Spain’s Northern Way road trip takes in beaches, eateries and bars, art museums, markets, lighthouses and lots of history and nature too. You’ll experience everything the Basque Country has to offer, enjoying the unique culture and language and some of the best food in the world along the way. Just follow the itinerary below:
San Sebastian
- The Concha beach or the “Playa de la Concha” is undoubtedly the most perfectly formed beach of the coastal city San Sebastián, in the Basque Country. You will find it in the Concha bay and is frequently awarded the plaudit of the most beautiful city beach of Europe.
- The San Sebastián Parte Vieja or San Sebastián Old Town is a matrix of enchanting cobblestone streets with pintxo bars and restaurants that have a chair with your name written on it.
- Definitely, one of the highlights of the Aquarium of San Sebastian lies in its over 31 aquariums dedicated to the themed aquariums of Cantabrian-Atlantic seafish. You can cross through one of these, the Oceanarium, to see Atlantic and Cantabrian species plus two sand tiger sharks.
Bilbao
- For the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, American architect Frank Gehry uses fascinatingly shaped chrome and metal that contains a veritable Tardis of modern and contemporary art. The current exhibition Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture focuses on the artistic design of the automobile.
- US artist Jeff Koons created Puppy, a West Highland terrier forty feet high, using computer modelling to make a modern take on topiary sculptures in the style of classical formal gardens. He is one of the most famous dogs in the world and appears in thousands of touristic selfies in Bilbao.
- Casco Viejo is an old, endearing neighborhood renowned for its open-air food markets, where shoppers can buy some of the freshest and best-tasting fruit and vegetables in Europe.
If you decide to start your epic road trip across Northern Spain then consider hiring a car with a debit card at Bilbao Airport to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Santoña
- Santoña is famed for having one of the most exquisite lighthouses in all of Spain. The Faro del Caballo, ensconced on Mount Buciero, is one of the most perfect places in the town for having views impossible to forget.
- At Fuerte San Carlos you can climb up to it using a steep approach and find, though derelict and run down, it offers some fantastic views. Through the portals to the Bay of Biscay or look down over the estuary towards
Santander
- Playa Primera de El Sardinero is the beach located in the urban center of Santander, which bridges at low tide with Segunda and La Concha. It provides almost two kilometres of fine sand and has been known historically as a fishing ground for sardines, hence the name.
- Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico is highly recommended for the family (even toddlers), it has an Aquarium and the Museum area is a fascinating exposition of the nautical history of the region.
Llanes
- Bufones de Pria is a place of much mystery with ominous noises coming from underneath the rocks. But the water is often otherwise calm and a translucent turquoise colour and surprisingly cut off from the crowds.
- Camin Encantau provides a lovely walk through some enchanting villages, learning about Asturian folklore en route with sculptures that the kids are sure to love.
Luarca
- Cementerio de Luarca allows great views of Luarca, the sea and the ‘city of the dead’. Local Nobel prize winner Severo Ochoa is buried here. The promenade up and down the hill and around the chapel & lighthouse is well worth it.
- Casas de indianos is made up of gorgeous large historic houses built with the money made in South America by Spanish migrants returning home (Indianos). One of them Villa Argentina is a delightful hotel, another one Villa Carmen used to belong to the aforementioned local Nobel prize winner Severo Ochoa.
Rinlo
- Rinlo is a wonderfully picturesque medieval fishing town, where you can explore the tiny streets, alleys, and wharfs. There are many old historical connections with fishing and there are, unsurprisingly, some wonderful seafood restaurants in town.
You may be sad to hand the keys back after successfully completing the Northern Way but you will no doubt never forget this once-in-a-lifetime road trip.
If you want to learn more about driving in Spain, our top-rated destinations in Spain or want to explore where you can hire a car without a credit in Spain, check out our list of Spanish destinations and get in touch with us today.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous, then check out our southern Spain road trip as well.