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What to see and do in Northern Spain: top ideas that will get you packing
There are some places where boredom is not an option, especially when you’re on vacation. In fact, you might even feel you need more time to enjoy these destinations to the full. Northern Spain is one of those amazing places. That’s why we want to tell you what to see and do in northern Spain.
There’s just one “problem”: there are so many things to do here that we could go on about them constantly! That’s why we’re giving you just a few ideas that will guarantee that “boring” won’t be one of the words you use to describe your visit.
What to see and do in Northern Spain: the 6 best ideas
We are having the same problems with this post as we had when we had to choose our selection of the best tours of northern Spain. There are so many visits and activities you can do in this part of the country that bringing you a summary is a real challenge. But we have done our best and chose 6 activities to suit a range of tastes, which we hope will encourage you to enjoy a well deserved vacation. Do you want to know what to see and do in northern Spain? Let’s take a look!
1. Visit the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
We begin with the end of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages, the Camino de Santiago (otherwise known as the Routes of Santiago de Compostela). The pilgrimage’s history goes back to the year 813, when the shrine of St James the apostle was discovered after the hermit Pelayo saw lights in the sky. Bishop Teodomiro went to see what they were and discovered the apostle’s tomb. The bishop subsequently told King Alfonso II of Asturias of the news and he decided to travel there to see the sight for himself.After seeing the tomb, the king ordered a church be built, which over the centuries has grown and developed into a precious monument: the cathedral of Santiago. The news quickly travelled and thousands of Christians began to visit the place to see if the story was true.
While the pilgrimage has its own rich heritage, the cathedral is also a stunning monument in itself, which will take your breath away when you see it. Combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, your eyes will be drawn to all the details both inside and outside this holy place.
2. Discover Dragonstone at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
As a Game of Thrones fan, do you know what to see and do in northern Spain? Visit Dragonstone, of course! That’s because the scenes for this place in Westeros were filmed at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the Basque Country.Whether or not you like the series, we promise you’ll love this place. But if you’re fan, this is your chance to visit the Seven Kingdoms! While the palace that appears in the series was computer-generated, during your visit you can enjoy the chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which can be found right at the top of the islet.
Of course, climbing these steps will also be good for your waistline, after you’ve tasted some delicious pintxos and txakoli wine in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Don’t miss out on this amazing part of the Basque Country.
3. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
As an art lover, what are your options regarding what to see and do in northern Spain? There are many things to do in the Basque city of Bilbao, but a visit to the city’s contemporary art museum visit is a must. The Guggenheim attracts thousands of visitors every year, who enjoy both the building itself, with its curved lines and titanium panels, and the pieces of art it houses.While a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a very attractive option for art lovers, it’s not the only thing you can enjoy in this surprising city.
As well as great food and wine, Bilbao offers a wide range of visits for tourists, making a tour of the Guggenheim, the old quarter and the new town one of the best options. That way, you can discover the beautiful architecture of the Arriaga Theater and the majestic stained glass windows of Abando train station, which display Bilbao’s traditions and emblematic locations.
4. A day´s sailing around the Cies Islands
If you’re wondering what to see and do in northern Spain outside the area’s cities, enjoying a day´s sailing around the Cies Islands could be the perfect plan for you. It’s the best way to get some fresh air!The landscapes of northern Spain are spectacular, with rocky mountains, green meadows, endless beaches and these spectacular islands with their crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
The Cies Islands, which were declared a natural park in 1980, are the ideal place to enjoy a dreamy landscape, along with typical regional dishes and local Galician wines.
5. Food, food, and more food!
When you ask yourself about what to see and do in northern Spain, what better than discovering and trying northern Spain’s delicious food?No matter where you are, Spanish food is great, and in northern Spain, every area excels. But there are some dishes from Galicia that will leave you hungry for more! From the local fresh seafood to the classic octopus dish called polbo á feira, this is a place where you will truly enjoy what you eat. Even learn how to make it side by side with our chef on our hands-on Galician coastal cooking class.
Tasting drinks and dishes while visiting northern Spain’s countryside and cities makes for a truly excellent experience. For instance, a tour tasting tapas and wine in the city of A Coruña is a great choice, providing visitors with the chance to try freshly made dishes while burning calories with walks that will let you take in some beautiful views.
Or perhaps you prefer the city of Vigo. If so, why not try a tapas tour of central Vigo? It doesn’t matter whether you’re in north or south Galicia, we know you’ll love the region’s amazingly tasty fish, seafood and cheese.
6. Wine tourism
Wine tourism is a rising trend in Spain – and it’s no surprise. The country’s long history of winemaking is proof of wine’s long-standing and important role in Spanish culture and, in some regions, its key contribution to the economy.Different types of Spanish wine each have unique tastes, but they all share an undeniable quality. You just have to find your favorite! And if you combine our previous recommendation with this one, you’ll find some unique pairings of amazing food and Designation of Origin (or DO) wines that will leave you more than satisfied.
Galicia is one of the Spanish regions with the most DO-classified wines. No matter where you are, there’s always a special variety to try. So why not try a tour of wine country in southern Galicia as a good starting point?
So now you know what to see and do in Northern Spain, and you should be feeling slightly hungry too! And if you’re getting thirsty to boot, why not join us on a visit to some of the world’s best wineries, with Wine Tours 2020 with eatourspecialist.com for an unforgettable experience!