Bilbao – The Cultural Capital of the Basque Country

Our trip began in Bilbao, where tradition meets modernity. Upon arrival, we visited the stunning Guggenheim Museum, with its captivating architecture and contemporary art—a perfect introduction to our journey.

Our base was a stylish apartment near the Casco Viejo, the old town – a maze of narrow streets, pintxo bars, and historic facades. Mornings began with slow walks through the quarter, stopping for coffee and watching the city wake up.

One of the early highlights: a visit to the Guggenheim Museum.

More than just architecture (though Gehry’s metallic sculpture of a building is reason enough to visit), the museum offered immersive, thoughtful exhibitions that lingered long after we left.

Nearby, we found Puppy, Jeff Koons’ flower-covered dog sculpture, standing cheerfully at the entrance – playful, surreal, and oddly touching. Its bright patchwork of blooming flowers felt like a living, ever-changing artwork – both monumental and surprisingly gentle. People gathered around to take photos, smile, or simply pause, as if Puppy had always been part of the city’s heart.

Along the riverfront, we followed the Nervión on foot, stopping at the Zubizuri Bridge, Santiago Calatrava’s sleek white structure that looks almost like a sail floating above the water. Bilbao’s mix of design and natural surroundings makes even simple walks feel cinematic.

Santander – Coastal Charm and Historical Beauty

Our journey continued to Santander, a charming coastal city. On the first day, we visited the beautiful "Playa del Sardinero" and soaked up the sun. We then strolled through the city, admiring its stunning architecture.

We than made a special trip out to the Faro de Cabo Mayor, perched high on the cliffs just outside the city. The drive alone was worth it — winding roads, crashing waves below, and that unmistakable sense of being at the edge of the world. The lighthouse itself, tall and weathered, has stood watch over the Cantabrian Sea since 1839, and today it also houses a small art center dedicated to the sea and maritime life. We walked along the coastal paths, paused to take in the dramatic views, and felt the wind in our faces — one of those quiet, powerful moments that stays with you long after you’ve left. On the second day, we explored the historic old town and the impressive Palacio de la Magdalena, which offered breathtaking views of the sea.

The Centro Botín, perched at the edge of the bay in Santander, feels more like a cloud than a building – light, airy, and gently hovering above the water. Designed by Renzo Piano, its curved form and shimmering façade reflect the sky and sea, blending art with the landscape. Inside, we wandered through thoughtful exhibitions in bright, open spaces filled with natural light. Outside, people lingered on the terraces and walkways, as if the building itself invited you to pause and look a little longer.

San Sebastián – Gourmet Delights and Beaches

From Santander, we headed to San Sebastián, known for its beautiful beaches and excellent cuisine. On the first day, we visited the famous "La Concha" beach, where we relaxed and enjoyed the ocean. In the evening, we explored the old town and indulged in delectable pintxos.

On the second day, we took a trip to Gaztelugatxe, a place that felt both wild and otherworldly.

The path to the top was long and steep, and under the warm sun, we were soon sweating – but every step was worth it. As we climbed the winding stone staircase, the dramatic coastline opened up around us, with crashing waves far below. At the summit, the tiny hermitage stood peacefully against the vastness of the sky and sea, a reward in both silence and view. It was one of the most stunning photo spots of the trip – raw, cinematic, and unforgettable.

After exploring the cities, we spent a few more days along the coast near Zumaia, where the landscape shifts into something truly spectacular. The Flysch cliffs, with their vertical, layered rock formations, look like pages of Earth’s geological history frozen in time. Walking along the coastal paths, we felt tiny between the jagged walls and the roaring sea.

The light here changes everything — especially at sunrise and sunset, when the cliffs glow in warm tones and shadows dance across the stone. We found quiet spots to sit and watch the tide roll in, letting the sound of the waves replace any sense of hurry. It was a place that felt raw and ancient, yet incredibly peaceful. For photography, it was a dream – lines, textures, and drama everywhere.

But more than anything, it was a space to just breathe and take it all in.

Pamplona – Fiesta and Energy

On our way to Barcelona, we stopped in Pamplona, where the famous San Fermín festival was taking place.

The city was alive with energy and celebration. Everywhere we looked, people in traditional attire filled the streets, and we immersed ourselves in the vibrant festivities, witnessing parades and enjoying local specialties like "Chistorra" and pintxos.

The atmosphere was magical, and we could feel the excitement of the crowd around us. After a day filled with festivities, we headed to the Parador de Sos del Rey Católico, a historical monastery where we could unwind in a serene setting.

We also made a stop in Puente la Reina, a charming town in Navarra known for its majestic 11th-century Romanesque bridge. With its graceful arches spanning the Arga River, the bridge is a perfect photo spot — especially in the soft light of sunrise or sunset. The village itself, with its narrow streets, stone houses, and quiet churches, felt like a peaceful pause in time. We took a break at a small café near the main square, sipping coffee and watching pilgrims pass by on the Camino de Santiago. The atmosphere was calm and timeless, a beautiful blend of history, stillness, and quiet connection.

We spent the night at the Parador de Sos del Rey Católico, a beautiful stone building that blends seamlessly into the medieval charm of the village. In the early morning, while the town was still quiet, I wandered through the narrow cobbled streets with my camera in hand. The soft golden light touched the old stone facades and wooden balconies, casting long shadows that brought the history of the place to life. Sos del Rey Católico, the birthplace of King Ferdinand of Aragon, feels like a village frozen in time — dignified, peaceful, and rich in character.

I climbed up toward the old fortress walls and was rewarded with a breathtaking view across the rooftops and rolling hills beyond. It was one of those quiet, perfect mornings where everything slows down, and you’re simply present.

We also visited the breathtaking desert landscape of Bardenas Reales, known for its surreal rock formations.

The wide, open plains, sculpted clay formations, and wind-carved canyons stretched endlessly under a bright, cloudless sky. We drove along dusty tracks, windows down, with nothing but silence, wind, and the crunch of gravel beneath the tires.

One of the most iconic sights was Castildetierra, a slender, pyramid-like rock that rises dramatically from the barren earth — raw, majestic, and strangely fragile. The light out here was intense, casting long shadows and bringing out every texture in the rock. At sunset, the landscape turned golden and quiet, as if the desert itself was catching its breath. It was wild and empty, but never lifeless — a place that stirs something deep and primal. For anyone who loves space, solitude, and strange beauty, Bardenas Reales is unforgettable.

After an exhilarating day, we made our way to Zaragoza, where we enjoyed a restful night.

Barcelona

Our final stop was Barcelona, where we dove into the vibrant life of the city. With all the experiences, delicious food, and unforgettable nature encounters we had, we were ready to savor the last days in this captivating metropolis.

Overall, this 10-day trip through Northern Spain was a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights—an unforgettable journey that enriched us with beautiful memories.