Must Visit Cities in Northern Spain You NEED to See
Hi and welcome to our tour of northern Spain. For the next 15 minutes, we’re leaving behind the sundrench cliches of flamco and bull fights to explore a different side of this incredible country. This is Green Spain, a dramatic coastline of lush hills, pristine beaches, and proud ancient cultures. We’ll journey from the elegant prominads of Basque country to the windswept shores of Galia, discovering cities that are rich in history, art, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. If you enjoy this kind of detailed travel guide, please consider liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Our journey begins in the glamorous foodie capital of San Sebastian. From there, we’ll hop over to Bilbao next. We’ll relax in the refined coastal city of Santandere. This video is divided into clear chapters which you can see on the timeline. So, feel free to jump to the cities that interest you most. Our first stop on the Basque coast, San Sebastian Dostia. Elegant seaside and effortlessly charming. Its crescent bay and green hills create one of Europe’s great citys. The koncha curves like the smile, but the soul lives in the parta, the old town. Narrow lanes, sandstone walls, and evening energy spilling into the streets. Here the ritual is the chicato, bar hopping with friends, more talk than drink. The stars are pineos, basque bites on bread, counters overflow, tortilla, enchilles with peppers, tiny masterpieces. Grab a plate for cold pins. Order hot specials from the chalkboard. Pair each stop with a zorito or a crisp chipotle. Then move on. Pins a basque art form. Each bar has a specialty often skewered with a toothpick. Think simple classic. Order save or repeat. Dive in and wander bar to bar. Aurorito keeps the pace. Or go for choli, bright and refreshing bar chipa anchoby heaven. Lakuchara de Santelmo, slowcooked bee cheeks, ganderas, grilled mushrooms, and the classic gilda. Dinner is a stroll, delicious social, uniquely San Sebastian. Leaving San Sebastian’s coast behind, we head 1 hour west to Bil Bao, Bast country’s dynamic hub. Once an industrial powerhouse, shipyards, steel, smoke stacks, in the late 1990s, Bil Bao reinvented itself. The spark build the Guggenheim here. Skeptical then, visionary now. A sculptural landmark of titanium glass. Limestone. Titanium gleams. Glass flows. Limestone anchors the form. Frank Gary shaped waves into walls. Curves evoke ships on the Nervon. It shifts with changing light. Panels mirror sky and river. A living facade beside the Nurvian’s waters. Don’t miss puppy and mammon. Playful monumental companions. The museum’s impact radiates outward. It sparked a riverfront rebirth. Parks, prominads, and cycling paths shine. Cross the Zubizuri by Calatraa. Sleek lines over the water. We pass Deost University and the Iberola Tower. This is the Bilbao effect. Culture catalyzing urban renewal. Bilbao kept its past. Warehouses reborn. The Yuskuna recalls a ship under construction. Hi, I’m Eugene Aronsky and this is our tour of Northern Spain. We’re leaving the dynamic energy of the Basque country behind and heading west into Canabria to its elegant capital, Santandere. This city feels different. It’s a place that exudes a certain regal grace. Grand the whispers of kings and queens taking the sea air. Much of this is owed to King Alonso I 13th who made Santandere his summer court in the early 20th century. That royal seal of approval transform trans and formed this port town into a sophisticated resort and you can still feel that aristocratic polish as you explore its breezy wide open spaces. It’s a city that invites you to slow down to breathe deep and to simply enjoy the magnificent interplay of land and sea. Our first stop is the crown jewel of Santandere, the Magdalina Peninsula. This isn’t just a park. It’s a sprawling public estate that juts dramatically into the Bay of Bisque, offering a perfect microcosm um of the city’s appeal. As you as you wander its winding paths, you’re treated to a constant parade of stunning views, craggy cliffs pounded by Atlantic waves, and the tranquil sheltered bay on the other. It’s a place for locals and travelers alike where families picnic, joggers trace the shoreline, and couples find a quiet bench to watch the fairies glide by. Dominating the peninsula is its namesake, the Palachio de la Magdala Magdalena. This eclectic English inspired palace was a gift from the city to the royal family. Their summer home for nearly two decades. Today it’s owned by the city and hosts conferences and events, but its fairy tale facade remains a powerful symbol symbol um uh of of uh Sant Santandere Santidere’s glamorous past. From the peninsula, your gaze is naturally drawn to the sweeping crescent of sand that defines the city’s coastline, the Playa del Sardiniro. This isn’t one beach, but a series of them linked by a magnificent prominade that is the heart of Santanderea’s social life. In the summer, it’s a vibrant tapestry of colorful umbrellas and sunbathers, but it’s just as beautiful on a blustery offseason day. Taking a long walk here is essential. It’s the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city, to watch the tides, and to understand why this stretch of sand has captivated visitors for generations. Continuing our journey west, we arrive in Oedto, the capital of the Atorias region. Oiero feels ancient and spiritual, deeply rooted in its surrounding mountains. This is the historic heart of Christian Spain, the cradle of the reconquista and the starting point of the cam narivo. That history isn’t just in a museum. It’s etched into the very stones of the old quarter. As you walk its clean, pedestrian friendly streets, you feel a sense of dignity and importance. The spiritual geographical center is a cathedral of San Salvador. This is no ordinary church. It’s a destination in itself. For centuries, a pilgrim sang warned, “Visit San Salvador or not. The cathedral’s incredible relics are kept in the Kamura Santa. Inside, you’ll find treasures like the Sudarium of Oedo. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and climbing the bell tower offers a breathtaking panorama. On the slopes of Mount Narano stand pre- roes Rulandasic churches Santa Maria del Naranco Sanel Dilo built in the 9th century. They’ve survived over a millennium. They represent the last vestigages of the Visig Gothic tradition and the birth of a unique Atorian artistic style. Visiting these churches feels like time travel. Santa Maria del Naranco, originally a royal hall, has simple, elegant beauty with barrel vaults and carved capitals. A short walk away, San Miguel Dilo, though partially ruined retains delicate lattis work windows and intimate piety. Standing here with the modern city below and ancient mountains above, you connect with the origins of the Asterian kingdom. After soaking in history, it see a source as a a time for Odo’s earthly delight, cider or as they say here, cidra. Aurian cedra is tart, dry, and completely natural. But the drink is only half the story. The other half is the ritual. The most fascinating part is the pour. A skilled escador holds the bottle high and lets a thin stream fall into a low glass. Eerration releases aromomas and a brief effervescent fizz. You drink the small pour in one or two gulps while it’s fresh. It’s fun, messy, and wonderfully communal. A short hop from Oedto brings us to Gihon. Aurius’s maritime soul. Oedo is the aristocratic heart. Guhon, the hardworking maritime soul. Aurious’s largest city, an industrial port reborn as a vibrant modern hub. It lacks Oedo’s grand monuments, but delivers lived in energy and one of Spain’s great seaside prominads. Life here faces the sea, its rhythm set by tides and salt air. Center stage, Playa de San Lorenzo, a mile of golden crescent beach hugging the city. Elm Muro, the seaw wall and prominad is Guihon’s social artery. All day it fills with walkers, runners, cyclists, and families. The beach transforms with the tide. Low tide, football ready sands. High tide, waves slam the wall. Follow El Muro into Chimavilla, the old fisherman’s quarter. Birthplace of the city, a maze of narrow lanes. Climb Cro de Santa Catalina to Chilida’s Eloho del Horizont. An abstract frame of sea and skyhorn’s modern symbol. Back in town, Marcado delsur buzzes. Iron and glass halls brimming with Atorian produce. Beyond the beach, the Santa Cera traces cliffs, coes, and green meadows. The Cantabrian Sea ever beside you. Hi, I am Eugene Aronsski and welcome to chapter 7 of our tour of Northern Spain. We’re heading to the far northwestern tip of Galatia to a city defined by its powerful bond with the Atlantic, Aarunia. This is a place where history isn’t just in a museum. It breathes with a salty air. You feel it as you stand before the city’s most iconic sentinel, the Tower of Hercules. This isn’t just some old lighthouse. It’s the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world that has guided sailor uh sailors for for nearly uh 240 years. Uh no, sorry, nearly uh you know, 2,000 years. Its stoic uh granite form rises from a rugged headland. A powerful symbol of endurance against the relentless ocean. A beacon that has witnessed empires rise and fall while faithfully keeping its watch. Climbing to the top of the Tower of Hercules is an essential Auroruna experience. As you ascend the nearly 240 steps, you’re literally walking through layers of history. The view from the summit is nothing short of breathtaking. From the ancient stone of the lighthouse, we turn to the dazzling glass of the city’s waterfront. A karunia is affectionately known as the Shudad Cristal or city of Cristal. Once you see the Avenida de la Marina, you’ll understand why. This stunning prominade is lined with elegant 19th century buildings, each adorned with magnificent glass enclosed balconies called galleras, designed to protect from wind and rain while trapping the warmth of the sun. The effect is a magnificent shimmering facade that reflects the changing light of the sky and the harbor. As you walk along the harbor, you can admire how these glass galleries create an almost seamless wall of light. Take a moment to sit at a harborside cafe and soak in the atmosphere. Beyond its historic landmarks, Auroruna embraces the future with a spirit of curiosity and fun. The Domus, the house of man, is a modern counterpoint to the ancient tower of Hercules. Our journey through Spain’s verdant north brings us to Galacia’s second city, Aarunia, standing proudly on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. A city shaped by the sea. Lamarina, the stunning seafront, the galleria’s glass enclosed balconies, the dazzling facade. Sead Beldakuizio diver. The Tower of Hercules, a Karunia’s iconic landmark. The sprawling sculpture park with Celtic and Roman inspirations. Domus Isuzaki striking sailike facade facing the ocean with hands-on exhibits on genetics, senses, emotions, and abilities. Seafood lovers paradise. Marisaras and fresh Atlantic catch. Perce Zambborinas, simple preparations letting the sea shine through with a glass of local alvarino. Oldtown narrow streets behind Plaza de Maria pa evening tapas like pulpo afera pimeentos de padron and empanada gala. A social ritual of sharing plates. A karuna leaves a lasting impression. Glass fronted elegance and chinten and ancient and ancient Roman sentinel. The bounty of fresh seafood and the wonder of the human body explored at Domus. A refreshing, invigorating stop on our tour of Spain’s magnificent north. Leaving the coast behind, we travel inland to the proud capital of the Nevada region, Klona. Known all over the world as the home of the exhilarating and dangerous running of the bulls. There is so much more to this city than just one week of festival in July. Pamplona orunia as it’s known in the Basque language is a city of sturdy fortifications, elegant plaza, and a rich history that predates the Romans. It’s a university town with a youthful energy, but also a city that deeply values its traditions and its unique Navarese identity. Tamplona is encircled by one of the best preserved and most extensive sets of Renaissance era military walls in all of Europe. Spanning over 3 mi, you can walk along the top of these walls for long stretches. At the very heart is the magnificent Plaza del Castillo, the city’s living room, lined with cafes, shops, and handsome 18th century buildings. This is the spot where Ernest Hemingway would sit for hours at the cafe, later immortalizing the city in The Sun Also Rises. While the running of the bull is the most famous event, it’s just one part of a 9-day religious festival. The city’s patron saint. If you if you visit, prioritize safety. Watching from a secure balcony is the wisest way to witness this unique albeit controversial spec spectum. Beyond the festival, Pampona’s old quarter is a delighted floor and the Gothic cathedral with it serene cor. The city is a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Dive into Navar’s pinkos featuring local produce like asparagus, artichokes and potato peppers. One of the great joys is Pamplona’s proximity to diverse landscapes. Lush Pyrenees to the north, semi- desert bard real to the south. Pamplona serves as a perfect gateway to the freedom of diversity. It invites you to look past the headlines and discover its fortified walls, gracious plazas, delicious cuisine, and the breathtaking nature just beyond its limits. A robust and rewarding finale to our tour of Spain’s northern cities. From the footy paradise of San Sebastian and the artistic energy of Bil Bao to the seaside elegance of Santandere and Akarunia. From the pre- romanesque treasures of Oiego and the asterian spirit of Djon to the pilgrim-filled streets of Santiago de Compostella and the fortified heart of Pamplona. Our journey through northern Spain has been a feast for the senses. I hope this tour has inspired you to explore this incredible corner of Europe. Thank you for joining me on this tour of Northern Spain’s best cities. If you enjoyed our journey, please give this video a like and subscribe to the channel for more travel adventures. And don’t forget to click the notification bell so you won’t miss our next trip. Captions are available and chapters make it easy to revisit any city. It’s been a pleasure sharing these wonderful places with you. Until our next adventure, this is Eugene Aronsky reminding you to keep on traveling.
Explore Northern Spain’s most captivating cities — from coastal havens to mountain sanctuaries — in this ultimate travel guide!
We’ll uncover the top cities in Northern Spain you must visit, including Bilbao, San Sebastián, Santander, Oviedo, Gijón, A Coruña, Pamplona, and more.
Perfect for travelers seeking culture, beaches, food, history, and hidden gems beyond Madrid and Barcelona.
✨ What You’ll Discover:
Stunning seaside towns & coastal walks 🌊
World-class cuisine & Basque pintxos 🍢
Architectural marvels like Bilbao’s Guggenheim 🎨
Pilgrimage routes & historical treasures in Santiago de Compostela ⛪
Local traditions, day trips & insider tips for your itinerary
If you love authentic Spain, this video will inspire your next Northern Spain road trip.
#Spain #VisitSpain #TopCitiesinSpain
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🕓 Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Spain’s Verdant North
00:00:49 – San Sebastián — Old Town Pintxos & Coastal Charm
00:01:57 – Bilbao — Guggenheim and the River Reborn
00:02:58 – Santander — Royal Shores & Maritime Coves
00:05:33 – Oviedo — Sacred Stones and Sidra Rituals
00:08:05 – Gijón — Seaside Promenades and Cimavilla Charm
00:09:15 – A Coruña — Tower of Hercules & City of Crystal
00:11:26 – A Coruña — Glass Facades, Science, and Seafood
00:12:50 – Pamplona — Fortified Streets and Festival Legacy
00:15:20 – Until Next Time