Northern Spain has long lived in the shadows of her more popular sister regions of Catalonia and Andalucia. However, in these shadows there is more than meets the eye and Northern Spain might just steal your heart with its hidden treasures and unconventional charm.
Prepare for a perfect combination of picturesque settings, culture and wine as we take you through the highlights of this region.
1. Picos de Europa National Park
With jagged peaks of Picos de Europa as a backdrop, this vast land offers sites of natural richness that make for an enchanting retreat from the daily rush. Its plunging river valleys, vivid green pastures, rocky crests, steep gorges, glacial lakes and lavish forests are nothing short of spectacular.
When in Picos de Europa we recommend taking the cable car from Fuente De to the top of the Picos Massif, visiting turquoise lakes of Covadonga and admire the famous Naranjo de Bulnes – a spectacular limestone peak towering alone above the surrounding mountains that has thrilled mountaineers for over a century.
2. Santiago de Compostella
Destination to thousands of pilgrims each year, Santiago de Compostella is one of Spain’s most historic and fascinating cities with a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and architecture that makes you feel as if you have travelled back in time.
The romanesque cathedral at the cities’ heart – to which pilgrims have travelled to since the Early Middle Ages – is the alleged burial place of Saint James the Great.
3. Cíes Islands
Cíes Islands situated off the North-West coast of Galicia are an archipelago of three islands and a part of Atlantic Islands National Park. Declared a nature reserve in 1980, they are highly protected and therefore uninhabited with only a few basic restaurants open during summer.
What the Romans called “islands of the gods “ and what now people call the “Galician Caribbean”, Cíes islands boast the beauty of unspoilt coastal ecosystems with white sand beaches, rich seabeds and rolling dunes being complimented by the crystal-clear lagoon.
4. The coast
Northern Spain’s coast also known as Costa Verde (Green Spain) spreads along the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Take a trip along the coast to discover dazzling, diverse, and tranquil surroundings, observe miles of undeveloped sand and indulge in the charm of small local towns and fishing villages such as Comillas, Suances, Zumaia and Ribadesella – each one special in its own way.
5. The local culture
With an extensively lower number of tourists in Northern Spain than in more popular destinations, it is a truly special opportunity to get a real taste of Spanish culture and hospitability.
You can experience the flavours of traditional Spanish dishes with a local tweak in quirky restaurants and taverns, or if you are lucky enough you might even get invited to a Spanish family dinner and discover all the secrets about the area. Whichever it is, you can count on the excellent quality of fresh, locally sourced food and wine.