10 must-visit destinations in Northern Spain you shouldn't miss

- Discover world-class nature, culture and gastronomy – find inspiration for your holiday in Northern Spain here

2025-04-23

10 unforgettable destinations in Northern Spain – experience the best of nature, culture and gastronomy

Northern Spain is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, unique cultures and incredible food – perfect for both active holidays and relaxation, whether you prefer self-drive adventures or train travel. Here, you’ll discover dramatic coastlines, lush mountains, and the historic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago.

Choosing just 10 destinations in Northern Spain is a challenge – there are so many hidden gems that deserve attention! We've selected some of our top recommendations, but we have plenty more up our sleeve depending on the season, your interests, and travel style.

Explore our tailor-made travel ideas for Northern Spain here
Learn more about walking or cycling the Camino here
Get an overview of Northern Spain’s regions with maps and descriptions here

1) San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country

– magical coastal scenery and Game of Thrones atmosphere

Just under an hour’s drive from Bilbao, near the village of Bermeo, lies the spectacular Gaztelugatxe peninsula. This iconic site became world-famous as the filming location for Dragonstone, home of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (season 7). The images speak for themselves – Gaztelugatxe is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places in Northern Spain.

It’s a popular hike along the scenic path leading up to the small church perched on top of the island, but especially in the high season, waiting times can stretch over several days. A visit rarely happens spontaneously.

With Spain is More, you'll get guaranteed access to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and expert guidance on the best way to experience the church, the hike, and other fantastic sights in the area.

2) The Cíes Islands, Galicia

– paradise beaches and hiking trails in the heart of the Atlantic

We head all the way out to Spain’s western coast, to Galicia, where you’ll find the spectacular Atlantic archipelago of the Cíes Islands, located at the mouth of the Vigo estuary. These islands are a true paradise of white sandy beaches, stunning natural scenery, rich wildlife, and a variety of scenic hiking trails. The famous Rodas Beach has been named the most beautiful beach in the world on several occasions, and the islands offer some of the most highly recommended hiking routes in Northern Spain.

To ensure sustainable tourism, the number of visitors is limited, so some planning is required to secure access. At Spain is More, we are happy to organize your self-drive holiday or your Camino hike, giving you the chance to visit this unique destination and experience it in the best possible way.

The mainland opposite the Cíes Islands is one of Northern Spain’s most exciting holiday regions – an area we truly love at Spain is More.

Read more about the best experiences in Rías Baixas here.

3) Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

– the final stop of the Camino and a cultural gem

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, a vast network of pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe and culminating at the magnificent cathedral at the heart of the city.

Get lost in the narrow, charming streets of the old town, where you can soak up the unique pilgrim atmosphere and experience Santiago’s beauty. Simply standing in front of the majestic cathedral and admiring its details is an unforgettable experience.

At Spain is More, we arrange hundreds of overnight stays in Santiago de Compostela every year, as the city is the natural endpoint for many of our Camino de Santiago journeys. We know the best restaurants, local experiences, and hidden gems that make your stay truly memorable.

Learn more about our Camino de Santiago trips here
In our travel guide, we share a wide range of recommendations and experiences in Santiago de Compostela.

4) Comillas, Cantabria

– Gaudí’s flower house and a coastal gem of Northern Spain

Comillas is a hidden gem on the Cantabrian coast, just outside Santander in Cantabria. The crown jewel of the town is El Capricho, also known as Gaudí’s flower house – one of only three buildings the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí designed outside Catalonia (the other two are in Astorga and León).

Nearby, you’ll find the Oyambre Nature Reserve, where beaches, sand dunes, and the wild Atlantic Ocean create a stunning backdrop for both relaxation and active adventures. East and west of Comillas lie many other attractions and activities, equal in beauty and appeal.

We’ve chosen to highlight Comillas as the region’s representative because it’s strategically located for exploring both the coastline and inland. At Spain is More, we offer a wide range of recommendations and experiences that combine beautiful beaches, local gastronomy, and activities for everyone.

5) San Sebastián, Basque Country

– world-class gastronomy, beaches and culture

San Sebastián is beautifully set in a turquoise, shell-shaped bay, surrounded by golden beaches and protective mountains. The city is a true gastronomic mecca, where Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant pintxos bars, local culture, and rich traditions have made San Sebastián one of Europe’s hottest destinations.

At Spain is More, San Sebastián is one of our most popular destinations, partly because it serves as the perfect base for exploring the Basque Country – from the stunning coastal stretches to the lush inland areas. We offer a wide variety of experiences and activities to suit every interest.

It’s worth noting that San Sebastián is also one of the most expensive cities in Spain. That’s why we often design trips with accommodations in charming coastal towns along the Basque coast, allowing you to enjoy San Sebastián’s attractions while staying within your travel budget.

A must-see outside the city are the famous Flysch cliffs (see the image above), a spectacular geological phenomenon that can only be found in a few places around the world, and a highlight when visiting the Basque Country.

6) Covadonga Lakes and Picos de Europa, Asturias

– Spain’s oldest national park and historic heartland

Asturias Covadonga Kør selv

The Covadonga Lakes are one of Asturias’ most iconic sites and hold great symbolic significance for Spain’s history. It was here that the resistance against the Moors began, marking the origin of modern Spain. The stunning Covadonga Sanctuary, set within a cave overlooking the valley, rivals Spain’s grandest cathedrals and attracts both pilgrims and nature lovers.

Located within the Picos de Europa, Spain’s oldest national park, the area offers a wealth of hiking trails for all levels and a wide range of mountain activities. You’ll find scenic mountain lakes, dramatic rock formations, authentic villages, and local gastronomy rich in tradition and flavor.

One of Spain is More’s most popular trips is a hiking holiday in the Picos de Europa, where you explore the most beautiful corners of the region while staying in charming mountain hotels. Many of our guests choose to spend extra nights at handpicked hotels to enjoy hiking, active experiences, and gastronomic delights we’ve carefully selected.

The Picos de Europa are a true paradise for active tourism. With our experienced guides and tailored activities, we ensure your trip is personalized and unforgettable, perfectly suited to your level and interests.

Once you’ve experienced the Picos de Europa properly, it’s rarely your last visit. At Spain is More, we help you make the most of your stay – whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both.

7) Playa de las Catedrales, Galicia

– dramatic coastal landscapes and natural cathedrals

Playa de las Catedrales – or Cathedral Beach – is one of the main attractions along the Rías Altas coast in northern Galicia. Its impressive rock formations, found in only a few places worldwide, create a spectacular scene at low tide, allowing visitors to walk along the beach beneath natural arches and towering pillars that resemble a gothic cathedral – hence the name.

During high season, access to the beach requires a reservation to limit tourist numbers and protect the environment. At Spain is More, we handle this for you to ensure you have the best experience. On our Camino del Norte walking trips, access and transport to the beach are included when passing through the area.

While the beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rough seas, there are many excellent bathing beaches nearby. As a natural wonder, Playa de las Catedrales is one of the most stunning sites in northern Spain.

Along the coastline around Playa de las Catedrales, you’ll find some of the most authentic towns and natural experiences in northern Spain. This sparsely populated region surprises every visitor with its beauty and tranquility. In our Spain is More travel guide, you’ll find plenty of suggestions to make the most of your visit.

8) León, Castile and León

– tapas, history and Gothic grandeur

León was founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago and has remained one of Spain’s most important cities throughout history. The city is home to the tombs of some of Spain’s oldest kings and queens, and despite having just 190,000 inhabitants, it boasts an impressive number of world-class landmarks.

The old town, known as Barrio Húmedo, is famous for its tapas bars – León has the highest number of bars per capita in Spain. León is a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, but also attracts many Spanish tourists who come to enjoy the unique tapas atmosphere, exciting restaurants, and cultural sights. One of León’s special traditions is that every drink order comes with a free tapa – something that is becoming rare elsewhere in Spain.

Spain is More’s headquarters are located in León, and we know the city and surrounding area inside out. We’ll guide you to the best tapas bars among the 700+ establishments and help you experience the right streets at the perfect times. With our travel guide in hand, you’ll quickly feel like a local.

Don’t miss the stunning Gothic cathedral, Gaudí’s Casa Botines, the former pilgrims’ hospital San Marcos, or the Basilica of San Isidoro, which houses the Spanish royal treasury.

9) Cudillero, Asturias

– colorful fishing village with authentic charm

Cudillero is one of the most picturesque and photographed fishing villages along Spain’s northern coast. Clinging dramatically to a cliffside, partly hidden within the steep rock walls, it looks exactly like the quintessential Spanish fishing village you imagine. Everywhere you see colorful houses, narrow cobbled streets, small plazas, and fishing nets hanging out to dry.

The atmosphere in Cudillero is almost magical, and the local seafood restaurants serve outstanding dishes – often the best choice is the catch of the day.

While Cudillero is the most famous of these villages and frequently appears in guidebooks, there are several other similar villages along Spain’s northern coast that are just as authentic and charming. The surrounding area is unspoiled, scenic, and well worth a visit.

Many discover Cudillero while hiking along the Camino del Norte, but the area is also perfect for other travelersseeking to explore a lesser-known part of Spain. Tell us what you’re looking for – at Spain is More, we’ll design the perfect trip for you, whether you want to hike, enjoy local gastronomy, or simply experience authentic Spanish village life.

10) Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa

– wine, medieval walls and unique experiences in the Rioja wine region

No visit to the renowned Rioja wine region would be complete without mentioning Laguardia – one of the most beautiful and authentic wine towns in Rioja Alavesa. Technically part of the Basque Country, Laguardia belongs to the famous Rioja wine district. The town’s name reflects its strategic medieval role as a defensive stronghold for the Kingdom of Navarra, only later becoming a center for Rioja wine production.

The historic center, surrounded by 13th-century city walls, showcases the town’s long winemaking tradition. Beneath the streets lies an extensive network of wine cellars, historically used for aging wine.

Laguardia is surrounded by vineyards and wineries – some designed by renowned architects, others traditional wine estates full of character. Many offer visits and tastings, but some experiences are more exclusive and unique. Activities like grape harvesting, extended wine tastings, or dining among the vines immerse you in the region’s wine and gastronomic culture.

At Spain is More, we help you discover the best wineries and activities to match your interests and budget. Riojaoffers experiences for every traveler – from exclusive wine tours to authentic encounters with local winemakers.

Beyond Laguardia, the Rioja region boasts many other fascinating experiences – not only related to wine and gastronomy, but also natural attractions that reveal another side of this remarkable area.

Make the most of your trip to Northern Spain

Since 2009, Spain is More has been arranging individual self-drive trips as well as hiking and cycling holidays along the Camino de Santiago through Northern Spain. From our office in León, in the heart of the region, we work closely with local partners to offer authentic experiences, charming hotels, and tailor-made journeys that fit your wishes and needs.

With the Spain is More travel guide, you’ll discover the best of Northern Spain – filled with personal recommendations for restaurants, experiences, and hidden gems you won’t find in standard guidebooks.

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