Welcome to the magical and exciting part of Spain

North of Barcelona and Madrid, you will find snowy mountains, white beaches, picturesque towns and a fine kitchen. Northern Spain is full of attractions that combine to create the perfect vacation

Put Bilbao on the world map of tourism. Guggenheim Museum (Photo: ShutterStock)

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain (Photo: ShutterStock)

In recent years, Madrid and Barcelona have become two of the most popular holiday destinations for Israelis. It is also clear why. The food, attractions, architecture and football in these two cities make them attractive. To the north of these two cities there are stunning country ropes with long and beautiful history, nature reserves, picturesque cities and other style. A large and diverse Spain and a tour of the Pyrenees and Basque region will reveal another Spain to you.

The main city in northern Spain is Bilbao, the capital of the Province of Biscay. The largest industrialized port city in the Basque region has undergone a major change over the past twenty years and has become one of the most intriguing and developing cities in Europe. Observing the Ataxandra Mount will give you the opportunity to be impressed by its beauty and from there you will continue to the Old City, which will take you 700 years back.

Santiago Cathedral is one of the city's most famous architectural icons. It was built in the late 13th century as a small temple, and has been expanded over the years. It is mostly built in Gothic style and renovated in the Gothic Revival style.
Another impressive architectural icon is the Guggenheim Museum - the glory of the work of architect Frank Gary. The silver and wavy structure seems distant and from its inception became famous around the world thanks to quite a few cinematic scenes filmed in or around it. The museum put Bilbao on the world map of tourism and it was erected in the city center, instead of the shipyards that occupied a wide area of ​​the river. This is how Bilbao transformed from a gray port city to a bustling and vibrant center that attracted more and more architects who filled it with modern and special buildings. Another attraction is the Biscay Bridge, the world's first transport-dependent bridge, built in 1893. The bridge is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 160 meters long.

The Bilbao Athletic football team is the "Basque" ambassador and the pride of the city. The team is known for playing only players with roots or Basque affinity and watching its games at San Mems Stadium is a great experience.

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One of the leading tourist and vacation cities in Spain. Santander (Photo: ShutterStock)

City of Santander, Northern Spain (Photo: ShutterStock)

The picturesque resort towns on the ocean shores

West of Bilbao is Santander, the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria in Spain. Thanks to the convenient climate, it is one of the leading tourism and vacation cities in the country. Many come to the seaside resort of Sardinro in the Magdalena Peninsula to visit its magnificent palace and love spending time in the city's casino.

West of Santander is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in northern Spain - Picos de Europe, where snowy and picturesque mountain peaks, winding roads between local forests and towns and huge and impressive limestone walls. A visit to the area will teach you about the rural lifestyle and it is very worthwhile to reach FUENTE DE and board the cable car for observation. The view is amazing. From here it is natural to continue to the coastal cities of Costa Verde to San Vincente de Barrocara and visit the coastal town of COMILLAS. In the medieval Santiana del Mar town you will feel that you are stepping back in time.

East of Bilbao, towards the border with France, is another famous resort town - San Sebastian, the Atlantic coast pearl. The Basques call it Donostia and its official name is San Sebastian-Donostia. Its picturesque beauty, promenade and rich and famous cuisine, which is considered the source of tapas, make it magical. The best time to visit is between May and October, so the weather is just perfect. It is not until September that she hosts the International Film Festival, so thousands of movie aficionados who take advantage of the festival days flock to her. The La Concha (Oyster) promenade is popular and beautiful. The Old Quarter where it is a kind of alley maze that is just fun to walk among. Don't miss the spectacular view from the summit of Mount Monte Igloo. Along the cable car uphill the encounter between the mountainous and green and blue of the ocean is beautiful and from the view you will look at the city and its surroundings - an unforgettable view of its intensity.

Cable car at Picos de Europe Park, Pyrenees Mountains (Photo: ShutterStock)

Cable car at Picos de Europe Park, Northern Spain (Photo: ShutterStock)

Wines in the Basque region and northern Spain are considered excellent and should visit the wineries in the San Sebastian region. By the way, if you order cider, know in advance that northern Spain is a different drink than the sweet and tastes slightly bitter and more like beer.

South of San Sebastian is the town of Pamplona, ​​the capital of Navarre, which is famous around the world for its annual bull race in its alleys. This race is considered dangerous and adventurous, but it can be watched safely when not on the side of the street. A tour of the city walls, its famous gardens and parks will reveal its beauty to you. Pamplona is an outlet for the wild and dramatic part of northern Spain - the Pyrenees.

Pamplona bull race (Photo: ShutterStock)

Bull Race, Pamplona, ​​Spain (Photo: ShutterStock)

The wild beauty of the Pyrenees

After all, the Pyrenees form a wild and beautiful ridge which forms the border between Spain and France. It is an area with dramatic views, snowy peaks, rivers and waterfalls and quite a few beautiful places to visit. If you "sneak" a few meters into France and cross the border, you can visit the La Grotes de Modes stalactite. You can take the tour by boating and taking a short cruise with the shapes and colors created by the water and the rock.

These mountains have two drowning reserve that must not be missed. One is the Cirque de Guarney reserve, where rivers, mountains, waterfalls and wildlife enjoy the greenery and forests. Another impressive nature reserve is the Agias Tortas Preserve where a breathtaking view of lakes and high mountains. There are hiking trails in it as well as the option of a jeep ride that will add an dimension of adventure to your trip. The jeep tour is recommended because it allows you to see more of the beauty of the reserve and utilize the visit time effectively.

In the Pyrenees, the route of the world's most famous and prestigious bike race passes - the Tour de France. If you visit the city of Via, which is on the Spanish side of the border, you can be impressed by one of the sections of the route that runs near it. The severe ups and downs of the place will make you aware of how competitive this bike is.

Agias Tortas Reserve, Pyrenees Mountains (Photo: ShutterStock)

Agias Tortas Reserve, Pyrenees Mountains, Spain (Photo: ShutterStock)

If you "sneak" a few miles in to France, you will reach the city of Lourdes, which has become a pilgrimage site for Catholic Christians from all over the world to purify and cure their ailments in the sacred spring water emanating from Massavei Cave. Legend has it that Jesus' mother, St. Mary, was discovered in a cave before a local young woman named Bernadette Soubirous, who from that moment on became a saint herself. Thousands of believers come to the cave to touch the statue and holy water as part of their faith.

Spain is big and beautiful and many faces it. Northern Spain and the Pyrenees are the most beautiful and beautiful terrain in the Iberian Peninsula. Snowy mountains, wide forests, ancient towns and beautiful beaches, along with excellent food and fine wine, create the right setting for a perfect vacation.