12 Best Places to Visit in Northern Spain

Northern Spain is often overlooked for the sun-drenched beaches of the south, but it’s one of the most unique regions in the country, offering lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and a cooler, rainier climate.

It’s perfect for scenic road trips that take you through historic towns, stunning beaches, and mountainous terrain.

With incredible food, world-class wine, and distinct cultural traditions, it’s an amazing destination for those willing to venture off the typical tourist trail.

Here are the 12 of the best places to visit in Northern Spain, along with the best activities to enjoy in each one.

San Sebastián, located on the northern coast of Spain in the Basque Country, is a city celebrated for its beaches, culture, and incredibly good food scene.

La Concha Beach, with its sweeping bay and calm waters, is perfect for enjoying a walk or a swim. It’s also a popular spot for surfing, with many surf schools offering lessons for beginners.

Beyond the beach, the Old Town (Parte Vieja) is filled with bars serving pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, and lively markets offering fresh, local produce.

San Sebastián is also worth visiting for its high-end food scene, and even has the largest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.

You can also hike up Mount Urgull or Mount Igueldo for spectacular views of the coastline.

Here are a few of the top attractions in San Sebastián:

• Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja): Sample pintxos and local ciders at traditional bars along its historic cobblestone streets.

• Relax at La Concha Beach: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade or spend the day swimming in the calm waters.

• Take the funicular to Mount Igueldo: Take the funicular up to Monte Igueldo for one of the best views of San Sebastian. There’s even a small amusement park at the top known as Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo.

Bilbao, also in the Basque Country, is another of the best cities in Northern Spain to visit, known for its striking mix of architecture and cultural attractions.

The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is a landmark that transformed the city’s image and remains its most visited site.

The Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s Old Town, offers charming streets, lively plazas, and traditional Basque eateries.

The city’s riverside area is another highlight, lined with public art installations and cafes.

Bilbao is also a great place to learn about Basque traditions, thanks to its museums and cultural events.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Bilbao:

• Visit the Guggenheim Museum: Admire its iconic titanium-clad design and explore exhibits by leading contemporary artists.

• Stroll through the Casco Viejo: Discover local shops, restaurants, and historic churches in this lively district.

• Walk along the Ría de Bilbao: Take in the city’s modern architecture and public art installations along the riverfront.

Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a city that combines coastal charm with historical landmarks.

The Magdalena Peninsula is a standout attraction, featuring a royal palace, gardens, and scenic walking trails.

Santander is also home to several beautiful beaches, including El Sardinero, which is popular for sunbathing and water sports.

The city’s downtown area offers cultural sites like the Centro Botín, a contemporary art center overlooking the bay.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Santander:

• Explore the Magdalena Peninsula: Walk through its lush gardens, visit the royal Magdalena Palace, or enjoy coastal views from the trails.

• Relax at El Sardinero Beach: This wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming, hanging out, or enjoying a picnic by the sea.

• Visit the Centro Botín: Check out art exhibitions and enjoy panoramic views of the bay from this modern cultural center.

Santiago de Compostela, located in Galicia, is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain and best known as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring narrow streets, plazas, and the impressive Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

The cathedral is not only one of the most famous monuments in Spain but also houses the shrine of Saint James, an important religious figure.

You can also enjoy the local Galician cuisine, including seafood specialties and regional wines.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Santiago de Compostela:

• Visit the Santiago Cathedral: Admire its Baroque façade and tour the interior, which includes the shrine of Saint James.

• Explore Praza do Obradoiro: This historic square is surrounded by architectural landmarks, offering great photo opportunities.

• Try Galician seafood at a local restaurant: Enjoy dishes like octopus (pulpo a feira) and razor clams paired with Albariño wine.

Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is one of the best cities in Spain to visit known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional cider culture.

The city’s Old Town features landmarks such as the Gothic San Salvador Cathedral and San Julián de los Prados, a pre-Romanesque church.

Oviedo’s streets are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore its charming plazas and local markets.

The city is also famous for its sidrerías (cider bars), where you can watch servers pour cider in the traditional Asturian style.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Oviedo:

• Tour the San Salvador Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral features beautiful architecture and houses the Holy Chamber, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Enjoy cider at a sidrería: Visit a traditional cider bar and try locally made Asturian cider, poured from a height for added flavor.

• Visit San Julián de los Prados: Explore this pre-Romanesque church, one of the oldest and most significant in Asturias.

Picos de Europa National Park spans parts of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León, offering some of Spain’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.

The park features deep gorges, picturesque villages, and well-marked hiking trails for all experience levels.

One of the highlights is the Covadonga Lakes, two glacial lakes surrounded by rugged peaks.

You can also explore charming mountain villages like Cangas de Onís, known for its Roman bridge.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including chamois and golden eagles, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Picos de Europa National Park:

• Hike around the Covadonga Lakes: Enjoy easy trails with panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.

• Ride the Fuente Dé Cable Car: Ascend to a high-altitude viewpoint offering incredible views of the peaks and valleys.

• Visit Cangas de Onís: Explore this historic town and its iconic Roman bridge, a symbol of Asturias.

Located in Asturias, Gijón is one of the best coastal towns in Northern Spain that blends its maritime history with modern culture.

The city’s Old Town, Cimavilla, is a historic fishing district with narrow streets and traditional Asturian architecture.

San Lorenzo Beach is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a scenic place to swim or relax.

Gijón is also known for its cider culture, with many sidrerías lining the streets.

The Laboral City of Culture, a large cultural complex, is another highlight, showcasing exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Gijón:

• Relax at San Lorenzo Beach: Spend the day swimming or walking along the beachfront promenade.

• Explore Cimavilla: Wander through the historic Old Town and visit landmarks like the huge Elogio del Horizonte concrete sculpture and the Roman Baths Musuem.

• Tour the Laboral City of Culture: Discover this unique cultural space with art exhibitions, a theater, and educational activities.

Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, is famous worldwide for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival. However, the city offers much more than this iconic event.

The medieval Old Town is surrounded by well-preserved city walls and features historic buildings, churches, and charming squares.

Pamplona’s parks, such as Taconera Park, provide green spaces for relaxation and picnics.

The city’s culinary scene is another highlight, with excellent tapas and local wines available at its many bars and restaurants.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Pamplona:

• Walk along the medieval city walls: Explore the well-preserved fortifications and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

• Relax in Taconera Park: Stroll through landscaped gardens at the “Jardines de la Taconera” and spot free-roaming deer, peacocks, and other animals in the small enclosure.

• Visit Plaza del Castillo: This lively square is the heart of Pamplona, surrounded by cafes and historic buildings.

León, located in Castilla y León, is a city with an intriguing history and impressive architecture.

The León Cathedral, with its intricate Gothic design and colorful stained-glass windows, is one of the most beautiful in Spain.

The Old Town is filled with historic landmarks, quaint plazas, and tapas bars, offering a glimpse into the region’s traditions.

Calle Ancha, a lively pedestrian street, connects many of León’s main attractions.

The Basilica of San Isidoro, a Romanesque church, houses the Royal Pantheon, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Romanesque Art.”

Here are a few of the top attractions in León:

• Tour the León Cathedral: Admire the cathedral’s intricate Gothic façade and its collection of stained-glass windows.

• Explore Calle Ancha: Walk this lively street lined with shops, cafes, and local attractions.

• Visit the Basilica of San Isidoro: See the beautiful frescoes in the Royal Pantheon and learn about its historical significance.

Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja wine region, is one of the top places to visit in Northern Spain and a haven for food and wine enthusiasts.

The city’s Calle Laurel is famous for its tapas bars, offering a variety of local dishes paired with Rioja wines.

Logroño also serves as a gateway to nearby vineyards and bodegas, where you can tour wineries and participate in tastings.

The Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda, with its twin towers and beautiful interior, is another must-see.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Logroño:

• Bar-hop on Calle Laurel: Taste traditional tapas and pair them with local wines at this foodie hotspot.

• Visit a Rioja winery: Take a guided tour of a nearby vineyard and enjoy tastings of world-class wines.

• Explore the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda: Admire the baroque design and famous art pieces inside.

A Coruña, located in Galicia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain known for its maritime history, incredible architecture, and delicious seafood.

One of its most famous landmarks is the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse that’s still in operation today and offers panoramic views of the coastline.

The city’s long seafront promenade, Paseo Marítimo, is a great spot for walking or biking and connects many of the main attractions.

A Coruña is also home to beautiful urban beaches like Praia de Riazor and Praia do Orzán, which are popular for swimming and sunbathing.

The lively Plaza de María Pita, surrounded by historic buildings, is the heart of the city and a great place to enjoy the local atmosphere.

Here are a few of the top attractions in A Coruña:

• Climb the Tower of Hercules: Visit the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world and enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from the top.

• Stroll along the Paseo Marítimo: Explore one of Europe’s longest promenades, passing beaches, gardens, and the city’s aquarium.

• Relax at Praia de Riazor: Spend time swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery at this urban beach.

Ribadesella, located in Asturias, is one of the hidden gems in Northern Spain, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical sites right on the coast.

The town is best known for the nearby Tito Bustillo Cave, which contains prehistoric cave paintings dating back thousands of years.

Santa Marina Beach offers a peaceful place to relax or take a walk along the promenade.

Ribadesella is also a starting point for outdoor activities, including kayaking on the Sella River.

Here are a few of the top attractions in Ribadesella:

• Visit Tito Bustillo Cave: Take a guided tour to see the ancient cave paintings and learn about their history.

• Relax at Santa Marina Beach: Walk along the sandy shore or take in the sea views from the promenade.

• Kayak on the Sella River: Paddle through scenic landscapes on one of the most popular kayaking routes in Northern Spain.

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