About this book

New from Bradt is Northern Spain, the most detailed guidebook available to a unique, compelling part of Iberia – a deep dive into a hitherto under-rated region. Incisive context covers modern history and environmental, social and economic issues, enabling the reader to take well-informed decisions about how best to experience a region extending from Galicia, in Spain’s far northwest, east through the Basque Country to Navarra.

Northern Spain offers enormous variety. In a single trip, you could explore Celtic heritage in Asturias, feast on Atlantic octopus in Galicia, enjoy pinxtos snacks before a traditional asador barbeque in the Basque Country, surf breakers in the Bay of Biscay, walk and watch wildlife in the mountainous Picos de Europa National Park, travel along the winding Feve narrow-gauge railway or the luxurious Transcantabrico train and enjoy a gentle bike ride along a ‘Via Verde’ (a disused railway line converted into walking and cycling routes).

And northern Spain’s delights do not stop there. Hikers and pilgrims alike tread along three ancient trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago, with the shrines of Santiago de Compostela as their ultimate destination. La Rioja is Spain’s most renowned wine region, where wineries include the mind-bending Marques de Riscal – designed by Frank Gehry, who designed Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum.

Northern Spain is also a genuinely surprising region. Bagpipes are just as important a part of musical culture in some parts as they are in Scotland. In summer, homes in the wine-making region around Ponte Vedra are transformed into pop-up restaurants, with visitors invited to dine in garages, living rooms and homey kitchens – a traditional way of selling excess wine. Some medieval churches defy expectations, being decorated with sexy scenes that would be at home in the Kama Sutra. And if you’re up for a challenge, why not try to speak Euskarri, the unique Basque language with no known linguistic relatives.

With heatwaves increasingly characterising Spain’s popular Mediterranean coast in summer, the country’s north (known as ‘Green Spain’) offers more clement conditions for a rewarding holiday. And what better travelling companion can you have than Bradt’s Northern Spain?

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About the Author

Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls (facarospauls.com) and their children lived in Spain while writing this book (one of many travel guides that they have written for Cadogan and Bradt since their first, in 1977). While exploring the north of the country, they fell in love with its lush, often otherworldly beauty, its food (especially those padrón peppers!) and medieval architecture, and its many mysteries – few places are better prepared to renew your sense of awe in so many ways. They also loved how its various regions have kept such a tight grip on their traditions, language, and culture when so much of contemporary Europe has become homogenised. As they now live just off the Camino de Santiago in southwest France, they frequently give lifts to pilgrims with sore feet – and continue to dip down to the Basque Country for some pintxos and a glass of txakoli.

James Taylor (jamestaylortravelwriter.com) is an experienced Australian travel writer who has spent several travelling and working around Europe, and is now a fulltime freelancer based in Spain. The north of the Iberian country has a special place in his heart, from early days as a backpacker surfing in the Basque Country to more recently when he embarked on trips through Cantabria and Asturias to discover one of Spain’s most overlooked regions as part of his in-depth research for Bradt’s Northern Spain guidebook and to inform his planned relocation to Asturias. He has also worked on Bradt guidebooks to Iceland and Gascony & The Pyrenees.

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