Northern Spain: The ,,Best of the World"

One of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square meter  in the world.
Authenticity: Private Basque cooking clubs are at the heart of San Sebastián’s social life. Members gather to cook, eat, and preserve ancient recipes. Access is typically by invitation only.
Must-See / Must-Do:
- Pintxos Hopping (Parte Vieja): Explore the Old Town’s dense network of bars, tasting gourmet pintxos paired with local Txakoli wine or cider.
- La Concha Beach: One of Europe’s top urban beaches.
- Monte Urgull: Climb for panoramic city and bay views.

Pro Tip: Visit October 5–7, 2026, for San Sebastián Gastronomika, celebrating 50 years of New Basque Cuisine.

Home to the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO site, and the birthplace of the “Guggenheim Effect,” turning the city into an world- class artistic hub.

Authenticity: Bilbao’s heart is the Casco Viejo (Seven Streets), where Euskera, the oldest living European language is still spoken.
Must-See / Must-Do
Museum Hop: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and its iconic sculptures.
Explore Casco Viejo: Santiago Cathedral, La Ribera Market, and hidden gems along the seven streets.
Best Views: Ride the Artxanda Funicular for valley panoramas.
Walk the Estuary: Stroll the Paseo de la Memoria to see Bilbao’s industrial past meet modern art and architecture.

Home to the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working Roman lighthouse (late 1st century AD), guiding sailors for nearly 2,000 years.
Authenticity: Known as the “City of Glass” for its glittering galerías - glass-enclosed balconies designed to shield residents from Atlantic rain while maximizing sunlight.
Must-See / Must-Do:
Climb the Tower: 234 steps lead to 360° views of the Atlantic and the city’s rugged peninsula.
Plaza de María Pita: Central square honoring the local heroine who defended the city against the 1589 English invasion.
Stroll the Paseo Marítimo: One of Europe’s longest seafront promenades, 13 km.
Sunset at Monte de San Pedro: Take the glass elevator up this former fort for panoramic views, historic cannons, and a charming hedge maze.

Home to Universidad Laboral, Spain’s largest building (270,000 m²), originally built for miner orphans.
Authenticity: The heart of Gijón is Cimadevilla, the old fishermen’s quarter and Spain’s cider headquarters, where sidrerías fill the streets with the sound of cider hitting glasses and locals gather around the “Cider Tree” monument of 3,200 bottles.
Must-See / Must-Do:
Elogio del Horizonte: Climb Santa Catalina Hill to stand inside Eduardo Chillida’s concrete sculpture, crafted to “hear” the ocean.
Roman Baths of Campo Valdés: Explore the 1st-century underground thermal baths.
San Lorenzo Beach: Walk the 3 km curved promenade, a daily ritual for locals.
Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: Tour the massive complex to admire its grand courtyard and theater.

Capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, the only Spanish region never conquered by the Moors; the heir to the throne holds the title Prince/Princess of Asturias.
Authenticity: Home to an unparalleled collection of 9th-century Pre-Romanesque churches, like Santa María del Naranco, whose design echoes Viking and Celtic temples rather than Gothic Spain.
Must-See / Must-Do:
Calle Gascona: The “Cider Boulevard,” lined with sidrerías.
Catedral de San Salvador: Visit the Holy Chamber, UNESCO-listed and home to the Sudarium of Oviedo.
Statue Spotting: Discover 100+ public statues, from Woody Allen to Mafalda, scattered across the city.
Monte Naranco: Hike or drive up to see Pre-Romanesque architecture with stunning views.

Official summer capital of Spanish royalty; 
Authenticity: After the Great Fire of 1941 destroyed most of the medieval center, Santander’s charm now lies in 20th-century boulevards, modernist architecture, and the manicured beaches of El Sardinero.
Must-See / Must-Do:
Palacio de la Magdalena: Royal palace, the peninsula with a mini-zoo.
Centro Botín: Experience Renzo Piano’s futuristic art center “hovering” over the bay.
Sardinero Beaches: Stroll the promenade connecting the two main beaches, pausing at the historic Grand Casino.
Bay Boat Trip: Take the Pedreñera ferry to Somo for panoramic views of the city skyline.

Ribadeo is the official gateway to Playa de las Catedrales, one of Europe’s most spectacular natural beaches. Its colossal stone arches - some over 30 meters high- were sculpted entirely by wind and Atlantic waves, forming a natural Gothic cathedral of rock.
Authenticity: The town’s character is shaped by its Indiano heritage. Returning emigrants from the Americas built lavish mansions as symbols of success, the most iconic being the Torre de los Moreno (1915), a striking modernist palace of concrete and glass that still dominates the main square.
Must-See / Must-Do:
Playa de las Catedrales: Reserve the mandatory free entry permit in advance during peak seasons (Easter & summer) and plan your visit at low tide for full access beneath the arches.
Barrio de San Roque: Stroll through the neighborhood with the highest concentration of colorful Indiano houses and palm-filled gardens.
Illa Pancha Lighthouse: Walk the coastal path to this photogenic lighthouse guarding the mouth of the Eo Estuary.
Ascensor Panorámico: Take the panoramic elevator from Porcillán Port to the upper town for sweeping views over the Eo Estuary, the natural border between Galicia and Asturias.