Hey there fellow travel enthusiasts! An inside female travel guide, and one who travels with a love for exploration — I lost my heart to Spain this time like never before. From its wonderfully Basque and Catalonian sides to the stark contrast of splendid festivities combined with an incessant siesta; all add up to make Spain read like a novel – there’s passion written in every word. An orchestra playing classical concertos sweetly mixed against castanets makes this country as intriguing as understated. Models? Oh yes! And variety and this Northern Spain Travel Guide is here to offer some insights.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture of Northern Spain?
Each region in Spain has its own identity, culture, and traditions. And let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about wandering through centuries-old towns steeped in history and tradition.
Let’s not forget the food, delicious paella, endless sangria, and friendly locals.
What sets me apart? Well, besides my insatiable wanderlust, I’m also fluent in Spanish. This linguistic advantage has been an absolute game-changer, allowing me to connect with locals on a whole new level and uncover hidden gems that only insiders know about.
Engaging in heartfelt conversations with village locals, savoring authentic dishes passed down through generations, and stumbling upon charming cobblestone streets where time seems to stand still. These are just a few of the incredible experiences that await you in Northern Spain, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
All in all, this guide will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.
And while Spain’s beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine made it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things that I wish I had known beforehand.
Book Here My Favorite Tour in Northern Spain
Northern Spain Travel Guide:
Best Time to Visit
If you are searching for a great year-round destination then Spain is your answer. With spectacular festivals, world-class beaches, and idyllic villages, Spain is amazing 365 days a year.
Spain is absolutely spectacular during the spring, the best time to visit before crowds are coming for the main season.
Summer is the high season and with a whopping 5,000+ miles of coastline is hard to say no to a summer trip to Spain.
Typically with good weather comes higher costs, so expect to pay higher prices for accommodation and flights!
Autumn, easily one of the best times of the year, with great weather and wine-tasting season is an experience you would certainly want to have.
In many parts of the country, the pleasantly warm winter weather is ideal for exploring. Although coastal resort towns are empty, there are so many other places to visit throughout Spain.
If visiting during the busiest time of year sounds like your worst nightmare, then June through August should be avoided at all costs.
You’ll probably want to plan your trip in spring or autumn. With most travelers preferring the summer season, you’ll have better luck finding great hotel room rates and flights.
Overall, there’s never a bad time to visit Spain!
Budget for Northern Spain Expedition
The official currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Spain and is preferable if you want to get the best exchange rate.
Wherever you want to use cash, there are a lot of ATMs all over the country in major and smaller cities. But if you are going on a day trip to some small towns I would recommend carrying some cash.
Check out Booking.com to compare prices for hotels.
It is generally wise to select which major iconic attractions you want to visit in Spain and book tickets online before your trip. You will save money, sometimes significantly. and you will also, skip the wait lines and walk right on in. It makes absolutely no sense to waste time standing in a line if you can avoid it.
Book your flight at least one month prior to your trip and if you have destinations on your Spain itinerary beyond Madrid and Barcelona (which you definitely should!), make sure to have all your tickets prearranged.
In Spain, the prices may go up during summertime and festivals, so is better to check the spring-autumn deals if you don’t want to break the bank.
Yes, it may be fun to visit as many restaurants and clubs as possible, however, that may put a strain on your budget.
Don’t miss the Capital’s Highlights
Navigating Northern Spain
In Spain, you’ll find several ways to get around, as the country is served by an excellent rail network and buses cover most of the places you’ll want to get to beyond the tracks. While there are many airports, you cannot reach all destinations by plane.
Public transportation prices vary by city and most cities offer a multi-day pass, such as Madrid. The public transportation here is clean, safe, and reliable, which makes it a wise choice.
Luckily there is also Uber in Spain’s major cities!
Shuttle or car services are the easiest and most comfortable way to move around Spain!
What I find really great about traveling in Spain is that you can drive between its major cities within a span of a few hours and if you’re open to it, you can take the non-highway routes to enjoy the scenic route.
Renting a car works out to be your best bet to travel around independently with complete comfort. Car rentals can be an affordable option in Spain.
Now, if you don’t want to drive but still have a comfortable trip through Spain, one of the best ways of getting around is by booking a private car charter with a driver.
Just few staps away and you are in a different world:
Northern Spain Safety
Spain is considered an extremely safe country.
However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings, petty theft, and pickpocketing are usually the biggest things you need to pay attention to. As long as you practice common sense and take precautions, you won’t have any problems during your trip.
Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though walking alone at night should be avoided just to be safe.
As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry or wave around valuables and always keep your wallet secure when out and about.
Also is really helpful to check the State Department’s Warnings before traveling.
My best advice is to make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. This is mainly because of the risk you are exposed to when traveling to a new country, whether might be illness, injury, or cancellation. You definitely want a stress-free vacation and a few pennies on a dollar will be really worth it!
If Barcelona is your next stop check out
What to Wear
As a rule, Spanish people, like many of their Wester European neighbors, dress in a casual and fairly sophisticated way.
Quality is the key to mastering the Spanish style, An essential part of your Spanish experience is to keep it classy.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, when packing for your trip to Spain, there are a few key items you must consider. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and midi dresses, and you can’t go far wrong.
If you are visiting Madrid as part of a layover as you head to other destinations, or if it’s a very quick weekend trip, you want to choose classic pieces in neutral shades that you can easily mix and match.
Smart casual clothes will carry you through sightseeing, eating out, and any other major travel activities.
Depending on your travel plans, for your main suitcase, you’ll want to decide whether to bring a carry-on or a backpack.
I came across the setout backpack by WHONLOX and I think it’s the best luggage for your trip to Spain.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’re going to want a reliable and safe crossover bag to carry around things like your camera and wallet.
As always, the best thing to keep in mind for any travel is to pack light and only bring the necessities. Trust me, you don’t wanna carry a huge suitcase all around Spain.
Spring and autumn evenings in Spain can be a bit chilly and you will need something to cover up. I’d recommend a light trench coat, a timeless piece that’s comfortable, practical, and sophisticated and looks good thrown over jeans or a dress.
Shoes can make or break a trip. Sneakers are always my favorites, given that you’ll be doing a lot of walking or sandals for summer days. Stick with flats to keep your feet comfortable.
My outfit when exploring Madrid consisted of midi dresses, they’re stylish and comfortable, while high-waisted loose pants were a perfect fit for a long walking day.
There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing so always bring with you a jacket and dress in layers.
Mini-skirts or skimpy outfits, and swimwear is usually reserved for the beach.
Know Before You Go to Northern Spain
Culture: Spain is famous for its beaches, and fiestas, among other spectacular landmarks, while is also heavily influenced by its imperial past.
Religion: Traditionally Catholic, whether in Madrid or in the rest of the country, you will want to dress a bit more conservatively.
Language: The official language of Spain is Spanish, but since is a tourist country you will have an easy time communicating in English.
SIM Cards are super easy and cheap. It’s always a good idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive and you will have enough internet for all your vacation.
Plugs: In Spain, the power plugs are type C and F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend taking with you a universal adapter and also using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Airport transfer: For your airport pick-up, arrange a car in advance through your hotel and tack on the meet and assist. The ease and peace of mind it will provide will be well worth it.
Indulge in the quintessentially Spanish celebrations and don’t forget, the famed San Fermín Festival, which is just utterly fascinating
Drinks: Sangria is an iconic Spanish drink well-known and loved around the globe.
Food: Sample the culinary secrets and experience the street food culture. Paella is perhaps the most famous Spanish dish of all, and you can learn to make your own paella during a cooking class.
If you want to explore hidden gems, I’d highly advise taking a guided tour while in Spain.
What’s next?
FAQs: Discovering Northern Spain
How long to spend in northern Spain?
The duration of your stay in Northern Spain depends on your interests and itinerary. However, to truly immerse yourself in the region’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, consider spending at least 1-2 weeks exploring its various destinations.
Where is the best place to go in northern Spain?
Northern Spain offers a multitude of incredible destinations, each with its own unique charm. Some top picks include San Sebastián for its stunning beaches and culinary scene, Bilbao for its world-class museums like the Guggenheim, and Santiago de Compostela for its rich history and pilgrimage routes.
Is north of Spain worth visiting?
Absolutely! The north of Spain is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its picturesque landscapes, historic cities, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, it offers a truly unforgettable travel experience that’s worth every moment.
What is the best time to visit northern Spain?
The best time to visit Northern Spain is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller. However, each season has its own charm, with summer offering lively festivals and warm beach days, and winter bringing festive celebrations and snow-capped mountains. Choose the time that aligns best with your preferences and interests.
Be sure to embrace the local dining culture by indulging in pintxos, the region’s delicious and varied small plates
Overall:
Journeying Through Northern Spain
All in all, Northern Spain is a region that moves slowly and runs late. The land of the siesta, it’s a place for foodies and night owls, history buffs, fiesta, and anyone not in a rush to do pretty much anything! Now that you know what to do and also what not to do in Spain, all you have to do is focus on having a fantastic vacation!
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