Cultures & Flavours of Northern Spain

The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña, on the Iberian Peninsula, is a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with the shimmering glass of modern buildings prompting the locals to nickname it ‘The Crystal City’ juxtaposed against the deeply historical medieval district; rich in Galician culture, history, gastronomy and natural beauty. The centrepiece of this region is the Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where it is said the Relics of James the Apostle are buried – an incentive for the pilgrims who make the journey along the Camino de Santiago each year. From climbing up the world’s oldest working lighthouse to exploring the small collection of immaculate bays, La Coruña’s many treasures make this a town worth discovering.

Located on the Atlantic coastline of Spain, Gijon has a seafaring and maritime heritage that dates back to Roman times. Famous for its cider, or sidras, as it’s known nationally, the apples grown here have been used for centuries to produce the traditional drink of the Asturias region. The Picos de Europa National Park is so named from the impressive rock formations here, and is home to the brown bear and Iberian wolf.

Located between Gijon and Bilbao on Spain’s north coast, Santander is an elegant city with impressive buildings set against a natural backdrop of sea and mountains. The city combines its heritage with modernity perfectly, and is best seen via the popular funicular railway that creeps up to the upper section of Santander, offering superb views across the bay. Close by are prehistoric caves, which contain some of the most important cave paintings of Quaternary art.

Getxo is your gateway to the iconic city of Bilbao. You could wander through the narrow streets of the historic old town, home to charming shops adorned with festive decorations, cafés, and the bustling Mercado de la Ribera along the river, before exploring the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture with its sculpted tower appearing to wrap around the bridge that leads into the city. Meanwhile, you can immerse yourself in the Basque way of life by sampling Rioja wine, accompanied by pintxos, the region’s version of tapas, in local bars and restaurants, where each small snack has its own twist added to it, providing a deliciously fundamental addition to local social life.

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.