#9. Palacio de La Magdalena

For a piece of history, don't miss the most visited place in the city of Santander.

The Palacio de La Magdalena was built between 1908 and 1912 by the people of the city as a present for the Royal Family. In 1913 they enjoyed their first holiday season there and it must have been a great success since they repeated holiday destination for the following 17 years.

While they were visiting the Palacio, the press had plenty of gossip to report around the Royal Summer and their visits to the Playa del Sardinero where they installed La Caracola, a shed were they would spend most of their time at the beach.

Its location is privileged as it is situated on a small peninsula with fantastic views over the Bay of Santarder.

It is currently recognised as an artistic historical monument and in use as a Conference and Meetings Hall, although still open to the public.

Last year its popularity grew as it became the stage for a popular Spanish tv show called "Gran Hotel" so for a bit of "Spanish Hollywood" glamour don't forget to stop here on your trip through Northern Spain.

#8. Cuevas de Altamira

Altamira Caves can be found in the province of Cantabria, about 2 km from the town of Santillana del Mar.
The main cave contains what are considered some of the best examples of prehistoric rock art in the world.

Museo de Altamira online

#7. Cape Finisterre

The name comes from the latin Finisterrae or land's End as it is known for being the most western point in Continental Europe (although in reality there is a cape in Portugal 16.5 km more western).

For many pilgrims on the "Camino de Santiago" this is the final destination of their journey and the recent tradition says that they should burn their clothes and shoes when they get here.

Not a lot to see when you get there, other than the lighthouse at the top of Monte Facho, but the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful mountain - sea scenery on the way there make it a definite must when visiting Northern Spain.

#6. Guernica

Most of you would have heard this name mentioned before, usually linked to Picasso's painted representation of the bombings that the German Luftwaffe carried out on 26 April 1937.

Guernica is a small town in Bizcaya, Basque Country also historically kown for its )
Oak tree, the famous Tree of Guernica, located outside the building where democratic assemblies were taking place as early as 1512.

You will find that the "Monument to Peace" by Eduardo Chillida and the "Large figure in a shelter" by English sculptor Henry Moore pieces are really worth a visit. There is also the Gernika Peace Museum Foundation and of course, a Mosaique reproduction of Picasso's painting.

If you are interested in local produce you should visit the Gernica Market (every Monday)

#5. El festival de la Sidra / The Cider Festival in Nava

The "sidra" region is located in the central area of Asturias  (Villaviciosa, Bimenes, Cabranes, Sariego and Nava). The Asturian "sidra" you may drink here has no bearing to English cider (for those in doubt) and it's considered as the National Asturian drink and therefore by definition the National Spanish drink (I will explain why Asturias = Spain another time).


Since 1969 the village of Nava celebrates the Sider Festival every summer (usually the second weekend in July). You should start your visit at the local museum where after a tour you will be well prepared to visit the "llagares", where cider is made, and the "sidrerias", where it is served. 


When you visit the village of Nava during this festival you will meet young people who have come from all over Asturias and other regions of Spain to taste the new cider, eat fabada and sing and dance along with the gaiteros (bag pipe players).


This link to the Nava's tourism internet site will give you information on dates, activities, accommodation and directions to get there.


Ayuntamiento de Nava


So, don't hesitate, come and have a "culin de sidra" with the locals. 

#4. Cabarceno Natural Park

Located about 15 km.  from the city of Santander, is a man-made natural space where more than 100 different animal species from all 5 continents cohabit in semi-freedom conditions. A very interesting visit for the animal and nature lover, but also the ideal destination to spend a family day walking along the botanical routes, playing in the children's playground or gazing into the horizon from one of its many view points (miradores).  Don't forget to visit their website for directions, opening times and prices.

Cabarceno Natural Park Website in Spanish

# 3. Covadonga Lakes

Lake Enol & Lake Ercina are located in the centre of the Picos de Europa Natural Park in Asturias.
They are glacial lakes at around 1100 mts. above see level and surrounded by mountain peaks. Hiking routes around the Picos are amongst the best in Europe. Nature lovers will only be disappointed if they don't visit the lakes.

Happy 2012! May the new year bring you to Northern Spain!

A new year has started and we have a resolution for 2012. 366 days. 366 opportunities to visit Northern Spain. 366 things to do and see in Northern Spain.  Follow us and discover them. In no particular order. All equally important. All equally exciting. All equally northern spanish.

Today we start with numbers 1 and 2.

# 1. La Playa de las Catedrales - The Beach of Cathedrals

It's real name is Playa de Aguas Santas in Ribadeo, Lugo. Beautiful any time of day, but most worth a visit when the tide is low, a time when the natural arches and caves formed by its cliffs can be best appreciated.

# 2. The Guggenheim Museum.


Opened in Bilbao in 1997. The building is a contemporary work of art in itself, holding a permanent collection of 20th century art and temporary exhibitions themed around for example Chinese or Russian art. A must-do in Northern Spain.