I often visit Spain for its deeply rooted cultural heritage, and every time I do, I discover more extraordinary places to visit in Northern Spain.
From peculiar mountain peaks and golden sand beaches to modern cities and an impressive culinary scene, it’s my kind of destination.
Tourists enjoy diverse things to do in Spain year-round, thanks to Northern Spain’s maritime climate. Although the rain showers on some days, its beautiful green landscapes, such as rolling hills of pastures and vineyards, are among the region’s best features.
Travel Spain’s North like a pro! Here’s my guide to must-see and rare attractions of the “Green Spain” with my personal recommendations for your Iberian getaway!
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough of Spain? Have a look at my other posts:
- My Favorite City Breaks in Spain
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Spain Attractions
- Cheap Travel Insurance to Spain
Table of Contents
Overview: Places to visit in Northern Spain
- Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- Historic city of Oviedo
- La Rioja wine region
- Iconic Gijón
- Architecture jewels of Comillas
1. San Sebastián
If you are looking for the best cities to visit in Northern Spain with impressive coastal views and are known for Basque gastronomy, San Sebastian is the place to go.
I found one of the most famous snacks from Spain, pintxo, an intricate mini-Spanish tapa at most bar tops of San Sebastian’s cobblestoned old town, Parte Vieja.
While sailing back to La Cocha Bay from a yacht tour that visited the hidden cliffs, I admired the peaceful view of elegant buildings backdropped by the green Mount Urgull.
The best time to travel is between June and September when there are fewer rainy days, or during the San Sebastian Film Festival cultural events in September.
Discover San Sebastian’s cliffs
2. Bilbao
Where to go in Northern Spain?
From being an industrial port city to becoming one of Spain’s most avant-garde cities in the architecture scene, I can’t recommend Bilbao enough as one of the must-see places in Northern Spain.
Getting myself a skip-the-line ticket to the Guggenheim Museum was worth the price. I finally had a closer look at its groundbreaking titanium and glass-made exterior.
While Bilbao became a great example of modernity, the iconic streets and buildings of its historic old town, Casco Viejo, and its cultural hub Azkuna Zentroa are ideal places to go in Northern Spain.
Since art is the heartbeat of Bilbao, consider joining a street art E-bike tour to explore and learn about its vibrant art scene.
Get skip-the-line tickets to Guggenheim Museum here
3. Picos de Europa National Park
Hiking the Picos de Europa National Park can be a walk in the park. One of the best places to visit in Northern Spain, the park is an extensive mountain range in Asturias spread across 11 villages.
It wasn’t until I went hiking the Covadonga Lakes mountain trail that I found the magnificent setting of Lake Enol and Lake Ercina.
Between sprawling green pastures and rugged mountains, they were an incredible sight finally in front of me.
A few kilometers up the trail, Mirador de la Reina offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the natural park.
Besides flora, fauna, and numerous bird life you’ll mostly see in May or October, you’ll discover hidden villages and rich wildlife throughout the numerous routes and viewpoints in Picos de Europa.
Book guided tour of Covadonga Lakes here
4. Santander
Santander is one of the most attractive Northern Spain cities I have visited.
Wrapped by sea and mountains, the city offers a distinct blend of white sand beaches, elegant mansions, and quaint architecture.
I recommend exploring the city on foot to enjoy Santander’s maritime ambiance since most of the points of interest are in the city center.
Then, start the tour from the old quarter, where you can find the main Gothic structure of Santander Cathedral.
Save the best for last by signing up for Santander’s e-bike guided tour that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Spain, the Magdalena Peninsula and El Sardinero Beach.
5. Oviedo
Steeped with pre-Romanesque art and heritage sites, Oviedo is my favorite detour when traveling the Iberian Peninsula in quieter May or September.
At the heart of the city is the San Salvador Cathedral, a stunning example of a 9th-century church.
I’d seen ancient architectural wonders in the past, but the ones I visited on the walking tour of its historic center or the old quarter are certainly some of the unique places to visit in Spain.
Just three kilometers outside Oviedo, Santa María del Naranco Church is another marvel worth a visit.
By any chance, you’ll be in Oviedo in September, so don’t miss the colorful parade of floats and huge cars on Asturias America Day. – Book Oviedo walking tour
6. Pamplona
Don’t let Pamplona’s historic atmosphere fool you. This is where the world-famous Running of the Bulls happens every July.
As the highlight of the San Fermin Festival, thousands of men participate in this thrilling chase with the bulls from Santo Domingo to the Bullring.
Wild and rowdy, it was one of the most riveting events I witnessed.
Still, don’t dare to miss the castle square, medieval Cathedral, and walls on a tour from San Sebastian. If you’re up for a detour from Pamplona, The Way of St. James could be the journey of a lifetime that awaits you.
7. La Rioja Wine Region
One of the most picturesque places to visit in North Spain is La Rioja, home to berry-scented Rioja wine, among the best Spanish wines.
With thousands of hectares of vineyards, numerous wineries, and cultural landmarks, I don’t think a day or two is enough to explore the region.
That’s why this a good opportunity to stay in Paradores in Spain or the best Paradores in Northern Spain.
Pro tip: For wines with higher acidity, the Alta and Alavesa zones are the best spots. For fruity wines, Rioja Baja is the zone to head to. Or, sign up for a private wine-tasting tour to visit the oldest cave cellars, the famous Marques del Riscal winery cellar/hotel, and the medieval streets of Laguardia.
8. Gijón
Set on the Northern Spain ‘Green Coast’ Cantabrian Sea, Gijon boasts its curvy golden sand shores with gently rolling waves, known as Playa de San Lorenzo.
No wonder tourists come here in summer while they escape the too-hot south.
Besides coastal allure and lovely marina, the cultural heritage in its historic old town, such as Eulogy of the Horizon and the old houses of the fishermen in Cimavilla are priceless attractions.
I found more hidden gems from the sights and highlights walking tour.
To experience the town’s distinct culture, join Asturias Day in Gijón in September.
9. Burgos
A major stop for French pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, an important religious pilgrimage site in Europe, Burgos is one of the hidden gems in Northern Spain.
From Plaza Mayor, I thought it was just another sleepy town until I walked to Plaza Santa Maria and saw the stunning Gothic Cathedral de Burgos.
From the archway of Sta. Maria, along the bridges crossing the Arlanzon River, I also found the Museum of Human Evolution, which keeps the oldest human remains in Europe.
West of Burgos, visit the 12th-century Monasterio de las Huelgas and love the old homes and shopfronts on the nearby and quiet Calle Alfonso VIII.
Experience being a Pilgrim For a Day here
10. Zaragoza
Brimming with history and exquisite modernity, you’ll never know what you are missing when you skip Zaragoza.
Old palaces, churches, and plazas speak loudly of their Roman and Moorish influence, while museums and modern buildings are fascinating works of genius architecture.
You may tour the historical old town or explore the diversity of Zaragoza by crossing Puente de Piedra, one of the most famous landmarks in Spain and the perfect spot to capture the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
I highly recommend you visit Aljafería Palace and the Caesaraugusta Theatre Museum, which exhibits the ancient Roman city that stood in Zaragoza around 14 BC as you travel in Northern Spain. – Book historical tour of Zaragoza
11. Val d’Aran
Have you ever wished for a place surrounded by pure nature with simple and delightful local traditions? Facing the Atlantic, Val d’Aran is a stretch of extensive hanging valleys to live that experience.
Bordering France, a large part of Val d’Aran is within Aiguestortes National Park, where rivers and lakes form lush sceneries with the alpines.
Before exploring the region, I warmed up at the valley’s capital, Vielha, where I tasted the savory traditional Aranese cuisine.
For a hassle-free journey to Baqueira Beret, the largest Iberian ski resort, sign up for a private transfer from Barcelona, and in summer, join the hiking festival summit.
When hiking in Pyrenees, hike with a group, and stay on marked trails.
12. Comillas
Set across the hilltops of Cantabria, Comillas is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Spain, which highlights marvelous 19th-century palaces, a picturesque sandy beach, and a quaint tiny fishing port.
Among the best things to do in Northern Spain that I enjoyed is a visit to Comillas architectural jewels such as Gaudí’s famous Capricho, the Palacio de Sobrellano, and the Pontifical University.
Travel from late June to early September to make the most of the outdoor experience in Comillas.
My final thoughts on places to visit in Northern Spain
Is Northern Spain worth visiting?
Like the rest of Spain, Northern Spain rains with cultural heritage. But unique in many ways for its beautiful blend of history and modernity and the varied landscapes that even nature lovers find truly incredible.
Explore the undisturbed villages and scenic mountains of Picos de Europa and Val d’Aran, Bilbao’s modern architectural wonders, and the luxurious Santander.
For a memorable trip, check my recommendations on where to stay in Spain and the movies set in Spain, or subscribe for more travel guides and tips!
What are your favorite spots in Northern Spain? Please share them in the comments!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
