Northern Spain -Mountains, coast and outstanding gastronomy...
Take a northern Spain touring holiday and discover a different side of Spain. Far from the crowds further south, here you’ll find the best gastronomy and wines, unspoilt beaches set beneath soaring mountains and a tapestry of unique regional cultures criss-crossed by the Caminos de Santiago.
Northern Spain is a paradise for walking, wildlife and outdoor activities and you’ll find a warm welcome wherever you go.
Numerous flights and seven ferries a week from the UK to North Spain mean that the region has never been easier to get to.
Direct flights to Bilbao, Santander, Asturias, La Coruña or Santiago de Compostela make point-to-point touring in north Spain easy.
Follow the Camino de Santiago, head into or over the mountains or discover a particular region – you’re sure to find adventure.
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need.
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts.
- Fly to Spain and we’ll include a car or bring your own vehicle and we’ll build in the ferry.
Practical Information
North Spain - destination overview
The northern Spain touring area covers the entire north-west of the country defined by the Cordillera Cantábrica mountain range, with the Picos de Europa at its centre.
North of the mountains lies the stunning coastline of the Cornisa Cantabrica with Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias and Euskadi (the Basque Country) all facing the Bay of Biscay to the north and the open Atlantic to the west. Known as ‘Green Spain’ this verdant region has Spain’s best beaches and arguably the country’s finest cuisine.
To the south the high and dry plains of the Meseta are irrigated by the Ebro and Douro rivers and run through by the main Camino de Santiago which crosses Navarra, La Rioja, Burgos and León. Here you’ll find a more ‘typical’ Spain – warmer, drier and altogether more Spanish, with an immense heritage and a hearty gastronomy to accompany the fine wines of La Rioja, Ribera del Duero and lesser known regions such as El Bierzo, Rueda and Cigales.
Places to visit in northern Spain
Main highlights & cities in northern Spain
- Santiago de Compostela
- Picos de Europa National Park
- Bilbao and its Guggenheim Museum
- San Sebastian
- Santander
- Pre-Romanesque churches
- Prehistoric cave paintings
- Cathedrals of Burgos and León
- Atapuerca archaeological site
- La Rioja and Ribera del Duero – and many more DOC wines
- Camino de Santiago
- El Bierzo and Las Médulas
Things to do in Northern Spain
You’ll also find all manner of exciting activities wherever you go from World-class surfing and water-sports to climbing and caving, horse-riding and canoeing, bear-watching and simple hiking…
There are wonderful walking opportunities wherever you go - the Picos de Europa are the star but the mountains of the Cordillera Cantabrica run from the Basque Country through to Galicia and offer infinite options for every level of walker as well as all manner of mountain activities including canoeing on the region's stunning mountain rivers.
Down at the coast you'll also find stunning cliff-top paths as well as the chance to indulge in every type of watersport from surfing or kayaking to whale-watching or tuna fishing. In Galicia don't miss the chance to take a boat out to see how the shellfish are grown and harvested or visit a cider house in the Basque Country or Asturias to get a feel of the local cider culture and maybe have a glass or two...
Wherever you go you'll find delicious local wines and gastronomy to match. Here are a few more things to do:
Visit the Guggenheim Bilbao – bold modern architecture, perhaps the 20th century’s finest?
Discover the delights of San Sebastián – La Concha beach and world-class pintxos.
Catch the Atlantic waves on rugged beaches at Oyambre, Zarautz, Mundaka or Raxo
Ride the cable car at Fuente Dé – to 1800m for stunning views of the Picos de Europa.
Hike the Cares Gorge – the ‘Divine Gorge’ at the heart of the Picos de Europa
Explore Santander, the ‘City on the Bay’. Stroll out to the beautiful Magdalena Peninsula
Prehistoric cave paintings of Altamira and nearby – 18 fascinating World Heritage caves to explore.
Wander Oviedo’s historic centre – old-world streets and elegant squares beloved of Woody Allen. Don’t miss the Asturian cider houses.
Sample seafood in lovely fishing villages – freshly caught hake, octopus or shellfish in villages from Getaria and Lekeitio, Lastres or Cudillero, through to Combarro or Camariñas.
Walk a stretch of the St James’ Way – in northern Spain all paths lead to Santiago…
Santiago de Compostela – pilgrim’s destiny - magnificent cathedral and atmospheric old town.
Visit wineries in La Rioja or Ribera del Duero – and don’t miss El Bierzo, Ribera Sacra, Albariño in the Rias Bajas or Txakolí in the Basque Country.
Magnificent Cathedrals in Burgos and León– right on the Camino de Santiago.
Hike in Somiedo Natural Park – wildlife, glacial valleys and quiet mountain villages.
Explore Galicia’s Ribeira Sacra – deep river canyons of the ‘Holy River’. Taste the exceptional local wines.
When to go to Northern Spain
About the weather in North Spain
There are two main climate zones in the north of Spain clearly demarcated by the mountains which cut the area in two east to west but there are also a some important, benign micro-climates to take into account.
On the north side of the mountains, in what’s known as Green Spain, the climate is Atlantic-maritime characterised by mild temperatures, both in summer and winter, and higher rainfall than the rest of the Iberian Peninsula (hence the ‘green’). The north coast is best between April and October with very agreeable temperatures even in the height of summer.
As you go south over the Cordillera mountains the climate (and the flora and fauna) change to Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The ideal times to visit are from March through to early July and again September through to early November, though for sun-lovers the high summer also has its attraction.
Benign micro-climates
There are several sub-regions throughout the north which enjoy a benign micro-climate most notably perhaps the the Rias Bajas, the Atlantic-facing estuaries of southern Galicia, which have a true ‘Goldilocks’ climate – pleasantly warm whilst avoiding the extremes of the Mediterranean ‘Costas’ – making it a good seaside holiday destination from April through to October.
Further west, at the foot of the Picos de Europa mountains, the valley of Liebana with Potes at its heart also enjoys a privileged climate. Protected on all sides by mountains yet not too high above sea level itself, the valley is a wonderful base for hiking at any time of year.
For other micro-climates look for the grapes. La Rioja, Ribero del Duero, El Bierzo and Ribera Sacra (and the Rias Bajas) all produce fine wines and are good to visit from March through to early November when the vines put on quite a show in their autumnal hues!
Getting to Northern Spain
By Sea
Brittany Ferries offer seven sailings a week from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. Crossings are over-night and take between 21 and 24 hours (with the exception of the Sunday night crossing which takes two nights). The Spanish ports are just one hour apart and so can be easily combined giving greater flexibility.
By Air
There are direct flights from the UK to five cities in Northern Spain:
- Bilbao from Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick and Edinburgh.
- Santander from Stansted, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Dublin.
- Oviedo (Asturias) from Dublin and Stansted.
- Santiago de Compostela from Stansted and Gatwick.
- La Coruña from Heathrow.
- Porto, Biarritz and Madrid are also worth considering for certain North Spain holiday destinations.
*More info – check the ‘Travel’ tab from within any particular tour for the best options for that trip and for more details about which airlines operate to Northern Spain. The main options are with Easyjet, Ryanair, BA, Iberia, or Vueling.
Getting around
A car is essential for getting around and to make the most out of the visit as many of the hotels and attractions are not easily accessed by public transport.
If travelling by air we usually include a hire car whilst those coming on the ferry will use their own vehicle. In either case we will provide full driving instructions, GPS co-ords for the accommodation and essential information on driving in Spain and Portugal as well as a touring map of the area.
Eating and drinking in northern Spain
Amazing Food
From honest country tavernas, to the famous Michelin starred restaurants of the Basque Country to simple seafood tapas bars which, for many, define the taste of summer at the sea, northern Spain is a food lover’s dream.
Here the emphasis, or perhaps the obsession, is on the ingredients – from the workman’s Menu del Día to the gourmet’s Menu de Degustación you’ll find local, seasonal produce, direct from the mountains and the sea, prepared according to proud local traditions – all at very reasonable prices!
North of the mountains the emphasis is on fish and seafood whilst to the south they are more famed for their delicious meat dishes, in particular lamb and suckling pig, but wherever you go you’ll find the best of both.
Wonderful wines
La Rioja and Ribera del Duero are the obvious stars here but there is so much more to discover! From the bold reds and equally bold whites of El Bierzo and Ribera Sacra to the fine whites of Albariño and Rueda; the crisp fresh Txakoli from Euskadi and the delicate wines of Cangas del Narcea in Asturias, these lesser-known areas are blessed with a multitude of small, boutique producers making top-class wines at knock-down prices – you’re in for a real treat!
A few favourite tours in Northern Spain
Here's a selection of our most popular tours in Northern Spain - for a full list please click here
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[name] => Bilbao - La Rioja - Coastal Cantabria
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[description] => And it’s not all about the food – here you’ll find dramatic mountain scenery, fantastic beaches and a wealth of art and architecture, not least in Frank Gehry’s famous Guggenheim Museum.
[introduction] => Wherever you go in Northern Spain you’re in for a gastronomic treat, from the famous ‘Cocina Vasca’ to the first class seafood of Galicia, accompanied by world class wines from La Rioja to Albariño. Here we offer some of the highlights in a route full of contrasts yet without a lot of driving.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Bilbao & the Basque Country
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[description] => Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes
Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial
Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations
Head for the hills, great walking just near the city
Visit San Sebastian, Belle Epoque elegance by the sea
Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Try a seaside break in San Sebastian
or add a stop in the Picos
or the Pyrenees...
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’
The great wines of La Rioja
Architecture ancient & modern
Beaches & valleys of coastal Cantabria
Wonderful gastronomy throughout
Short drives – big contrasts!
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[description] => Take a trip to Santander, Oviedo or even Bilbao, get out and get active in the mountains or the surf-washed beaches, or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery…
[introduction] => A short tour taking in the best of Cantabria & Asturias where the Picos de Europa mountains come down to meet the sea. Discover the lovely seaside villages of Santillana del Mar, Comillas & Lastres, to name but a few, and the medieval charms of Potes nestling in the Liebana valley.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Asturias: Picos & Dinosaur Coast
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[description] => Picos de Europa soaring directly above the coast
Mirador del Fito – the best view of the Picos & the coast
Jurassic footprints by the beaches
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar, historic seaside villages
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
World heritage cave paintings at Altamira
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Medieval Potes, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & orujo
Add a stop in Bilbao, La Rioja or both!
Explore the western highlands of Asturias
or the rugged west Asturian coast
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Two faces of the Picos de Europa
Medieval Santillana & the Cantabrian coast
Dinosaur coast – Jurassic Museum & fossil footprints
Seaside charm; Comillas, San Vicente & Lastres
Santander, the city on the bay
Oviedo with its pre-romanesque architecture
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[description] => This out-and-back tour is a great solution for those wishing to enter and return via the same Spanish airport, combing well for example with the routes from Manchester and Bristol to Bilbao or Dublin and Edinburgh to Santander.
The route follows close to one of the main ways of St James yet never far from the dramatic coastline and with the stunning Cordillera de Cantabria mountain range as a backdrop. From start to finish you’ll find great walking, superb food and wine, great cities and lovely, well preserved towns to investigate as well as the legacy of hundreds of years of pilgrimage.
The full route takes two weeks but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The classic Northern Spain itinerary adapted to combine with the ferry crossings to Bilbao and Santander. The stops are interleaved to keep driving times reasonable so you can cruise to Spain in style with your own car, motorbike or classic car – and discover north-west Spain at a leisurely pace.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Asturias: Picos & Dinosaur Coast
[introduction] =>
[description] => Picos de Europa soaring directly above the coast
Mirador del Fito – the best view of the Picos & the coast
Jurassic footprints by the beaches
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
Great seafood – famed throughout Spain
Playa Catedrales, one of many fantastic beaches
Unspoilt coastline with lovely fishing villages
Viveiro, lively seaside city with an atmospheric old town
Sargadelo pottery, traditional yet with a modern look.
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariñ
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Fly into Bilbao and add a night or two in the city
Or fly into Santiago or La Coruña and reverse the direction of the trip
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
If flying from Stansted, Gatwick or Dublin, take our NC1 Camino del Norte one-way tour
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
World class wines and gastronomy
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
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[description] => Apart from this rich heritage there are miles of beautiful coastline and an interior with many little known wonders in a province larger than Wales.
For the foodies there’s plenty to relish with Spain’s best seafood and some fantastic white wines as well as good meat and garden produce.
[introduction] => In the far north west corner of Spain, for centuries journey’s-end for pilgrims travelling from all over Europe and long considered the end of the earth, the Celtic land of Galicia has much to offer today’s visitor.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Rias Altas y Costa de la Muerte
[introduction] =>
[description] => Prettiest, most unspoilt beaches in Spain
Finisterre, literally the ‘World’s End’
La Coruña with its working Roman lighthouse
Traditional life in the fishing villages
White sands and rock pools of Carnota bay – an old favourite!
Feast on delicious shellfish, locally farmed
Take a trip to the idylic islands of Cies & Ons
Lively Vigo, Europe’s largest fishing port
Cambados, at the heart of the Albariño wine region
Get active! Watersports for all in the Rias
Catamaran trip down the magnificent Rio Sil
Ribero wines from the vertiginous banks of the Sil
Historic Monforte, Ribadavia & local monasteries
Octopus in Ourense, best in Spain, maybe the world!
Los Ancares Nature Park, immense native woodlands
Playa de los Catedrales – among the world’s most famous
Lively Viveiro with its active fishing port and beaches
Sargadelo pottery, traditional yet surprisingly modern!
A wealth of unspoilt fishing villages to dip into
Pop across to Asturias, just a short drive to the border
One of Europe’s most important pilgrim destinations
Take a walking tour around this World Heritage City
Visit the Cathedral said to house the bones of St James
Always lively with a strong tradition of street music
Multitude of bars and restaurants, a last chance to retry all the Gallego treats!
Dip into northern Portugal
Head down to Porto - it's not far!
or head east into Asturias
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Rugged ocean coastline. Lush green hills
World famous seafood & Albariño wine
Celtic roots visible throughout
Finisterre – the Romans’ worlds-end
Ribera Sacra – the sacred river
Santiago – journey’s end
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[description] => Constant throughout are a sense of tradition, superb food & wine and a friendly welcome wherever you go.
The full tour takes two weeks but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A circular route following the pilgrim paths towards and away from Santiago. You’ll find surf washed beaches and high arid plains, Cathedral cities and tiny villages lost in time, lofty snow capped mountains and soft rolling hills – the stark contrasts which make touring in northern Spain so exciting!
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[title] => Days 1 to 3 – Asturias: Picos & Dinosaur Coast
[introduction] =>
[description] => Picos de Europa soaring directly above the coast
The Spanish Cornwall? Cider country
Beautiful beaches with Jurassic footprints
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
Cudillero & Luarca; pretty fishing villages to explore
Beautiful beaches & breathtaking cliff-top coastal walks
Celtic tradition; bagpipes and ancient settlements
National Park of Somiedo – you might see bears!
Futuristic Niemeyer Centre in Avilés
Historic crossroads; Camino de Santiago & Via de Plata.
Up and coming reds made from the local Mencia grape
Knights Templar Castle at Ponferrada
Las Medulas, undulating red rock formations
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Santa Maria Cathedral. Gothic style with stunning stained glass
Founded in 29 BC. Europe’s first parliament city
Tapas & fine dining in ‘the wet zone’ in Leon old-town
Monastery of San Marcos plateresque renaissance architecture
Activities for all; spectacular mountain scenery
Wildlife; butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Fuente De cable car whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Go your own way, the tour can be tailor-made to suit your time and travel arrangements
Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget
Add a stop in Bilbao, La Rioja or Galicia
Or head further south into Castilla y León
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The ways of St James, steeped in history
Monumental Leon; Cathedral & San Marcos
Spain’s best surf-washed beaches
Lofty peaks, high plains, verdant hills
World class food & wonderful wines
Fly or Ferry – the choice is yours
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[description] => The full route takes two weeks but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The classic Northern Spain itinerary, from Bilbao to Santiago, following close to one of the original ways of St James yet never far from the beautiful coastline with the backdrop of the Cordillera de Cantabria mountain range. From start to finish you’ll find great walking, superb food and wine, great cities and lovely, well preserved towns to investigate as well as the legacy of hundreds of years of pilgrimage.
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[title] => Day 6 & 7 – Picos de Europa
[introduction] =>
[description] => Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Fly into Santiago and end in Bilbao
Swap Bilbao for a stay in San Sebastian
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes
Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial
Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations
Head for the hills, great walking just near the city
San Sebastian, Belle Epoque elegance by the sea
Great seafood – famed throughout Spain
Playa de los Catedrales, one of many fantastic beaches
Unspoilt coastline with lovely fishing villages
Viveiro, lively seaside city with an atmospheric old town
Sagardelo pottery, traditional yet with a modern look
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
World class wines and gastronomy
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
Breathtaking mountain scenery
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – you can also read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
