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Discover the North Coast and the Picos de Europa

Map Discover the North Coast and the Picos de Europa

Adventure and Flavor Route through Northern Spain

Northern Spain is undoubtedly an exceptional destination, where nature and gastronomy play starring roles. This journey is filled with limitless cultural and natural experiences, enhanced by exciting activities in both mountains and coastal areas.

Encounters with Nature

Be captivated by the hikes through the stunning Picos de Europa, a true paradise for nature lovers. The nature in northern Spain is unmatched, with lush, verdant landscapes. During the summer, especially from July 15 to August 15, the region becomes a popular holiday destination. The months of September and October, with their milder climate, are ideal for visiting, allowing you to enjoy nature at its peak. You can extend the trip to coincide with the grape harvest in La Rioja, immersing yourself in the region's rich winemaking tradition.

Gastronomic Delights

We have named this journey the "Flavor Route," highlighting the rich variety of foods you will taste, even over short distances. From the famous Asturian fabada to fresh coastal seafood and the unmatched pintxos of San Sebastián, each bite is a discovery. In San Sebastián, a culinary jewel of Europe, you will enjoy a pintxos tour that will undoubtedly be a highlight of the trip. At Spain is More, we offer you a deep dive into the best local experiences, teaching you about the traditions and customs that enrich this region.

 

The journey begins in Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country and home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. This city, transformed from an industrial hub to a vibrant metropolis, marks the starting point of our adventure. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore a modern and dynamic city, rich in art and architecture, before delving into the cultural and natural depths of northern Spain.

Whether you prefer to explore more of the city, immerse yourself in nature, enjoy longer stays, or any other customized preference, at Spain is More we are prepared to design your ideal trip. We know the region's best-kept secrets.

Consult our suggested itinerary below and contact us to customize your experience. We are eager to show you the majesty of northern Spain along with your travel companions.

 

What Spain is More Offers

✔ The most spectacular beaches

✔ Tips on the best routes to take in the Picos de Europa

✔ The best restaurant tips to enjoy the finest gastronomy.

✔ The most impressive hiking trails in the Picos de Europa.

All this and more we will share with you before your departure.

It includes
  1. 7 x nights in double room in stunning hoteles selected for their quality, location and authentical charme. 
  2. 7 x breakfast.
  3. Car rental
  4. Spain-is-More-Digital- Travel Guidebook
  5. Entrance to Guggenheim.
  6. 24/7 emergency telephone number.
  7. Taxes.
Not included

Summer: from July 1st to September 30th is high season. The hotels are occupied by summer vacationer, which means that prices rise significantly. During this period you have to count with additional costs of around 150 € per person.

Optional
  1. Personalise your trip: Extended stays, transportation to startingpoint from anywhere in the world and back, add interesting and authentic experiences etc. Please ask us, we will be happy to assist you.
  2. Printed guide. If you prefer the printed guide, it can be purchased for 30 euros per specimen. (You can add it when you buy the trip).
  3. Cancellation insurence: 6% of total price (can be added when ordering).

Discover the North Coast and the Picos de Europa

From
1.150 EUR/pers.
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Single room supplement: 350 EUR

Daily program

Discover the North Coast and the Picos de Europa

Detailed itinerary (view all days )
Day 1: Arrival to Bilbao

During the afternoon or the next morning (depending on your time of arrival), you will visit the Guggenheim Museum (entry included in the price) and you can visit the Old Town in Bilbao and enjoy its marvelous "pinchos," a small snack, typically eaten in bars, traditional in northern Spain and especially popular in the Basque country and Navarre.

Day 2: Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. Compared to elegant San Sebastian, Bilbao had always been considered the ugly sister.

Things changed, however, when American architect Frank Gehry chose Bilbao as the home of the Guggenheim Museum, which gives Bilbao a magnificent, modern and futuristic feel.

Besides the museum, there is another unmistakable thing about Bilbao, its food. Basque cuisine is the culinary mecca of Spain, with the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world.

Day 3 and 4: Llanes (Asturias)

(Bilbao - Llanes, 180 km, 2h)

Accommodation: A charming hotel nestled in the heart of the picturesque fishing town of Llanes.

Llanes undoubtedly stands as one of the most atmospheric fishing towns along Spain's northern coast. The town's beaches and its old district, which winds around the harbor, significantly add to its allure and popularity. An extensive selection of excellent restaurants ensures that visitors can delve deep into the region's culinary delights.

On the journey from Bilbao in the Basque Country to Llanes in Asturias along the Cantabrian coast, a world of fascinating attractions awaits. This includes aristocratic coastal towns adorned with architectural gems, including works from the renowned Barcelona architect, Gaudi. Along the way, you'll also encounter some of Spain's most beautiful villages with cobbled streets, historic buildings, churches, and medieval residences. Prehistoric cave paintings, stalactite caves, and natural parks further enrich this experience. And if you're in the mood for a break, the route offers numerous inviting beaches. If time permits, an additional overnight stay en route is certainly worth considering.

For animal enthusiasts, the route also offers one of Europe's most remarkable zoological gardens, where animals live in vast areas surrounded by scenic landscapes, separated by rock formations. For those seeking a bit more thrill, options range from surfing to cave exploring and 'barrancos'.

In the Spain is More guidebook, you'll find in-depth information about all these captivating destinations and tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Day 5 and 6: Picos de Europa (Cantabria)

(Llanes - Picos de Europa, 80 km, 1h,20m)

Accommodations: gem of a rustic hotel in Liébana Valley

The Liébana valley in the Picos de Europa mountain range provides a wide range of physical and natural riches to explore. In the hidden mountain villages, time seems to stand still, and you are transported to a bygone era. There are ample opportunities for hiking and other activities in the valley or in the awe-inspiring mountain peaks. 

The dramatic cable car in Fuente Dé elevates guests 750 vertical meters (2,460 vertical feet) to a panorama of sublime mountain peaks over 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) high. The small town of Potes is the region’s center, where delightful, cozy restaurants serve local specialties that can also be purchased in many quaint shops. The region’s foremost cultural monument is among the most important Catholic monasteries in the world, Santo Toribio de Liébana. 

Relax by the sound of the lazy river rippling by one of the valley’s best hotels and survey the surrounding mountains. The hotel is renowned for its charm, and its kitchen serves heavenly local cuisine.

Day 7: San Sebastian (Basque Country)

⇒(Picos de Europa - San Sebastian, 290 km, 3h,30m)

Accommodations: Charming B&B in the old town. 

In the eastern part of the Basque Country we find Spain’s cosmopolitan and gastronomic center — San Sebastian — a wonderful town that successfully blends traditional and modern. This urban hub is one of the hottest culinary destinations in the world, and the Basque Country boasts a high concentration of Michelin Star restaurants. In fact, one main attraction of this stunning city is its exquisite cuisine and atmosphere. The extensive white sandy beaches and its urban texture make San Sebastian a popular holiday destination.

Day 8: Departure from Bilbao

Breakfast and end of tour.

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