What to See in Northwestern Spain
FR
Location
Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia, featuring A Coruña, Oviedo, Santiago, and the famous Camino de Santiago routes, Santander.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Northwestern Spain has 6 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Asturias

Cantabria

Galicia

Asturias

Natural Heritage

Cantabria

Natural Heritage

Galicia

Natural Heritage

Recommended

Camino de Santiago
★★★ This UNESCO-listed mythical route has become a renowned hiking itinerary over time. It crosses the region before continuing on to end in…
Picos de Europa National Park
★★★ In the mountain range of the same name, straddling Castile, Asturias, and Cantabria. The area is popular for its landscapes and hiking, as…
Santiago de Compostela
★★★ The capital of Galicia is world-famous for its "pilgrimage route". Its old town, with its many religious buildings, is also a UNESCO World…
Old Town of Santiago de Compostela
★★★ For many, the historic centre of Santiago is one of Europe’s most beautiful urban districts, with its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque…

Worth a look / Other

Baiona
★★ It's a small port town at the mouth of the Vigo bay. It's very popular in season for its beaches and partly medieval architecture.
Cape Finisterre
★★ This high rocky promontory overlooking the sea is the second westernmost point of continental Europe. It is also traditionally the terminus…
Altamira Cave
★★ This cave contains one of the most important collections of prehistoric engravings in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for…
A Coruña
★★ This major port, including for cruises, has an old town, a pretty waterfront, and beaches. It is also here, facing the city, that the Tower…
Oviedo Monuments
★★ These are primarily the city's religious buildings classified by UNESCO, showcasing medieval pre-Romanesque architecture typical of the…
Oviedo
★★ The beautiful capital of Asturias is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its religious monuments and historic centre.
Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park
★★ A group of islands off the west coast designated as a national park. The archipelago is fairly well visited in season for its beaches…
Potes
★★ An old village between sea and mountains, whose medieval architecture and surroundings attract many visitors. On its outskirts, you can…
Rías Baixas
★★ This is a group of five rías ("bays") on the western coast, widely visited in season for their beaches and landscapes.
Ribadavia
★★ It's a charming historic town near Ourense, with a large square, narrow streets, and the remains of a castle.
Santander
★★ It is the capital and the largest urban area of the province. Beyond a small old quarter, the city is especially loved for its seafront…
Santillana del Mar
★★ A large tourist town whose appeal lies in its medieval architecture and, above all, the nearby Altamira Cave.
Vigo
★★ The main city of Galicia, nestled in its bay, is home to old quarters (the former fishing port) and a cathedral.
Alto Campoo
★ A small ski resort southwest of Santander nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains.
Avilés
★ This major port city is best known for its Inter-Celtic Festival, held every summer.
Castro de Barona
★ These are Celtic ruins by the sea in the municipality of Porto do Son.
Castro-Urdiales
★ On the route to Santiago de Compostela, Castro is known for its beaches and a few historic buildings. It attracts quite a few visitors in…
Gijon
★ On the coast, north of Oviedo, this is the main city of Asturias. You can see remnants of its Roman past and various museums, as well as…
El Soplao Caves
★ One of the main caves among the thousands in the region. It is open to visitors.
Covadonga Caves
★ This set of small caves (and lakes) in the Picos de Europa, which houses a chapel, is also a pilgrimage site.
Langreo
★ A small industrial town near the coast with some medieval landmarks and "industrial monuments".
Lastres
★ A charming coastal village east of Gijón with beaches and surf spots.
Llanes
★ A fishing town in eastern Asturias, in a stunning cliffside region at the foot of the Picos de Europa massif. The area has many caves, some…
Lugo
★ A major inland city in Galicia, known for its Roman walls (and to a lesser extent its cathedral), which have earned it UNESCO World…
Manzaneda
★ In southeastern Galicia, the village is known for its medieval remains, ski resort, and outdoor sports opportunities in the surrounding…
O Grove
★ A municipality on the west coast of Galicia, popular in season for its beaches.
Ourense
★ It is the third-largest city in Galicia and has a medieval old town.
Cabárceno Nature Park
★ Near Santander, this former open-pit mine has been transformed into a park housing numerous animal species from five continents in…
Pontevedra
★ Large city on the west coast with an old centre featuring many churches. Several beaches nearby.
Roman Walls of Lugo
★ Built in the 2nd century, these UNESCO-listed walls are a fine example of Roman fortifications.
Ribadesella
★ A large town on the Cantabrian coast with historic buildings, nearby caves (including the Tito Bustillo Cave), and beaches.
Torrelavega
★ The second-largest city in Cantabria, near Santander, is primarily an industrial and commercial hub.
Tower of Hercules, A Coruña
★ A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a Roman lighthouse (the oldest in the world) overlooking the entrance to the port of A Coruña.
Tui
★ On the Portuguese border, Tui is known for its old town and especially its fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century.
Villaviciosa
★ The small town east of Gijón is renowned for its cider. Visitors also come for the nearby beaches and, secondarily, for hiking…
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