Northern Spain Itinerary: Ultimate 7-day Itinerary
Start your journey near the French Border in the autonomous Basque Country with picturesque landscapes and a vibrant culture. With our Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary you will visit different regions of the country. And, you will see some of the most iconic places in the North of Spain. This vacation will be charming, relaxing, reasonably priced and less crowded than other trips you might take through Europe.
You can follow the Camino de Santiago to Santiago de Compostela and visit the best places along the way. From the charming streets of Paris-inspired San Sebastián to the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, this adventure is sure to leave you in awe. Discover the vineyards of La Rioja as well as small fishing villages along the way. Witness the excitement of the Running of the Bulls in July in Pamplona, and explore the historic towns of Leon and Burgos. End your trip in the enchanting city of Santiago de Compostela, filled with centuries of history and beauty. Join us as we guide you through this once-in-a-lifetime experience. In Northern Spain every turn of the road brings a new discovery and unforgettable memories await.
If you are interested in a Southern Spain Itinerary, then please follow our Southern Spain/Portugal Itinerary by clicking here.
Getting to Northern Spain
Getting to the region is fairly easy, with major highways, bus routes, and train services all available. Basque Country is also served by an international airport in Bilbao.. This makes it easier to further explore the picturesque area, even on a short time frame like in this seven-day itinerary.
Northern Spain’s biggest city is Bilbao, which sits in the central part of the region. It’s fastest to fly into the city’s international airport, which is possible from both Madrid and Barcelona in just one hour. Direct international flights are available from a number of other European cities. Trains and bus services are also available, although make for a longer journey.
Flying to Bilbao may be your best way to get there. However, when we visited in 2024, we hired a rental car in Madrid and did a round-trip tour of the Northern region from the Capital City. We found this to be the best option as it allowed us to keep the transportation costs relatively low for the entire itinerary and we were treated to breath-taking scenery through the mountain passes and highways along the coast.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 1: Start in San Sebastián
You can start your tour by soaking in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant atmosphere of San Sebastian. San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in Basque, is a stunning coastal city in the Basque Country of Spain.
Here are some compelling reasons to visit and why San Sebastian is important:
1. Culinary Excellence
San Sebastián is renowned for its world-class cuisine. The city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. It’s a paradise for food lovers, with pintxos (Basque tapas) bars offering a delightful culinary experience.
2. Beautiful Beaches
The city is home to some of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, including La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola. These beaches offer pristine white sand and are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
3. Rich Cultural Heritage
San Sebastián has a rich history and cultural heritage. It historically has been a favorite summer destination for Spanish royalty and has a charming Belle Époque architecture. The city also hosts major international cultural events. These include the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the San Sebastián Jazz Festival.
4. Scenic Beauty
Surrounded by lush hills and the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián offers breathtaking views and scenic landscapes. Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo provide panoramic views of the city and the bay.
5. Vibrant Festivals
The city is known for its lively festivals. These include the Tamborrada (Drum Festival) and the Semana Grande (Big Week). Both showcase the vibrant Basque culture and traditions.
6. Historical Significance
San Sebastián played a crucial role in Spanish history. It provided naval support to Emperor Charles V and aided in significant battles. Its historical importance is reflected in its architecture and monuments.
7. European Capital of Culture
In 2016, San Sebastián was designated as the European Capital of Culture. This highlights its cultural significance and contribution to the arts.
San Sebastián is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Thus, making it a must-visit destination in Spain.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 2: Go to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
After soaking in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant atmosphere of San Sebastian, the Northern Spain Itinerary takes you to Pamplona. Here, you won’t want to miss the electrifying experience of the Running of the Bulls. Get ready to witness this legendary event that embodies the spirit of Spanish culture and tradition.
The Running of the Bulls is a heart-pounding spectacle that takes place during the San Fermin festival in July. Brave participants run alongside the charging bulls through the narrow streets of Pamplona. Thus, showcasing their courage and adrenaline in equal measure. However, if you choose not to run, the energy and excitement of the event is contagious, making it a must-see for any visitor to the region. Hemingway was stationed here as a war correspondent; his legacy is everywhere, starting with his favorite bar, Café Iruña right in the downtown square.
Immerse yourself in the local tradition by exploring the vibrant streets of Pamplona, sampling delicious pintxos, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the festival. As the sun sets on this exhilarating day, you’ll be left with memories that will last a lifetime.
We visited Pamplona for the opening ceremony of the San Fermin festival in 2024. While we did not actually see the Running of the Bulls, the opening ceremony, as shown here, was certainly enough excitement for us as we watched from our balcony, smelling the sangria soaked streets below. It was a cross between Times Square at New Year’s Eve and Animal House.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 3: Visit the Vineyards of La Rioja
Next up, on Day 3, venture into the picturesque vineyards of La Rioja for a relaxing and wine-filled escape from the excitement of Pamplona. Indulge in the rich flavors of the region as you sample exquisite wines and immerse yourself in the local winemaking culture. The wines in this region continue to improve to today’s world class vintages. After a day of leisurely exploration, you’ll be ready to continue your journey through Northern Spain’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
Stay tuned for Day 4 as we head to Bilbao to explore the vibrant city and marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 4: Explore Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
After a day of leisurely exploration in La Rioja, continue your journey to Bilbao, a vibrant industrial city steeped in culture and history. Spend the day wandering the streets, indulging in local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the artistic beauty of the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao building represents a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking 20th-century architecture.
As you marvel at the striking architecture and impressive art collections, you’ll be inspired to continue your adventure through Northern Spain’s diverse landscapes and attractions, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience in Cangas de Onis.
Bilbao is a city with gorgeous open green spaces, gardens and a handsome old city. Bringing the Guggenheim Museum to Bilbao promoted this industrialized city into a world class tourism category. Our dinner in a quaint neighborhood was one of our finest meals ever. That’s the impact of the French Basque Country cooking heritage.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 5: Stay in the Parador de Cangas de Onis
After soaking in the artistic wonders of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, make your way to the charming small town of Cangas de Onis. Nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, this picturesque destination offers a perfect blend of nature and history. Spend your day exploring the historic Roman bridge, sampling local delicacies at quaint cafes, and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
For a truly unique stay, book a room at the Parador de Cangas de Onis. This historic hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, providing the perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing. Relax in the peaceful ambiance of the hotel, savoring delicious regional dishes and enjoying the warm hospitality of the staff.
Enjoy the former monastery and explore the beautiful building that was the former monastery church.
After a relaxing stay at the Parador de Cangas de Onis, from Cangas de Onis, you’ll head towards the final destination on the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela. Here you’ll discover one of the most joyous places in the world as you see the Pilgrims completing their journeys.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 6: End the Camino de Santiago in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its charming city center is clearly worth visiting. In this old town you’ll discover even more incredible landmarks and experiences.
One of the welcoming traditions for the pilgrims as they enter the city, is a bagpiper who rewards them with a Celtic melody as they complete their journey,
One of the most joyous places that we have ever visited, it is amazing to see the happy people as they complete their pilgrimage and are greeted by the friendly city. This joy is palpable as you see pilgrims reconnecting with those they met along the way,
As you explore this historic city, be sure to visit the iconic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a significant pilgrimage site for centuries.
Wander through the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling squares and music. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this great place, Santiago de Compostela.
Finisterre
We stayed two days in the city and made two day trips while we were there. The first was to the westernmost place in Spain, Finisterre. Known as the “end of the world”, it provides an additional two days of hiking for those pilgrims who need more exercise. They also want to make their final stop at the North Atlantic Ocean. As in Santiago de Compostela, a bagpiper greets the tired pilgrims as they complete their journey.
Pontevedra
Our second day trip from Santiago de Compostela was to our hometown namesake Spanish town, Pontevedra. Here is a beautiful picture of the Parador de Pontevedra. Pontevedra is a small town with spectacular views of its most beautiful bays.
Northern Spain Itinerary Day 7: Visit Leon and Burgos
After visiting the joyous city of Santiago de Compostela, on your final day it’s time to complete your adventure by visiting the vibrant medieval villages of Leon and Burgos.
Leon and Burgos are both stops on the Camino de Santiago.
In Leon, be sure to explore the stunning Gothic cathedral and take a stroll through the charming casco viejo (old town). Here are two French pilgrims we met, finishing their hike from France and celebrating in front of the cathedral.
The Leon Cathedral is well know and is highlighted in our post of famous European Cathedrals. The stained glass windows make this a beautiful building.
In Burgos, a short drive from Leon, don’t miss the chance to visit the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the impressive architecture of the city’s historic center. These two cities are brimming with history and culture, providing a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation on your Northern Spain road trip.
Northern Spain Itinerary: Conclusion
By following our Northern Spain Itinerary, you will discover hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From the vibrant streets of San Sebastian to the historic vineyards of La Rioja, from the modern marvels of Bilbao to the ancient wonders of Leon and Burgos, this itinerary has something for every traveler. As you make your way to Santiago de Compostela, you will create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the magic of this enchanting region. Start planning your road trip today and let the beauty of northern Spain captivate your soul. Bon voyage!
