Tourism in Northern Spain
Spain is twice the size of Oregon. Visit northern Spain for a respite from the summer heat of the central plateau surrounding Madrid. Stick your toe in the Atlantic or visit Finisterre, considered the end of the world in medieval times.
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Basque Country
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Visit Bilbao to enjoy the stunning Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum and its flower-covered "Puppy" sculpture, which is more than 39 feet tall. Sample tapas, bite-size hors d'oeuvres, in Bilbao's historic Casco Viejo or in San Sebastián, also called Donostia, where you can surf off Zurriola beach.
Cantabria and Asturias
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Cantabria and Asturias form the heart of Green Spain. Fine-sand beaches lie a short drive north of rugged mountains. In Cantabria, hunt ibex and chamois, two species of wild mountain goats, or view an exact replica of Altamira cave and its 15,000-year-old paintings --- access to the originals is restricted. Hike Asturias' Picos de Europa Natural Preserve and two National Parks.
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Galicia
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The Galician town of Santiago de Compostela marks the end of the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James, a route pilgrims from all over Europe have walked for 1,000-plus years. The Spanish Armada launched from La Coruna in 1588, only to be defeated by England and Sir Francis Drake.
Northeastern Spain
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Pamplona in Navarre holds its week-long running of the bulls, part of the San Fermin festival, beginning July 7 every year. Originally held in October, the celebration moved to July in 1591.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bilbao image by Falkenauge from Fotolia.com