7 Day Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary (Cantabria & Asturias)
I lived in Spain for two years and managed to travel just about everywhere, from hiking the Camino de Santiago Inglés to exploring Roman ruins in Mérida, wandering the cobbled streets of Cáceres, spending a weekend in Málaga, and soaking up the energy of Seville.
But this road trip through Cantabria and Asturias felt different. Northern Spain doesn’t try to win you over with grand monuments or flashy tourist spots, it’s more rugged, green, and quietly beautiful. One day you’re staring up at Burgos Cathedral, the next you’re on a random ferry to a surf town you hadn’t even planned to visit, and by the end you’re hiking through a gorge where goats outnumber people.
This wasn’t a polished, perfectly planned itinerary. It was seven days of cathedrals, beaches, mountain drives, and detours I didn’t see coming, and honestly, that’s what made it one of the best trips I’ve done in Spain.
7 Days in Northern Spain: The Quick Itinerary
Here’s the big picture of how the week played out:
- Day 1: Madrid → Burgos → Overnight in Santander
- Day 2: Santander → Ferry to Somo → Beach + Surf
- Day 3: Santander → Llanes stop → Gijón overnight
- Day 4: Explore Gijón → Drive to Oviedo
- Day 5: Oviedo → Cudillero → Playa de Silencio
- Day 6: Cangas de Onís → Hike the Ruta del Cares (Picos de Europa)
- Day 7: Quick stop in León → Return to Madrid
7 Day Northern Spain Road Trip: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1 – Madrid → Burgos → Santander
Quick overview: 2.5 hours north to Burgos for one of Spain’s greatest cathedrals, then another 2 hours to Santander to end the day by the sea.
Leaving Madrid, the first stretch is about 2.5 hours (250 km) of highway to Burgos — a convenient halfway stop that also happens to hold one of Spain’s crown jewels. The Burgos Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Even if you’ve seen a dozen Spanish cathedrals, this one will make you pause. The spires seem endless, and the interior has the kind of scale that makes you whisper without meaning to.
From Burgos it’s another 2 hours (180 km) to Santander, where the vibe shifts instantly from inland Castilian stone to coastal breeze. Santander doesn’t get as much attention as San Sebastián or Bilbao, but it’s a gem in its own right. Beaches like Playa del Sardinero stretch along the bay, perfect for an evening walk or just sitting with an ice cream in hand. The waterfront has a relaxed elegance, locals fill the promenade at sunset, and it’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs more to its residents than to tourists.
After a long day behind the wheel, it’s an easy first overnight stop — historic, coastal, and a solid setup for what’s to come.
Day 2 – Santander → Somo (Beach & Surf)
Quick overview: Planned on Santander’s main beach, ended up on a whim in Somo — a €5.50 ferry ride, a long sandy walk, and one unforgettable surf session.
The original plan was simple: spend the day on Santander’s main beach. But as I walked along the waterfront, I noticed a ferry heading across the bay to Somo. On a whim I thought, “Why not?” and bought a ticket (€5.50 roundtrip). Spontaneity for the win.
The Santander–Somo ferry only takes about 20 minutes, but when you step off, there’s a bit of a walk across dunes before you get to the main beach, and once it does, Somo is endless. Golden sand stretching for what feels like miles, steady Atlantic waves, and a vibe that feels more local and laid-back than anything back in Santander.
I signed up with Latas Surf School, which made the whole thing easy, rentals, quick instruction, and enough encouragement to convince me I might actually stand up on a board. More than a few wipeouts later, I was salty, exhausted, and already wondering when I could do it again.
That evening I ferried back to Santander for dinner at Restaurante Marucho, a local spot recommended by my hosts. No tourist traps, no glossy menus, just Cantabrian seafood, anchovies, squid, shellfish, all as fresh as it gets. After a day that started with zero plans and ended with surf and seafood, I knew this road trip was off to the right start.
Day 3 – Llanes → Gijón
Quick overview: A coastal drive with a stop in Llanes, then on to Gijón — Asturias’ mix of gritty port and historic charm.
Leaving Santander behind, I hugged the northern coast and pointed the car toward Asturias. The drive itself was the star of the morning: cliffs dropping into the Bay of Biscay, small fishing villages, and those pull-over moments where you realize your camera roll is about to explode.
About 1 hour 30 minutes (120 km) in, I stopped in Llanes, a small town that doesn’t get half the attention it deserves. Its old quarter feels straight out of the Middle Ages, while the coastline is dotted with coves and blowholes (literally — the famous Bufones de Pría). I only had a short time here, but even a walk through the harbor and the colorful Cubes of Memory mural was worth it.
From Llanes it’s another 1 hour (90 km) west to Gijón, the biggest city in Asturias and one that surprised me. At first glance, it’s all industrial port and concrete blocks, but give it a few hours and it grows on you. The historic neighborhood of Cimavilla sits on a hill between two beaches, with winding streets, hidden plazas, and cider bars that stay lively well into the night. I wandered until sunset, ended up on the San Lorenzo beach promenade, and realized Gijón has that rough-around-the-edges charm that makes a city feel real.
By the time I found dinner (spoiler: cider is mandatory in Asturias, and the ritual of pouring it from above your head is half the fun), I knew this wasn’t just a stopover. Gijón was the first true taste of Asturias.
Day 4 – Gijón → Oviedo
Quick overview: A morning soaking up Gijón, then a short drive inland to Oviedo for history, statues, and cider culture at its best.
I started the morning still in Gijón, giving the city a bit more time before heading inland. San Lorenzo beach was buzzing with early surfers and walkers, and a coffee along the promenade felt like the right way to linger a little longer. Gijón has a way of growing on you, gritty at first glance, but spend more than a day and you start to see the rhythm of it.
By midday I hit the road for the short 30-minute drive (30 km) to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. It’s an instant contrast: where Gijón is rough around the edges, Oviedo is tidy, elegant, and steeped in history. The old town is compact and walkable, filled with sculptures on nearly every corner and squares like Plaza del Fontán that hum with daily life.
The highlight is the Oviedo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with relics that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Even after seeing Burgos earlier in the trip, this one stands out for its atmosphere and detail. A stroll down Calle Gascona, better known as “Cider Boulevard”, drives home just how central sidra is here. Waiters pour it from above their heads like it’s second nature, and the whole street feels like a crash course in Asturias’ drinking culture.
By evening I’d had my fill of history, cider, and wandering the cleanest old town streets in Spain, ready for the road to take me back to the coast the next day.
Day 5 – Gijón → Cudillero → Playa de Silencio
Quick overview: From Asturias’ capital to one of Spain’s prettiest fishing villages, ending the day at a beach that feels like it belongs on another planet.
Leaving Oviedo, the road west winds toward the coast — about 40 minutes (55 km) to Cudillero. If you’ve ever seen a postcard of northern Spain, chances are it was taken here. The village tumbles down a steep hillside in layers of orange-roofed houses, all stacked like dominoes around a tiny fishing harbor. It’s a place that’s both wildly photogenic and still surprisingly authentic. I spent the morning wandering the narrow alleys, climbing up for views over the harbor, and people-watching in the main square with a coffee in hand.
Another 20-minute drive (16 km) took me to Playa de Silencio, and it lives up to the name. No beach bars, no vendors, no noise — just cliffs, turquoise water, and a curved bay that feels completely cut off from the world. Getting down involves a bit of a walk, but the payoff is worth it: smooth pebbles underfoot, dramatic rock formations, and the kind of quiet that makes you whisper without realizing. It’s not a beach for swimming (the currents are rough), but for raw beauty it’s hard to beat.
By the time I left, the sun was dipping low and the village lights of Cudillero were starting to glow on the hillside. Between the painted houses and the hidden beach, this day felt like Asturias showing off its most photogenic side.
Day 6 – Gijón → Cangas de Onís → Ruta del Cares Hike (Picos de Europa)
Quick overview: From city streets to mountain peaks — a Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís, then one of Spain’s most spectacular hikes.
Leaving Gijón in the morning, it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes (95 km) inland to Cangas de Onís, the traditional gateway to the Picos de Europa. The town is best known for its iconic Roman Bridge, complete with the Victory Cross hanging over the river. It’s worth a stop — both for the photo and the chance to stock up on snacks before hitting the trail.
The real mission was the Ruta del Cares. The trail runs through a dramatic limestone gorge, carved into the cliffside, with the river far below. The classic route is 12 km one way (24 km round trip) between Poncebos and Caín. It isn’t technically hard, but it’s long and exposed, the kind of hike that requires good shoes, water, and plenty of patience.
Along the way, the scenery shifts between narrow ledges blasted into the rock, arched stone tunnels, and sheer drops that make you double-check your footing. Goats wander casually as if they own the place, and every turn looks like a postcard. By the time I staggered off the trail, legs sore and clothes dusty, I knew this was the most epic single day of the whole road trip.
Day 7 – Gijón → León → Madrid
Quick overview: A final drive south, a stop in León for stained glass and tapas, then the long road back to Madrid.
Leaving Gijón, it’s about 2 hours (165 km) over the mountains into Castilla y León. The landscape shifts quickly, Asturias’ green cliffs and misty hills flatten into wide plains that stretch forever.
León is often overshadowed by bigger names like Burgos or Salamanca, but it deserves more credit. The León Cathedral is famous for its 13th-century stained glass, bathing the interior in kaleidoscopic light. Even after seeing Burgos and Oviedo earlier in the trip, it still felt different, lighter, brighter, almost fragile compared to Spain’s heavier Gothic giants.
But León isn’t just about the cathedral. The old quarter, known as the Barrio Húmedo, is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with tapas bars. Here, every drink comes with a plate of food, no extra charge. Order a glass of wine, and suddenly you’ve got croquettes or chorizo in front of you. After a week of hiking snacks, it felt like a feast.
From León, it’s a long 3.5-hour drive (330 km) back to Madrid. By the time I pulled into the city, the road trip had run the full spectrum of Spain, cathedrals, beaches, fishing villages, mountains, cider, and tapas, all in just seven days.
Practical Tips for a Northern Spain Road Trip
Car Rental & Driving
- Rent in Madrid for the full loop. Platforms like Rentalcars and DiscoverCars have airport pick-up, which saves time.
- Highways to Burgos and Santander are easy, but coastal and mountain roads in Asturias are narrow and winding. Don’t expect to cover ground quickly — plan shorter driving days.
- Parking in small towns is rough. In Cudillero and Oviedo, I circled forever before giving up and paying for an underground garage (aparcamiento subterráneo). Just build that into your plan, it’s normal.
- Tolls: Most of northern Spain’s highways (autovías) are toll-free, but fuel adds up. Expect to refuel every 400–500 km.
Navigation
- Google Maps works fine, but don’t rely on it blindly in mountain areas — cell service drops in the Picos de Europa. Download offline maps before you go.
- Road signs are in Spanish, but pretty straightforward. Watch speed limits, there are radar traps on main highways.
Best Time to Go
- Summer (June–September): Warm and perfect for surf + beaches, but busiest.
- Spring/Autumn (May, October): Cooler, greener, quieter, best for hiking.
- Winter: Cold and wet — great for solitude, not great for comfort.
Accommodation
- Book early in summer, northern Spain has fewer hotels than the big tourist areas, and spots fill quickly.
- Paradores (state-run hotels in historic buildings) can be a cool splurge if you want a night of luxury in a castle or monastery.
Food & Drink
- Asturias and Cantabria are obsessed with seafood, anchovies, and fabada (bean stew). Always order the menu del día (set lunch), it’s cheap and usually excellent.
- Cider (sidra) is everywhere in Asturias, but don’t pour it yourself. The waiters pour from shoulder height to aerate it. Let them do the work.
Packing
- Hiking shoes: Ruta del Cares is long, rocky, and dusty.
- Rain jacket: The north is famously green because it rains often.
- Layers: You’ll go from warm coast to chilly mountains in the same day.
- Swimsuit: Somo, Sardinero, and Silencio beaches are too tempting to skip.
- Portable charger: Between navigation and photos, your phone battery will vanish.
Language & Culture
- English is less common here than in Madrid or Barcelona. A few Spanish basics go a long way.
- Dinner starts late, most restaurants don’t open until 8:30 or 9 pm. Get used to eating late or stocking up at bakeries/markets earlier.
- Sundays are sleepy: shops close, and many small towns feel half-abandoned. Good day for a hike or drive, not for shopping.
Budget: How Much Does a 7 Day Northern Spain Road Trip Cost?
This wasn’t my cheapest trip in Spain — between car rental, gas, parking, and eating out, the costs added up quickly. Still, it was worth every cent for the mix of surf, seafood, and mountain hikes. Here’s what I actually spent for one week on the road (solo traveler prices, in euros):
| Category | Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 255.92 | Mix of hotels and guesthouses |
| Car Rental | 93.04 | Picked up in Madrid |
| Gas | 96.44 | Covered ~1,100 km total |
| Parking | 42.20 | Garages in Santander, Oviedo, Gijón, etc. |
| Eating Out | 179.57 | Mix of casual menus and seafood dinners |
| Alcohol | 51.00 | Mostly cider and wine |
| Groceries | 45.42 | Snacks + quick breakfasts |
| Entertainment | 35.00 | Surf lesson in Somo |
| Transportation | 5.50 | Ferry Santander → Somo |
| International Driver’s License* | 17.54 | Required since I’m from the USA |
| Total | 821.63 | For 7 days |
* Many rental agencies in Spain will ask for an International Driving Permit if your license is from outside the EU. It’s quick to get in the U.S. through AAA (~$20), but worth factoring into your costs.
What This Means for Travelers
- Per day average: Around €117/day all-in.
- Biggest surprise: Parking. Between Santander, Oviedo, and Cudillero, garages added up faster than expected.
- Where I saved: Car rental, booking early in Madrid kept this low.
- Where I overspent: Eating out. Meals in northern Spain aren’t as cheap as tapas in the south. Even modest lunches and dinners (€15–25 each) added up to more than 20% of my total trip cost.
- Worth it anyway: The food. From fresh seafood in Santander to cider houses in Oviedo, eating out is central to the experience, just be ready for it to dent your budget.
- Could it be done cheaper? Definitely. My trip was on the pricier side because I stayed in hotels/guesthouses and ate out almost every day. If you mixed in Airbnbs, hostels, or self-catering, you could shave hundreds off this budget. To put it in perspective, my 11-day road trip in Morocco cost only €557.61 total, and that was four days longer than this one. Northern Spain doesn’t have to break the bank, but the way I traveled made it one of my more expensive weeks in Europe.
FAQ: Northern Spain Road Trip
Is 7 days enough for a road trip in northern Spain?
Yes. A 7 day northern Spain road trip itinerary is enough to hit the highlights of Cantabria and Asturias. You’ll cover beaches (Santander, Somo, Playa de Silencio), historic cities (Oviedo, León, Burgos), and even the Picos de Europa mountains. It’s a packed week, so if you want more downtime, consider extending to 10–14 days.
How much does a 7-day northern Spain road trip cost?
My 7-day northern Spain road trip came to €821.63, or about €117/day, including accommodation, car rental, fuel, food, and parking. You can easily do it for less with Airbnbs, hostels, or more self-catering. For comparison, my 11-day Morocco road trip cost €557.61 total — which shows Spain isn’t the cheapest destination, but it’s doable at different budget levels.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Spain?
Yes, if you’re from outside the EU. Rental agencies in Spain usually require an International Driving Permit in addition to your license. In the U.S., it costs about $20 through AAA and is valid for one year. I needed mine when renting in Madrid, so don’t skip it.
Is driving and parking difficult in northern Spain?
Driving between cities is smooth and scenic, Spain’s highways are excellent. But parking inside historic centers is frustrating and expensive. In Santander, Gijón, and Cudillero, garages were often the only option, costing €10–20 a night. If you follow a northern Spain road trip itinerary, budget for parking and avoid driving into old town centers whenever possible.
What is the best time of year to do a road trip in Asturias and Cantabria?
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are the sweet spots for a northern Spain road trip. You’ll avoid the peak summer crowds but still enjoy mild weather for hiking and beaches. July and August are warmest for surfing and sunbathing, but they’re also the busiest and priciest months.
What are must-see stops on a northern Spain road trip?
Some of the best places to include on your northern Spain itinerary are:
Burgos Cathedral – Gothic architecture at its peak
Santander & Somo – beach + surfing combo
Gijón’s Cimavilla – fisherman’s quarter with sidra bars
Oviedo – historic old town and cider houses
Cudillero & Playa de Silencio – colorful fishing village and dramatic beach
Picos de Europa / Ruta del Cares – one of Spain’s most iconic hikes
León Cathedral – stained-glass masterpiece
Is northern Spain cheaper than southern Spain?
Not necessarily. Southern Spain (think Andalusia) is famous for budget-friendly tapas culture, where you can get drinks and snacks for just a few euros. In the north, meals are less “cheap tapas” and more sit-down dining, expect €15–25 per meal on average. Accommodation prices are fairly similar across the country, but in my case, parking fees and eating out daily made my 7-day northern Spain road trip itinerary one of my pricier Spain adventures. If you mix in Airbnbs, hostels, or cook a few meals yourself, you can keep costs much lower.
Final Thoughts on a 7-Day Northern Spain Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re looking for a Spanish adventure that mixes beaches, mountains, historic cities, and plenty of food along the way, this 7-day northern Spain road trip itinerary delivers. Was it my cheapest trip? Definitely not. Between parking headaches, eating out too much, and staying in Airbnbs instead of hostels, this road trip added up fast. But honestly, it was worth it for the mix of experiences, one day I was surfing in Somo, the next I was hiking through the Picos de Europa surrounded by goats.
The best part? Northern Spain still feels under the radar compared to the south. You won’t find the same tourist crowds as Seville or Málaga, and the landscapes are some of the most dramatic in the country.
If you’re planning this trip, my advice is:
- Book accommodations early if you’re traveling in July or August.
- Budget extra for parking, or stay outside city centers.
- Don’t be afraid to go off-script, our ferry to Somo was a total spur-of-the-moment choice, and it ended up being a highlight.
For more inspiration from my time living and traveling in Spain, check out these guides:
- Weekend in Málaga on a Budget
- Seville Travel Guide
- Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Cáceres
- Camino Inglés: 3-Day Itinerary & Reflections
- Mérida Travel Tips
Spain has no shortage of incredible road trips, but this one through Cantabria and Asturias easily ranks as one of my favorites. Just pack some patience for the parking and bring an appetite, northern Spain rewards you in more ways than one.
