Spain is an infinitely diverse country, its northern territories are not at all like the southern and central parts. Here, each city has its own face and character. And the nature of the north of Spain is significantly different from the nature and climate of the rest of the country. The history of these places is rooted in ancient times, and it left a huge mark on the culture and appearance of this part of the country. We will tell you about what interesting places in the north of Spain are worth visiting and why.
Geography
Spain is one of the largest countries. It occupies 85% of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. Due to such a large space, different parts of the state differ greatly in relief and climatic conditions. The north of Spain is predominantly occupied by the mountain ranges and high plateaus of the Meseta and Cantabrian mountains, and only areas along the coast are characterized by a flat landscape descending towards the water.
The extreme northern point of the country is Cape Estaca de Bares. The north coast is indented with numerous bays and bays with rocky shores and caves. Due to the beneficial influence, the northern parts of the country are called “Green Spain”, because there are many forests with rich vegetation.
9 provinces divide the northern coast: Galicia, Asturias, Castile and Leon, Cantabria, Basque Country, Rioja, Navarra, Aragon and Catalonia. Since Aragon and Catalonia lie in the northeast and have vast areas covering other parts of the country, they are usually not classified as northern territories.
Climate
Spain immediately covers three climatic zones. Each of them has significant differences from other territories. The climate of northern Spain is oceanic with a lot of rainfall. Summer in these parts is not very hot, and winters are mild, very humid. Here everything is in moderation, and heat, and cold. In this way, the north is very different from other regions of Spain, where temperature contrasts are strong.
History
On the northern coast of Spain, people lived a million years ago. Archaeologists have found traces of people staying in these parts at the beginning of the Stone Age. These lands have always been attractive for life, so there has been no peace in these territories for a long time. The history of the northern regions of Spain is the history of wars, conquests, alliances, and reconciliation. For example, the historical region in northern Spain, Asturias was conquered by the Roman Empire, and then for a long time struggled with varying success for independence, but, unlike many Spanish provinces, it was never ruled by the Moors.
Each province had its own kings, princes, and therefore today they are so different from each other. Thus, the Basque Country, for example, in its traditions, history, language, is significantly different from Asturias and Cantabria.
Features of rest
Spain confidently ranks second in popularity for holidays among foreign tourists. They are attracted here not only by 300 sunny days a year, but also by their rich history, vibrant gastronomic national traditions, and beautiful nature. The northern part of the country is not a leader in tourist traffic and this is explained by the fact that the beach season is shorter than in the southern regions, and the weather is cooler. However, this is the main charm of the north, here you can still find solitude, admire the unspoiled nature. Although the prices for holidays in the northern regions are often higher than in the untwisted resorts of the Mediterranean. But it is not in vain, for example, San Sebastian has long been considered a place of aristocratic relaxation.
Tourists travel north not only to spend time on the beach, but also to explore local attractions, and there are a lot of them. The question of what to see in the north of Spain is not worth it, here each city and region is a separate series of fascinating discoveries. Rather, the question is how to manage to inspect, if not everything, it is almost impossible, then at least a lot? The northern provinces are a harmonious combination of sightseeing, beach and educational recreation. Many national holidays are held here, the local cuisine of each province deserves a whole study, and the beauty of nature can be enjoyed forever.
Beach vacation
Well-known resorts in northern Spain are located along the coastline of the Bay of Biscay. The infrastructure here is magnificent, usually higher class than on the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada, well-known to Russians. The beaches are mostly sandy, despite the fact that rocks are close to the coast. One of the reasons why there is no huge stream of “beach people” to the north is that the waters of the Bay of Biscay are insidious and sometimes there can be strong currents and waves, which will frighten even experienced swimmers. The water here also warms less than the Mediterranean Sea, and the descent is often quite sharp. All this leads to the fact that on these shores there are fewer families with small children. These places are for aesthetes, for those who want to not only wallow on the beach, but also immerse themselves in national, very distinctive cultures, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and learn the basics of unique gastronomic traditions.
sights
All European countries are rich in interesting places and numerous historical and architectural monuments, and the north of Spain is no exception. The sights of the region reflect the interesting history of these places. Tourists are attracted to the northern provinces by objects of two groups: these are beautiful natural parks and famous monuments of history and art. Northern cities are real collections of attractions. For example, Bilbao, Oviedo or Santiago de Compostela - these are real tourist Mecca with many interesting objects.
Nature
The north of Spain differs from the rest of the country in the most diverse nature.If central and southern Spain, the natural environment is hot land with sparse vegetation, and nature is mainly represented by gardens and parks, then in the north the world of flora and fauna is very rich. There are several national reserves with unique nature, which is interesting to study and you can simply admire it. For example, the high-mountain park Picos de Europa allows you to see the pristine appearance of a high-mountain landscape with forests, rivers and mountain peaks. Landscapes of the north are more picturesque and diverse than other provinces. Therefore, summer hiking is developed here, and rural tourism is also very popular.
Galicia
The capital of the region, Santiago de Compostela, is called the Third Rome due to the fact that there is the famous pilgrimage center of Christians, since the relics of St. James are stored here. The city itself is very beautiful and interesting, in addition to the amazing Cathedral, there is a shelter for pilgrims of the 16th century, an ancient university and many buildings of the 16-18th centuries.
Vigo is the largest Galician city in the north of Spain. It is interesting in that part of it is located on islands that can only be reached by ferry, there are beaches included in the top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. La Coruña is another interesting city in Galicia. One of the main attractions is the lighthouse, built more than two thousand years ago. Here you also need to see the longest glazed facades of houses. But the main attraction of the region is its cuisine. Local dishes of caldo, empanade, tapas with fish and seafood attract gourmets from all over the world. There are several original varieties of cheese and their own wines. And, of course, the region is famous for its magnificent nature, in some parts completely untouched.
Asturias
The pristine and pristine north of Spain is best viewed in this region. There are very few tourists, and you can find completely deserted shores. The water here, of course, is cool, and you can swim only in the midst of summer. But in the region is the oldest and very interesting natural park Peaks of Europe with a beautiful forest, mountain rivers and lakes. The most interesting city in the province is Oviedo. Here you need to pay attention to the cathedral of St. Salvador of the 16th century and two more ancient churches. Asturias have their own shrines to which pilgrims stretch. This is the altar of the Virgin of Kavadonga, located in a cave of sheer cliff. The region of Asturias has the opportunity for long hikes along mountain trails.
Castile and Leon
This large administrative unit can only partially be attributed to the north. Usually it refers to only three provinces: Leon, Burgas and Palencia. They have no access to the sea and are located in mountainous terrain. But in these provinces there are very interesting ancient cities. Leon, a vibrant city in northern Spain, has been known since ancient Rome. The historical center of the city has not changed much since the Middle Ages. Here for tourists will be interesting: St. Mary's Cathedral, Major Square complex, a huge monastery of Saint-Marcos.
And there is also a house of Gaudi’s work - the Botines house, in which elements of modern architecture are combined with medieval motifs. The city of Burgos is already remarkable for its Cathedral, a model of Spanish Gothic, it is so valuable that it is included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO. In addition, in Burgos there are several old churches and a magnificent medieval monastery. The brutal fortress of Burgos is worthy of special attention.
Cantabria
The most popular beaches of the north are in this province. Cantabria is part of the so-called Green Spain, there are 5 nature reserves, part of the Peaks of Europe National Park and the unique plantations of Monte Cabeson sequoia. The rich nature and favorable climate made this region very attractive for life, so Cantabria saw many wars and different cultures. The capital of the Santander region embodies all the best that is in the north of Spain. Whatever vacation a tourist would prefer, he will find all this in this city. Beautiful and comfortable beaches, many historical sights, palaces. It is not surprising that every summer the royal family of Spain comes to rest here.
Rioja
A small region of northern Spain is famous worldwide for its wines. There are more than 500 wineries. Tourists travel to Rioja to visit wine plantations, go to tastings, master classes and learn to understand this huge wine variety.
Basque Country
The most enthusiastic reviews of northern Spain are related to visits to the Basque Country. This province is not similar to any of the Spanish regions. It miraculously combines developed industrial cities and untouched nature. This region is ideal for hiking, for this there are several national parks. At the same time, sandy coastal areas are an ideal place for a beach holiday.
The Basque Country is also interesting for its cultural attractions. The city of Bilbao combines a medieval center and buildings of modern architecture. Tourists flock here to visit the magnificent Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art with a rich collection. It receives over 1.5 million visitors annually. Another famous city of these parts is San Sebastian, the resort most in demand among the aristocracy. It hosts several famous festivals and celebrations, which attract celebrities from around the world.
Navarre
Another northern province that has retained its unique appearance and beautiful nature. Tourists seek here to see the heritage of the kingdom of Navarra, from which magnificent castles and medieval cities have been preserved here. For nature lovers, the province will be interested in southern Ribera with a relatively flat landscape and a zone of northern mountains with magnificent views and opportunities for climbing. The largest and most beautiful city in the province is Pamplona. In it, the attention of tourists is attracted by the Old Town complex and the 14th-century cathedral.