Think you know Spain? Think it's all sangria, bullfighting and paella? Then you've not been to the North-West of Spain. Known as 'Green Spain', the regions of Asturias and Galicia (as well as parts of Castilla y Leon) are very, very different from the rest of Spain.
Cities and Towns in North-West Spain
Major cities and towns in North-West Spain, in order of 'importance' to the tourist:
North-West Spain Itinerary
Start in Santiago de Compostela (two days), take a trip out to Fisterra (one day), followed by A Coruña (two days), then across to Oviedo (one day) and then down to Leon (one day).
You are then ideally placed to head south and east to Salamanca and Madrid.
For more details, see this North-West Spain Suggested Itinerary.
Highlights
- Enjoy the fabulous green countryside - it's everywhere. Have your ideas dispelled of what Spain looks like as you are surrounded by rolling hills and green pastures. Take a look at some photos of Asturias.
- Visit the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of those on the Camino de Santiago.
- Drink Sidra (Spanish cider) in Oviedo (on the Boulevard of Cider
- Visit the end of the world in Fisterra. Fisterra was the most-western point of the Roman Empire and it was believed that the sun was extinguished each night as it set in the sea. The awful weather there really adds to the feeling that you've reached the end of the planet!
- Eat Pulpo a la Gallega, boiled octopus with paprika, at a restaurant in A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela. It may sound gross, and it certainly isn't to everyone's taste, but it is a quintessential part of Galician cuisine and a lot of people can't get enough of it. Read more about Galician food.
- Go up the Torre de Hércules in A Coruña and check out the breathtaking coastline.
- Eat Free Tapas in Leon (and check out the city's cathedral too)
Places to Add if You Have Time
Other popular cities in north-west Spain include Ourense, Vigo, Pontevedra and Gijon.
Arrival and Departure
The main international airport for north-west Spain is in Santiago de Compostela, though there are also airports in A Coruña and Oviedo too.Compare Prices on Flights to Spain
