Asturias and Cantabria

Posted by pam (North Easton, ma) on 04/14/08 02:37 PM

Driving from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao is it worth stopping in Asturias and Cantabria....not to be missed or pass on by???? We're also going to Barcelona after spending a few days in Bilbao and San Sebastian. Should we drive there through the Pyrenees or fly from Bilbao?

The beginning of the trip is fly into Madrid, pick up car, drive to Salamanca via Avila..spend a couple of nights there...then head to Oporto, spend a couple of nights there and from there drive to Santiago.

What does this itinerary sound like to all of you????

Posted by Marsle

Atlanta

04/14/08 02:57 PM

3261 posts

We did almost the same itinerary (Salamanca, Coimbra, Porto, Santillana del Mar, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Madrid) last March though we returned to Madrid from San Sebastian. We didn't like Santillana del Mar but maybe because it was off-season. If I were doing the trip again I might try Comillas and then go to the Altamira Caves. From my limited experience I'd say you could pass by Cantabria and Asturias and spend an extra night in Santiago and/or Salamanca. Not sure if you meant flying from Bilbao to San Sebastian or Barcelona. The drive from Bilbao to San Sebastian wasn't too difficult--just make sure you get a current road map as there are lots of construction projects and be prepared for expensive tolls. I'm not sure about the drive between San Sebastian and Barcelona--because of the distance flying might be best.

Posted by pam OP

North Easton, ma

04/14/08 03:16 PM

7 posts

Thanks so much Sharon. Do you have any suggestions or must-sees?

Posted by Marsle

Atlanta

04/16/08 06:19 PM

3261 posts

Here's my list: Madrid: Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and if you're not too queasy a bullfight! Santiago (my fav) the Cathedral, the food, Hotel Residencia Costa Vella and seeing the pilgrims at the end of their pilgrimage--you'll want to return to hike the El Camino de Santiago yourself. San Sebastian: Walking along the beach, the tapas bars, and a drive to France (St. Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz). Porto: The Graham Port Vineyards, a boat trip down the river, and the beauty of the city. Salamanca: Plaza Mayor, the Cathedrals, the University, and the market. Near the market we found a shop that makes bullfighter attire--they were beautiful! You'll have a great time!

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

04/16/08 08:04 PM

9369 posts

You should absolutely see Asturias! It was the only part of Spain not conquered by the Moors, and as a result they have retained their Celtic roots. It is the only part of Spain that remains green all year, and has beautiful mountains. It's a very untouristed area, with cute little coastal villages, and sizable cities like Oviedo.

At Altamira you don't get to see the actual cave art. You can only view reproductions. At Ribadasella, however, you can visit Tito Bustillo cave and see actual prehistoric cave paintings in situ.