San Sebastian
Donostia-San Sebastian is a beautiful seaside city popular for domestic and international travel especially in the Summer due to the blue water and amazing beaches. We visited in March when it was still too cold for a swim, but enjoyed the funicular ride up to Monte Igueldo with a pretty view of the bay. Then we explored Old Town and ate pintxos (pronounced pinchos) at a bar. San Sebastian is in Basque Country so the drive from Madrid has beautiful views of green rolling hills speckled with little white houses. Seeing Basque on signs and hearing locals speaking it is a fun change from the Spanish you'll hear throughout much of the rest of the country.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
This island off the coast to the north west of Bilbao looks like it's straight out of a movie (well it really is in Games of Thrones). The view from the cliffs is amazing, but the hike, long and difficult, is worth it. You'll be stopping every so often to catch your breath and take more pictures from new angles. At the top is a small church dating back to the 10th century, but it has been destroyed numerous times by fires and is not the original. The bell should be rung three times to attract good luck! After your hike you'll be ready for lunch in Bilboa.
Some practical information: when we went in March no one was manning what looked like a small ticket booth. I did find online though that free reservations may be required during more popular months.
El Capricho de Gaudi: Comillas
We stopped to spend the night in Comillas and visit El Capricho de Gaudi. Most of Gaudi's work can be seen in Barcelona (Gaudi is the architect of El Sagrada Familia), but this summer house designed by Gaudi is hidden away in the hills of Northern Spain. It is work from his younger years before many of his more famous architectural works were completed. Moorish influences are evident in the minaret-style tower and sunflowers are found all throughout the interior and exterior.
Some practical information: Tickets for a self-guided tour are 7 euros
Lagos de Covadonga
Lake Enol and Lake Ercina are nestled away in the mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park. The lakes are a beautiful blue that sparkle in the sun and perfect for a family friendly hike. The sanctuary of Covadonga is a must see masterpiece as well. Perched on a cliff above the town it's breathtaking from every angle. Since we went in March we were able to drive all the way to the lakes. In the Summer months you have to drive up early in the morning before they close the road or take the shuttle buses up to the lakes from Covadonga.
Some practical information: Eating in Covadonga was going to be expensive so we drove 20 minutes to Canga de Onis and found a very reasonably priced restaurant and enjoyed walking around the town.
Cudillero and As Catedrais beach
We stayed the night in Oviedo and set off to Cudillero in the morning for breakfast. This picture perfect town is reminiscent of the Italian Cinque Terre, but less crowded and more affordable. The colorful houses are painted to match the color of the fisherman's boat. We stopped at a small café for hot chocolate and pastries for breakfast and enjoyed the view. We then bought some local Asturian cheese, bread, and a package of Spanish meats (jamon iberico anyone?) for a picnic at the beach.
As Catedrais beach requires reservations in the Summer, but seeing as it was March and much too cold for a swim we had the place almost to ourselves. The towering arches and sea caves are what makes this beach such a wonder, but the tide rises quickly (as we learned the hard way), so stay alert.
Combarro
Our intention driving all the way out to Combarro was to visit the white sand beaches and crystal clear water of the Las Islas Cies. Unfortunately the ferry wasn't running so we instead relaxed at our Airbnb and drove along the coast stopping anywhere that looked interesting. Our favorite was Praia de Foxos and the Ermida de Nosa Señora da Lanzada. There are plenty of small towns and beaches to explore along the coast.
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