Page 34 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

32  INTRODUCING NOR THERN SP AIN

The Atlantic Coast from Galicia
to the Basque Country

Ruggedness and a green exuberance are characteristics
of Spain’s spectacular north coast. Majestic headlands,
bizarre rock formations and massive granite cliffs loom
up out of the ocean, but in between them there are
soft-sand beaches in well sheltered bays, backed by
tranquil woods and meadows. There are fabulous
views at every turn, and the Atlantic air is invigorating.
The coastal scenery is at its finest in Galicia, with its
exquisite winding inlets, or rías, and wild capes, while Cudillero is one of the most
the best beaches are in Cantabria and the Basque picturesque villages of the Asturian
coast, with a dramatic lighthouse and
Country. The sea is also the source of many of a tiny harbour crammed into a steep
Northern Spain’s finest foods. cove below the cliffs.
Ortigueira Rías Altas Cabo
Cabo Prior N642 Co st a Ve rde de Peñas
Cabo San Ferrol A8 Ribadeo A8 Cudillero Gijón A8 Santander Cabo de Ajo
Costa da Morte Betanzos A6 Vilalba La Espina Oviedo Llanes de la Barquera Torrelavega A8 Laredo Bilbao Hondarribia
Adrián
A Coruña
Costa Va sca
San Vicente
San
CANTABRIA
AP9 N640 Co r di llera C an tá br ic a ASTURIAS AND Picos de Europa A67 A8 Sebastián
Santiago de Lugo Co rd ill era Cantábric a AP1
Compostela Arzúa A66 A68
Reinosa THE BASQUE
A6
COUNTRY
Padrón GALICIA
Vitoria-Gasteiz A1
AP53
Rí as Ba i xa s
Quiroga
Illa de
Ons AP9
Ourense
Vigo A52
Cabo de Peñas, just northwest of
A52
Gijón, is dotted with small villages,
windswept cliffs and sand dunes
rising up behind fine beaches that
are pounded by crashing surf.

A Toxa island is the most exclusive resort in
Galicia’s Rías Baixas. The tiny, pine-covered Cabo Fisterra, “the end of the world” is the
island has luxurious hotels and villas, a casino, westernmost point of continental Spain. Travellers
secluded beaches and a famous church to Santiago traditionally finished their pilgrimage here,
covered entirely in scallop shells. to gaze at the vast horizons and fabulous sunsets.

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