Discovering the north: Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao

Santiago de Compostela

This one-way trip cuts across the north of Spain from west to east. Less often visited than the south, the Cantabrian Coast has plenty of charm: amazing beaches, green hills and cliffs, good food and lots of things to discover along your journey from Galicia to the Basque Country, through Asturias and Cantabria.

On this trip you will visit:

- Santiago de Compostela: the land of witches and magic, but also the sacred place for pilgrims as it illustrates the end of the Camino de Santiago. Here you will find a city with a very special atmosphere full of contrasts and people from all over the world.

- Gijón: Asturias' main city. A lively city full of beaches, cliffs and green mountains, Gijón is the perfect place to enjoy the beach, the food and the local cider.

- Santander: another picturesque little city with small palaces, unspoiled beaches and plenty of typical food choices to try.

- Bilbao will surprise you with its dynamism and vitality, with its museums such as the Guggenheim and its spectacular old town, the perfect place to relish the typical pintxos.

1

Santiago de Compostela

Start your trip! Depending on what time you arrive, you may be able to explore Santiago de Compostela in depth or simply get your bearings. Take a stroll or go out for dinner and a refreshing drink. You deserve a rest after your travels!

NIGHT Santiago de Compostela - Mundoalbergue (o similar category)

2

Santiago de Compostela

Start your morning in the Mercado de Abastos, the second most visited attraction in Santiago. Here you will see all the culinary delights that Galicia has to offer. Later, go to Puerta do Camiño, where every year thousands and thousands of pilgrims enter the old town. Next, go and check out Obradoiro Square, the point where everything in the city revolves around. You will never tire of watching the cathedral's incredible facade. If you can, try to go inside the cathedral at 12:00 and see the Pilgrim Mass, when the huge Botafumeiro swings from side to side across the transept. From Porta Faxeira, which separates the medieval town from the modern town, you have one of the best views of Santiago. A fun (but heavy drinking) plan for the evening is to complete the famous Paris-Dakar route, which consists of going to nearly 30 bars housed in a 200 metre street (Rua do Franco) and drinking a cup of Ribeiro wine in each from Paris bar to Dakar bar.

Activities Today we propose you:

Rafting on River Ulla (+info)
Canyoning Pobra do Caramiñal (+info)

NIGHT Santiago de Compostela - Mundoalbergue (o similar category)

3

Gijón

Check out of your accommodation in Santiago de Compostela and get ready for the next stop!

TRIP Santiago - Gijon

Spend the evening in Gijón by going to San Lorenzo Beach. From there you can make your way to the Old Town. Jovellanos Square, one of the emblems of the city, is the entrance to Cimadevilla Quarter, the old fishing area that today defines the Old Town of Gijón. Take a stroll on the streets, taste the local cider and go up Santa Catalina Hill to watch and listen to the sculpture Elogio al Horizonte of the artist Chillida (also known as King Kong toilet). At night, you can always find some fun in Cimadevilla.

NIGHT Gijon - Hotel Doña María (o similar category)

4

Gijón

You can spend the day in Gijón in any of several ways. A good plan is to walk slowly around the city centre starting in Cimadevilla Quarter. Taste the delightful cider in the bars, go to the old Roman Baths or climb the Clock Tower, which has splendid views of over the city. Far away from the city centre, you can find the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, the old Labour University of Gijón. It has been converted into one of the most avant-garde art centres in the country. Alternatively (or on top of this), we suggest you visit nearby Oviedo. It's only 30 minutes away by bus, and it's the other big city in Asturias. Oviedo has plenty of art and many beautiful squares among its paved streets. It isn't on the coast but is filled with beautiful architecture and tonnes of charm instead.

NIGHT Gijon - Hotel Doña María (o similar category)

5

Gijón & Santander

An interesting morning plan in Gijón is to visit the grandest part of the city walking through the Plaza del Marqués until you get to Begoña Gardens, and on your way, you can try some typical regional produce. Combine this with a couple of hours on San Lorenzo Beach, relaxing next to the Cantabrian Sea.

TRIP Gijon - Santander

One way to spend an evening in Santander is to go to the area by the docks where you can walk around the Paseo y Jardines de Pereda. You will pass the Palacete del Embarcadero and the Stone Crane, to eventually reach the Maritime Royal Yacht Club, a boat-shaped building. If you are a sea lover, you can visit the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, with a huge whale skeleton in the entrance hall. If you still have some more time, walk on the beach and then make your way to the city centre. At night, go to one of the many seafood restaurants and enjoy the city's atmosphere.

NIGHT Santander - Hostel Santander (o similar category)

6

Bilbao

Check out of your accommodation in Santander and get ready for the next stop!

TRIP Santander - Bilbao

Start your day in Bilbao by going to the modern part of the city. Walk along Gran Via and discover the major commercial centre, with straight lines and bigger streets. A must-see attraction in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. Just viewing it from outside is a worthwhile experience, but inside you can find permanent and temporary world class exhibitions. If you are a football fan, go to see the new San Mames, Athletic Club Stadium. Alternatively, visit the outskirts of Bilbao, for example, Portugalete where you can see the famous Vizcaya Bridge. After seeing all the tourist attractions, spend the evening in Casco Viejo, moving from bar to bar and eating pintxos and drinking the night away. There is always a party happening in Bilbao.

NIGHT Bilbao - Bilbao Central Hostel (o similar category)

7

Bilbao

Sadly, the last day of your trip has arrived. Depending on the time of your departure, you could spend your final hours in Bilbao visiting some more fantastic places, or simply chill out and relax.

What is and is not included in this Trip

INCLUDED

Accommodation: 6 nights' accommodation, with breakfast in the places that include it.

Transportation: 3 bus tickets between the cities of the trip (in case of no availability train tickets will be provided).

Extras: Entrance tickets and selected activities (pending confirmation by providers).

Travel Guide: Written by Nomads Spain and recommended by locals, with useful info and tips of every place to visit during your trip.

NOT INCLUDED

Meals: Except for breakfast, when included.

Other transportation, transfers, tickets or activities not mentioned on the Trip Inclusions..

Discovering the north: Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao

Share this trip

Santiago de Compostela

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

Get your price