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Green Spain

Spain’s north-western corner, pounded by the Atlantic Ocean and separated from France by the ramparts of the Pyrenees, is a little off the beaten track.

However, this was not always so. During medieval times the town of Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral once attracted throngs of pilgrims. They were drawn to the tomb of St James the Apostle, which even today is regarded as the third most important Christian site after Rome and Jerusalem. This region, including the capital of San Sebastián, is also the gateway to the Basque country. Many Basques still speak their Euskara language, wear distinctive berets and are fiercely determined to have independence from Spain.

Bilbao, on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, is home to the Guggenheim Museum. Housing a 20th century art collection, including works by Picasso and Warhol, the building itself is fascinating. It’s been called the first great piece of 21st century architecture and also a colossal cauliflower – you decide!

 

Boats at a Spanish marinaNorthern Spain Fast Facts
• Often referred to as Green Spain (España Verde) the area covers Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Pais Vasco - the Basque Country.
• The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a museum of modern and contemporary art.
• The fishing villages in northern Spain produce fantastic seafood.
• Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral is the end point for pilgrims walking the Way of St James.
• The northern province of La Rioja produces wine - called Rioja. In the town of Haro there is an annual Wine Festival that is noted for its Batalla de Vino!

 

Northern Spain Highlights

San Sebastian
- This vibrant coast town has loads of great fish restaurants and tons of pintxos bars (kind of like tapas bars, but you eat with toothpicks) that crowd the narrow and noisy streets of the historical old town. It also boasts some fantastic designer clothes shops, many of them being surf labels as San Sebastian has some of the best surf beaches in the whole of Spain.

Bibao - A very popular tourist destination, most famously known as home to the architectural masterpiece, that is the Guggenheim Museum. It also possesses many more fantastic ‘museums’, historic churches & palaces as well as a fascinating historic city centre, making this little Basque town the culture capital of Northern Spain.

Santiago de Compostela - Located in the province of Galicia in north-western Spain, its mighty Cathedral is the final destination of the legendary pilgrimage route, the Way of St James. Its old town is so special that in 1985 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a town firmly rooted in its historical past but embracing a bright future.

Northern Spain Accommodation
With a range of accommodation in Northern Spain, there is something to suit every requirement and budget. Contact your local House of Travel for full Northern Spain accommodation options. 

Northern Spain Sightseeing
There is so much to see & do in Northern Spain! From its cathedrals, the Flamenco shows, to the popular tapas bars. Contact your local House of Travel for full Northern Spainsightseeing options.

 

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