The Northern part of Spanje is known for its towering mountains, pristine beaches, and its rich cultural heritage that reflects the differences between historical and modern changes. Northern Spain offers visitors a thriving food culture, Basque heritage, and of course, its completely unique local language Euskera. You could be forgiven for spending your entire trip in this one part of the country, but if time is of the essence, these picturesque coastal towns and villages will give you a taste of the best that Northern Spain has to offer foreign visitors.
Before You Travel
If both time and luxury are important commodities in your life, we suggest that you book private jet travel instead of flying commercial or by road. Spain is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and as a result, the roads and airports leading to the more beautiful and well-known destinations are often blocked with other travellers trying to visit the same places.
Choose peace, calm and comfort and fly with a private airline. You’ll make your destinations in record time, leaving you more time to explore each location, and you’ll avoid all the stresses that come with commercial or road travel, helping you arrive at each new destination ready to enjoy everything it has to offer.
Getaria
Your trip can begin at Getaria. Although it doesn’t quite qualify as a town by its size, this tiny fishing village, set between the mountains and the bright blue ocean that flows through the Bay of Biscay, was home to Juan Sebastián Elcano, one of the first European explorers to circumnavigate the globe.
Gataria, as it is today, has stood since Roman times and seen an incredible amount of history, but the original settlement was founded in the Medieval 13th century, making it one of the oldest medieval villages in Northern Spain. Getaria is located close to both San Sebastian and Zarautz, giving travellers access to some of the best seafood on the coast.
If it’s divine seafood you’re travelling for, begin your culinary journey here. The village is famous for its unique grilling techniques, and its fresh grilled Parrillada will have you coming back for seconds. The Spanish wine in the area (white, to go with the fish, of course) is also spectacular. Book a tour of the nearby Txakoli Winery will impress even the most seasoned vinticulturalist.
Try visiting the area in early August. You can attend the celebrations there in honour of San Salvador: a colourful and warm display of Spanish culture. Don’t forget to stop by the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum and the beautifully maintained Church of San Salvador, or walk up to Mount San Anton for panoramic views of the village.
Castro Urdiales
The phrase “picture perfect” was undoubtedly coined by someone who had just visited Castro Urdiales. With aesthetics that make it feel like a painting, this town is full of colour and beauty. You’ll want to extend your stay as long as you can to enjoy the brightly coloured fishing boats bobbing on the water, the elegant streets, and the historical town centre (from the medieval period). All these gorgeous elements come together to form a place that is so magical, it’s impossible to visit only one. Its historical areas are among the most well-preserved anywhere along the Spanish coast.
Bring your walking shoes when visiting Castro Urdiales — you’ll want to take advantage of the weather and enjoy the fresh sea breeze along the long coastal path winding over towering cliffs and soft sand beaches. Bring your eating pants too, because the food in the village is nothing short of spectacular. Thanks to the village’s mix of Basque and Cantabrian cultures, the cuisine is bursting with flavour. It’s the food that most people come here for: the local restaurants put together exquisite main courses accompanied by the freshest, most vibrant sides you’ve ever enjoyed.
Lastres
Last, but certainly not least, on your little coastal adventure comes the town of Lastres. Winning awards for its beauty, Lastres is like a fairytale. Little houses clustered together, making their way up the slopes set against the bright blue of a clear sky and the deep, endless blue of the ocean. Capture the charm of this place in every photograph: narrow, sloping streets wind through the village, leading you to unexpected delights around every corner: historical buildings, boutiques, restaurants, wine bars and more. Treat yourself to a visit to the chapel of Buena Suceso, the clock tower in the historical part of town and the Hermitage of San Jose. There are many gorgeous viewpoints around the town, so wandering around is highly encouraged.
If lying on the beach in the sun is all you have the energy for, then visit Playa de la Griega. Set a little further away from town than other beaches, this day trip leads to an oasis of calm.
Explore Coastal Northern Spain
The Northern Spain seaside towns are a region of historical seaside flavours that awaits you. Step out of the bustle of your everyday life and into a place that transports you back to a gentler time when enjoyment and appreciation remain the orders of the day.
