Northern Spain research trip by Travel Specialist
Published 28 October 2024
Personal insights and recommendations for Expressions Holidays in Northern Spain
Spain is truly a country which continues to enchant visitors. Every region retains a singular charm, distinct local cuisine and unique landscapes - the more you explore, the more you want to see! Travel Specialist Charlotte has just returned from a trip researching the best hotels to stay at in Bilbao, San Sebastián, Asturias and Rioja. Here are her recommendations for organising a fantastic holiday across these regions through Expressions Holidays.
How you get there:
The north of Spain has a vibrant, natural coastline stretching westwards from San Sebastián to La Coruña, the capital of Galicia opening out onto the Atlantic. These coastal cities including Bilbao and Santander have commercial airports with regular flights to and from London. I urge readers to consider a multi-centre holiday which would allow one to experience as many of these locations as possible.
How to explore the area:
The most well-known touring routes along the coast form the Way of St James, known in Spain as ‘El Camino a Santiago’ which dates back to the 9th century when Alfonso II first ordered an official sepulchre built in honour of the saint. This consists of many hiking and cycling routes but for those wanting to cover greater distances, I highly recommend the Costa Verde Express which connects the major stops along the way from Bilbao to Santiago, providing luxury accommodation, organised excursions and food tastings in Galicia, the Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country.
My hotel recommendations:
Northern Spain offers numerous luxury hotels with stunning views, impeccable service, gastronomy and comfort. I would like to suggest staying at these which particularly impressed me during my visit:
The Hotel Miro, Bilbao
Right in the city centre, I thoroughly enjoyed staying in this stylish 4-star boutique hotel. It has a very contemporary feel with modern but comfortable rooms, a wellness centre offering numerous treatments and a delicious breakfast service.
Hotel Londres, San Sebastián
Open for over 150 years now with 166 luxury rooms, located next to the promenade at La Concha beach it is ideal for exploring the old town, beaches and bathing in the Cantabrian Sea.
Hotel Palacio de Luces, Asturias
A 5-star Relais and Chateaux hotel close to the Cantabrian Sea and the Sierra de Sueve Mountains. Surrounded by the panoramic scenery of the Asturias, this provides excellent access to various national parks, water sports, mountaineering and skiing.
Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja
An elegant 4-star hotel close to the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town forming part of the Way of St James. Distinctive for having its own cathedral, Cistercian convent and numerous wineries.
Parador de Leon, Leon
5-star hotel in the Plaza de San Marcos, I was impressed by the regal decoration in the rooms, ease of access to sites of cultural importance and beautiful countryside in the nearby Parque Natural de Montesinho.
Activities in the region:
Spring is the perfect time to go touring in Northern Spain just as wildflowers are starting to bloom and the temperatures are mellow but rising . This is a colder region compared to Andalucia and the Mediterranean coastline, but there is still so much to enjoy outdoors.
If you’re looking for an activity-based holiday, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are some standout suggestions:
1. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
2. The San Sebastián cathedral
3. Tapas tasting including the famous ‘pinxtos’
4. Hiking in the Basque countryside
5. Wine tasting in la Rioja, one of Spain’s most famous wine regions
6. Michelin starred dining
I hope reading this will inspire you to go on holiday to Northern Spain for next spring or summer. We look forward to hearing from you!
Charlotte.
