Northern Spain presents a compelling itinerary for travellers seeking a blend of coastal landscapes, historical depth, and cultural richness. Stretching from the shores of Cantabria to the heart of Galicia, this charming region offers a seamless journey through diverse cities and towns, each with its own distinct character. Beginning in Santander and moving westward through Candás, Gijón, Ponferrada, Santiago de Compostela, and Oleiros, the route unfolds like a curated gallery of Atlantic life, where maritime heritage harmoniously combines with medieval architecture and contemporary flair. Reminding of the coast stretching from Italy to Nice along the Ligurian coast, this path invites exploration at a measured pace, rewarding curiosity with authentic experiences and scenic contrasts. Whether you’re drawn to fortified castles, vibrant local markets, or quiet seaside promenades, Northern Spain delivers a travel experience that is both enriching and refreshingly off the beaten track. Read more in our city-by-city travel guide and discover our favourite itinerary through the Cantabrian Coast.
Santander, Cantabria
Boasting coastal elegance and cultural depth, Santander finds quiet majesty in the Faro de Cabo Mayor, a cliffside lighthouse that watches over the Atlantic and anchors the city’s deep connection to the sea.
The first destination in our journey is Santander, the capital of the Cantabria region. Perched along Spain’s northern coast, this charming port town offers a refined mixture of natural beauty and urban elegance. The city’s shoreline is its crown jewel, with the sweeping Playa del Sardinero providing golden sands and Atlantic breezes. Inland, the Magdalena Peninsula offers leisurely walks through pine groves and manicured gardens, culminating in the regal Palacio de la Magdalena. Just beyond, the Faro de Cabo Mayor stands sentinel atop rugged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the restless sea and serving as a quiet monument to the city’s maritime soul. Santander’s cultural offerings are equally compelling—Centro Botín, a striking modern art centre designed by Renzo Piano, mirrors the architectural ambition found in Norway’s waterfront developments. Gastronomically, the city excels in seafood, with anchovies from nearby Santoña and grilled octopus served in traditional taverns, echoing the flavours of Porto and Marseille. The Mercado del Este offers a contemporary twist on local produce, while nearby cafés serve sobao pasiego, a buttery sponge cake unique to Cantabria. Santander moves to a rhythm shaped by the sea—its wide bay, elegant promenades, and quiet confidence evoke a kind of coastal introspection, belonging to that rare category of cities that feel lived-in rather than curated, where the sea isn’t just scenery, but a presence that shapes the pace of life.
Candás, Asturias
Candás captivates with its rugged coastal scenery, rich fishing traditions, and a culinary scene that celebrates the flavours of the Cantabrian Sea—making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking authenticity and tranquillity in northern Spain.
The next city on our itinerary through the Cantabrian Coast is Candás. Nestled along the rugged Asturian coastline, the town offers travellers an authentic glimpse into Spain’s maritime heritage. This small fishing village, framed by dramatic cliffs and the Cantabrian Sea, is defined by its close relationship with the water. The harbour remains a focal point of daily life, where fishing boats return with the morning catch and locals gather in nearby cafés to exchange stories. Above the town, the Faro de San Antonio lighthouse stands sentinel, offering panoramic views and a quiet reminder of Candás’s seafaring past. Cultural highlights include the Museo Antón, dedicated to local sculpture, and the modest yet historic church Iglesia de San Félix. Gastronomy here is rooted in tradition; expect hearty dishes such as fabada asturiana and freshly grilled sardines, often accompanied by crisp Asturian cider poured with practised flair. Candás may not boast grand monuments, but its charm lies in its rhythm: a slower pace, a deep connection to the sea, and a warm, welcoming community that invites visitors to linger.
Gijón, Asturias
Gijón blends coastal charm with cultural depth, offering visitors a lively Asturian experience where maritime tradition, contemporary art, and local gastronomy come together in a distinctly authentic setting.
Continue your exploration of Northern Spain by visiting picturesque Gijón. The largest city in the Asturian region, it is a vibrant coastal hub where industrial heritage meets cultural dynamism. Its seafront promenade stretches along sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, offering sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay and a lively atmosphere throughout the year. The historic Cimavilla district, perched on a headland between beaches, retains the character of a traditional fishing quarter with narrow lanes, colourful façades, and tucked-away cider houses. There’s a spirit here reminiscent of the harbour-side elegance of Normandy’s Honfleur or the laid-back authenticity of Galway, where the local sea heritage is woven into the rhythm of everyday life. Cultural institutions such as the Museo del Ferrocarril and the LABoral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial reflect the city’s dual identity: rooted in history, yet forward-looking. Traditional gastronomy includes fresh seafood, Asturian cheeses, and natural cider served in bustling sidrerías across town. Gijón’s appeal lies in its balance: a place where beachgoers, art enthusiasts, and food lovers can all find something to savour, framed by the energy of a city that remains proudly Asturian.
Ponferrada, Castilla y Léon
Ponferrada, nestled in Spain’s Castilla y León region, is defined by its medieval soul—anchored by the imposing Castle of the Templars—and enriched by historic architecture, dramatic landscapes, and a proud culinary tradition.
After exploring the picturesque Asturian beaches and towns, we recommend a visit to the historic city of Ponferrada, one of the main and most ancient stops of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Set within the verdant area of El Bierzo in north-western Spain’s Castilla y Léon region, two hours from Gijón and Santiago de Compostela, Ponferrada is steeped in medieval heritage and surrounded by striking natural landscapes. Its most iconic landmark, the Castle of the Templars, a vast fortress built in the 12th century to protect pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, dominates the skyline. The historic quarter unfolds around it, with cobbled streets, Renaissance façades, and the Basilica de la Encina offering a glimpse into centuries of layered history. Just beyond the city, the surreal red cliffs of Las Médulas, once the site of Roman gold mines, create a dramatic contrast to the green valleys below. Gastronomy in Ponferrada is robust and deeply rooted in local tradition: botillo, a rich meat dish, is a regional speciality, often served with cachelos (a potato-based dish often served with octopus or pork) and accompanied by roasted peppers bearing the El Bierzo seal of origin. The area’s wines, particularly the bold reds of El Bierzo, enjoy growing international acclaim. With its blend of cultural depth, natural beauty and culinary richness, Ponferrada shares a quiet kinship with cities like Prague, where Gothic spires rise above the Vltava, and Carcassonne, whose turreted ramparts and medieval streets conjure the romance and resilience of a bygone age.
Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago, captivates with its majestic cathedral, historic granite streets and vibrant Galician culture, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
Following the medieval grandeur of Ponferrada, our journey westward leads to Santiago de Compostela, a city where history, faith and cultural richness converge in harmony. Santiago, the spiritual heart of Galicia, has long welcomed pilgrims from across Europe, drawn by the enduring legacy of the Camino de Santiago. At its centre stands the majestic Cathedral of Santiago, believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle, and surrounded by a historic quarter of granite streets, baroque façades and lively squares such as Plaza del Obradoiro. The city’s atmosphere is contemplative yet vibrant, with traditional taverns along Rua do Franco serving Galician specialities like empanadas, octopus and almond cake. Santiago’s layered identity finds echoes in destinations such as Mont-Saint-Michel, where sacred architecture rises from the sea, and Lourdes, whose spiritual significance is matched by its serene setting in the Pyrenees. With its fusion of sacred heritage, culinary tradition and a welcoming spirit, Santiago de Compostela offers travellers a meaningful pause in the rhythm of their journey.
Oleiros, Galicia
Oleiros, the final stop on our Galician journey, offers a tranquil coastal escape crowned by the historic Castelo de Santa Cruz, where the Camino finds its quiet conclusion by the sea.
The final stop on our journey through Northern Spain brings us to Oleiros, Galicia, a coastal enclave just east of A Coruña offering a moment of quiet refinement along the Camino, where the Atlantic meets pine forests and the pace of life softens. Its beaches, like Mera and Bastiagueiro, stretch wide and golden beneath eucalyptus groves, inviting long, unhurried walks and the kind of reflection that only sea air can inspire. The Castelo de Santa Cruz, perched on a tidal islet and reached by a narrow stone bridge, lends the town a touch of maritime romance and historical depth.
Unlike the spiritual crescendo of Santiago de Compostela, Oleiros speaks in subtler tones—its charm lies not in grand monuments but in the rhythm of everyday life. Locals gather in shaded plazas, cafés spill out onto quiet streets, and the scent of salt and pine lingers in the air. Oleiros invites travellers to pause, observe, and reconnect, not with history or pilgrimage, but with the present moment itself. It’s where the Camino becomes less about the destination and more about the quiet beauty found along the way.
Are you eager to explore more Spanish destinations? Check out our dedicated travel guides about the best things to see in Barcelona and Madrid!