Travel Tribe

The north of Spain ranging from Bayonne in the Pyrenes to Gallica on the Atlantic coast is a pristine environment oozing with culture is a lesser known area of Spain, in particular the Basque region or otherwise known as Pais Vasco. This area is well known for its diverse culinary scene and its beautifully lush climate. Usually overlooked by tourists, it is a heaven for those who like the road less travelled.

1. Amazing beaches

There are two amazing beaches in San Sebastian, Gros and La Concha. Gros is has a younger vibe with lots of surfers and volley ball, it has larger waves and a more upbeat atmosphere. Nonetheless, La Concha is the 6^th best beach in the world and number 1 in Europe. The water and sand quality is like nothing I have ever seen before, perfect for slow walks and family days out. The beaches are separated by a summit seen in the pictures.

The north of Spain is perfect for the outdoors and adventure kind of person. One of my favourite beaches I visited was in Zumaia. This small costal town shot to world recognition when the unique landscape of its beaches were used to film scenes on the famous ‘Game of Thrones’ series. The strange stone facades of the beach are a true marvel to look at, this coupled with the amazing fresh and cheap seafood is a winning combination. Just a short train ride from San Sebastian, it is the perfect day out.

2. Incredible Culinary Scene

My favourite element of Northern Spain has to be the food. San Sebastian has the 2^nd most Michelin starred restaurants in the world after Tokyo, japan. Almost all bars will have pintxos [the northern version of tapas] available throughout the day with cheap prices. The region is famous for its artichoke dishes and its quality of beef. Sirimiri and bar Michael in the old town of San Sebastian is a must, you will be pressed to find better quality food for a better price anywhere in the world.

3. Unique Artwork

Bilbao, the largest city in Northern Spain, is home to one of the most famous and unique museums in the world: the Guggenheim. The majority of the art installations are interactive allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these wonders. Bilbao is a very traditional city and retains its past with its beautifully preserved buildings and way of life.

Another place in the north famous for its artistic expressions is Victoria. This town has an abundance of street art on every corner wall and street light. It is a delight to just wonder aimlessly around the town discovering some amazing art. This is an old city full to the brim with history, much of which can be viewed in the cluster of small museums dotted around the town. Rent a car from San Sebastian and drive an hour inland to discover the wonders of Vitoria.