10 days in Northern Spain | Tours of Spain

Route

You’ll travel through northern Spain from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, you’ll explore Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, with stops in Pechón, Cangas de Onís, Ribadeo and A Coruña.

Pace

A varied tour with several nights in each region. You’ll combine mountain rides and coastal routes with moments of tranquillity, without daily travel.

Highlights

You’ll visit Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Caves and cycle through the Picos de Europa with its impressive mountain landscapes. Along the Costa Verde, cliffs and bays alternate. In Galicia, you’ll discover fjords, Lugo with its Roman city walls and A Coruña with its long coastal promenade.

Accommodation

You’ll stay for 9 nights in four carefully selected base camps. This allows you to explore each region at your own pace and make the most of the surroundings.

Profile

For travellers seeking nature and variety. You love mountains, the coast and authentic regions, away from the hustle and bustle of traditional Spain.

Day 1: Brussels – Bilbao – Pechón (approx. 170 km)

After landing, drive to the coastal village of Pechón.

Day 2: Santillana del Mar – Cuevas de Altamira (approx. 90 km return)

Passing through typical seaside resorts such as San Vicente de la Barquera and Comillas, you’ll drive to Santillana del Mar. Discover the charms of this medieval town and visit the famous Altamira Caves, with their world-renowned prehistoric rock paintings (a replica of the protected original).

Day 3: Pechón – Cangas de Onís (approx. 70 km)

You’ll follow the beautiful coastal route via Llanes to Ribadesella with its historic town centre, and on via Arriondas to Cangas de Onís.

Day 4: the Picos de Europa (approx. 180 km return)

A unique mountain ride through the Picos de Europa takes you to picturesque villages and, via the impressive Desfiladero de los Beyos, to Riaño, and then, via the Puerto de San Glorio, to Potes. Finally, you ride via the Desfiladero de la Hermida and Arenas de Cabrales back to Cangas de Onis.

Day 5: Mirador del Fito – Villaviciosa – Nava (approx. 140 km return)

The Costa Verde, the Asturian coast, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Spain. Via the Mirador del Fito, you reach the coastal village of Lastres, beautifully situated on the cliffs. A little further on, via a deep inlet, you reach Villaviciosa and, via Nava with its few old mansions and renowned cider, you return to your hotel.

Day 6: Cangas de Onís – Ribadeo (approx. 210 km)

Via Oviedo, Áviles and the coastal road, you’ll head towards Galicia, all the way to Ribadeo.

Day 7: a stretch of Galicia’s north coast (approx. 330 km return)

From Ribadeo, follow the beautiful north coast via the harbour town of Viveiro to Ortigueira. Along the way, deep ‘rías’ (fjords), bays and headlands alternate. You return via the inland route, through Betanzos and Villalba.

Day 8: Ribadeo – Lugo – A Coruña (approx. 220 km)

During the Roman occupation, Lugo was the capital of Gallaecía (Galicia). The remarkable city walls and the historic centre (Intra Murros) date from this period, and the pedestrianised area surrounds the impressive cathedral. If you do not opt for an extension in Santiago de Compostela, you can visit this famous pilgrimage town and granite university city after or instead of Lugo. You then continue on to A Coruña.

Day 9: A Coruña

La Coruña, as the city is known in Spanish, is the economic hub of this region. The old port city boasts stunning views and historic sights. Characteristic features include the tall windows, the ‘Galerias’ – bay windows with mostly white frames and balconies – which is why the city is also known as ‘la ciudad de cristal’ (the crystal city). Stroll along the ‘paseo maritimo’, a 10km-long promenade around the peninsula.

Day 10: A Coruña - Santiago de Compostela - Flight to Brussels

After a wonderful trip, it’s time to head home. You’ll return your hire car at Santiago de Compostela Airport and fly back to Brussels. Fancy a little extra holiday time? Just let us know and we’ll be happy to add a few more days of relaxation to your trip.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Spain

Is a hire car necessary for this tour of Northern Spain?

Yes, a hire car is necessary for this tour of Northern Spain. The route between Bilbao, the Picos de Europa, the Costa Verde and Galicia passes through nature reserves and coastal towns that are difficult to reach by public transport. With a hire car, you can travel flexibly and make the most of this road trip.

What is the best time of year for this nature tour of Northern Spain?

The best time to travel on a tour of Northern Spain is from May to October. During this period, temperatures are ideal for exploring the Picos de Europa and the Galician coast. In summer, the north of Spain remains cooler and greener than the south.

What makes this Northern Spain trip different from other tours of Spain?

A tour of Northern Spain focuses on nature and tranquillity. You’ll discover the Picos de Europa, the Costa Verde and the fjords of Galicia rather than bustling cities and arid landscapes. This region is known for its green valleys, rugged coastlines and authentic villages.