The Basque Country & Northern Spain Holidays

Thanks to its lush landscapes, the region of Spain bordering the Bay of Biscay is known as ‘Green Spain’ and incorporates – from east to west – the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Hemmed in between the sea and mountains, these autonomous regions’ fascinating traditions and cultures have flourished, and while they might not fit the sun-bleached Iberian archetype, but they are every bit as special as Spain’s south and islands. San Sebastian and Bilbao are the two main cities of Euskadi (as the region is known in the Basque language) and essential destinations on your Basque Country and Northern Spain holidays. Bilbao, the urban heart of Basque Country, is a cosmopolitan centre of art, dining and architecture, and home to the shimmering Guggenheim Museum – a mecca for modern art lovers – while the alluring San Sebastian is the culinary capital of Spain, a seaside city with an overflowing cultural calendar. We'd also recommend exploring the Basque hinterland, and as with any good food/wine pairing, visiting the Rioja winemaking region, home to Spain's finest wines. Heading west on your Basque Country and Northern Spain holidays, Cantabria is home to remarkable prehistoric cave art and the civilised city of Santander; Asturias hosts the majority of the mighty Picos de Europa mountain range and beaches galore, and Galicia is arguably the jewel in the crown of Green Spain. Here you’ll find a stunning coastline dotted with fjords, outstanding seafood and the glorious pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, the culmination of the famous Camino walking route. Read more