Travelling by car around northern Spain

We suggest you start your journey in northwest Spain, in the Ourense, one of the four provinces that make up Galicia. It is essential to visit the capital before heading to Lugo. The city of Ourense is inextricably linked to the River Miño, with eight bridges crossing over it. The Roman Bridge is the city's hallmark and the hot springs are one of its greatest attractions. How about a relaxing bath before starting your drive?Head to Campo da Feira and walk along the Thermal Walk. It spans around three kilometres along the right bank of the river and you can give any of the following a go at any time of the year: The public pools of hot mineral-medicinal waters of A Chavasqueira–Outariz (about 41º); the O Tinteiro fountain (43º), with water indicated for dermatological problems; the public thermal pools of Burga do Muíño das Veigas (between 65º and 72º) and, finally, those of Outariz (61º), with water ideal for relieving rheumatism and osteoarthritis.Taking the N-120 highway, Monforte de Lemos, one of the most important towns in inland Galicia, is less than 50 kilometres away. Then, just over 70 kilometres away, in the upper Miño basin area, we recommend visiting the Parga-Ladra-Támoga natural space, which forms part of the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve. You will be just 10 minutes away from resting at your next destination: Lugo.

Spend the morning discovering Lugo, also on the banks of the River Miño, with its fully preserved city walls, awarded the World Heritage designation by UNESCO. Within the one thousand-year-old fortification, the old town is home to various spots for you to sample the best of Galician cuisine.Just 25 kilometres from Lugo, Castro de Rei is home to one of the best-preserved forts (ancient Iberian-Roman settlements) in Galicia, the fort of Viladonga. Continue on towards Taramundi, a magical town that forms part of the River Eo, Osco and Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, where you will surely feel the need to stop off.

Taramundi is an authentic symbol of Spanish rural tourism. In addition to its slate roofs and the sound of water always in the background, the town stands out for its artisan tradition, specifically, the art of cutlery. It is home to workshops where you can even order custom pieces.  If you are a fan of hiking, one of the most popular options is to take on the water route, a circular route of about 14 kilometres where you will find museums, waterfalls and lush forests of chestnut, oak and birch trees.To get to your next destination, Oviedo, we recommend taking the A-8 highway that runs along the coast. You might be tempted to stop off at picturesque seaside towns including Tapia de Casariego, Luarca and Cudillero. You decide the times!

Dawn in the capital of Asturias offers you the opportunity to enjoy a more urban and artistic day. Oviedo is considered the cradle of Asturian pre-Romanesque art on account of monuments including Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados. Make sure not to miss out on the opportunity to visit any of them or the Archaeological Museum to fully understand the importance of this heritage. Furthermore, its large pedestrian areas and numerous squares and arcades make it an ideal city for strolling and tasting popular flavours such as 'fabes' (white beans), cabrales cheese or its traditional cider.The next destination we recommend is Cangas de Onís, just over an hour away: it is the perfect place to spend a day visiting hidden hideaways. It is home to idyllic accommodation such as the Parador de Cangas de Onís, which boasts views over Picos de Europa National Park, located on the banks of the popular River Sella.

After exploring Cangas de Onís and its emblematic Roman bridge, Covadonga is just 20 kilometres away. The town is home to the historic shrine, which is a place of pilgrimage, and the unmissable natural wonder of the Lakes of Covadonga. There are several routes to explore these spectacular glacial aquifers, among the most popular is a circular route of about five kilometres and little difficulty that begins in the Buferrera parking lot.Next, you can go to Arriondas. Every August, a multitudinous canoeing competition known as the International Sella River Descent is held there, in which folklore and festivities are the perfect compliment to the sporting competition. If you have time, climb up to the Fitu viewpoint to get an unforgettable panoramic view of the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains.Head back to the A-8 motorway towards Cantabria and drive just over an hour to Cabezón de la Sal or Cabuérniga to spend the night there.

The Cabuérniga Valley is a good starting point for exploring small, quiet villages with deep greenery and centuries-old houses typical of the area. It is nestled in the heart of Saja-Besaya Natural Park, in the centre of Cantabria. In addition to planning a nice route through this nature reserve, another nearby and picturesque place of interest is Bárcena Mayor. Remember that you are also in an ideal area to try hearty dishes from the region such as cocido montañés, trout from the Saja River and, above all, game meat in places such as Ruente or Ucieda.The next destination on our bucket list is Liérganes, a town shrouded in mystery Valles Pasiegos, where we encourage you to learn about the legend of the “fish man” and his sculpture on the banks of the River Miera.To bring your day to an end, head back to the A-8 highway towards the Basque Country. After about 120 kilometres, you will come to one of your last destinations, Gernika-Lumo.

A stone's throw from the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is the Basque town of Gernika-Lumo. Having inspired the most famous work of painter Pablo Picasso, depicting the bombing of the town in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, the town has now become a symbol of peace. It is a must-see on account of its historical importance. As well as the town's museum and Parque de la Paz, boasting impressive sculptures by Eduardo Chillida and Henry Moore, you can visit the neo-Classical Casa de Juntas.Finally, the capital of the Basque Country is the end of this route, so if you have the possibility of extending your stay, do it! As there will be no shortage of places of interest to discover. One of the biggest attractions of Vitoria-Gasteiz is its unrivalled town planning, boasting wide avenues and gardens that invite visitors to explore the city from start to finish: From the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and its medieval historic centre to the monumental Ensanche with its Plaza de los Fueros as a point of reference. You will have many places at your disposal where you can enjoy the best of Basque cuisine, enhanced with quality vegetables and greens from the province of Álava.