Northern Spain Accommodations 731

1. Breakfast a hotel (not included). || 43.360927570954836, -2.494700308113118

2. Recommended: 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM - San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. || 43.447776521269105, -2.784957288275595

Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of the Bay of Biscay belonging to the Biscayan municipality of Bermeo, in the Basque Autonomous Community. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. A hermitage named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque, dedicated to John the Baptist, is on top of Gaztelugatxe.

3. Recommended: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Lunch at Taberna Mikel Bengoa (not included). || 43.36265997225277, -2.8027203388003707

4. Recommended: Drive the coast from San Juan to Mundaka, passing through Bermeo and Sukarrieta

5. Free time

6. Night in Bilbao

1. Breakfast a hotel (not included). || 43.360927570954836, -2.494700308113118

2. Drive to San Sebastian

3. Hotel check in. || 43.316603582696125, -1.9853195253105347

San Sebastián is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. It’s known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, beaches framed by a picturesque bayfront promenade, and world-renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs. In its cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shops neighbor vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines with bite-size regional specialties.

4. Recommended: Old Town. || 43.32538782223883, -1.9895280300970068

Tapas and pintxo bars line the narrow streets of Donostia-San Sebastian's Old Town, a lively neighborhood bounded by Mount Urgull, the Urumea River, and Concha Bay. Its heart is the Plaza de la Constitución, a former bullring where the Tamborrada drum festival is held. The 16th-century Gothic San Vicente Church features a Romanesque altarpiece, while stalls with fresh produce fill the traditional La Bretxa Market.

5. Recommended: Beach of La Concha. || 43.31817986303054, -1.9863479482238438

The Beach of La Concha is a crescent shaped urban seaboard of the city of San Sebastián located at the Bay of La Concha in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. Its name “Concha” is given upon its remarkably regular shape.

6. Recommended: Igeldo. || 43.30522970617837, -2.043161929426486

Igeldo is a quarter of San Sebastian. It is almost a small town located at the mountain range of the same name towering over the west side of the Bay of La Concha. At the nearest point of the bay lies a permanent fairground at the hillock Mendiotz, topped by a conspicuous mock military tower which houses a hotel.

7. Recommended: Miramar Palace. || 43.3148576929878, -1.998512296474733

The Miramar Palace is a late 19th-century palace located on the La Concha Bay of the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain. It was built in 1893 commissioned by the Spanish royal family, based on an 1889 project by English architect Selden Wornum.

8. Recommended: Dinner at TrikuHarri Taberna Jatetxea (not included). || 43.312698552742376, -2.004228425310748

9. Free time

10. Night in San Sebastián

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.316603582696125, -1.9853195253105347

2. Drive to Hondarribia

Hondarribia isa charming, historic Basque border town in Gipuzkoa, Spain, known for its well-preserved medieval walled old town, colorful fisherman's houses in the Marina district, and world-class culinary scene, particularly pintxos.

3. Hotel check in. || 43.36235607328102, -1.788572138800381

4. Recommended: Old Town Visit

5. Recommended: Morning Fishing Port

6. Recommended: Afternoon Basque rural sports workshop

7. Recommended: Dinner at La Hermandad de Pescadores (not included). || 43.36832076002995, -1.7935183321952477

8. Free time

9. Night in Hondarribia

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.16434555784799, -2.6330363730127866

2. Recommended: Horseback Riding

3. Recommended: Arditurri Meategia Mining Tour

4. Recommended: Evening Folklore Dance

5. Free time

6. Night in Hondarribia

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.16434555784799, -2.6330363730127866

2. Recommended: Drive to Durango

Durango is a town and municipality of the historical territory and province of Biscay, located in the Basque Country, Spain. It is the main town of Durangaldea, one of the comarcas of Biscay.

3. Recommended: 10:00 AM - Alluitz Natura. || 43.12430414730089, -2.622095161043351

Farm offers educational workshops and activities focused on traditional farm life and cheesemaking.

4. Recommended: Afternoon Urkiola Parke Naturala. || 43.095789248824005, -2.6487194322095267

Urkiola Natural Park is a protected area located in the southeastern corner of Biscay and in the North of Álava in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, Spain. It is a protected area of 5,958 hectares. It was declared a Natural Park on 29 December 1989.

5. Recommended: Dinner at Restaurante Kobika Jatetxea (not included). || 43.17389951184156, -2.6346061898760826

6. Hotel check in. || 43.164275098955045, -2.633004189876591

7. Night in Durango

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.164275098955045, -2.633004189876591

2. Recommended: 15 Minute Morning Stop Peña Cabarga. || 43.3797211185802, -3.7789063277135595

3. Drive to Santander

Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, lies at the mouth of the Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula. West, the city center is home to the Catedral de Santander, with its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister. Nearby, the Paseo de Pereda promenade runs along one side of the Jardines de Pereda gardens.

4. Recommended: Los Reginas Santander. || 43.46168584374331, -3.801541074522121

5. Recommended: Magdalena Peninsula (Península de la Magdalena). || 43.46976745926389, -3.771555725832776

The Magdalena Peninsula is a 69-acre peninsula located near the entrance to the Bay of Santander in the city of Santander, Cantabria, along the north coast of Spain. The peninsula is a popular recreational destination for both tourists and locals.

6. Recommended: Los Jardines de Piquío. || 43.473935378711495, -3.783965896466355

Los Jardines de Piquío en Santander son un emblemático parque-mirador situado en el Sardinero, diseñado en 1910. Conocidos como la "proa" que divide las playas, ofrecen vistas panorámicas impresionantes del mar Cantábrico y la bahía, siendo un lugar tranquilo para pasear, descansar en sus bancos o disfrutar del atardecer

7. Recommended: Mirador del Faro de Cabo Mayor. || 43.49060998928678, -3.790497161026576

8. Hotel check in. || 43.48141312556912, -3.787532816850432

9. Free time

10. Night in Santander

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.48141312556912, -3.787532816850432

2. Recommended: 8:15 AM - Playa Arnia. || 43.447980897052595, -3.9715976734616163

Low tide is 10:15 AM. A dramatic beach near Santander known for its striking rock formations, golden sand, and rugged cliffs—ideal for scenic walks and photography.

3. Recommended: Playa de Valdearenas (Surfing Available). || 43.44804321001609, -3.9722843189603307

Low tide is 10:15 AM. A wide, sandy beach set within the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres, famous for its dunes, strong waves, and popular surfing conditions.

4. Recommended: Horseback riding at Centro Ecuestre Liencres. || 43.457848019361805, -3.9468962541390256

5. Recommended: 30 Minute Drive to Santillana

6. Hotel check in. || 43.39107055708523, -4.108860517368666

7. Recommended: Mirador de Suso - Restaurante Caserío in Suances. || 43.435872401267815, -4.049110452288746

8. Recommended: Comillas Visit. || 43.385853348284236, -4.292902762089826

Comillas is a town in Cantabria, northern Spain. Its Modernista architecture includes 19th-century El Capricho, a Gaudí-designed chalet. Nearby, elaborate, Neo-Gothic Sobrellano Palace has Gaudí furniture. In the old town center, Plaza Corro Campios is full of restaurants and bars. Comillas Beach is popular for its fine sand and water sports. To the west, Oyambre Natural Park has dunes, marshland and varied birdlife.

7. Recommended: Drive Comillas – Oyambre – San Vicente de la Barquera along the coast, following the coastline

8. Recommended: Stop at Mirador de Gerra - El Rayo Verde. || 43.394923824646504, -4.353633238798703

9. Recommended: Surf at Playa de Oyambre. || 43.39724051229561, -4.339259783761519

10. Free time

11. Night in Santillana del Mar

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.39107055708523, -4.108860517368666

2. Drive to Potes

Potes is a municipality in the autonomous community of Cantabria in Spain. It is the capital of the Comarca of Liébana and is located in the centre of it. It is bordered to the north by Cillorigo de Liébana, to the west by Camaleño, to the south by Vega de Liébana and to the east by Cabezón de Liébana.

3. Recommended: Teleférico Fuente Dé in Picos de Europa National Park. || 43.14414586519781, -4.8120867880328335

The Teleférico Fuente Dé in Picos de Europa National Park isa spectacular 4-minute cable car ride in Cantabria, Spain, ascending 753 meters to an altitude of 1,823 meters. It offers panoramic mountain views and quick access to high-altitude hiking, operating year-round with higher frequency in summer.

4. Recommended: 2-3 Hour Hike

5. Hotel check in. || 43.14471813955306, -4.8107027303622

6. Free time

7. Night in Potes

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.14471813955306, -4.8107027303622

2. Recommended: Cares Route from Poncebos to Caín (4wD Route)

The Cares Route (Ruta del Cares), known as the "Divine Gorge," is a breathtaking12 km (one-way) hike between Poncebos (Asturias) and Caín (León) in the Picos de Europa, taking 3–4 hours per direction. It features stunning cliffs, tunnels, and a mostly flat gravel path that is moderate in difficulty, with the initial section from Poncebos being the steepest.

3. Recommended: Return via Frontera Verde and Vive Picos

Both Frontera Verde and Vive Picos are highly-rated, professional 4x4 touring companies in the Picos de Europa National Park (Asturias/León, Spain). Both offer specialized tours of the Cares Route, but Vive Picos is often praised for detailed guided 4x4 trips, while Frontera Verde offers a broader range of adventure activities.

4. Free time

5. Night in Potes

1. Breakfast at hotel (Bars and Fruit). || 43.14471813955306, -4.8107027303622

2. Drive to Llanes

Llanes is a municipality of northern Spain, west of Bilbao. It’s known for its rugged coastline, framed by the long limestone Sierra del Cuera ridge. The port town of Llanes is home to the medieval castellated El Torreón, the Gothic Santa María del Conceyu church and the modernist Llanes Casino building. Paseo San Pedro is a grassy clifftop promenade with crescent-shaped Sablón Beach at its eastern end.

3. Hotel check in. || 43.40808232523034, -4.759105432195561

4. Recommended: Cave Pindal. || 43.39742461441255, -4.533198489866792

Long grotto known for Paleolithic cave paintings depicting fish, mammals & abstract symbols.

5. Recommended: Bufones de Santiuste. || 43.39804424444542, -4.587387461031409

The Bufones de Santiuste are spectacular natural blowholes (geysers) located on the eastern coast of Asturias, Spain, near Castro de Santiuste. Declared a Natural Monument, they consist of fissures in limestone cliffs that, during high tide and rough seas, shoot seawater and air up to 40 meters in the air, accompanied by a loud,, roaring "hiss."

6. Recommended: Área Recreativa de Guadamía. || 43.459279560176505, -4.982968376369448

A scenic picnic and leisure area with natural surroundings, ideal for a short stop or walk.

7. Recommended: Lunch at Casa El Rubiu (not included)

8. Recommended: Toro Beach. || 43.416930526957984, -4.742834490098937

Swimming in gentle waves at a popular beach below coastal paths & open-air hillside restaurants.

9. Recommended: Playa de Cuevas del Mar. || 43.456924226856465, -4.937498614722757

This deep, narrow white-sand beach is flanked by karstic rock formations with arches & tunnels.

10. Recommended: Bufones de Pría. || 43.45848546109703, -4.979718488016314

Natural phenomenon where jets of seawater spout from holes & cracks eroded in limestone cliffs.

11. Recommended: Torreón de Llanes. || 43.42136118924144, -4.755106389865501

The Tower of Llanes is a medieval tower located in Llanes, Spain.

12. Free time

13. Night in Llanes

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.40808232523034, -4.759105432195561

2. Recommended: Lakes of Covadonga. || 43.273839381081515, -4.98853159264328

The Lakes of Covadonga are two glacial lakes located on the region of Asturias, Spain. These lakes, often also called Lakes of Enol or simply Los Lagos, are Lake Enol and Lake Ercina located in the Picos de Europa range and they are the original center of the Picos de Europa National Park, created in 1918.

3. Recommended: The Santa Cueva de Covadonga. || 43.30771521386966, -5.054648505714798

The Santa Cueva de Covadonga is a Catholic sanctuary located in Asturias, northern Spain. It is a cave in the Picos de Europa mountains, which gives its name to the parish of Covadonga in the municipality of Cangas de Onís.

4. Recommended: Cueva del Cabrales. || 43.29930659488661, -4.81886714754254

The Fundación Cabrales Cueva Exposición Queso Cabrales in Arenas de Cabrales, Asturias, is a museum inside a natural cave dedicated to the region's famous blue cheese. It provides 45-minute guided tours explaining the production process, historical traditions, and maturation, concluding with a tasting.

5. Recommended: Cueva del Queso de Cabrales

6. Recommended: 4 Hour Senda a la Olla de San Vicente Tour

The Senda a la Olla de San Vicente is a linear, family-friendly trail of about 5 km (round trip) near Cangas de Onís, not Llanes. It follows the banks of the Dobra River to a spectacular emerald pool 5 m deep, perfect for swimming. The trail is easy to moderate (1–1.5 h), with some rocky sections.

7. Recommended: Dinner (not included)

8. Free time

9. Night in Llanes

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.40808232523034, -4.759105432195561

2. Recommended: Mirador del Cabo Busto. || 43.56990110863322, -6.469964915562255

The Mirador del Cabo Busto is a scenic viewpoint located in Valdés, Asturias, Spain, offering panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea and coastal cliffs. It is a key highlight of the PR-AS 4 Cabo Busto walking route, surrounded by nature and near the quaint village of Busto.

3. Recommended: Cudillero Harbour. || 43.56710190883643, -6.151295603351877

Cudillero Harbour isa picturesque, bustling fishing port in Asturias, Spain, uniquely arranged in an amphitheater shape on a steep hillside. Surrounded by brightly colored houses, it features a working harbor with fishing boats, fresh seafood restaurants, and a historic lighthouse on a 75-meter cliff, offering stunning Cantabrian Sea views.

4. Recommended: Saint Roque Viewpoint. || 43.516556971108855, -5.269071161025156

The San Roque Viewpoint (Miradoiro de San Roque) in Viveiro, Galicia, isa popular 353-meter high vantage point offering spectacular panoramic views of the Viveiro estuary, Celeiro port, and the Cantabrian Sea. It features a chapel, relaxing green areas, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a scenic spot.

5. Recommended: Playa de Gulpiyuri. || 43.447318834453206, -4.886136907052625

Playa de Gulpiyuri is a flooded sinkhole with an inland beach located near Llanes, in Asturias Northern Spain, around 100 m from the Cantabrian Sea. It is the shortest beach in the world.

6. Recommended: Praia das Catedrais. || 43.55399237481628, -7.1574662300588665

Praia das Catedrais is on the northwest coast of Spain. It is the name given by the tourism industry to Praia de Augas Santas. The beach is located in the Ribadeo municipality, in the province of Lugo, on the Cantabric coast, and it lies about ten kilometres to the west of the town of Ribadeo.

7. Hotel check in. || 43.53337034922838, -7.039983461024282

8. Free time

9. Night in Ribadeo

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.53337034922838, -7.039983461024282

2. Drive to Ría de Viveiro. || 43.694672789106086, -7.608167635240348

The Ría de Viveiro is a scenic, V-shaped estuary located in the Lugo province of Galicia, NW Spain, where the Landro River meets the Cantabrian Sea. Known for its steep, green hillsides, tranquil beaches (like Area and Covas), and the historic town of Viveiro, it serves as a popular, sheltered destination for tourists and boating, featuring charming fishing ports like Celeiro.

3. Hotel check in. || 43.67739645941537, -7.614602605193266

4. Free time

5. Night in Viveiro

1. Breakfast at hotel (not included). || 43.67739645941537, -7.614602605193266

2. Drive to Cedeira

Cedeira is a municipality in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It is situated in the northern coast of the Rías Altas. Cedeira has a population of 6,626 inhabitants.

3. Recommended: Garita de Herbeira. || 43.72369683479257, -7.945625472661111

The Garita de Herbeira isa historic 1805 stone guard post perched 615 meters above sea level on the Serra da Capelada cliffs in Galicia, Spain. It offers dramatic, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and features some of the highest coastal cliffs in continental Europe.

4. Hotel check in. || 43.64929755533124, -8.044569674512198

5. Night in Cedeira

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.64929755533124, -8.044569674512198

2. Drive to Santiago de Compostela (not included). || 42.877115639347004, -8.546401253957518

Santiago de Compostela,the capital of Galicia in northwest Spain, is world-renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Centered on the stunning Romanesque Cathedral in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where the relics of St. James the Apostle are reputedly buried, the city draws thousands of travelers for its deep spiritual, historical, and architectural significance.

3. Recommended: Casco Histórico De Santiago de Compostela. || 42.879789276041116, -8.545087403387903

The Casco Histórico (Old Town) of Santiago de Compostela isa UNESCO World Heritage site, centered around the magnificent Cathedral, believed to be the burial site of St. James. This compact, walkable medieval city features granite streets, historic palaces, Romanesque and Baroque architecture, and a lively, culinary-focused atmosphere popular with pilgrims.

4. Recommended: Santiago de Compostela Archcathedral Basilica. || 42.88071941831622, -8.544449047564429

The Santiago de Compostela Archcathedral Basilica is part of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and is an integral component of the Santiago de Compostela World Heritage Site in Galicia, Spain. The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

5. Hotel check in. || 42.88499221427924, -8.504774796497175

6. Free time

7. Night in Santiago de Compostela

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 42.88499221427924, -8.504774796497175

2. Drive to Oviedo

Oviedo is a town in northwest Spain between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. The capital of Asturias, it’s known for its medieval old town, the site of the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral with its 9th-century Holy Chamber. The Archaeological Museum of Asturias, in a nearby convent, displays regional artifacts. The Fine Arts Museum of Asturias includes 2 palaces and has an expansive Spanish art collection.

3. Recommended: Old Town of Oviedo. || 43.373285358565106, -5.829690032358868

The Old Town of Oviedo (Casco Antiguo) isa pedestrianized, historic heart of Asturias' capital, founded in 761 AD and known for its medieval charm, Gothic architecture, and cider culture. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, the 9th-century Holy Chamber (UNESCO site), Plaza del Fontán, and numerous sculptures throughout the cobbled streets.

4. Recommended: Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica. || 43.362634072945134, -5.843639616856703

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour or Cathedral of San Salvador is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in the centre of Oviedo, in the Asturias region of northern Spain.

5. Recommended: Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco. || 43.37922213077978, -5.865983903361771

The church of Saint Mary at Mount Naranco is a pre-Romanesque Asturian building on the slope of Mount Naranco situated 3 kilometres from Oviedo, northern Spain.

6. Hotel check in. || 43.363143571403015, -5.853873238800333

7. Free time

8. Night in Oviedo

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.363143571403015, -5.853873238800333

2. Drive to Bilbao

Bilbao, an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. It’s the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked revitalization when it opened in 1997. The museum houses prominent modern and contemporary works, but it’s the curvy, titanium-clad building that receives the most attention.

3. Hotel check in. || 43.260190850291366, -2.93091593880577

4. Free time

5. Night in Bilbao

1. Breakfast at hotel. || 43.260190850291366, -2.93091593880577

2. Drive to airport

3. Rental car return

4. 12:30 PM - Flight Departure