Full Description
New from Bradt is Northern Spain, the most detailed guidebook available to a unique, compelling part of Iberia - a deep dive into a hitherto under-rated region. Incisive context covers modern history and environmental, social and economic issues, enabling the reader to take well-informed decisions about how best to experience a region extending from Galicia, in Spain's far northwest, east through the Basque Country to Navarra.
Northern Spain offers enormous variety. In a single trip, you could explore Celtic heritage in Asturias, feast on Atlantic octopus in Galicia, enjoy pintxos snacks before a traditional asador barbeque in the Basque Country, surf breakers in the Bay of Biscay, walk and watch wildlife in the mountainous Picos de Europa National Park, travel along the winding Feve narrow-gauge railway or the luxurious Transcantabrica Gran Lujo train and enjoy a gentle bike ride along a 'Via Verde' (a disused railway line converted into walking and cycling routes).
And northern Spain's delights do not stop there. Hikers and pilgrims alike tread along three ancient trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago, with the shrines of Santiago de Compostela as their ultimate destination. La Rioja is Spain's most renowned wine region, where wineries include the mind-bending Marques de Riscal - designed by Frank Gehry, who designed Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum.
Northern Spain is also a genuinely surprising region. Bagpipes are just as important a part of musical culture in some parts as they are in Scotland. In summer, homes in the wine-making region around Pontevedra are transformed into pop-up restaurants, with visitors invited to dine in garages, living rooms and homely kitchens - a traditional way of selling excess wine. Some medieval churches defy expectations, being decorated with sexy scenes that would be at home in the Kama Sutra. And if you're up for a challenge, why not try to speak Euskera, the unique Basque language with no known linguistic relatives.
With heatwaves increasingly characterising Spain's popular Mediterranean coast in summer, the country's north (known as 'Green Spain') offers more clement conditions for a rewarding holiday. And what better travelling companion can you have than Bradt's Northern Spain?
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, The pilgrimage to Santiago, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion and beliefs, Culture, Sport
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQIA+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities, Opening hours, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Navarra
History, Pamplona (Iruna), Approaches from France: down the valleys of the Pyrenees, Northwest of Pamplona: Aralar and San Miguel in Excelsis, Southeast of Pamplona: Sanguesa, Javier and Leyre, South of Pamplona to Tudela, Southwest of Pamplona: The Camino de Santiago
Chapter 4 La Rioja
Logrono, Calahorra and La Rioja Baja, The Camino de Santiago west of Logrono, Wine towns in La Rioja Alta
Chapter 5 Euskadi: The Basque Country
History, Donostia-San Sebastian, Along the Coast: East of Donostia-San Sebastian, Inland from Donostia-San Sebastian, Along the coast: between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao, Inland: between Donostia-San Sebastian and Bilbao, Bilbao (Bilbo), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava Province
Chapter 6 Cantabria
Bilbao to Santander: The Costa Esmeralda, Eastern Cantabria: inland, Santander, South of Santander, The coast west of Santander
Chapter 7 Picos de Europa
The Cantabrian Picos de Europa, The Asturian Picos de Europa, The Leonese Picos de Europa
Chapter 8 Asturias
History, Sports and outdoor activities, The Asturian 'Costa Verde': East to west, Gijon (Xixon) and around, Oviedo (Uvieu), Asturias's western coast, Southern Asturias
Chapter 9 Castile and León
Approaches to Burgos, Burgos, Southeast of Burgos, West of Burgos: along the Camino towards Leon, Leon, West of Leon
Chapter 10 Galicia
The As Marinas de Lugo coast and the Rias Altas, The Galician Interior: the Camino Frances to Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol and the Golfo Artabro, A Coruna, Costa da Morte to Finisterre, The Rias Baixas, Up the Rio Minho to Ourense
Appendix 1 Language
Appendix 2 Glossary
Appendix 3 Further Information
Index
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