You’ve been planning your northern Spain trip all wrong! Most visitors focus only on Barcelona and Madrid, missing the incredible regional diversity, stunning landscapes, and authentic culture of the north. These are the 7 secret northern Spain places that most itineraries miss and will transform your trip.
Picos de Europa National Park: Majestic Peaks and Deep Gorges
Experience breathtaking mountain scenery with incredible peaks, gorges, and glacial lakes.
- Visit the stunning Cares Gorge with its spectacular hiking trail along the river
- See the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes peak, one of the most challenging climbs in Spain
- Explore the stunning glacial lakes of Enol and Ercina in the Covadonga area
- Go wildlife watching to see chamois, golden eagles, and maybe even brown bears
Galicia: Portugal’s Green Neighbor with Celtic Soul
Explore Spain’s northwestern region with incredible coastline, delicious seafood, and authentic Celtic traditions.
- Visit the stunning Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the famous Camino
- Explore the beautiful Rías Baixas with their stunning beaches and exceptional seafood
- Experience the traditional Celtic festivals and music that are still alive in Galicia
- Visit the historic Torre de Hércules in A Coruña, a working Roman lighthouse
The Basque Country: Unique Culture and Outstanding Cuisine
Experience a unique region with its own language, incredible cuisine, and stunning landscapes.
- Visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture
- Explore the charming old town (Casco Viejo) of Bilbao with its narrow streets and historic buildings
- Experience the incredible pintxos culture in bars throughout Bilbao and San Sebastián
- Visit the charming coastal town of Getaria and see where Elsa Schiaparelli lived
Cantabria: Green Hills and Prehistoric Caves
Experience stunning green landscapes, incredible prehistoric caves, and charming coastal towns.
- Visit the incredible Cave of Altamira with its stunning prehistoric paintings
- Explore the beautiful Santoña Marshes Natural Park with its diverse birdlife
- See the stunning Cabo Mayor lighthouse with its panoramic views over the Bay of Santander
- Visit the charming medieval town of Santillana del Mar with its historic buildings
Aragón: Medieval Castles and Desert Landscapes
Explore a diverse region with stunning medieval castles, desert landscapes, and the Pyrenees mountains.
- Visit the impressive Loarre Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Spain
- Explore the stunning Bardenas Reales desert with its unique lunar-like landscape
- See the stunning Castillo de Montearagón with its impressive architecture and views
- Visit the charming town of Ainsa and see its medieval castle and collegiate church
Navarre: The Camino de Santiago and Green Landscapes
Experience stunning green landscapes, the famous Camino de Santiago, and charming historic towns.
- Walk a section of the Camino de Santiago through Navarre’s beautiful landscapes
- Visit the historic town of Olite and see its stunning palace-fortress (Palacio Real de Olite)
- Explore the stunning Urbasa-Andia Natural Park with its beautiful forests and meadows
- Visit the charming town of Puente la Reina and see its important pilgrimage bridge
La Rioja: Wine Country and Medieval Towns
Experience stunning wine country, charming medieval towns, and beautiful landscapes along the Ebro River.
- Visit the stunning Ysios Monastery designed by Santiago Calatrava, a modern architectural gem
- Explore the famous Haro wine quarter with its annual wine festival and historic bodegas
- See the stunning Monasterio de Valvanera with its beautiful architecture and setting
- Visit the charming medieval town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and see its impressive cathedral
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