Northern Spain is a loose definition, but we tend to think of it as the north coast which extends from the French border on the western side of the Pyrenees, clear across to western end of the peninsula. So the Basque Country to Galicia, or San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela. Broadly speaking, two of the most popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes traverse this part of Spain - the original Camino del Norte on the coast, and the most popular 'Way' - the inland Camino Francés.

Whilst it isn't everyone's idea of a vacation, the Camino is helpful in getting to grips with northern Spain. One of the reason it continues to draw in hikers is because of the variety of landscapes the route bring together. The Francés route crosses Spain from the Pyrenees foothills in Navarre, down into the vineyards of La Rioja, across the plains of Castile and the mountains of León into the lush forests and ever-flowing waters of Galicia.

That variety makes for an incredible journey, whether undertaken on foot or by car. But for most, it pays to focus in one or two areas, particularly if you only have a week or two. For us, the best places to visit in northern Spain are:

• Basque Country - Bilbao, San Sebastián and the coastline in between
• La Rioja - Spain's premier wine region, parts of which extend into the Basque Country
• Picos de Europa National Park - extraordinarily beautiful and quiet coastal mountains
• Galicia - wild beaches, wine valleys and the pilgrimage culture of Santiago

There are vast differences between north and southern Spain, so much so that we find it easier to think of Spain as a 'united nations' of distinct regions. The size and location of the country creates huge variety in terms of climate, topography, culture and cuisines. Here's a quick summary:

Climate

A big difference is the climate. Southern Spain is characterized by long, dry and sometimes very hot summers. The north is much cooler and has more rainfall, thereby keeping the landscapes lush and green. So whereas you wouldn't want to visit Andalucía in the south in the height of summer, July and August are some of the best times to visit northern Spain. Conversely, the winters can be a bit wet and wild in the north, whilst in the south it's much drier and more mild, generally speaking.

Landscapes

Because of the higher rain and plenty of sunshine, the dominant color of the landscapes in the north is green. The coastal pastures are positively vibrant; grapes ripen in the verdant vineyards of Rioja and Europe's second-biggest beech and fir forest spreads along the slopes of Navarre in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Some of Spain's best beaches dot the coast too. The northern coast has much more in common with the Atlantic coast down in the south than the Costa del Sol. Both up here in the north and along the Costa de la Luz in the south, the beaches tend to be found alongside small fishing towns or in coves which interrupt rolling cliffs. This is not a place of resorts. The coastline has a wild feel in places, not least around Zumaia in the Basque Country, where you'll find the flysch coast. Deriving from the German word for 'glide', thin vertical sheets of rock create spectacular rocky stripes down the cliffs and into the Cantabrian sea. It's stunning to look at and you can either walk around the headland if the tide is out, or follow the original Camino route along the clifftops.

Culture

The culture and ways of life are very different too. Modern Spain can trace much of its cultural fabric back to the 8th century when the Moors crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from north Africa into southern Spain. From there they spread across the Iberian Peninsula, influencing the cuisine, architecture and lifestyles of Spain, all the way from Andalucía up as far north as the Picos de Europ and Pyrenees mountains. However, they never quite conquered northern Spain. Meeting resistance in the Picos de Europa, the Castilians began to push the frontier between Islam and Christianity south again. This is why the original Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ran along the north coast before the inland route became more popular once the Castilians gained control again.

So what does this mean for you and your travels? Whereas Andalucía is awash with the glories of the Islamic age, from the famous Alhambra Palace and Mezquita mosque to the white villages and a diet which includes dates, apricots and oriental spices, the north has a very different feel. There is little in the way of Moorish heritage here and the culture feels much more related to northern Europe. But there is a lot to love about the north...

One of the joys of traveling in northern Spain is that the regions all feel distinct. The Basque Country in particular is proudly different and very independent; its customs, cuisine and language are all very much its own. Winemaking heritage runs deep in Rioja, as does the tradition of pilgrimage on the routes to Santiago. From the traditional fishing harbors and the shipwrecks of Galicia's Costa de Morte, you'll see that the northern regions retain a strong connection to the sea through their industries, traditions and storytelling. But cultural links stretch back much further into times, as you'll see in the plethora of ancient monuments and primitive cave art.

Food & drink

Finally, the food on your plate and the tipple in your glass are different too. The south of Spain is the world's greatest producer of olive oil, in both quality and quantity. This, along with a thriving wine industry, is a legacy of the Greeks and Romans who first brought olive trees and vines to Spanish shores.

When we think of Basque food, for example, the fruits of the sea come more easily to mind, particularly salt cod. One thing that unites north and south is the idea of tapas, known as pintxos in the north. The name comes from the verb 'pinchar', which means 'to pierce' and refers to the skewers which hold the little culinary works of art together. Pintxos are a huge deal in the Basque Country and Navarre and the bars of Bilbao, San Sebastián and Pamplona compete between themselves to create the best offerings. It's a part of the culture we love to share in the company of a local expert.

North of Rioja, the vineyards peter out and are replaced by apple orchards. Asturias, Navarre and the Basque Country are Spain's greatest producers of cider and are all fiercely competitive when it comes to who makes the best.

A tradition of cheesemaking unites the northern regions. The traditional shepherd economy based on sheep and goats herded in the high pastures has evolved to an easier farming life based on cattle and cheesemaking facilities in the valleys, but you can still enjoy glimpses of traditional farming and enjoy great quality cheese, from the Basque Country across to Asturias.

You can spend anything from a week to a month and more exploring northern Spain.

A week gives you time to focus on one particular area, and with distances being short it's easy to pack a lot in, without ever rushing. The Basque Country is a great place for a relaxed week-long itinerary, linking the vibrant cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián with either the Basque coast, or the wineries of La Rioja. If you love hiking, then you could focus solely on a walk through the Picos de Europa mountains, with some of Spain's best scenery on the way.

Two weeks would give you plenty of time to properly explore the Basque Country and cross into Navarre to visit the deserts of Bardenas and the Iratí forests. Equally you could blend some of the Basque Country with Cantabria or Asturias to the west. Essentially just send us your plans and ideas and we'll craft an itinerary for you.

Three weeks is ideal for a road trip across the north coast, from San Sebastián to Santiago.

Northern Spain is ripe for travel between spring and fall, roughly April to October.

Spring offers pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, and green landscapes, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the region's picturesque towns.

Fall is also a great time to visit Northern Spain, with cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. It's an ideal time for sightseeing, wine tasting, and enjoying local festivals.

However, for the warmest weather and best conditions for the beaches, summer (June to August) is also a great time to visit. It can be a little busier in certain hotspots, but you're never far away from a hidden gem or quiet corner to find some tranquillity.

Winter (December to February) in Northern Spain tends to be colder and wetter, especially in the mountainous areas. It isn't a time we advise you visit.

From Madrid you can travel by comfortable bus to Bilbao, a journey of 4-5 hours. From Barcelona you can take the train to San Sebastián, or from Paris you can reach Bilbao or San Sebastián by train, changing at one of the stops near the Spain-France border.

It's best if you let us know your plans or ideas and we'll advise the best routing.

Our northern Spain vacations reward active discovery, but you generally have complete freedom to make things as active or relaxed as you wish. Having your own hire car (or taking your own on the ferry) means you can choose what you do on most days. We include guided activities at key points, be it a city tour, a guided walk or something more adventurous, and these can usually be adapted to suit you, or changed for something else. A key part of our trips is the self-guided walks we give you instructions and a GPS track for. Again, you can choose if you want to undertake these or not and often they can be shortened to suit you.

Most of our guests like to have a balance between activity, culture and time to slow down and soak everything in.