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The Basque Country is the best-known region in the north of Spain, with Bilbao and San Sebastián serving as the most popular bases for discovering the area. Yet the regions surrounding the Basque Country offer astonishing landscapes, traditions, and flavours, making northern Spain a very rewarding place to explore cuisine, culture and wild nature.
To the west lie Asturias and Cantabria, two narrow regions dramatically positioned between the Cantabrian Mountains and the wild Atlantic coast. Their lush green valleys, rugged cliffs, and ever-changing light create a unique atmosphere—one that feels worlds apart from the stereotypical image of Spain. Here you’ll find cider houses, prehistoric caves, charming fishing villages, and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country.
Further inland sits La Rioja, internationally renowned for its wines. Its rolling vineyards shape much of the landscape, but the region offers far more than exceptional wine. La Rioja is steeped in history, dotted with medieval castles, monasteries, and beautifully preserved towns that speak to centuries of tradition and craftsmanship.
Together, these northern regions showcase a Spain of green mountains, wild seas, vineyard-filled valleys, and remarkable gastronomy—a side of the country that continues to surprise seasoned travellers.
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Bilbao, heart of the Basque Country, transformed from an industrial port into a vibrant cultural center. It blends architectural innovation, symbolized by the Guggenheim, with its traditional roots. The Nervión River sets the tone, uniting the modern skyline with the Casco Viejo. It is a welcoming city celebrating design, history, and gastronomy, famous for its pintxos and lively atmosphere.
San Sebastián (Donostia) is a coastal gem blending Belle Époque elegance and nature, highlighting La Concha Bay and Mount Urgull. A recognized culinary capital, it attracts food lovers with its world-class pintxos and Michelin restaurants. Its relaxed sophistication and golden promenades offer iconic views, inviting visitors to experience the refined charm of the Basque Country and its seafront.
Northern Spain, a landscape of contrasts, spans the untamed coast of Asturias and Cantabria, and the historic vineyards of La Rioja and medieval monasteries. Its green valleys, cliffs, and prehistoric caves and charming fishing villages contrast with Spain’s classic image. It showcases rich tradition, unique gastronomy, and a fierce, wild nature that truly surprises every curious traveler.
