If you’re looking for idea for a trip that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a sense of peace, the North of Spain should be at the top of your list. While many flock to the sun-soaked beaches of the south, the northern regions offer a different kind of beauty—one that’s greener, more rugged, and filled with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys wandering off the beaten path, Northern Spain is for you.
Before we begin, its important to note that this trip was done by car. From what I heard the public transportation outside of big cities in Spain is not ideal if you wan’t to get to these beautiful places. So keep this in mind if you want to go on such trip as this.
Travel route
We travelled to north of spain from Madrid since thats where I landed, the interesting thing was as we were moving away from Madrid the whole area was getting greener and greener. The places were really beautiful and amazing. We travelled by car and the whole trip was amazing, read further below about the places itself.
🏁 Madrid airport —> Burgos 📍 —> Liérganes 📍 —> Santander 📍 —> Playa de San Juan de la Canal 📍 —> Cabo Cabezón de San Pedro —> Laberinto de Villapresente 📍 —> Comillas 📍 —> Rio Bayones 📍 —> Castro Urdiales 📍 —> Bilbao Airport 🏁
Burgos
Our journey to Burgos began with a scenic drive from Madrid, arriving in the early afternoon. We found a budget-friendly motel, where a comfortable room cost just 38 euros for the night. The next morning, we enjoyed a delightful breakfast at a nearby café. Savoring croissants, coffee, chocolate milk, and another delicious pastry, all for just 6 euros—a true bargain.
One of the highlights of our visit was the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1221, and it took over three centuries to complete. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture. Including its intricate façade and towering spires, which are a testament to the skill and artistry of the medieval craftsmen who built it.
The lack of foreign tourists in Burgos adds to its charm, making it an authentic and peaceful destination. Perfect for those looking to experience the true essence of northern Spain without the crowds.
Liérganes
After leaving Burgos, we headed to the picturesque town of Liérganes, nestled in the lush hills of Cantabria. One of the town’s most charming features is its historic stone bridge. Which arches gracefully over a small, serene river. This bridge, dating back to the 16th century, is a symbol of the town and offers a perfect spot to admire the surrounding greenery and the gentle flow of the water below.
Liérganes is a place rich in history and local legends, one of the most famous being the story of the Fishman of Liérganes. According to the legend, a young man from the town disappeared while swimming in the river. Years later, he was found living in the sea, having transformed into a half-man, half-fish creature. This captivating tale adds a mystical aura to the town. You can find references to the Fishman in various spots throughout Liérganes. You can read more details about it here.
For lunch, we stopped at Pizzería Martinelli, a cozy local spot where we enjoyed a delicious pizza for just 11 euros. The food was not only affordable but also a delightful surprise, adding to the charm of our visit. Liérganes, with its blend of history, legend, and local flavor, left a lasting impression as one of the hidden gems of Cantabria.
Santander
Next stop was Santander, the biggest city on this trip and its so beautiful. Lies on the north coast of Spain with all kinds of hidden beach gems and even the main beach Playa del Sardinero. Unlike many other popular tourist beaches, this one stood out for its peaceful atmosphere. There were no vendors trying to sell you things, allowing us to fully enjoy the sun and sea.
Santander is a city rich in maritime history, and it’s known for its stunning natural beauty. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Palacio de la Magdalena. Former royal summer residence, now a symbol of the city, perched on a peninsula with breathtaking ocean views. Another unique sight is the camel-shaped rock that sits on the beach, a fun and natural feature that adds a bit of local charm to the coastline.
Playa de San Juan de la Canal
Playa de San Juan de la Canal, just outside Santander, was a hidden gem we discovered. Its remote location means it’s mostly frequented by locals, offering a truly authentic experience. The beach is unspoiled and tranquil, making it perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat away from the more crowded tourist spots. The raw beauty of the area and the absence of commercial activity allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the peaceful surroundings. It was a refreshing change and felt like a true escape.
Cabo Cabezon de San Pedro
By far my most favourite hidden gem on this trip. It was very near our airbnb where we stayed and it was breathtaking. We watched the sunset there and let the area and peacfull vibe do its thing. I don’t think I can add any words to this other then you have to see this for yourself!
Laberinto de Villapresente
Our visit to the Laberinto de Villapresente was both a fun and challenging experience. This massive maze, the largest in Spain, is a popular attraction, and it took us around 30 minutes to finally find our way out. Navigating through its high hedges was exciting, but with so many twists and turns, we found ourselves doubling back a few times. While the challenge was enjoyable, the number of people inside made it a bit hectic, as we often had to wait for others to move or figure out their own way.
So a friendly advice, if you go there when its hot, bring cap and water with you!
Comillas
Our next stop was the charming town of Comillas, where history seems to linger in every corner, giving the town a distinct medieval vibe. The cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and old town squares made it feel like we had stepped back in time. The highlight of our visit was seeing El Capricho, a stunning house designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. This whimsical structure, with its colorful ceramic tiles and intricate details, was a perfect example of Gaudí’s genius, blending perfectly with the surrounding nature. We also had a tasty lunch such as croquetas which you must try if you ever visit Spain!
Rio Bayones
Our next stop was Rio Bayones, a tranquil river winding through a dense, lush forest. The car ride there was absolutely breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding nature at every turn. However, the narrow, winding roads made the drive a bit nerve-wracking, as there was little room for error. Despite the occasional tense moments, the beauty of the landscape more than made up for it, and arriving at the peaceful river felt like a true reward after the thrilling journey.
Castro Urdiales
Our final stop before heading to Bilbao Airport was the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff. The combination of the rugged cliffs and the expansive views of the sea gave the town a unique and invigorating vibe. The picturesque harbor, medieval architecture, and charming streets made it a perfect spot for a final stroll. The town’s seaside location, with waves crashing against the cliffs below, created a peaceful yet energizing atmosphere. It was a beautiful and fitting end to our journey through northern Spain.
Few words for the end
This trip was lovley and I never imagined such peacefull places to exist in northern Spain. I was always under the impression that due to tourism the Spain is always hectic and full of people but here it was peacefull. I am suggesting to anyone who want’s to explore and travel in peace to go here and try this route out. Hopefully your experiance will be as good as mine.
