The article Northern Spain: 10 wild experiences on a road trip from Bilbao to San Sebastián is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs in cooperation with Spanish State Tourist Board
Northern Spain: City life, nature and culture in four regions
Everyone knows Spain for the Canary Islands and the sunny big cities. All year round travelers flock to enjoy the warm sun, they beautiful beaches and the pulsating city life – and that is not without reason. But did you know that Northern Spain hides a completely different and at least as enchanting side of the country?
Look forward to exploring this area, which offers everything from historic cave paintings in Altamira and winery visits in La Rioja Alavesa to magnificent natural experiences in the lush valleys and along the dramatic coastlines.
You must also experience the beautiful beaches at San Sebastián and perhaps challenge your taste buds with the local dishes. Northern Spain is a treasure trove of experiences that combine history, culture and gastronomy at the highest level, and in this guide there is something for all senses – and all ages.
The four provinces along the north coast – Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country – offer truly unique experiences, and this guide will help you find the best. Whether you're up for a classic road trip, where the car takes you easily from mountain peaks to the coast, or you want to travel locally by bus or train, Northern Spain is easy and full of unforgettable adventures.
The region has actually been named as 'the world's best destination for road trips' at the Travelbook Awards 2024, organized by the German travel portal Travelbook.de.
Are you ready to discover a new side of Spain? Let the journey begin.
Bilbao: Modern Art and Culture
Start your trip to Northern Spain by flying to the exciting metropolis of Bilbao, hire a car at the airport and give yourself a few days in this beautiful city before venturing further inland. Bilbao is also called The modern heart of the Basque Country and is a creative city full of energy.
Here, our most important recommendation is that you visit the city's iconic landmark, the Guggenheim Museum, which always offers ground-breaking exhibitions. If you are traveling with children, they will surely also find the many exhibits exciting to hunt in, and otherwise you can always entice with the famous sculpture of a giant spider outside.
Afterwards, you can continue with a walk along the river Nervión, where you can enjoy the view of the city's mix of modern architecture and the industrial heritage that also leaves its mark on the city center.
If you prefer the pulse of city life and the beautiful mix of new and old inside the city, then you should explore the charming neighborhood, Casco Viejo, where cobbled streets and colorful facades offer a wealth of small shops, cafes and bars.
Here you can taste the best of Basque gastronomy; especially the delicious ones pinxtos, which are small culinary masterpieces served on slices of delicious freshly baked bread, are a big hit.
Bilbao is the perfect starting point for your road trip through Northern Spain, and as the city combines art, culture and gastronomy in the best possible way, you get the perfect start to an unforgettable journey through this beautiful northern corner of Spain.
By car, it takes less than an hour to drive to the first stop on your round trip, namely Gernika-Lumo, and there are also good public transport options from Bilbao to Gernika-Lumo by both bus and train, where the journey time is almost the same.
Both modes of travel are reliable, but the train ride is by far the most beautiful as it takes you through the Basque natural landscape.
Guernica-Lumo: The symbol of peace and hope
After a short drive from Bilbao, you hit an important historical stop, namely Gernika-Lumo. The city stands to this day as an important reminder of Spain's dramatic history, and the city's rebirth stands as a symbol of peace.
Gernika - or Guernica, as it is also spelled - was almost wiped out during the Spanish Civil War in 1937, when the city was bombed by German and Italian forces. This tragedy inspired Pablo Picasso for his famous painting, Guernica, which now hangs in the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid.
If you love history, there is therefore plenty to experience in this northern Spanish city. The peace museum Museo de la Paz gives a very moving insight into the consequences of the war and how the city of Gernika has risen again in both reconstruction and reconciliation.
Also, look for the ancient oak, simply called Gernika, which symbolizes freedom and democracy in an area that has been exposed to some dramatic events. It is also here in the Basque Country that the Basque parliaments have met for centuries and discussed politics and dreams for the country and the region.
There is no way around this corner of the Basque Country, because it offers a deeper understanding of the region and the political struggles as well as acts of war that have been fought here and have left their mark on the area. That is why Gernika-Lumo deserves a visit.
When you have finished the historic city walk and need something to whet your appetite, we recommend that you try Pimientos de Gernika, which are small green peppers that are often served fried in olive oil with a little sea salt. They are mild in taste and a perfect appetizer before the trip moves on to the next stop on your road trip.
By car, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and you can also easily take the bus from Gernika to Bermeo and from there either take a taxi or choose to walk the last part.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Nature and drama
In San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a very special experience awaits you, which for many is absolutely spectacular, and it must therefore be on the list of wild things you must experience in Northern Spain - especially if you are a fan of the iconic series Game of Thrones.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a peninsula used in the filming of Game of Thrones, and this dramatic peninsula will be known to fans as Dragonstone, the home of Daenerys Targaryen.
The iconic stone bridge, which to this day winds up to the small monastery at the top of the peninsula, was used in the series as the road up to the castle of Dragonstone, where the perfect dramatic scene was set for Daenerys' homecoming in season 7.
The place has since attracted fans from all over the world who want to experience this magical location in real life, and even if you are not a fan or familiar with the series, it really is a wild nature experience with the dramatic sea as a backdrop to the beautiful rock formations.
When you reach the top, you will be in front of the small monastery of Eremita de San Juan, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the coast, before slowly moving down again.
If you choose to take this little detour on your road trip through Northern Spain, you will have a fantastic visit that will live on in your memory long after you return home.
From film drama and monastic peace, your road trip continues towards beautiful San Sebastián, and by car it will take you under an hour and a half to get there. By public transport you must go from Bermeo back to Bilbao and from there continue by train or bus to San Sebastián.
San Sebastián: Beach, gastronomy and Basque charm
San Sebastián is a wonderful seaside town, which is very famous for its almost crescent-shaped beach, La Concha. It is rightly regarded by many as one of the most beautiful in Europe and invites you to exquisite bathing water and a delicious sandy beach. The beach invites you to take a good long break, which is always needed when you travel around.
When you're done hanging out on the beach in San Sebastián and soaking up the sun, the town is full of delicious bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
As a little extra detail for those interested in cooking, San Sebastián is also called the capital of gastronomy, and the city has more Michelin restaurants than most other cities in the world. Here you can therefore always find an exciting restaurant that offers both regional and international dishes.
If you want to try a completely local dish, then Txangurro is a fantastic experience. The dish consists of baked spider crab stuffed with crab meat, vegetables, brandy and spices. Because it is served in its own shell, it is a huge experience that celebrates the local food traditions and the love of the area's fishing.
Before continuing on your tour, we recommend you go up and enjoy the view from Monte Igueldo with panoramic views of the city and the coast. With its perfect mix of nature, culture and food, San Sebastián is therefore an unavoidable stop for any traveler in Northern Spain.
Moving on, it takes about two hours from San Sebastián to La Rioja Alavesa, while by train or bus you have to go from San Sebastián to Logroño, which takes a good 2,5 hours.
The Rioja Alavesa: The taste of Northern Spain
Northern Spain also offers a wealth of vineyards, and the La Rioja Alavesa wine region, located in the Basque Country, is a gem for wine lovers full of rolling vineyards and charming villages. The area is famous for its red wines, which are mainly made from the Tempranillo grape, so wine tasting is an obvious experience.
Visit one of the many local 'bodegas' - i.e. wineries - where you will always get a very authentic experience of wine production and can often taste wine directly from the barrel. Many wineries also offer guided tours either around the vineyard, down into their wine cellar or out into the beautiful fields.
To pamper the taste buds the most, it is obvious to enjoy a good lunch with local specialties such as the dish potatoes Riojana's style. This is a very traditional stew consisting of potatoes, chorizo and onions, and it tastes heavenly with a good glass of red wine and a view out over the endless vineyards.
When you have finished your wine experiences, you must continue towards the province of Cantabria, and it takes two hours by car to drive to Santander, where by bus from Logroño to Santander takes about three hours.
Cantabria: From lush valleys to dramatic beaches
After leaving the beautiful vineyards of La Rioja Alavesa, you have arrived in the province of Cantabria and the picturesque valley of Cabuérniga. Here, the winding roads lead you through dense forests and charming small towns, where it feels as if time has stood still.
Our recommendation is that you take a break in Bárcena Mayor, which is one of Spain's oldest villages. Here you can enjoy the historic atmosphere and perhaps try one of the local Cantabrian dishes, such as a bowl Mountain stew, which is a stew with beans, cabbage and pork.
From the mountains, the route goes towards the coast, and here lies one of the most beautiful beaches, Ribasedella, which is surrounded by cliffs and offers a long and wide sandy beach. Take a swim by the sea, feel the wind in your hair and enjoy a classic fish meal at one of the local fish restaurants.
On this part of your road trip you will experience both beautiful nature, rugged cliffs, wonderful beaches and delicious local restaurants, before your journey takes you on to the beautiful cave paintings in Altamira.
By car it only takes about 30 minutes, while by bus Santander to Santillana del Mar takes 40 minutes.
Altamira: Man's First Masterpieces
After experiencing the lush valleys and dramatic coasts of Cantabria, pay a visit to the Altamira Caves, which will be the biggest cultural contrast you can imagine.
These caves are also called the 'prehistoric Sistine Chapel' because it is home to some of the oldest known cave paintings in the world created over 36.000 years ago. The colorful renderings of bison, deer and horses give a unique insight into the creative spirit of man in the Stone Age, and are therefore compared to Michelangelo's work in Rome.
Today the cave itself is closed to visitors to protect the cave paintings, but the National Museum of Altamira offers visitors to explore a faithful replica of the beautiful caves, and it is truly a fascinating experience because the cave paintings are so detailed and accomplished.
This experience completes the contrast between the wonders of nature and the depth of culture in Cantabria and is definitely worth a visit before you continue your journey further towards the green heart of northern Spain, Asturias.
By car, the drive takes just over an hour and a half, while you can choose to take the bus from Santillana del Mar to Oviedo, which takes approximately two hours, or the train from Santander to Oviedo, which takes three hours.
The train journeys always offer beautiful nature experiences, but both parts are easy to choose, as the infrastructure in Northern Spain works really well.
The green heart of Northern Spain: Adventures in Asturias
As you drive into Asturias, treat yourself to a stop in the charming coastal town of Tapia de Casariego, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the roaring Bay of Biscay. The town's relaxed atmosphere and picturesque harbor make it a perfect break on your trip.
After this, our recommendation is that you continue to Covadonga, which is an iconic pilgrimage site surrounded by impressive nature. Here you can visit the historic sanctuary and be captivated by the beautiful Covadonga lakes, which lie like pearls between the mountains.
When you visit these beautiful areas, you are also moving around the Picos de Europa National Park, which these areas are located in the middle of or near. It is a fantastic experience in itself just to enjoy the calm and the beautiful nature in the national park.
On the last part of this short tour, you will end in Cangas de Onís, a town steeped in history. You can cross the river Sella over the ancient Roman bridge or drive up to the famous viewpoint, Fitu, where you can enjoy panoramic views of both the mountains and the sea. It is undoubtedly an experience that will take your breath away.
When you've had your fill of green nature impressions and the tranquility of the national park, it's time to move towards Taramundi, which is completely hidden in the beautiful mountains.
By car, it's a drive of just over two hours, while you can drive from Oviedo to Taramundi with an ALSA bus with a journey time of approximately 2,5 hours.
Spanish rural tourism in Taramundi
Tucked away in the green mountains, Taramundi is a peaceful village known for its traditional crafts and scenic surroundings.
The village in Asturias is especially famous for its blacksmithing works of art and especially the handmade knives, which are still produced according to old methods. For small and large travelers alike, the local knife museum is worth a visit, Here you can hear about this fascinating tradition that has made Taramundi famous in Spanish craftsmanship, and perhaps find a working workshop where you can try the craft for yourself.
For nature lovers, Taramundi is a paradise with its beautiful hiking trails through forested valleys and along crystal clear rivers. Take a trip to Mazonovo, Europe's largest museum of water mills, and see how the old mills still work, a fascinating engineering experience for all ages.
If after the breathtaking nature experiences you need a culinary experience, Asturias has a lot to offer. Here, for example, you can try a local bean dish with chorizo and blood sausage, or you can indulge in a piece of strong blue cheese, which is usually accompanied by the local cider, which is poured into the glass from high up to oxygenate it.
The next stop on your road trip is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lugo, which takes an hour and a half by car, while the ALSA bus can take you from Taramundi to Lugo in two hours.
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Lugo and UNESCO World Heritage
byen Lugo lies in the heart of the province of Galicia, and here a formidable experience awaits, as Lugo is the only city in the world that is still completely surrounded by well-preserved Roman city walls. The impressive walls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretch over two kilometers and offer fantastic views of the city from the footbridges.
When you arrive, you can start with a walk on the city walls and take in the historical atmosphere that permeates the old streets and squares. Along the wall there are several small museums which tell the history of the city, and there are also plenty of restaurants.
After your historic city walk and visit to a local museum, it is therefore obvious to treat yourself to a visit to one of the fine tapas bars, where you can try the local Galician cuisine. And maybe enjoy one powder to fair, which is a traditional Galician cuttlefish served on a wooden board with coarse salt and olive oil.
If you haven't had enough of history, finish off with a visit to a small town north of Lugo called Castro de Rei, where you'll find the Viladonga Fort, a unique example of Galicia's Celtic heritage.
Here in this archaeological area, it is clear to imagine life in a bygone era, and the fine museum conveys a deeper understanding of the region's unique culture. Lugo and its surroundings are a perfect combination of Roman grandeur and Celtic mystique, making a visit unforgettable before continuing your journey.
The last stop before you head back home towards Bilbao is the very picturesque coastal village of Cudillero, and by car it takes about two hours to get here.
By bus, the journey is a little longer, as you first go from Lugo to Oviedo and then on to Cudillero, which means a total travel time of 3,5 hours.
Cudillero: A colorful coastal village with lots of soul
Cudillero is a small fishing village in Asturias, which is very famous for its colorful houses that almost climb up the hillside close to the small port. The city's narrow streets and charming squares are filled with a wonderful authentic atmosphere that gives the feeling of traveling back in time.
If you are traveling with children, it is obvious to enjoy the many fishing boats and the freshly caught fish served at the local fish restaurants, and they will also find the viewpoint Mirador de la Garita exciting with its fantastic panoramic views of the sea and the village.
A local fish dish which is very classic in this area of Northern Spain is Fish stew. It is a traditional fish stew made with the catch of the day, seafood, vegetables and a flavorful broth with white wine. It is often served with bread to soak up the aromatic sauce and is a true local taste experience.
Before returning to Bilbao, enjoy a few hours on one of the beautiful local beaches, and we would particularly recommend two – Playa del Silencio and Playa de San Pedro de la Ribera respectively.
Playa del Silencio is one of the most famous beaches in the area and is located approximately 10 kilometers from Cudillero. It is known for its crystal clear water and very dramatic rock formations, and then there are great snorkelling experiences.
Playa de San Pedro de la Ribera is about a 15 minute drive from Cudillero and is more family friendly, offers a sandy beach and has both restaurants and parking close by.
When you drive from Cudillero and back to Bilbao, a drive of just over three hours awaits you. By bus or train, the trip takes approximately five hours from Cudillero via Oviedo to Bilbao, but at the same time you experience beautiful scenic natural landscapes, so that's a nice bonus.
Back in Bilbao – wonderful experiences richer
Back in Bilbao, it's time to experience the city from a different angle. Start with a trip to the Mercado de la Ribera, Europe's largest covered market, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to local specialties - and where you can just pack the last souvenirs in your suitcase.
It is also highly recommended to visit the beautiful cathedral, Basílica de Begoña, which offers a fantastic view of the city and a peaceful end to your journey.
Before dropping off the car and flying home, drive up to the Artxanda viewpoint for a panoramic view of Bilbao and the surrounding area. From here you can take a deep breath and capture the last glimpse of the Basque Country and let all the travel experiences sink in before it's time to return home.
Tips for public transport on a round trip from Bilbao
Getting around on a road trip in Northern Spain is both easy and flexible, regardless of whether you choose a car or public transport. The infrastructure in the area is well organized and even the more rural destinations are accessible with a little planning. Here are some recommendations to make your trip more manageable:
On long distances between larger cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastián, trains are the obvious choice. The train company Euskotren offers comfortable and efficient connections where you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
For shorter distances, for example between Gernika-Lumo and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the regional buses work very well with frequent departures and affordable prices.
When you are going to more remote places such as Picos de Europa or Taramundi, it is advantageous to combine bus and taxi. ALSA's bus network covers most of the region, and with local taxis you can easily reach even the less accessible destinations.
If you wish to visit special natural attractions such as the Covadonga Lakes, be aware that car traffic is often restricted during high season. Instead, there are shuttle buses that make it easy to get there without any hassle.
For planning your trip, we recommend apps like Rome2Rio to find routes, Renfe for train connections and ALSA for buses. These tools help you find and book tickets easily, so you can focus on enjoying your trip through the scenic and culturally rich Northern Spain.
Pack your suitcase and set off for Northern Spain
When you've arrived in Bilbao and soaked up all the city's impressions, it's time to drop off the car at the airport and fly home again.
Perhaps you have done the classic road trip and have taken the entire trip in your own car, so you now continue the trip even further north. Or perhaps you are heading for the railway station and continuing your journey by public transport up through Europe and back home.
Regardless of which form of travel you prefer - yes, we hope that the travel heart is now filled with new inspiration and desire to explore beautiful Northern Spain, and there is nothing else to do but get going.
Have a good trip to Bilbao, San Sebastián and the rest of beautiful Northern Spain.
The 10 coolest experiences in Northern Spain
- Bilbao: Modern Art and Culture
- Gernika-Lumo: The symbol of peace and hope
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Nature and drama
- San Sebastián: Beach, gastronomy and Basque charm
- La Rioja Alavesa: The taste of Northern Spain
- Cantabria: From lush valleys to dramatic beaches
- Altamira: Man's First Masterpieces
- Northern Spain's green heart: On an adventure in Asturias
- Spanish rural tourism in Taramundi
- Lugo and UNESCO World Heritage
- Cudillero: A colorful coastal village with lots of soul
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