North of Spain

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.

About the destination: San Sebastian is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa. It became a popular touristic destination in the late XIX century thanks to Queen Christina of Austria, who spent her summers there. The beauty of the city and its gastronomy are two of its main tourist attractions. La Concha Bay presides over the city flanked by the Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull. Facing La Concha is the Island of Santa Clara, where the lighthouse is located and it is accessible by boat from El Puerto. To the left of La Concha we find Ondarreta beach and at the far end of it, we have the set of sculptures “Comb of the Wind" by Eduardo Chillida. The old town, located at the foot of Monte Urgull between the port and the mouth of the Urumea, comes alive each evening when tapas and Basque specialities such as shellfish, seafood and squid specialities, can be enjoyed in local bars. The old town displays a Belle Époque splendour that will amaze all visitors. The city is home to the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Quincena Musical, among other important events, that attract spectators coming from all over the world. Elegant, sophisticated and with a fin-de-siècle feel to it, San Sebastian is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

About the destination: The ancient capital of Navarra, a medieval kingdom with Basque roots, performs a quick-change act for the Fiesta de San Fermín or the Running of the Bulls, Spain’s most wildly celebrated festival and Pamplona’s irresistible attraction. But Pamplona has many other interesting things to do and explore in Pamplona for the traveller since it is the first main city on the route of the St. James's Trail. Pamplona has a beautiful medieval city centre, an impressive citadel, several museums, great wines and gastronomy and lots of green spaces. Pamplona’s citadel is very well kept and one of the best examples of a Renaissance's fortification in Europe. Surrounded by a massive park, nowadays its interior holds art exhibitions and occasional cultural events, especially during the summer months. The Plaza del Castillo is the principal square in the centre of the city where you will find lots of bars and cafés, the Teatro Principal and the seat of the council of Navarra. Located in the old town area of Santo Domingo, near the start of the famous bull run, is the interesting Museo de Navarra, displaying a collection of altarpieces and religious artwork from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria La Real is the main religious building of the city. The Cathedral combines a neoclassical façade with a Gothic interior. Pamplona's history and monuments make it a very attractive city. The city has two universities, which help keep the city vibrant and cultural.

About the destination: Logroño, the lively capital of Spain’s La Rioja region, is a small city with a big personality, best known for its wine culture and welcoming atmosphere. Straddling the Ebro River and sitting along the ancient pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago, it blends history, gastronomy, and local life in a compact, walkable center. Church towers rise above stone-paved streets, and elegant plazas fill with locals enjoying the evening paseo. The old town is where you’ll spend most of your time. Start at the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda with its twin baroque towers, then wander towards Plaza del Mercado and down to the riverfront to cross the striking Stone Bridge (Puente de Piedra), a symbol of the city. Between strolls, pop into traditional wine bars and modern enotecas to sample the region’s famous Rioja wines, from young, fruity crianzas to complex gran reservas. No visit is complete without experiencing Calle Laurel and the surrounding tapas streets, such as Calle San Juan. Here, dozens of tiny bars specialize in one or two signature pintxos (tapas), creating a lively, informal food trail. Order a small glass of Rioja with each bite and move from bar to bar like a local. It’s an affordable, fun way to taste everything from grilled mushrooms to seared pork and artisanal cheeses. Beyond food and wine, Logroño makes an excellent base for exploring La Rioja’s vineyards and nearby medieval villages. Wineries (bodegas) range from centuries-old family estates to avant-garde architectural landmarks, many offering tours and tastings. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a relaxed stop between bigger Spanish cities, Logroño offers an authentic slice of northern Spain with plenty of flavor.

About the destination: Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of the Basque Autonomous Community and of the province of Álava. Vitoria-Gasteiz is a multicultural city with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, healthcare, architectural conservation, aeronautics, vehicle industry, oenology and gastronomy. The expansion of the city in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries has managed to adapt its aesthetic tradition to current needs, creating architectural elements and structures of remarkable beauty. Vitoria is the provincial capital with the highest density of green areas per inhabitant and was European Capital in 2012. The medieval district, declared a monumental site in 1987, is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the north of the peninsula. Another good reason to come to Vitoria-Gasteiz is to attend the cultural and sporting events the city offers throughout the year.