The AreaThe regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Vizcaya in Northern Spain are an amazing lush and verdant area. While each region has its own cultural identity, they are all blessed with magnificent beaches, lovely mountain scenery and offer a genuinely warm welcome plus the finest cuisine in Spain. Asturias and Cantabria share a lovely coastline and the superb Picos de Europa mountains (Europe's least known and least developed range), as well as picturesque towns and villages. Galcia enjoys similar scenery but also boasts a unique Celtic culture and astonishing Santiago - the third city of Christendom. The 4 regions all largely escaped Moorish domination in the Middle Ages and you will find totally different architecture to the rest of Spain, including many of the world's finest Romanesque and pre-Romanesque buildings. The area is ideal for anyone wanting to combine beaches with mountain scenery. The weather here is not as hot as the south and although rainfall is above average, the rain rarely lasts long. Santiago de Compostela is one of Spain's most historic and Europe's most beautiful cities. Marvellously preserved as it was in the Middle Ages the Romanesque Cathedral lies at its heart and the destination of the first ever tourists. Today it is still the third holiest site in Christendom, after only Jerusalem and Rome. Ribadesella is an attractive town and fishing port lying at the mouth of the river Sella, in one of the most beautiful spots of the Asturian coastline. The old town boast several good restaurants and a pleasant promenade. ActivitiesThis is an area which lends itself to a wide range of recreational activities, the most common and popular include, walking, climbing, horse riding, 4 wheel drive off roading. A wide range of water sports including swimming, sailing, surfing and canoeing on the many rivers and estuaries. The area is also famous for its rich fishing both inland and at sea. Don't miss the St James' Day festivities in Santiago during the second half of July - they are really spectacular.
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