A 5-Day Route Through Spain’s North for Food, Coast, and Cooler Weather

Northern Spain's five-day route follows the northern edge from the Basque Country to Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. The journey moves through riverfront Bilbao, San Sebastián's shell-shaped bay, medieval Santillana del Mar, cider country in Asturias, and the rain-dark stone of Santiago de Compostela. A car is helpful after the Basque section, especially for Cantabria and Asturias, where scenic pauses often sit between larger cities. Trains and buses can also cover the route with planning, allowing for stops at beaches, villages, cider houses, and markets.