2 Weeks in Spain: Exploring the Northern Regions (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria & Basque Country)

If you already know the most touristic places in Spain but you want something totally different, we recommend you to take a two-week route exploring the northern regions of Spain, to discover something totally different from the rest that will leave you amazed.

The northern regions of Spain are a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts, adventurers and cultural explorers. With stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country have something really special you will love.

RECOMMENDED:  2 Weeks in Spain: Brief Itinerary ;  Galicia: The Cheapest and Less Crowded Alternative of Spain

In this article we will give you a very basic itinerary of how to organize yourself and what to see on this route through the northern regions of Spain to help you plan your trip and explore as much as possible:

Days 1-3: Santiago de Compostela & A Coruña, Galicia

Day 1

Morning:

• Visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
• Wander through the historic Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Abastos 2.0, known for its fresh seafood.
• Explore the Mercado de Abastos market.

Evening:

• Dine at O Curro da Parra for an authentic Galician meal.
• Take an evening stroll through Alameda Park to enjoy views of the Old Town.

Day 2

Morning:

• Visit the Museo do Pobo Galego to learn about Galician culture.
• Check out the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a picnic at Parque de Belvís.
• Discover the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario.

Evening:

• Experience the local nightlife at Rúa do Franco, packed with bars and eateries.

Day 3

Morning:

• Take a day trip to the coastal town of A Coruña.
• Visit the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working lighthouse.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of A Coruña’s seaside restaurants.
• Explore the Aquarium Finisterrae.

Evening:

• Return to Santiago de Compostela for a relaxing evening.

Days 4-6: Oviedo & Covadonga, Asturias

Day 4

Morning:

• Arrive in Oviedo and check into your hotel.
• Visit the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Casa Fermín, known for its Asturian cuisine.
• Walk around the Campo de San Francisco park.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at El Fondín de Trascorrales.
• Explore the lively Calle Gascona, also known as “Cider Boulevard.”

Day 5

Morning:

• Hike up Monte Naranco to see the pre-Romanesque churches of Santa María and San Miguel de Lillo.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Tierra Astur, famous for its cider and traditional dishes.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.

Evening:

• Dine at La Corte de Pelayo.
• Experience the local theatre at Teatro Campoamor.

Day 6

Morning:

• Take a day trip to Covadonga and the Picos de Europa National Park.
• Visit the Basilica de Santa María la Real of Covadonga.

Afternoon:

• Hike around the Covadonga Lakes.
• Enjoy a packed lunch amidst spectacular scenery.

Evening:

• Return to Oviedo and have dinner at El Gato Negro.

Days 7-9: Santander, Cantabria

Day 7

Morning:

• Arrive in Santander and explore the Magdalena Peninsula.
• Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at La Bombi, known for its seafood.
• Relax at Playa de el Sardinero beach.

Evening:

• Dine at Bodega Fuente Dé.
• Stroll along the promenade at Paseo de Pereda.

Day 8

Morning:

• Visit the Maritime Museum of Cantabria.
• Explore the Centro Botín, an art and cultural center.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Cadelo.
• Discover the Santander Cathedral.

Evening:

• Dinner at Cañadío.
• Enjoy a drink at one of the city’s many tapas bars.

Day 9

Morning:

• Take a ferry to Somo for surfing or a relaxing beach day.
• Explore the nearby village of Loredo.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at one of Somo’s beachside eateries.
• Return to Santander and visit the Jardines de Pereda.

Evening:

• Dine at La Mulata.
• Take a sunset walk along El Sardinero beach.

Days 10-14: Bilbao & San Sebastián, Basque Country

Day 10

Morning:

• Arrive in Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim Museum.
• Explore the surrounding sculptures and architecture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Restaurante Mina, a Michelin-starred eatery.
• Walk around the Casco Viejo (Old Town).

Evening:

• Dinner at La Viña del Ensanche.
• Enjoy pintxos (Basque tapas) at Plaza Nueva.

Day 11

Morning:

• Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
• Explore the Doña Casilda Iturrizar park.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Restaurante Yandiola.
• Take the funicular to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views.

Evening:

• Dine at Azurmendi, another Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Experience the local nightlife in the Abando neighborhood.

Day 12

Morning:

• Travel to San Sebastián.
• Visit the San Telmo Museum to learn about Basque culture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at La Cuchara de San Telmo.
• Relax at La Concha Beach.

Evening:

• Dinner at Restaurante Arzak, a Michelin three-star dining experience.
• Enjoy a nightcap at one of the city’s many bars in the Parte Vieja (Old Town).

Day 13

Morning:

• Hike to the top of Monte Urgull for stunning views of San Sebastián.
• Explore the historic fortifications and Mota Castle.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Gandarias Jatetxea.
• Visit the Aquarium and the harbor area.

Evening:

• Dinner at Akelarre, another Michelin-starred gem.
• Stroll along the illuminated Paseo de la Concha.

Day 14

Morning:

• Take a day trip to the picturesque village of Hondarribia.
• Wander through the charming streets of the historic center.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant in Hondarribia.
• Explore the Marina district and the fishing port.

Evening:

• Return to San Sebastián for a farewell dinner at Mugaritz.