The allure of northern Spain

Northern Spain beckons you with its incredible charm [View in browser](   [facebook]( [instagram]( [TikTok](   PICTURE YOURSELF IN… Lonely Planet's weekly guidance to inspire your travels Spain [Lush rolling hills in Spain] See Spain beyond its big cities. From taking in the artistic masterpieces of the Museo Nacional del Prado on a 24-hour stopover in [Madrid]( to standing shoulder to shoulder in the Anthony Bourdain–approved Quimet y Quimet tapas bar in Barcelona, I never fail to have a wonderful time when I visit Spain. I spent a good amount of time in Spain last summer thanks in part to my trek on the Camino de Santiago. Though I love Spain’s big cities, I find myself so nostalgic to go back to the northern part of the country that I’m considering another Camino. I loved how walking through Galicia forced me to slow down and savor my experience. I bought cookies from cloistered nuns through a turnstile. I listened to people play the gaita (a type of bagpipe). I savored the food and wine. I loved wandering the streets of Santiago de Compostela and had one of my favorite meals at Casa Marcelo. I spoke to Elsewhere’s guide in Spain, Laura Guillén Olavide, and learned we shared a love for the northern part of Spain as we chatted about what to see beyond Barcelona and Madrid. [Melissa Yeager]     Melissa Yeager   Senior Editor               [Canary Island](     Featured Story Time for a little winter sol...but which Canary Island to choose? Lanzarote or Fuerteventura? Here are two passionate takes on these popular beach spots. [Read more](   Imagine your itinerary One of the best ways to explore northern Spain is on a road trip along the Costas de Cantabria. Here are some of the highlights. Experience pintxos in San Sebastian. Learn the history of the Old Town while sampling pintxos (Basque tapas). Take a private tour of a sheep farm. Learn about Idiazabal cheese starting from milking and ending with cheese making, before enjoying a tasting of four different cheeses each paired with a wine or cider. Enjoy the drive. A road trip lets you take your time in picturesque coastal towns like Castro Urdiales. Visit Santillana del Mar. In what’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain, you can visit the famous Altamira caves to see prehistoric cave art. Hike Picos de Europa National Park. An expert guide maps out a hike that matches your ability level, letting you enjoy the Covadonga lakes as well as the lush landscapes and rocky peaks.     Book a trip to Spain with Elsewhere Laura's trips can help you experience Spain's big cities, then guide you to other exciting regions. [Alhambra] Take a road trip through northern Spain. [Book Now](   Ask an Insider An educational background in history together with a passion for planning trips for friends ultimately led Laura Guillén Olavide to a career as a travel planner. We chatted about some of her favorite things about Spain. What do you love about Spain? Food. I love food, and I love Spanish food. Also, the history because I’m really obviously interested in that and I think we have a lot of interesting history because of the Muslims who are living here for centuries and many people do not know about about that. If someone wants to avoid the crowds or overtourism, where would you send them? I would always suggest to go to the northern part of the country, which is one of my favorite parts. It’s way less touristy than the south or the biggest cities. And personally, I really love Galicia. You can go to a tavern and enjoy really good produce and a very well cooked meal for a great price. You have the nature, the landscapes, the wine, the history, the Celtic heritage that you cannot find in any other locations in Spain. Any other places you think international travelers overlook? Almost everybody (Spaniards) has gone to [Asturias]( and all of us say, “Wow, it was the best summer of my life!” Everything was amazing. The food, the people … because it’s a different rhythm from if you live in a city or if you live in southern Spain. [ Laura Guillén Olavide ] “Almost everybody (Spaniards) has gone to Asturias, and all of us say, ‘Wow, it was the best summer of my life!’” What would you recommend bringing home as a souvenir? Since you cannot take [home] tapas as a souvenir, I would say the best one would be to bring [back] a traditional Spanish recipe that you would have learned in a cooking workshop or by asking a local chef at a restaurant, so you could share with friends and family once back home. Any advice for being a respectful visitor to Spain? The most respectful visitor would be the one that tries to consume at local businesses (hotels, restaurants, guides), that respects the monuments and the heritage they represent, and the one willing to use the train instead of the plane when possible.   Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking [here.](   This email was sent to you by: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 © 2022 Lonely Planet [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](