JOURNEYS · NORTHERN SPAIN
Journeys through Northern Spain, designed around you
Four regions along Spain's green northern coast. Each can be a journey in itself or a chapter in a longer one, designed from scratch around your dates and your pace.
Tailor-made, not off the shelf
What you see below are starting points, not itineraries. The roads, towns and tables we mention are examples of what a journey in each region can hold. Your proposal will name the exact route, hotels and restaurants, and will tell you clearly what is confirmed and what is still being checked.
01 · BASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country
Coastal roads, fishing harbours and txakoli vineyards.
Between Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia, the road follows the Cantabrian Sea. Txakoli vineyards rise above the coast; San Sebastián and Bilbao bring memorable tables. Ideal for a first journey through the north.
02 · CANTABRIA
Cantabria & Picos de Europa
Gorges, mountain passes and the valley of Liébana.
The N-621 follows the river through La Hermida to Potes. From the valley, mountain passes climb towards León and the Fuente Dé cable car rises into the peaks. For those who love mountain roads.
03 · ASTURIAS
Asturias
Cliffs, cider country and the view from the Fitu.
From the Mirador del Fitu you see the sea and the Picos de Europa at once. Inland, roads climb towards Somiedo; on the coast, Lastres and the beaches of Llanes. Coast and mountain in a single day.
04 · GALICIA
Galicia
The Sil canyon, the Rías and the Capelada cliffs.
In the Ribeira Sacra, vines grow on terraces above the Sil canyon. Further north, the Serra da Capelada meets the Atlantic beside Cabo Ortegal. For longer journeys, wine and a quieter coast.
Before you choose
One region or several?
One region suits four to six nights with time to settle in. Two neighbouring regions, such as the Basque Country and Cantabria, or Asturias and Galicia, suit a week. The whole coast, from the Basque Country to Galicia, asks for ten to fourteen nights, so the driving stays a pleasure. On a relaxed or balanced pace we usually keep at least two nights in each hotel, so you are not packing every morning.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are our favourite seasons: long days, green landscapes and quieter roads. July and August are warmer and busier. In autumn the Ribeira Sacra harvests its grapes and the beech woods turn. In winter, high passes can close for snow, so mountain routes are planned with an alternative. The north is green because it rains: every proposal includes a plan for wet days.
What every journey includes
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An automatic premium car, or similar, with fully comprehensive insurance with no excess and roadside assistance, waiting for you when you arrive.
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Boutique hotels of four stars or above, with breakfast.
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Lunch and dinner at selected tables, with a set menu.
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Authentic local experiences, confirmed for your dates.
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A road book with the route day by day and Google Maps links.
Not included: flights, fuel, tolls, personal extras and travel insurance (which we recommend and can suggest).
Start with a region, or with an idea
Tell us which part of the north draws you, or simply what you would like to feel at the end of the journey. We will send you a free, tailor-made proposal within three to five working days.
Header photograph: Jose Manuel Castiñeira, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized for this website.
Regional photographs: Juan Pablo Serrano (Basque Country), Enrique (Picos de Europa), Mike Art (Asturias), Javier Balseiro (Galicia) / Pexels.