Northern Spain small towns and timeframe….

From Hondarribia to Getaria is less than an hour drive, the Basque part of your route can be easily done in one or two days. Lekeitio is a nightmare to park, as well as Mutriku and Pasai Donibane, better park outside these towns and walk to the center.

Thanks, I will look at parking options outside of those town. Do you feel the drive with stops to Lekeito is too much for one day?

We spent a few hours between Cangas de Onis and Covadonga en route from Ribadeo to Santillana. We visited Getaria and Zumaia on our drive from Santillana to Hondarrbia. Each can be seen in a couple hours

How long you spend in any of them will be determined by what you like to see. It would be easy to spend more time in the Covadonga area.

Unless you get to Cathedral beach at low tide it doesn’t take long to see. The roads to it are very rural.

If you have time, I'd recommentrying to see Potes while you're in the Picos de Europa area. I thought the old stone town was charming, but you'll find other visitors there if you visit during the warmer months.

In addition to the above suggestions I will add Ribadesella. It is charming coastal town with very good coastal walking. Do not miss the cave art at Tito Bustillo. It's the real thing not a "faithful reproduction" . We stayed 4 nites in Getaria and loved it we never started the car. Walking is great, up the coast and bus back. Potes is very appealing just outside of town is the monastery/pilgrimage site of Santo Toribio de Liebana featuring a chunk of the "Lignuam Crucis" AKA the true cross. Keeps the faithful comin'. Brad

I’m in Asturias right now. Lastres wasn’t so impressive to me, the mirador was nice, but not worth the stop. I did not see Llanes on your list and I think that would be a mistake, it was beautiful! The scenery here is much more beautiful than pics/vids you see online.

Thanks everyone so far for suggestions, very helpful! Glad to see about Llanes, I was waffling on it, will definitely go.. may spend the night and skip Lastres.

We were in Northern Spain in mid-September and in the Basque country in 2019. Based on our experience: Hondaribbia is lovely and has THE best pinxtos and txaloli. Chillida Leku ( https://www.museochillidaleku.com/en/ ) was a highlight for us — beautiful and relaxing. Potes is attractive but was crazy crowded with tourists to the point that it was literally impossible to park and take a walk around. Cudillero, also busy, was a favorite of the Asturias towns. Luarca is worth a stop too. There was torrential rain the day we went to Llanes and restaurant staff were, shall we say, brusque so not sure how a usual day there might be. Cangas de Onis is pretty and pleasant but also rather touristy. We did not go to the Lakes of Covadonga due to weather but driving up to Cathedral is gorgeous…even in the fog. The view of Fuente De is stunning (again, even with fog) from ground level…not necessary to go up. Whatever you decide, you will have a great trip. Enjoy!

Loving all the replies, now switching a little to visit Llanes for two nights, any thoughts on best place to stay. I see parking is only in port area but we don’t mind walking if needed.

Not sure if you are planning to stay in Cangas de Onis, but if you do I just had an amazing Airbnb experience. Here is a link to the host’s profile and her properties in the area: https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/291058602

The host, Carmen, is an extremely professional and caring person. She felt like a friend and her apartment felt like home. I just had a great connection with her and wanted to pass her info along.

I second Llanes. Also Tito Bastillo.

I really want to go to Tito Bustillo cave in Ribadesella but have not found any day trips from Santander. I could take a bus but the cave looks like it is on the outskirts of town. Should I look for a private driver? Any advice?

It’s a 15 minute walk from town to the cave. Another 5 minutes from the cave to the museum.