now sparkles with glamour and personality. This lively city boasts enchanting Old Town cuisine, the sensational Guggenheim Museum's modern architecture and exhibitions, and a packed cultural calendar. For even more cultural fascination, don't miss the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Ethnographic Basque Museum, and a host of local events.
Explore Picos de Europa
Spanning Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon, Picos de Europa's breathtaking national park is a blend of picturesque villages, traditional food traditions, hiking trails, and striking nature. Adventure-seekers can embark on multi-day hikes, or simply stroll through charming towns and sample regional delicacies.
Soak up Oviedo's Charm
Ranked as one of Spain's cleanest cities, Oviedo boasts an impressive collection of UNESCO-listed churches and exquisite cuisine, making it the perfect place to unwind. Foodies should sample Fabada Asturiana and spend a few days leisurely exploring this endearing city.
Discover Lugo's Roman Walls
Lugo's fully intact Roman walls are considered some of Spain's finest, with Europe’s best preserved examples until recently unearthed in Germany. The walls are so remarkable they have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Take a walking tour for a picturesque perspective of the city.
Savor Northern Spain's Cheese and Cider Delights
From the diverse Asturian cheese scene to local cider houses, Northern Spain's culinary offerings should satiate even the most ardent gourmets. Try uncarbonated cider poured from great heights to create bubbles, then indulge in a tasting board at your favorite cider house. Sidrería Tierra in Oviedo and Sidrería El Pareón in Picos de Europa are highly recommended.
Bask on Northern Spain's Green Shorelines
From San Sebastian's golden sands to Art Nouveau Gijon's urban beaches, Northern Spain's coastline holds its own in summer, offering stunning landscapes and less crowded waters compared to the Mediterranean. Venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems like Cudillero and Playa de Gerra near Santander.
Drink in León's Gaudí and Glasswork
Less celebrated than Barcelona, León still boasts several architectural gems including Casa Botines, designed by Gaudí, and León Cathedral's impressive stained glass. For a splash of color, take a tour of the Royal Pantheon inside the Basilica of San Isidoro de León.
Explore Galicia's Castros
Prehistoric fortified villages hidden in the hills and along the coast offer a captivating glimpse into the past. Discover Europe's most unique hidden gems at sites like Castro de Baroña and Castro de Santa Trega.
Sample Rioja Wines in Laguardia
Northern Spain's rich wine region offers a chance to taste legendary Riojas and tour underground vineyards. Drive to Laguardia, a charming medieval town featuring a maze of wine tunnels, where you can tour local wineries like Bodega El Fabulista.
Related Posts
- Sample Spain in Seven Days With These 5 Itinerary Ideas
- 10 Best Places to Visit in Europe in Spring
- Best Hidden Gems in Spain: 21 Unique Places To Visit in Spain
- 9 Best Places to Visit in Europe in May
- 12 Incredible Beach Destinations in Europe For Any Kind of Traveller
- 20 Best Cities to Visit in Spain for Culture, Coast or Cuisine
Enrichment Data
Northern Spain provides travelers with an extensive variety of experiences. Key activities and landmarks include:
Top Attractions and Activities
1. Picos de Europa National Park- Hiking, scenic drives, historic towns
2. Asturias- Cangas de Onís, Covadonga, lakes, local cheese, traditional cuisine
3. Bilbao (Basque Country)- Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, Basque cuisine
4. Logroño- Rioja wine, Calle Laurel, Camino de Santiago
5. Galicia and the Northwest Coast- Rías Baixas, Santiago de Compostela, coastal towns
Tips
- Drive with caution, as livestock and wildlife are common on the roads
- Hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Don't overlook the local specialties - Asturian cheeses, Basque pintxos, and Rioja wines are must-tries.
Experience the very best of Northern Spain with a road trip that offers outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
- In the culinary capital of San Sebastian, immerse yourself in the food-and-drink scene, where top-tier chefs, Michelin stars, and local gastronomic societies create irresistible dishes, from exquisite pintxos to secret subterranean community kitchens known as txoko.
- Combine travel and adventure on the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route that winds through Northern Spain's charming landscapes and vibrant cities, offering foodies a taste of classic Spanish cuisine along the way, such as seafood-heavy dishes found in Galicia.
- Discover hidden gems nestled within Northern Spain's home-and-garden surroundings, like prehistoric fortified villages (castros) or the charming wine town of Laguardia - don't forget to sample the region's famous Rioja wines as you tour underground vineyards.
- After experiencing the cultural and culinary delights of major cities like Bilbao and Oviedo, consider venturing off the beaten path to explore the remote beauty of Picos de Europa's national park, where traditional food traditions, picturesque villages, and stunning nature await.
- For a taste of Northern Spain's lifestyle, join locals in an afternoon cider-tasting session, indulging in uncarbonated cider poured from great heights to create bubbles, then relaxing with a tasting board at a recommended cider house, such as Sidrería Tierra in Oviedo or Sidrería El Pareón in Picos de Europa.
- From Art Nouveau Gijon's urban beaches to the hidden gems like Cudillero and Playa de Gerra near Santander, Northern Spain's green shorelines offer less crowded waters compared to the Mediterranean, making it the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
- Delve into the rich history and architectural marvels of overlooked destinations like Leon, with its stunning cathedral, Casa Botines designed by Gaudí, and Royal Pantheon inside the Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon.
- If you're a travel enthusiast seeking new experiences, consider exploring Northern Spain as part of a broader European road trip itinerary, or research related posts that highlight the best places to visit in Europe during various seasons.
- To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, embrace the regional food-and-drink traditions, from traditional Basque pintxos to Asturian cheese, Galician seafood, and Rioja wines - your taste buds will thank you!
- From cooking classes that teach traditional recipes to guided tours focused on specific landmarks like Picos de Europa or the ancient Castros, there are numerous enrichment opportunities available for those seeking a deeper understanding of Northern Spain and its unique lifestyle.
