When talking about Spain you’ll hear people mention Barcelona or Madrid, but often overlooked is the entire Northern Region of Spain. Unlike the usual depictions of hot, dry, and sunny all the time, the Northern region is made up of lush, green mountains and a rocky coastline.
Nature takes the front seat in the North. Steep cliffs and jagged peaks hide ancient monasteries. It’s easy to lose yourself among the many hiking and biking trails. Possibly the most famous trail in all of Spain is the Camino de Santiago. It traverses through the green, mountains and valleys then ends at the historic pilgrimage site, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela is a charming Galician city with cobblestone streets and ornate, gothic architecture. The city is also known for its unique cuisine, most notably the octopus.
East of Galicia you’ll find Basque country, another region with its own unique culture and language. Bilbao, the main hub of Basque country, is an intriguing example of ancient and modern worlds coming together. Right on the revitalized waterfront, you’ll find the iconic Guggenheim Museum as well as other restaurants and shops.
Things to do
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - Famous pilgrimage site, rumored to have the remains of Saint James
Convent of Corcovadango - A beautiful church in an even more beautiful location
Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao - Modern art museum designed by architect Frank Gehry
Bilbao Waterfront - Great walking paths and shops near the Guggenheim Museum
Sample Galician Octopus - Simple and memorable appetizer
Palacio de la Magdalena - Santander - A picture-perfect palace ideally situated on top of a Pennisula overlooking the ocean
Los Picos de Europa National Park - Jagged peaks perfect for hiking or backpacking
