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.
This out-and-back tour is a great solution for those wishing to enjoy the full northern Spain holiday experience whilst entering and returning from the same Spanish airport, combining 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.
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!
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With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.
Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.
Call us - we’d love to hear from you!
Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.
Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.
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