The capital city of Spain, Madrid, is often where the majority of visitors to this country on the Iberian Peninsula get their bearings. After that, they will most likely travel to the south, where the weather is milder, to view famous Moorish castles, or they may travel to the east, to Barcelona or Valencia.
They have no idea what they are passing up by not paying attention to northern Spain. Villages from the Middle Ages that have been meticulously preserved, gorgeous wine districts, the breathtaking coastline of the Bay of Biscay, Basque country, and much more are all just waiting to be discovered.
Where is the Most Convenient Location to Start Exploring Northern Spain?
San Sebastian is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain, and it is widely considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in that region. It is home to La Concha, widely considered to be one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Spain.
It is recommended that visitors stay at least 24 to 48 hours in San Sebastian; nonetheless, the city is also an excellent location from which to explore the Basque Country region.
Best Places to Visit in Northern Spain
We hope that this list of the top sites to see in Northern Spain will be helpful to you as you plan your itinerary for sightseeing in Spain.
1. The National Park of the Picos de Europa
It was originally established in 1918 as the Montana de Covadonga National Park, but in 1995 it was renamed the Picos de Europa National Park.
Picos de Europa National Park was Spain’s first national park. Hikers are drawn to the high mountains and deep ravines of the park, but they need to be aware of the dense fog banks in the area.
There is always a chance of snowfall. Forests, oak trees, and four rivers can all be found within the boundaries of this biosphere reserve.
Those who aren’t interested in hiking might enjoy taking the Fuentede cable car, which ascends more than two kilometers above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramas of the area.
2. The City of Santander
The beaches of Santander, which are located in this port city on the Bay of Biscay, are among the most popular tourist destinations in the area. One of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Spain is called Playa el Sardinero, and it is known for its long, winding arc of golden sand that stretches out across a large expanse.
The journey to the beach is made more enjoyable by using the winding paths that go past the breathtaking Piquio Gardens.
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Since that time, the Municipal Museum of Arts has undergone extensive renovations, as a result of which it now features works by both historical and current Cantabrian artists, including works by Goya.
3. The Rioja Wine Country
The La Rioja Wine Region, which is home to more than 500 wineries, is sure to be a memorable experience for vacationers who appreciate a good glass of vino.
One of the things that sets these vineyards apart from others is the fact that certain wineries permit riding all-terrain vehicles and horses around the vineyards.
Northern Spain is covered with vineyards. The Rio Baja, Rio Alta, and Rio Alavesa regions produce the majority of the country’s wine.
4. Oviedo
The city of Oviedo, which serves as the capital of the province of Asturias, is famous for the religious buildings that can be seen there.
Oviedo is another destination along the Pilgrims Road to Santiago, and it is home to several churches that were constructed as early as the seventh century.
These churches include the Cathedral of San Salvador and the Basilica of San Julian de los Prados, all of which have been beautifully preserved.
5. Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao, which was formerly largely known as an industrial port city, has remade itself as a hub for contemporary art and architecture.
The renowned American architect Frank Gehry was responsible for the creation of the gleaming, futuristic structure that is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The museum is located in Bilbao, which is set among the rolling green hills of the Basque region.
There are numerous stunning structures in Bilbao’s historic architecture, including the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Basilica de Begoa, which dates back to the 10th century.
6. Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe, a small peninsular island in the Bay of Biscay, is shaped like a castle, thus the name of the island literally translates to “castle rock.” It is possible to get there from the land by crossing a footbridge that goes over the rocks.
On the highest point of the island is a humble church that is devoted to San Juan, often known as St. John. It is possible to reach the peak of Gaztelugatxe by ascending a steep slope and a total of 231 steps.
They claim that the amazing views are well worth the exertion, and they urge walking the steps slowly as hurrying can be a bother; however, they say that the breathtaking views are well worth the effort.
7. Pamplona
Pamplona is a city with a long and illustrious history, and it was formerly the capital of the kingdom of Navarre.
It is more known nowadays for its annual San Fermin festival, which takes place over the course of six days in the month of July. During the event, courageous individuals attempt to outrun a herd of bulls through the city streets.
8. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the name of the city that marks the end of the historic pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago. It is also the capital of the Spanish region of Galicia.
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This pilgrimage, which dates back to the Middle Ages and is also known as the Way of St. James, is significant to a lot of people because it is a widely held belief that Santiago de Compostela is the final resting place of Saint James, who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
9. Santillana del Mar
Visitors to Santillana del Mar, a wonderfully preserved medieval village where the only mode of transportation is on foot, are strongly encouraged to bring along a pair of comfortable shoes.
This Cantabrian treasure may be found on Spain’s west coast, less than 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) from Santander, and close to the Caves of Altamira, which are well-known for the prehistoric paintings found within them.
10. San Sebastian
This popular beach resort can be found in the Basque Country, only 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the French border. The hills that surround it contribute to the area’s natural beauty.
The most well-known attraction in San Sebastián is La Concha, widely regarded as one of the finest urban beaches anywhere in the world. Old Town, also known as Parte Vieja, is a favorite destination for clubbers because it contains a large number of pubs.
The city is well known for its jazz festival, which takes place every July and is the oldest of its kind in Europe, in addition to the various festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the year.
Conclusion
The Pyrenees Mountains serve as a natural barrier between Spain and France in the north, which allows Northern Spain to stretch all the way from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
This stunning region of Spain has a lot to offer visitors of all stripes because of the variety of terrain and provinces it encompasses. Barcelona, a city that is both lively and culturally rich, is home to some wonderful art museums as well as some fantastic architecture.
The coastal town of San Sebastián is a sophisticated destination that boasts both a charming Old Town and an exceptional dining scene.
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