Northern Spain

Northern Spain is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures. With your family of five and your active spirit, I’ve crafted an exciting 5-day itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and a sprinkle of local culture. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Morning:

• Arrive in Bilbao and check into your 4-star hotel, like the Hotel Carlton or Hotel Silken Gran Domine. Both are centrally located and offer great amenities.
• Grab a hearty breakfast at a local café. Try some pintxos (Basque tapas) to kick off your culinary adventure!

Afternoon:

• Explore the Guggenheim Museum. The architecture is as stunning as the art inside! Don’t forget to take a family photo with the giant puppy sculpture outside.
• Stroll along the Nervión River and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Bodegón Alejandro for some traditional Basque cuisine.
• If you’re up for it, take a leisurely evening walk through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Day 2: Picos de Europa National Park

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then head out to Picos de Europa National Park (about a 2-hour drive). The scenery is breathtaking!
• Stop at Covadonga to visit the stunning Basilica and the Covadonga Lakes.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a hike around the lakes or take the funicular up to Bulnes for more hiking options. The views are absolutely worth it!
• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature.

Evening:

• Drive to Cangas de Onís for dinner. Try Restaurante El Molín de la Pedrera for some local flavors.
• Overnight at Hotel Los Lagos Nature or similar, where you can relax after a day of adventure.

Day 3: San Sebastián

Morning:

• After breakfast, head to San Sebastián (about a 2-hour drive). Check into your hotel, like the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra.
• Spend the morning at La Concha Beach. You can rent paddleboards or just relax on the beach.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and indulge in a pintxos tour for lunch. Don’t miss Bar Nestor for their famous tomato salad!
• After lunch, hike up to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views of the city. You can take the funicular or hike up if you’re feeling adventurous!

Evening:

• Dinner at Bodegón Alejandro or La Cuchara de San Telmo for more delicious pintxos.
• Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the beach promenade.

Day 4: Hiking in the Basque Country

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive to Zumaia (about 30 minutes) for a day of hiking along the Flysch Cliffs. The views of the coastline are stunning!
• Hike the Zumaia to Deba trail, which is about 8 km and offers breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a packed lunch on the trail or head back to Zumaia for a meal at a local eatery.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Zumaia or relax on the beach.

Evening:

• Return to San Sebastián for dinner. Try Kursaal for a more upscale dining experience.
• Overnight in San Sebastián.

Day 5: Return to Bilbao and Departure

Morning:

• After breakfast, head back to Bilbao (about a 1-hour drive).
• Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum or take a walk through the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park for some fresh air.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Café Iruña, a beautiful spot with a lovely terrace.
• Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or explore more of the city.

Evening:

• Head to the airport for your departure, filled with wonderful memories of your Northern Spain adventure!

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This itinerary is packed with outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and delicious food, perfect for a family of five with adventurous spirits! Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌄🍽️🏖️