NORTHERN SPAIN
Northern Spain is a land of lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and unique cultures, a vibrant counterpoint to the sunny south. This guide helps you explore this authentic corner of Spain, offering insights to experience its rich gastronomy and stunning natural beauty.
Why Visit Northern Spain?
A Culinary Mecca: From the world-famous pintxos of the Basque Country to the cider houses of Asturias, this region is a paradise for food lovers.
Wild & Beautiful Landscapes: Discover a dramatic coastline, dense forests, and the towering Picos de Europa mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Distinct Cultures: Experience the unique languages and traditions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias, a side of Spain unlike any other.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This season offers the perfect balance. You’ll find pleasant temperatures and excellent value, with fewer crowds. Be prepared for occasional rain, especially in autumn.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Experience unbeatable value and quiet attractions. Note that many smaller coastal and mountain town services may be closed for the season, and the weather will be cool and often wet.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is at its best, but you’ll encounter significant crowds in coastal towns and cities like San Sebastián and Santander. Book accommodation and activities well in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Basque Country
Located in the eastern part of Northern Spain, the Basque Country is a land with a distinct culture, language, and gastronomy. It is home to the culinary powerhouse of San Sebastián, the industrial-chic city of Bilbao, and the historic capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the incredible pintxos bars and world-class museums without the crowds, visit in the shoulder season. You will still get pleasant weather with a better chance to book your favorite restaurants.
Cantabria
Cantabria is the central province of Spain’s northern coast. It offers a stunning blend of rugged coastline and lush mountains. Key areas include the elegant coastal city of Santander and the charming medieval villages like Santillana del Mar.
Your Smart Tip: The off-season is a great time to explore Cantabria’s famous prehistoric caves and archaeological sites, such as the Altamira Cave replicas, as they are less crowded and easier to access.
Asturias
Situated in the western part of Northern Spain, Asturias is a region known for its dramatic mountains, wild coastlines, and a deep-rooted Celtic heritage. The cities of Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés are excellent bases for exploring the region’s famous cider houses and mountain trails.
Your Smart Tip: Go in the shoulder season for the perfect mix of manageable crowds and green landscapes. The mountains and rural areas are beautiful in the spring and early autumn.
The Pyrenees & Mountain Regions
While the Pyrenees stretch across several regions, the central and western sections of this mountain range offer a breathtaking contrast to the coast. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with options for hiking, mountaineering, and scenic drives.
Your Smart Tip: For unbeatable prices on accommodation and a chance to experience the Pyrenees in a quiet, serene environment, visit during the deep off-season. The valleys are beautiful in late autumn and early spring, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Northern Spain is known for its mild, oceanic climate. Unlike the hot, dry south, it is famous for its lush green landscapes, which are a result of frequent rainfall. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are mild and wet. Be prepared for rain throughout the year, especially in autumn and spring. Packing layers is highly recommended.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Political Discussions: In the Basque Country, the topic of Basque nationalism is sensitive. As a visitor, it is best to be a respectful observer and avoid engaging in political debates.
Tapas vs. Pintxos: The small-plate bar culture is central to the region. In the Basque Country, small, elaborate bar snacks are called pintxos, not tapas.
Cider House Etiquette: In Asturias, cider is poured from a height (escanciado) to aerate it. You will be served a small amount at a time. It is customary to drink this single pour in one go before it loses its fizz.
Meal Times: Dining here, as in the rest of Spain, is a late affair. Lunch is typically between 2 PM and 4 PM, and dinner starts around 9 PM.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($22–$43), mid-range hotels ($75–$140), luxury ($173+). Prices are higher in San Sebastián and Bilbao.
Food: Pintxos ($2–$4), fixed-price lunch menu ($13–$22), fine dining ($65+).
Transport: Car rental ($32/day), buses (regional), trains (limited).
Activities: Guggenheim Museum ($17), free walking tours.
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $54–$86 (hostels, pintxos, buses).
- Mid-range: $97–$194 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $270+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Air: Bilbao and Asturias (Oviedo) have the main airports, with some regional service to Santander.
By Car: A car is the most flexible way to explore the rugged coastline and mountain roads of this region.
By Train: The main train network connects the major cities. For smaller coastal towns, a scenic narrow-gauge railway (FEVE) runs along the coast, offering a slower, more scenic journey.
By Bus: The bus network is well-developed and connects most cities and towns, often providing more direct routes than the train.
Must-Try Food
Pintxos: The Basque equivalent of tapas, these small bites are often served on a slice of bread.
Txuleton: A large, aged rib-eye steak, grilled to perfection and served rare.
Bacalao al Pil-Pil: A classic Basque dish of salt cod cooked with garlic, olive oil, and guindilla peppers.
Fabada Asturiana: A rich and hearty bean stew from Asturias, made with large white beans, morcilla (black pudding), chorizo, and pork shoulder.
Bonito del Norte: High-quality albacore tuna, a specialty of Cantabria.
Queso Cabrales: A strong, sharp blue cheese from Asturias.
Marmitako: A rich, hearty tuna and potato stew, traditionally a fisherman’s dish.
Chipirones en su tinta: Small squid cooked in their own ink, a classic and flavorful dish.
Gildas: The original Basque pintxo, a simple skewer of an olive, a pickled anchovy, and a pickled green pepper.
Percebes: Goose barnacles, a highly-prized and expensive seafood delicacy.
Must-Try Drinks
Txakoli: A crisp, slightly sparkling white wine from the Basque Country, poured from a height to aerate it.
Asturian Cider: Made from sour apples, it’s served in sidrerías where it is poured from a height to get the perfect fizz. It is not carbonated.
Orujo: A traditional spirit from Cantabria, similar to grappa.
Wines from La Rioja Alavesa: A sub-region of La Rioja located in the Basque Country, known for its young red wines.
Patxaran: A sloe-berry liqueur from Navarre and the Basque Country, often served as a digestif.
Zurracapote: A local punch made from red wine, fruit, and sugar, a popular summer drink.