
Welcome to Northern Spain, a region that captivates travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and distinct cultural heritage. It is a region that has captured our hearts and minds as well. Nestled between the rugged Atlantic coastline and the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, this enchanting region offers a wealth of experiences that make it a must-visit destination.
From the lush green landscapes of Galicia to the dramatic cliffs of the Basque Country, and from the picturesque wine valleys of La Rioja to the rugged peaks of the Picos de Europa, the region offers an incredible range of natural wonders. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking scenery, Northern Spain will leave you in awe. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey by discovering the Northern Spain travel highlights.
Santiago de Compostela
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This historic city in Galicia is the destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Its medieval old town declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an important pilgrimage site for centuries.
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Northern Spain travel highlights: As Catedrais Beach
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Situated in the region of Galicia, As Catedrais Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. It is famous for its striking natural rock formations, which have been shaped over time by the force of the waves and tides. These formations resemble soaring cathedral arches, hence the name “As Catedrais” (Beach of the Cathedrals). During low tide, you can walk and explore the beach, passing through and under these impressive rock formations It is truly a surreal and mesmerizing experience.
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San Sebastián
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Located in the Basque Country, San Sebastián is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque bay, and world-renowned cuisine. The city is a food lover’s paradise, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxos (Basque tapas) bars to explore.
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Northern Spain travel highlights: Picos de Europa
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A stunning mountain range spanning the regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, the Picos de Europa offers breathtaking landscapes, rugged peaks, and charming villages. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Discover other amazing national parks in Spain for your next trip.
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Bilbao
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The largest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao is renowned for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing contemporary art and attracting visitors from around the world.
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The Cíes Islands
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The Cíes Islands, part of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park in Northern Spain, are a group of three stunning islands with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Accessible only by boat and limited in visitors, they retain their unspoiled charm and offer breathtaking views and hiking trails. The best time to travel is during late spring and early autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
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Santander
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The elegant coastal city of Santander, located in Cantabria, boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a charming old town, and a lively cultural scene. The Magdalena Peninsula, with its palace and gardens overlooking the bay, is a must-visit spot.
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Oviedo
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The capital city of Asturias, Oviedo is known for its rich history, pre-Romanesque architecture, and delicious Asturian cuisine. The historic city center features narrow streets, beautiful squares, and the iconic Oviedo Cathedral.
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La Rioja
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Known for its world-class wines, La Rioja is a picturesque region dotted with vineyards and wineries. Wine lovers can explore the famous wine routes, visit historic bodegas, and sample a wide variety of delicious Spanish wines.
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San Vicente de la Barquera
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San Vicente de la Barquera stands out for its unparalleled charm and picturesque setting. Nestled along the northern coast of Spain, this small coastal town boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and historical heritage. Its iconic medieval bridge, connecting the town to the imposing Picos de Europa mountains, creates a breathtaking backdrop. The town’s fusion of traditional fishing village vibes with an unspoiled beachscape makes it a haven for nature lovers and a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience.
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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
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Perched on a small islet, this ancient hermitage and its stone pathway wind their way up to the top of the island, offering breathtaking views of the vast ocean and the surrounding cliffs. The path, consisting of 241 steps, was used as the filming location of Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 1 where it was used for filming Dragonstone, the ancestral home of Daenerys.
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Northern Spain travel highlights: Cueva De Altamira
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Often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art,” this ancient cave houses some of the most remarkable and well-preserved examples of rock paintings in the world. The intricately detailed images of bison, horses, and other animals, dating back over 35,000 years, showcase the incredible artistic talents of our distant ancestors.
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Northern Spain travel highlights: our map
Our other articles
Interested in exploring other parts of Spain? We have collected all our articles at our Spain page or check out our destinations page to explore other countries.
Northern Spain travel highlights: Plan your trip
Inspired to explore the Northern Spain travel highlights for yourself? Find your flight to the region via Skyscanner. We use them all the time to compare flights between different operators.
We always look first on Booking.com for accommmodation. 99% of the the time we end up finding exactly what we want. Airbnb.com has all sorts of accomodations too.
Getting a rental car is cheap and that flexibility to get you whenever and wherever you want is just adding so much to your holiday experience. In general, we always start our search at Rentalcars.com to find the best deal from a huge selection of rental agencies.