Having discovered the south of Spain, it’s now time to explore the northern gems. Northern Spain encompasses the Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria.
The climate gets shaped by the waters of the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of hot Mediterranean weather, the region experiences moderate temperatures and high humidity.
Today we’ll explore the region’s rich history and culture, excellent gastronomy, and fascinating local traditions.
Ready to discover? By the end, you’ll discover how to make Northern Spain’s Cultural and Natural Wonders your next home with Animafest Experience’s professional internship programs.
Basque Country
The provinces of Álava, Guipúzcoa, and Biscay come together to create a region where the past and present harmonize. In Euskadi, the rhythm of the sea and the mountain landscapes are reflected in the daily lives of its people. From the lively streets of Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, with its charming historic architecture, to the refined beauty of San Sebastián by the coast, every corner of this land tells a story of deep-rooted traditions and innovative spirit.
Whether you’re savoring pintxos in the heart of Bilbao or enjoying a glass of txakoli with a stunning view in San Sebastián, Euskadi presents a perfect balance of timeless culture and modern flair. Its unique blend of culinary brilliance, vibrant cities, and natural beauty invites visitors to experience a place that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
San Sebastiàn
Tucked along Spain’s northern coast, San Sebastián is a coastal gem that combines elegance, charm, and world-class cuisine. Known for its stunning scenery and rich Basque heritage, this small but vibrant city offers an unforgettable mix of beachside beauty and gastronomic excellence.
This city is part of the Basque country and even though you might haven’t heard about this destination yet, don’t underestimate it. To experience the region’s rich food culture you should try out the world-renowned pintxos bars, which are serving the Basque version of tapas. Have you ever seen a beach that is shaped lika a seashell? La Concha beach has this unique contour to appreciate the view visit the Monte Igueldo viewpoint.
In San Sebastián, food is a way of life. Join a pintxos crawl through the Parte Vieja, sampling creative small bites paired with txakoli. Take a Basque cooking class to learn traditional dishes, or enjoy seaside views from La Concha beach and Monte Igueldo.
Bilbao
“Botxo” or “The Big Apple of the Basque Country”, that’s how people call Bilbao because of its economic and cultural importance to the region. It is the 10th largest city in Spain, having in is metropolitan area around 1 million inhabitants. The city is surrounded by mountains and located on the Greater Basque region.
If you are an adventurous person, you should use this opportunity to explore the variety of trails in the mountanous region of Bilbao, starting with the Miribilla-Pagasarri, that offers an panaromic view of the city and its surroundings.
Going now to a more central part of the city, we have the Guggenheim Museum, that offers a huge variety of expositions like painting, sculptures, photography, perfmoning arts and thematic and retrospective exhibitions. The vast variety of different expositions in this museum can satisfy all different types of tourists.
Galicia
In Spain’s misty northwest, Galicia enchants with its deep-rooted traditions, wild Atlantic coast, and soulful charm. At its heart is Santiago de Compostela, where the grand cathedral welcomes pilgrims from across the world. The historic old town is a maze of stone streets and cozy tapas bars, perfect for savoring the region’s famous seafood—from tender octopus to fresh mussels.
Venture west and you’ll hit the Rías Baixas, a coastline of calm estuaries, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. This is also Albariño country—crisp white wine that pairs beautifully with the ocean’s daily catch. Whether you’re wandering quiet coastal trails or sipping wine with a sea view, Galicia offers a peaceful escape steeped in natural beauty and quiet wonder.
Galicia’s Rías Baixas region is famous for Albariño wine, known for its crisp, fresh flavor. Visit local vineyards to enjoy guided tastings, learn about traditional winemaking, and take in scenic views of rolling hills and coastal landscapes. It’s a perfect way to experience the region’s flavors and charm in one relaxing outing.
Asturias
Nature Lovers, Welcome to Asturias!
A place with a breathtaking coastline, over 200 beaches and steep cliffs, a paradise for every outdoor enthusiasts. The Home of Picos de Europa National Park offers stunning mountain landscapes.
Asturias is famous for its cider culture and traditional “sidrerías”, where sampling their famous cider is a must-try experience!
To discover pre-Romanesque architecture, visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites, particularly in the capital city of Oviedo. This well-preserved medieval old town is worth visiting, with its breathtaking architectural landmarks like the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador.
You are interested in learning more about Pre-Romanesque in Asturias? Check out following article: The Pre-Romanesque in Asturias in 6 World Heritage Sites | spain.info
No visit would be complete without exploring their warmful cuisine, including delicious traditional dishes like fabada asturiana and local cheeses.
Cantabria
Home to the prehistoric cave art at Altamira Caves, Cantabria features the historic city of Santander with an stunning waterfront. Santander, the capital city, is renowned for its urban beaches and cultural attractions, making it an essential stop on any Northern Spain itinerary.
Moreover, the region is known for its incredible medieval towns like Santillana del Mar. The perfect blend of mountains and coastal features makes it an ideal vacation destination for every type of traveler.
The region’s culinary heritage is exemplified by traditional dishes like cocido montañés (mountain stew). Thanks to its rich maritime history and fishing tradition, Cantabria also offers exceptional seafood dishes that showcase the local culture.
Local Experiences
Northern Spain has an unparalleled vibrant atmosphere, where fireworks and music fill the streets as part of its rich cultural traditions.
Don’t miss local festivals like the Semana Grande, in San Sebastián, or the Festa do Albariño and Romerías in Galicia, where you can experience a pefect combination of traditional food and music. (Never heard about these holidays? Don’t worry—a blog post about them is coming soon!)
For a more traditional experience, visit historical markets such as La Brexta in Galicia or Mercado de Abastos in San Sebastián—perfect spots to purchase local products.
💡 Travel Tip: For the best experience, visit these destinations during spring or autumn.
To discover the major destinations in the South of Spain read our previous blog post.
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