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Sloshing Around Northern Spain Welcome to our ‘must experience’ cocktail list to save and check off as you tour around northern Spain with U.. We’ve chosen these drinks for their
Travel Spain
SULTRY EVENINGS FULL OF LIVELY MUSIC, DELICIOUS TAPAS AND VIBRANT SURROUNDINGS
Spain Adventure Tours
Our handcrafted adventure tours are designed for the youth traveller to explore, discover and experience the best and most memorable parts of northern and southern Spain.
On the northern coast, we visit white sand beaches, national parks and experience a unique Basque Country identity. Barcelona and Madrid and Seville are sultry cities filled with vibrant artistic expressions while in the south we visit incredible hilltop fortresses and sandstone cities infused with Moroccan architecture.
Sherry tasting, tapa eating, flamenco dancing, hiking, sightseeing, exploring, kayaking, surfing, meandering through museums and just plain relaxing on beaches – Spain will delight you every step of your journey
Pamplona
There is more to Pamplona than the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July, although this festival in itself should be witnessed first-hand for the share eccentricity of the days in and around the actual event! Pamplona is in fact an incredibly old town, having been founded in 75BC and which was once known as a Kingdom. As such, today’s architecture, culture and traditions have deeply routed connections that span over 2000 years of development.
It’s not only a major port along the famous pilgrimage route the Camino de Santiago, but it’s a visual living museum to its growth and importance as a rich agricultural and religious centre. Fortresses, churches and medieval walls mix in harmony with the modern face of Pamplona for a very enjoyable visit!
Getaria
Not far from the destination township of San Sebastian is this charming seaside village of Getaria. In fact, it claims to be the world’s most perfect village! Located on the Urola Coast, between the very cute townships of Zarautz and Zumaia, Gertaria’s port thrives on fishing which has spurred a wonderfully delicious cuisines culture, complimented but the idyllic backdrop of vineyards which produce the local vino called Txakoli.
Together, alongside the coast and the quaint village, you can enjoy a superbly pleasant day exploring and sampling the very best of rural coastal Spain!
Bilbao
Bilbao, what an interesting mix of urban culture, history, arts and gastronomy. It's hard to pinpoint a single awesome thing about Bilbao, so it’s with some degree of certainty that we say - there is much to see, do and experience here.
Probably the most visual attraction is the famed Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry with its curving contemporary titanium-clad exterior which draws the eye the most. But take time to wander around the town and enjoy the expansive offerings of tapas, the local museums and a personal favourite of ours, the Ribera Market.
San Sebastian
Known as Donostia in Basque, San Sebastián is a vibrant seaside resort town that hums with vitality from the incredible cobblestones roads that wind through the old town to the sometimes rustic, but always delicious tapa bars generously scattered across the city, and down beyond to the golden sands and gentle surf swells of Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta.
This is a town, by design or by evolution, that is absolutely made for beachside promenading! The cuisine has been described as innovative and creative, combining the traditional local Pintxos, with a more broad international flare.
Picos de Europa National Park
This incredible National Park was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2003 alongside several others which, when combined, make up the "Gran Cantábrica” super-sized reserve spanning across the Canabrica Mountains of Northern Spain. They rise quite majestically over 2500mts above sea level between the autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and León
Visiting here is a unique experience reflected in the continued occupation of humans in balanced cohabitation with these mountains for centuries, and of course, the sheer beauty of the towering mountains. It has been said that the Picos de Europa, or the Peaks of Europe in English, were so named because ships returning or arriving in Europe would sight these mountain peaks first.
What we do know, is that these mountains are celebrated Brown Bear territory… so pack your bear spray and enjoy the extensive hiking routes on offer!
Cain
The spectacular setting of Cain will catch your breath - it’s one of a few villages which sit at the foothills of the towering mountains within the Picos de Europa National Park. Limestone summits provide a rather spectacular backdrop to the stone village and from here, many Cainejos (locals and natives of Cain) became legendary shepherds and even greater climbers. For us, Cain is a quiet highlight as we tackle the famous Cares hiking route.
Poncebos
Walkers and hikers will find this cute and unique tiny stone village based at the foothills of the Pico De Europa mountain ranges, and bordering the Rio Cares, at the start (or the finish), of Spain's famous best 1-day walk, the Ruta de Cares. Small picturesque homes scattered up the sloping hillsides and a laid back mountain atmosphere welcome adventures from all over Europe and beyond.
Ruta del Cares
Ruta Del Cares is a unique and beautiful 14km one day walk between Puente Poncebos, through Cain to Posada de Valdeon - within the Picos de Europa National Park.
Developed in the early 20th century as a trade and supply route, the towering canyons, flower-covered plains, sweeping vistas and incredible rock formations have since made this one of the best 1-day walks in Spain!
Oviedo
Oviedo Old Town is a highlight of this relatively small city, based between the beautiful Bay of Biscay and the lush Cantabrian Mountains. With only 200,000 inhabitants, it has a unique identity founded on beautiful gothic architecture and fine arts. The evenings are best spent enjoying a local cider from any one of the many cider bars which are now popular amongst the trendier streets of the city. Oviedo has been described by many as ‘majestic’ and ‘overwhelming’, but we believe you should just come and experience this town for yourself!
Barcelona
Ah Barcelona, the capitol of Catalonia,…… te amò….mucho! It’s a passionately breathing coastal city of intense emotions - sultry evenings blur into vibrant nights which surrender to spectacular sunrises and done so against the hustle and bustle of a major cosmopolitan city.
There is much to see (think Gaudí, the fantastical Sagrada Familia and other Art Nouveau architecture) and much to do (think courtyard cafes sipping traditional Sangria and munching on a vast array of tapas, or champagne based sangria for a fun modern variation). Barcelona is a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, with just the right touch of cultural flare!
Zaragoza
Relax and unwind in stylish and insta-worthy Zaragoza. With spectacular views over the Ebro River, Zaragoza is a beautiful reflection of this city’s mixed Islamic and Catholic history, as reflected in the beautiful architectural expression through the ages.
As equally famous for its rich folklore and earthy local cuisines, Zaragoza is the kind of place you come to immerse yourself and experience the rural essence of Spain. Walk the quiet streets, admire the many famous monuments such as La Seo Cathedral and the Aljafería Palace, and the Basílica del Pilar, which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon’
Valladolid
Valladolid, the ‘valley of waters’, sits on the confluence of the Pisuerga and Esgueva rivers in northwest Spain. Most famous for its abundance of historical religious sites such as the San Pablo Church, and the college ‘Colegio de San Gregorio’ (now the National Sculpture Museum ), it was also home to the Royal Palace of the Kings of Spain during the 1600s. Time to stop and enjoy the surrounds, as Valladolid draws from 5 local wine-growing regions (Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro, Tierra de León, and Cigales), which means relaxing in a street sidebar or cafe and enjoying the local wines!
Salamanca
Visually, Salamanca (or “Helmantika”) is breathtakingly beautiful. Its’ old world charm and UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center create a perfect backdrop for the vibrancy of its multinational student population. Founded in the 4th century BC by the celts, it was then conquered by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC before becoming Romanised and used as an important trading, commercial and communications hub on the Ruta de la Plata (Silver Road) which dissected the Iberian Peninsular from the north to the south. Then came the period of Moorish occupation until the 11th century which today reflects in the amazing mix of architecture seen all over the city.
It was also the first Spanish city, with pride, to found a university (in 1218) that supported the growth of the city as a prestigious and significant intellectual centre.
Madrid
Did you know that this vibrant capital city was originally founded by the emir Muhammad at the end of the 9th century during the height of the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula? Originally called Mayrit, today’s Madrid is a bustling metropolitan city of incredibly beautiful architecture, great markets, generous green spaces and wide sweeping boulevards. It's a city where people gravitate to enjoy the art scene, the theatres and the eclectic but sumptuous myriad of tapa bars and restaurants featuring fantastical local cuisine. From the historical centre of Hapsburg Madrid to the baroque Royal Palace, Madrid is a travellers' short stay delight!
Toledo
Spain is a vibrant mix of historical contexts and cultures and nowhere is that more obvious than the ‘city of three cultures, Toledo. For centuries, Christians, Jews and Muslims have lived together within the walled city embankments and created a peaceful overarching community of inclusion. At every turn, these three cultures are expressed in the dining experience, the languages and the stunning civil and religious architecture.
Toledo is the ‘surprise and delight’ city of Spain - unexpectantly interesting and significantly different to anywhere else on the Iberian Peninsula, which makes it a perfect destination to explore and discover!
Valencia
Valencia is an old port town on Spain’s southeast coastline known as a city of Arts and Sciences. Today Valencia prides itself on the successful juxtaposition of culturally old and not just modern, but futuristic structural design. It makes for an interesting place to investigate.
There are beaches for swimming, an abundance of science-based museums as well as traditional historical ones, wetlands for hiking and biking, and then, of course, it has famously mastered the Spanish Paella dish to perfection.
Alicante
Sweltering seaside sun and soft Mediterranean breezes embrace this incredibly vivid port city, Alicante. Blue skies, golden beaches, palm-lined esplanade and a ton of delicious rice-based dishes such as seafood paella served after a classic Gin and Tonic, combine to create a super wonderful holiday destination.
Within the Casco Antiguo time seems to stand still. This historical old town is home to the famous Barrio de Santa Cruz with its intricate cobbled streets, nestled under the medieval Castillo de Santa Bábara. Enjoy a sunset walk along Postiguet Beach, or along the even more famous paved Esplanada de España. Pick up a picnic from the Mercado Central and head out sailing from the picturesque port, or try the local Cantueso Alicantino herbal Liqueur!Cantueso alicantino
Granada
Granada is that incredible Insta-worthy Spanish destination nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain’s Andalusia region.
Its name is believed to have descended from غرناطة (Ġarnāṭa) in Arabic, meaning "hill of strangers”, although granada in English actually means pomegranate, which also happens to be the city’s symbol as well.
Regardless, the most well known, and most visited site in Granada is the famous Moorish fortress, the Alhambra. This jaw-dropping sprawling hilltop fortress is an impressive collection of buildings, fortifications, palaces, churches and barricades, initially built between 1248 and 1354 during Moorish rule and added to over the centuries.
Known more fondly as the ‘Red Castle’, you can easily spend the whole day wandering inside its’ walls and gardens and not get bored!
Málaga
An average of 300 days of sunshine every year; only 80 miles north of Africa; birthplace of both the suave Antonio Banderas - film star, and the artist Pablo Picasso; one of Europe's oldest ‘cities’; over 3000 years of occupation by Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian people; the oldest known continually operated commercial port in Europe - with trading commencing back in approx. 600 BC.
There is a long list of unique attributes that Málaga can claim. Today, this most southern European city is a hive of activity with an energetic nightlife and party scene
Ronda
Another fantastically visual experience is the mountaintop city of Ronda in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. The famous stone bridge Il Puente Nuevo (not so new considering it was built in the 15th century), took 34 years to build, connects the new town with the old town, and spans the 300ft El Tajo Gorge.
With deep historical roots in Moorish rule, the city is a spectacular living testimony to Spain's multicultural past.
Most notable, beyond the civil architecture, is the rather important fact that Ronda is widely accepted as the birthplace of the modern bullfight. The forefather of ‘on foot’ fighting was Francisco Romero and Spain's oldest bullring (c. 1785) is the Neoclassical arena in Ronda.
Marbella
Peurto Banús in Marbella on the Costa Del Sol has been drawing the wealthy and trendy crowds since its creation in the 1970s.
Once an industrial mining town and fishing village has now become the destination for holidaymakers looking for perfection. 6 local beaches (spanning 27km of turquoise coastline) have met the high standards of the internationally acclaimed Blue Flag certification. That means that after dining at one of Marbella’s 6 Michelin Star restaurants, you can safely promenade along the Golden Mile with beautiful beaches that demonstrate high safety & environmental standards.
While the shopping and cuisine culture are just mind-blowing, Marbella is also described as having ‘perfect’ golfing conditions. As such Marbella offers 17 x 18-hole golf courses. While the luxury and modernity of Marbella are seductive, the nature reserves just outside the city are also noteworthy. From the spectacular sand dunes of “Las Dunas de Artola” to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Las Nieves, Marbella is a beautiful destination city.
Tarifa
At the meeting of the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsular sits the windy whitewashed township of Tarifa. With a laid back vibe, this bohemian beach town is host to wind-based water athletes the whole year-round.
Making the most of the 38 kilometres of beaches that surround Tarifa, the location is known as the European capital of kite-surfing. Beyond the beaches is a cute fun township, with narrow winding streets, sports shops and bodegas. Relax, chug back a San Miguel and watch the sun go down!
Jerez de la Frontera
Dating back to the Moorish occupation, Jerez is synonymous with Sherry production made from the palomino grapes that grow in the loose, chalky soil of the vineyards surrounding the city, the famed Riding school the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art which performs the world-renowned ‘equestrian ballet’; as being the ‘birthplace and true centre’ of flamenco music - dance, song and music; cobblestoned streets; the many very local sherry bodegas; Moorish fortresses and genuinely lovely locals! Slightly off the beaten track, Jerez is a truly genuine reflection of Spain culture and heritage
Sevilla
It’s hard to know where to start when describing Seville. After 3000 years of cultural habitation, it’s a city of immense history, intense passions and outrageously breathtaking architecture.
Sultry nights filled with Flamenco music, jugs of Aqua de Sevilla (pineapple juice, cava, whiskey & Cointreau) are balanced by farm-to-plate dishes - based on simple but flavoursome ingredients, such as pork & herbs cooked over long periods in crock pots and served hot.
The Giralda with its perfect blend of Arab & renaissance-style architecture; the largest gothic cathedral in the world, The Cathedral and the Alcazar, the oldest active royal palace in Europe - all reflect the multicultural development of the city over time.
Córdoba
Did you know that in the 10th century, under Moorish rule, Córdoba was once the biggest city in Europe? With over 80 libraries (of which the Moorish Al-Hakam’s library had over 400,000 books), they had an estimated population of over half a million people and was a thriving centre for commerce, trade, religion, politics and the arts.
So it can’t be a surprise to know that Córdoba has an astonishing four World Heritage sites, more than any other city in the world! Archaeologists have found evidence of Neanderthal occupation dating back to approx. 30,000 BC (+/-), pre-urban settlements, Carthaginian and then ‘more recently’, a mix of Christian, Islamic and Jewish occupation and influence. It's a melting pot reflected in its impressive old city and beautiful living monuments such as La Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcazar of the Christian Kings, the Synagogue and the Puente Romana (the Roman Bridge).
