10 Places in Northern Spain So Beautiful, You’ll Wonder Why No One Talks About Them

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When most people plan a trip to Spain, they go straight for the south—Seville, Granada, the beaches of the Costa del Sol. And I get it! I love those places too. But if you’re thinking about where to visit in northern Spain? You’ll discover a whole different kind of magic.

Northern Spain feels like a hidden side of the country. 

It’s greener, cooler (literally and vibe-wise), and way less touristy. One day you’re sipping cider in a colourful fishing village, the next you’re hiking through the mountains or wandering around a city full of pintxos bars and cutting-edge architecture.

I’m spending the summer exploring the north of Spain and I’ve totally fallen for it. Whether you’re into food, nature, culture or just something a little off the beaten path, this part of Spain delivers.

So if you’re wondering where to go in northern Spain for your first (or next!) trip, here are 10 places I think you’ll love—some well-known, some off the beaten path, but all absolutely worth it.

Quick Answer: Where to Visit in Northern Spain

No time to read the whole article? Here are my picks for 10 incredible places to visit in northern Spain—each one packed with culture, character, and just the right amount of wow.

1. San Sebastián (Basque Country) – Pintxos, surf, and golden beaches in one of Spain’s most elegant cities.
2. Oviedo (Asturias) – Sidra culture, pre-Romanesque treasures, and serious old-world charm.
3. Picos de Europa (Asturias/Cantabria) – Towering peaks, alpine villages, and Spain’s most underrated national park.
4. Cudillero (Asturias) – A technicolour fishing village that feels like a real-life postcard.
5. Bilbao (Basque Country) – Industrial edge meets arty cool in this reinvented riverside city.
6. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) – The emotional heart of the Camino and a beautiful city in its own right.
7. Getaria (Basque Country) – Tiny, authentic, and heaven for seafood and wine lovers.
8. Rbeira Sacra (Galicia) – Gorge views, ancient monasteries, and wine in wild, magical surroundings.
9. Pamplona (Navarre) – More than just the bulls—think leafy parks, great food, and lively streets.
10. Playa de las Catedrales (Galicia) – A dramatic natural beachscape that looks like something from another planet.

Read on to discover the magic and beauty of each of these places in the north of Spain!

1. San Sebastián (Basque Country)

Pintxos, surf, and golden beaches in one of Spain’s most elegant cities

San Sebastián is one of those places that really lives up to the hype—and then some. 

It’s stylish without being snobby, lively without being chaotic, and just ridiculously good-looking. Think Belle Époque buildings, sweeping beaches, and a food scene that punches far above its weight.

When I visited, I was honestly surprised by how quickly I fell for it. I’d expected the food to be good (it was), but I didn’t expect to love the laid-back rhythm of the city just as much. Mornings at the market, lazy beach walks in the afternoon, then hopping from pintxos bar to pintxos bar at night—every day felt effortlessly perfect.

And yes, the food really is that good. 

Even if you skip the Michelin stars, you’ll eat like royalty. One of the best ways to experience it all? Join a pintxos tour with a local guide. It’s a fun (and filling) way to get your bearings and taste the best without the guesswork.

Whether you’re into food, beaches, or just the finer things done casually well, San Sebastián is one of the easiest cities to fall in love with in northern Spain.

2. Oviedo (Asturias)

Sidra culture, pre-Romanesque treasures, and serious old-world charm

If San Sebastián is polished coastal cool, Oviedo is all about quiet elegance. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout for your attention but quietly wins you over.

I didn’t know much about Oviedo before visiting, and maybe that’s why I loved it so much. The charming streets, graceful plazas, and sidra culture give it a distinctly old-school vibe in the best way. 

And then there’s the sidra. Cider isn’t just a drink here; it’s a ritual. Watching locals pour it from a dramatic height (to aerate it, of course) never gets old.

While I was there, I also learned just how historic the city really is. 

It was the first capital of Christian Spain during the early Middle Ages, and you can still see that legacy in its stunning pre-Romanesque churches especially the ones up on Monte Naranco. It’s well worth joining a walking tour of the city if you want the full story especially if you’re like me and love the why behind the history of Oviedo.

I used Oviedo as my base for exploring Asturias, and I’d absolutely recommend it. It’s beautiful, walkable, and perfectly placed between the coast and the mountains.

3. Picos de Europa (Asturias/Cantabria)

Towering peaks, alpine villages, and Spain’s most underrated national park

The first time I laid eyes on the Picos de Europa, I genuinely couldn’t believe I was still in Spain. 

Jagged limestone cliffs, deep green valleys, wildflowers everywhere—it looked more like Austria than Asturias.

This national park is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Spain, but it’s still surprisingly under the radar for international travellers. Whether you’re hiking, driving scenic mountain roads, riding the cable car at Fuente Dé, or just hopping between sleepy alpine villages, the views are jaw-dropping at every turn.

Cangas de Onís is a great little town that puts you within easy reach of both the mountains and lakes like the famous Lagos de Covadonga. If you don’t have a car (or just want someone else to do the navigating), there’s an excellent day tour from Oviedo that covers the highlights.

Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, the Picos will leave you speechless. It’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

4. Cudillero (Asturias)

A technicolour fishing village that feels like a real-life postcard

You know those places that make your jaw drop the second you arrive? That was Cudillero for me.

Tucked into a steep coastal inlet, this tiny fishing village is famous for its colourful houses stacked up the hillside like a pastel mosaic. From above, it’s stunning. But walking down into the heart of it—past drying fishing nets, tiny seafood restaurants, and flower-filled balconies—is what really sold me.

I wandered through its maze of narrow alleyways, stopped for lunch at a terrace overlooking the harbour, and just soaked in the atmosphere. It’s compact, low-key, and somehow still feels like a bit of a secret.

If you’re into photography, coastal views, or just a perfectly lazy afternoon, Cudillero is an easy yes. You can explore it on your own, but a local walking tour is a great option to discover the best viewpoints and a bit of the town’s maritime history—great if you want a deeper dive.

5. Bilbao (Basque Country)

Industrial edge meets arty cool in this reinvented riverside city

I’ll be honest, Bilbao wasn’t always high on my Spain bucket list. I’d heard it was gritty, grey, kind of serious. 

But after visiting? I totally get the hype.

This is a city that’s reinvented itself in the most impressive way. Once a no-frills industrial hub, Bilbao is now a smart, stylish place where cutting-edge architecture, urban green spaces, and a buzzing food scene all come together. 

And yes, the Guggenheim Museum is as striking in real life as it looks in photos.

What I loved most, though, was how it still feels real. There’s a lived-in quality to Bilbao that makes it more than just a pretty face. I strolled along the Nervión River, checked out cool street art tucked into side alleys, and found some of the best pintxos of my entire trip in tiny bars full of locals.

If you’re into design, culture, or just want to understand how a city can totally transform itself without losing its soul, this one’s for you. The Guggenheim is a must, and you can also take a walking tour to get real insight into Bilbao’s history and evolution.

6. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)

The emotional heart of the Camino and a beautiful city in its own right

Even if you haven’t walked the Camino de Santiago, stepping into Santiago’s old town feels like arriving somewhere meaningful. You can sense it in the faces of the pilgrims, in the sound of footsteps on centuries-old stones, and in the stillness of the cathedral square.

This city is the final stop on one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes, but it’s so much more than just a finish line. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with grand granite buildings, arcaded streets, and one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain.

Whether you’re here for spiritual reasons or just to soak up the atmosphere, Santiago leaves an impression. You can join a tour of the cathedral to hear the stories behind the Camino, the city’s medieval past, and the stunning cathedral that anchors it all.

Come for the history but stay for the vibe. It’s reflective, welcoming, and quietly powerful in a way that catches you off guard.

7. Getaria (Basque Country)

Tiny, authentic, and heaven for seafood and wine lovers

Blink and you might miss it: Getaria is one of those little places that punches way above its weight. Just a short drive from San Sebastián, this charming coastal village is all about good food, good wine, and a laid-back Basque vibe.

Grilled fish is the star of the show here—cooked on open-air charcoal grills right on the street. Add a glass (or two) of txakoli, the crisp white wine made in the hills behind the town, and you’ve basically found foodie paradise.

While it’s small, there’s more to Getaria than just what’s on the plate. The old town is adorable, there’s a lovely beach, and it also happens to be the birthplace of fashion legend Balenciaga. There’s even a museum dedicated to his work!

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and eat insanely well while staring at the sea, this is your spot. Check out this day tour from San Sebastián that includes Getaria and nearby coastal gems if you want someone else to handle the logistics (and the wine).

8. Ribeira Sacra (Galicia)

Gorge views, ancient monasteries, and wine in wild, magical surroundings

If there’s one place on this list of the best places to visit in northern Spain that feels like a true hidden gem, it’s Ribeira Sacra. 

Tucked away in inland Galicia, this is where steep river canyons slice through green hills, vineyards cling impossibly to the cliffs, and medieval monasteries are hidden deep in the forest. It’s dramatic, peaceful, and just a little bit mysterious.

This region is also home to one of Spain’s most unique wine traditions, heroic viticulture, where grapes are grown on impossibly steep terraces that have to be harvested by hand. The local red, made mostly from Mencía grapes, is seriously underrated.

It’s not the easiest place to get to, which is probably why it still feels so untouched. But if you’re up for an adventure, there are river cruises, wine tastings, and you can also take a guided tour from Santiago that takes you deep into this gorgeous, lesser-known corner of Galicia.

Ribeira Sacra is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret and you’ll probably want to keep it that way.

9. Pamplona (Navarre)

More than just the bulls—think leafy parks, lively bars, and old-school charm

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Pamplona beyond the famous bull run. 

But once I arrived, I realised how much more there is to this city and how easy it is to enjoy without ever setting foot near a charging animal.

Pamplona’s old town is compact and charming, with a walkable historic core, leafy plazas, and plenty of pintxos bars where you can hop from bite to bite. There’s a laid-back, lived-in feel to the city that’s really refreshing. It’s less polished than San Sebastián, but just as full of character.

One of my favourite things? Walking the city’s medieval walls and green parks, especially around the Citadel. It’s a great way to take in Pamplona’s layers of history while still enjoying that northern Spain pace of life.

Pamplona might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s absolutely worth a stop even beyond its famous festival. 

10. Playa de las Catedrales (Galicia)

A dramatic natural beachscape that looks like something from another planet

Playa de las Catedrales isn’t your average beach day.

 Located along the Galician coast near Ribadeo, this stretch of coastline is famous for its towering rock arches, sea caves, and cliffs carved by wind and waves over thousands of years.

The catch? You can only really experience it at low tide—when the sea pulls back just enough to let you walk along the sand and through the cathedral-like arches that give the beach its name. It feels a bit surreal, like wandering through a secret stone kingdom that disappears twice a day.

This one takes a bit of planning. You’ll need to check tide times and book a free visitor permit in advance during summer months but it’s 100% worth the effort. 

If you’re staying nearby or road tripping along the coast, don’t miss it. There’s also a guided day tour from Lugo that helps time the tides and explain the geology if you want the full experience.

For nature lovers and photographers, it’s a dream. For everyone else, it’s just plain unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Best Places to Go in Northern Spain

Northern Spain isn’t the Spain most people picture… and that’s exactly why it’s so special.

Whether you’re craving wild mountain views, colourful coastal towns, or cities with soul and seriously good food, this part of the country has something that stays with you. Slower, greener, and full of surprises, it’s the kind of place that sneaks into your heart when you’re not looking.

So if you’ve been wondering where to visit in northern Spain, I hope this list has given you a few places to start or at least sparked a little wanderlust.

Happy travels!