The northern portion of Spain is often referred to as Green Spain. This is due to the number of coniferous and deciduous forests that are located in northern Spain. Northern Spain has much more to admire than just the forests that are located there.
As you travel into the Northern area of Spain, not only do you get away from the crowded beaches and the overly busy resorts located in Central and Southern Spain. Rather you will get breathtaking views of Mountaintops, homey and beautiful smaller villages and the rugged coastlines.
The most popular area of Spain that people visit when on vacation or on tours is the Central and Southern regions. By staying in the Center and lower half of Spain visitors and tourists are missing out on much of the great sites and history that is located in Spain.
This is not to say that Southern Spain is not worth visiting, what this means is that effort should be implemented to tour all of Spain. This allows visitors to see the impressive regions located in the remainder of Spain.
Barcelona
The capital and largest city of Catalonia is also the second-most populous city in Spain. Barcelona is considered the Crown Jewel of Catalonia. The city is vibrant, colourful, and filled with medieval history and Modernist Architecture.
The seaside is an alluring tourist destination. Touring or just enjoying a stroll down the La Rambla Boulevard, stopping at the covered and colourful marketplace to sample and purchase any number of Spanish products, or just relaxing on the beach and soaking up some of the suns are just a couple of ideas available for tourists to Barcelona.
Barcelona is home to famous Basilicas, museums and plenty of architecture designed by Gaudi. Barcelona also offers tours to the famous hilltop Montserrat Monastery, seaside resorts and famous sandy beaches. The restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines and some have earned Michelin Stars.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian is another city located in the northeastern portion of Spain. San Sebastian is situated on the Bay of Biscay, only 12 miles from France. San Sebastian happens to be one of Spain’s most dazzling and stylish beach resorts. Located along the crescent-shaped La Perla bay, it encircles the sandy, sheltered beach that is popular with many Spanish tourists and residents alike.
Visitors can take in the views of a medieval fortress from the 12th Century, as well as a Fine Arts museum and one of the oldest towns in Spain. The ancient cobblestone streets will take tourists to many of San Sebastian’s famous restaurants.
Located within close proximity to San Sebastian are some old famous locations that are more than worth a few minutes of travel time to visit.
Santiago de Compostela
As the most popular Pilgrimage City during the 11th and 12th city. The Cathedral de Santiago was a destination that hundreds of thousands of citizens would travel by foot to visit. This Catedral contains the Crypt of Saint James. The walks have taken that lead to the Catedral is still called the Way of Saint James.
The Galicia region is the best starting point on the way to touring the Northern Region of Spain.
Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital of the province of Navarre in Northern Spain. In English, Pamplona means Pampeluna. Pamplona is extremely well known for what is commonly called “The Running of the Bulls”. For those that are unsure of this event, it is held annually and involves a group of citizens running through the cobblestone streets in front of a small group of bulls.
The running is an event that takes place each of 5 to 6 days in one week. Each day the run may last for up to 3 minutes. The path is blocked off so the bulls are only able to go from one place to another by following the fenced-in area.
The sites around Pamplona are often more enjoyed than the bulls. There are ancient Cathedrals, cobblestone streets, historical monuments and the unsurpassed beauty of nature surrounding the town. Tourists and visitors alike can hike along scenic trails through the mountainous terrain.
Bilbao
Considered to be the tenth-largest city in Spain, Bilbao is actually an important port city. Filled with modern skyscrapers and architecture, Bilbao is surrounded by Nature’s beauty with green mountainsides, sandy beaches and historical buildings. Bilbao is a destination city everyone should add to their list.
Historical walls have been found under a Cathedral recently that date back to the 11th Century. The Guggenheim Museum is the one location that will draw everyone’s attention. It is not just for what items are located inside the Museum, the building itself is curvy and covered in Titanium.
From a distance and looking over the horizon, the scenic view is truly astonishing to behold. The background is Mountains hovering above the building and the rolling hills.
Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and is most well known for cider making. Oviedo is also a bustling College or University town. The Archaeological Museum holds many artefacts from the region itself. The Fine Arts Museum also holds many Spanish artefacts and an extensive collection of Spanish Art. The Museum is large enough that it requires two locations, however, it is well worth the journey to visit both locations.
Oviedo has always maintained the Monastic and Royal character since ancient times. The hospitality of Oviedo is untopped and contagious. Some of the Ancient locations that make this location worth the journey include the Gothic Cathedral, and the Fountain of La Foncalada, which is pre-Romanesque.
Oviedo has been a source of inspiration for many of the world's famous authors.
Vigo
Known as one of the largest cities in Northern Spain, Vigo is a city of non-stop growth. From the fishing to the growth of further factories, Vigo is located on the Atlantic Ocean whose port is visited multiple times throughout the year as one of the main stops by International Cruise Ships.
With the city being surrounded by the ocean, one of the most popular and famous activities include Oyster Farms.
In the Eastern portion of the city, Monte de O’Castro, there is an ancient castle situated on the hilly mountainside. The old castle once had the responsibility of protecting the city from invasion and from Pirates.
Girona
Filled with historical buildings and situated along the canal, Girona is a town packed with history within the ancient walls. The outline of an old fortress dating back to the 1st Century. From the walled Medieval Quarter, the rich multicultural diversity and heritage, the Romanesque Basilica and the 12th Century baths can still be seen.
Girona also has a well established and preserved Jewish Quarter.
Santander
Another city located in Northern Spain with a rich heritage. Santander is situated on a peninsula between the bay and the Cantabrian Sea. Cherished for the clear turquoise coloured water and the soft sandy beaches, Santander draws in thousands of vacationers every summer.
Let it be known that Santander is not just a town where people come to play. Santander also has a rich culture and history. Much of what is still visible. There are museums for Archaeology and also for Arts. From Paleolithic era artifacts to Roman Antiquities, visitors can visit all types of Museums.
Santander also has some beautiful architectural landmarks, such as a Royal Palace that was built in 1911 known as Palacio Real de La Magdalena, and also the medieval Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncionare. This Cathedral features an exquisite 15th Century Cloister and also a 13th Century Crypt.
In 1941, a fire destroyed the historical district of the city, which led to this city becoming known for combining history and heritage with modernity.
Santander is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Santander is filled with beautiful palaces and elegant mansions.
Huesca Province
The Huesca Province is a myriad of narrow streets and alleyways. Visitors can take in a 13th Century Cathedral and also a 12th Century Romanesque Church. One village in Huesca Province is situated directly in front of the Aguero Mountains and is actually a very beautiful site to take in from the distance.
The National Park is located in and around the Pyrenees Mountains. The area features gorges, rushing waters and soaring mountain peaks. The canyons are green and lush.
The Northern cities of Spain include destinations that all people should visit. There is a rich history of archaeology and artifacts. Visitors can tour National Parks, stop in and view the Museums and all the artifacts located within.
There is plenty of natural beauty, soft and sandy beaches with clear waters, and wondrous Mountain views. The gastronomy options are endless with the Michelin Star restaurants and a variety of cuisine.
Scenic views, history, ancient and medieval buildings or portions of buildings. A rich heritage that is diverse and the friendly atmosphere of the citizens of Northern Spain. This is a trip to place on your bucket list and not miss the flight for.
