Northern Spain Map: Travel Maps International Adventure Map (National Geographic Adventure Map)

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And the first thing that you need to remember is that contrary to a popular belief that north Spain is always wet and cold, in reality its climate is ideal for visiting the area in any season of the year. It just depends on what you are looking to do on your trip. Especially regions like Galicia and Asturias, known for its verdant and lush green landscapes, remind of Ireland. The abundant rainfall in these areas contributes to the vibrant vegetation, creating a picturesque countryside similar to Ireland’s. And both regions feature stunning coastal cliffs and a rugged shoreline that adds to the scenic beauty of the coastline. The sophisticated city of Santander nestles on a small peninsula between the Cantabrian Sea and a wide bay. This picturesque coastline is prized for its soft sandy shores and crystalline turquoise waters. Northern Spain has a very rich and intriguing history to tell. There are a number of caves with prehistoric cave paintings of horses, steppe bison and deer. The northern Atlantic Coast also has a Celtic past that you can experience in the traditional music with bagpipes, dances, buildings and old settlements. Summers are rather cool with an average temperature of 22°C. But over the last a few years San Sebastián, Santander, A Coruna and even Vigo saw 30°C in July and August which is warm enough for swimming in the Bay of Biscay.

Within a short walk from the Plaza Mayor is the Palacio del Conde Luna, a 14th-century Gothic-Mudéjar palace that was the residence of the valiant Count Luna. The palace served as a court during the Spanish Inquisition. Today, the Palacio del Conde Luna is a museum that presents exhibits of León's history. In the city, you’ll find the ancient Roman walls with the ruins of therms, aqueducts, and Roman Forum. Astorga Cathedral is magnificent, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. A fabulously beautiful symbol of the city, the Bishop’s Palace has the spirit of a medieval French castle.

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During the Roman Empire, the city was considered the largest center of Christianity in western Spain. The modern bishop’s palace here is the work of Antonio Gaudi. And, until this day the pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago is passing through Astorga too. Remarkable historic monuments distinguish León, which displays its impressive heritage through architectural masterpieces such as a 10th-century Romanesque church, an Early Gothic cathedral, and a Spanish Plateresque monastery. In addition to the amazing landmarks, the charming Old Town ( Casco Antiguo) and several top-notch museums provide enough cultural attractions to keep visitors busy.

The city's main beach, the Playa del Sardinero, draws many vacationers during the sunny summer months. Another centrally located beach, the Playa del Magdelena has a shoreline of fine golden sand and an area for recreational sports. Does my content help you plan your trip? If yes, I’ll appreciate a cup of coffee from you, so I could produce more free guides and itineraries! Barcelona is also well known for its gastronomy. Near the Casa Batlló is Moments restaurant, an award-winning fine-dining establishment within the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona that has earned two Michelin stars and specializes in contemporary Catalan cuisine. Before you start making any plans and reservations, let’s talk about the weather in northern Spain, so you could understand which month and time of the year will be ideal for you.Among other highlights – Sanctuary of Covadonga, Lakes of Covadonga, San Vicente town, Sidra Crespo winery near Lastres. Another thing, Bilbao is definitely for art lovers. Famous Guggenheim Museum, which presents contemporary art to the audience, elements of historical architecture tell an interesting story. In this guide, I’ll include several itineraries through the north of Spain to help you organize a route through this region. You’ll find travel ideas for a weekend getaway as well as longer trips up to two weeks. I’m also sharing some tips for your vacation and my top 10 best places to visit in northern Spain. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A CAR IN SPAIN Northern Spain Beaches Are Simply Mind-Blowing And Warm To Swim Hotel Gran Bilbao. A very modern hotel with excellent facilities. Not so close to the city center but at an area where street parking is permitted. Bear in mind that street parking is regulated in Bilbao city centre

Today, it is famous for the historical center and a combination of ancient streets and architectural styles with Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque churches. In the center of the city, a magnificent cathedral is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of sacred architecture in Spain. LugoThe best way to visit Gaztelugatxe is by car or on a tour. Game of Thrones fans will love this half or full-day guided tour from Bilbao since it discovers the most spectacular filming locations from Season 7. Picos de Europa For a more authentic and entertaining experience, I recommend visiting one of the Taverns or Bars (they can also be called Sidrerias.) There, you’ll get a taste of cider beverages and witness the process of pouring and drinking it. Deciding where to go and what to see in northern Spain is no easy feat. There are so many beautiful places worth visiting, so your itinerary will depend on your interests and the length of your trip. Regardless, I can assure you that the north of Spain is full of green landscapes and delicious food, so you won’t be disappointed.

Also, some of the best tours through the north of Spain leave from the Lakes of Covadonga, so if you want to discover more about this incredible environment, you can do so. I recommend this excursion, which includes a visit to a vega, a dwelling where shepherds live during the summer to rest and make Gamoneu cheese, a famous product of this area. These caves are famous for their prehistoric paintings, and the name of the city comes from the name of Saint Julian. To get the most out of your visit, you’d need to spend at least 3 days in the park. We went there a few times on our day trips from Santander but still didn’t cover everything we planned.Despite the fact that San Sebastian is a small city, a significant international film festival takes place here every year. In July the city hosts a jazz festival and a few other festivals take place throughout the year too. Undoubtedly, Oviedo is one of the best cities to visit in Spain. It takes some time to walk through it and visit attractions (and eat local tapas of course,) so I advise you to try to come for at least a day. Santiago de Compostela Besides the Guggenheim, I also suggest watching the sunset from the Marzana Pier, a fun place to socialize and grab drinks. You should also stroll through the Arenal, La Ribera Market, and the arches of Plaza Nueva. Islas Atlánticas (Galicia) The only national park in Galicia, the Islas Atlánticas (Atlantic Islands) extend from the Ría de Arousa to that of Vigo. Throughout the extension of the park, there are linked islands from which the Cíes islands are the most well-known and beautiful. The different islands consist of cliffs, dunes, beaches and rich sea beds, in which sunken ships are found. The island of Rodas is considered one of the best islands in the world. It is important to note that it is not allowed to camp or scuba dive in the national park without having gotten a permit beforehand.