Northern Spain: Journey Beyond the Tourist Trail
Peñafiel Castle in the Ribera del Duero region
For many discerning American travelers envisioning their Spanish escape, the iconic images of Barcelona's sun-drenched boulevards, Madrid's majestic palaces, Seville's passionate flamenco rhythms, Granada's enchanting Alhambra, and the golden sands of the Costa del Sol often dominate the imagination. These destinations, with their undeniable allure, have long held a cherished place in the hearts of those seeking the vibrant spirit of Spain.
However, at Jetsettery, we understand that true discovery often lies beyond the well-trodden paths. Driven by a desire to explore more off-the-beaten-path areas, we recently embarked on an exploration of Northern Spain, particularly San Sebastián, Bilbao, Ribera del Duero and Segovia. These areas are brimming with diverse and equally captivating landscapes and cultures that offer a refreshingly authentic experience. We wholeheartedly believe that this hidden gem deserves a prominent place on your list of dream destinations, promising a journey with genuine cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty.
Beyond the Familiar: Why Northern Spain Beckons the Discerning Traveler
Northern Spain distinguishes itself from the more widely known regions of the country through a confluence of factors that cater perfectly to the traveler seeking an authentic Spain experience. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary excellence, all while providing a welcome respite from the bustling crowds often found further south.
San Sebastián
Unveiling “España Verde", or Green Spain
Imagine a Spain painted in vibrant hues of green. This is "España Verde”, or Green Spain, a term that aptly describes the lush hills, verdant forests, and dramatic coastlines that characterize the northern regions. Fed by a more temperate and maritime climate, this landscape offers a stunning contrast to the arid plains often associated with the Iberian Peninsula. It presents a paradise for hiking, exploring charming coastal towns, and simply breathing in the fresh, clean air.
A Tapestry of Unique Cultures: The Basque Identity
Beyond its verdant landscapes, Northern Spain boasts a rich and distinct cultural tapestry. The Basque Country, in particular, stands out with its unique language (Euskara), a linguistic enigma with no known relatives, and its deeply rooted traditions, from its own style of music and dance to its fiercely independent spirit.
White asparagus
A Gastronomic Paradise
Amazing food can be found in all of Spain, but our favorite foodie destination is San Sebastián. It’s a culinary delight where Michelin-starred restaurants rub shoulders with bustling pintxo bars serving delectable bite-sized delights. Since we at Jetsettery prioritize food on our vacations, we’ll have a separate post on San Sebastián’s pintxo bars - click here! The variety of food is unbelievable from in-season vegetables like white asparagus and grilled artichokes to every variety of pork you can imagine from jamon sandwiches to braised pigs ears. And in Segovia you can’t miss the roast suckling pig at Jose Maria’s Restaurant.
Raise a Glass: The Allure of Northern Spain's Wine Regions
Wine enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise exploring the prestigious wine regions of Northern Spain. The most popular is Rioja, world-renowned for its elegant Tempranillo-based wines. Lesser known but with a similar type of wine and offering stunning vineyard landscapes and opportunities for tours and tastings is Ribera del Duero.
Our Northern Spain Itinerary: Cities That Captivated Us
Our recent journey through Northern Spain provided us with a firsthand experience of the region's diverse offerings. We carefully crafted an itinerary that balanced cultural immersion, culinary delights, historical exploration, and stunning scenery.
San Sebastián: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Coastal Beauty
Our adventure began in the captivating seaside city of San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque). Here, the vibrant energy of a coastal town seamlessly blends with a world-renowned culinary scene. Michelin-starred restaurants stand alongside bustling pintxo bars, where sampling an array of delectable bite-sized creations is a must-do experience. Beyond the gastronomic delights, San Sebastián boasts a stunning beach, La Concha, and dramatic coastlines, offering opportunities for relaxation as well as gentle hikes with breathtaking views.
The Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao: A Symphony of Industrial Heritage and Modern Marvels
Next, we journeyed to Bilbao, a city that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once an industrial hub, Bilbao now seamlessly blends its revitalized heritage with striking modern architecture. The undisputed highlight is the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary design that houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Bilbao offers a compelling look at Spain's ability to embrace the future while honoring its past.
Pago de Carraovejas
Ribera del Duero: Immersed in the Elegance of Spanish Wine Country
Venturing inland, we found ourselves in the prestigious Ribera del Duero wine region. Here, rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, painting a picturesque landscape of viticultural excellence. The region is home to world-class wineries, offering unforgettable opportunities for wine tastings, vineyard tours, and learning about the intricate art of Spanish winemaking. On this recent trip we toured and did a tasting at Pago de Carraovejas with a state-of-the-art facility, Michelin-starred restaurant and gorgeous castle views. We also did a tour and had lunch at the charming Melida Wines, a smaller, boutique winery with an intimate gourmet restaurant.
Segovia: Stepping Back in Time Through Ancient Wonders
A step back in time awaited us in the historic city of Segovia. The breathtaking Roman aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the past. Dominating the cityscape, this impressive structure is a must-see. Equally captivating is the fairytale Alcázar of Segovia, perched dramatically on a rocky crag, offering stunning views with the majestic snow-capped Guadarrama Mountains as a backdrop.
Madrid: A Seamless Return for Continued Exploration
Our exploration of Northern Spain concluded with a return to Madrid which provides the flexibility to either continue exploring this vibrant capital city or seamlessly connect to your next destination.
If this itinerary captivated you, please get in touch with us to Start Planning your own getaway to magical Northern Spain.
FAQs About Traveling to Northern Spain
What is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) generally offer pleasant temperatures for exploring, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Is dinner really served at 10pm in Spain?
While it's true that many Spaniards dine quite late, with dinner sometimes starting around 10 pm, as a tourist in Spain, you absolutely do not have to eat that late! Recognizing that visitors may be accustomed to earlier mealtimes, many restaurants, especially in tourist-heavy areas, open their kitchens for dinner much earlier, typically around 7 pm or 8 pm.
Is English widely spoken or do I need to brush up on my Spanish?
In major cities like San Sebastián and Bilbao, you'll find more English speakers. However, learning a few basic Spanish (or Basque) phrases will be greatly appreciated. Si, si, si!
What is the typical dress code?
Generally, the dress code is smart casual. Think nice jeans and a collared shirt for men. For women either a casual dress or a blouse with nice jeans or trousers. Avoid athletic wear. Layering is key especially in spring and fall. And you’ll be walking a fair amount in cities, so comfortable shoes are essential. Stylish sneakers are acceptable. In winter you can wear a nice boot and in summer a leather sandal.
What is the best way to travel between cities?
Trains or flights are an option for many cities, especially if going to or from Madrid. Having a rental does offer flexibility for exploring the region, especially smaller towns like Segovia. Hired drivers are an option if you want the flexibility of driving, but don’t want to be the person driving (helpful in the wine region). The answer really depends on exactly where you are going and how you prefer to travel.
