Beyond Oviedo: 9 Northern Spain Destinations Perfect for Train Travel

León is one of northern Spain's most historic cities, showcasing extraordinary Roman ruins and medieval architecture. The Gothic cathedral displays spectacular stained glass windows that create rainbow light shows inside. Roman walls circle parts of the old town where cobblestone streets lead to bustling plazas. Casa Botines, designed by Antoni Gaudí, adds modernist flair to the cityscape. The vibrant tapas scene thrives in the Barrio Húmedo district. León is also a major stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Museums display Roman artifacts and regional art.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the A-66 highway south from Oviedo directly to León. The drive follows a straightforward route through Asturian countryside and into Castile and León province. Alternatively, frequent buses run between both cities operated by ALSA with comfortable seating and luggage storage.

How to travel to and from León. León connects well to major Spanish cities via high-speed rail to Madrid. International travelers typically fly from Madrid or Barcelona airports, both easily accessible by train. The city serves as a transportation hub for northwestern Spain with good bus and rail connections throughout the region.

Major activities. Tour the Gothic cathedral and climb the bell tower for city views. Walk along ancient Roman walls and visit the San Isidoro Basilica. Explore Casa Botines Gaudí museum. Stroll through Plaza Mayor and shop on Calle Ancha. Experience tapas culture in Barrio Húmedo district. Visit MUSAC contemporary art museum.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Castilian cuisine dominates with hearty stews and roasted meats. Barrio Húmedo offers countless tapas bars serving free appetizers with drinks. Try morcilla de León blood sausage and cecina cured beef. Local restaurants serve cocido maragato stew. Modern bistros blend regional ingredients with contemporary techniques.

Santander sits along Spain's northern coast where golden beaches meet historic architecture. The city offers stunning bay views, pristine sandy shores, and elegant Belle Époque buildings. Magdalena Peninsula provides royal palace tours and scenic walks. The regional capital combines coastal relaxation with cultural depth. Summer festivals bring energy while winter months offer peaceful exploration. Fresh seafood defines the culinary scene alongside traditional Cantabrian dishes. Art galleries and museums showcase local heritage. The compact city center makes walking easy between attractions.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the ALSA bus from Oviedo bus station directly to Santander. The journey follows the A-8 highway eastward through coastal mountain scenery. Alternatively, rent a car and drive via A-8 for more flexibility exploring the coastline.

How to travel to and from Santander. Santander Airport offers limited international connections primarily to European destinations. Madrid flights connect to worldwide routes. Train service links to major Spanish cities. Ferry connections reach Portsmouth and Plymouth in England. Car rentals provide easy access to northern Spain regions.

Major activities. Relaxing at Sardinero Beach, touring Magdalena Royal Palace, exploring historic city center, visiting Cantabrian Maritime Museum, walking coastal paths, taking bay boat tours, shopping at Mercado de la Esperanza, attending summer festivals, hiking nearby natural parks.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional seafood restaurants serve fresh catches daily. Tapas bars offer regional specialties like cocido montañés. Upscale dining features innovative Cantabrian cuisine. Local markets provide fresh produce and artisanal products. Beachfront chiringuitos serve casual meals with ocean views.

Burgos is a magnificent medieval city along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in northern Spain. The Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline with its twin spires and intricate stone carvings, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Ancient city walls encircle the historic center where cobblestone streets lead past centuries-old monasteries and palaces. The Arlanzón River flows through downtown, creating scenic walkways and bridges. Local cuisine celebrates Castilian traditions with hearty stews and regional wines. Museums showcase the area's rich history from Roman settlements to medieval kingdoms.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the A-66 highway south from Oviedo for approximately 240 kilometers. The direct route passes through León and continues southeast to Burgos. Alternatively, travel by ALSA bus service with one connection, typically in León or Palencia.

How to travel to and from Burgos. Limited international connections require travel through Madrid or Barcelona airports. Train service connects to major Spanish cities. Bus networks provide good regional connectivity throughout northern Spain.

Major activities. Cathedral tours, medieval city walls exploration, Museum of Human Evolution visits, Camino de Santiago walking, Las Huelgas Monastery tours, Cartuja de Miraflores visits, Arlanzón River walks, historic plaza dining

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Castilian cuisine featuring lechazo asado, morcilla de Burgos blood sausage, local Ribera del Duero wines, tapas bars in Plaza Mayor, family-run mesones serving regional specialties

Lugo is Galicia's oldest city, famous for its intact Roman walls that encircle the historic center completely. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a rare glimpse into ancient Roman engineering while maintaining vibrant modern Spanish culture. The 2.2-kilometer Roman wall remains the world's finest example of late Roman fortifications. Lugo's compact old town features excellent Galician cuisine, charming squares, and the impressive cathedral. The city serves as an ideal base for exploring rural Galicia's green landscapes and traditional villages.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the A-63 and A-6 highways west from Oviedo for approximately 170 kilometers. The drive passes through scenic Asturian and Galician countryside. Alternatively, take a bus from Oviedo's central station with ALSA services running several times daily. Train connections require transfers through León or A Coruña.

How to travel to and from Lugo. Lugo requires connections for international travel. Santiago de Compostela airport is 100 kilometers away with flights to Madrid and European destinations. A Coruña offers additional flight options. Train connections to Madrid and other Spanish cities are available but require planning due to limited direct services.

Major activities. Walk the complete Roman wall circuit, explore the Gothic cathedral, visit the Provincial Museum, stroll through the old town squares, sample Galician cuisine, take day trips to nearby Celtic settlements, enjoy the thermal baths, and experience local festivals throughout the year.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Galician taverns serve excellent pulpo, empanadas, and local wines. Notable spots include Mesón de Alberto for traditional fare, and various tapas bars around Plaza Mayor. Local specialties feature fresh seafood, Galician beef, and regional cheeses paired with Albariño wines.

Gijón is Asturias' largest city and most vibrant coastal destination, combining industrial heritage with stunning Atlantic beaches. The city offers an impressive mix of Roman ruins, contemporary art museums, and a thriving cultural scene. Playa de San Lorenzo stretches for miles along the urban coastline, creating a unique cityscape where modern architecture meets ancient history. The historic Cimavilla neighborhood preserves medieval charm while the port area buzzes with maritime activity. Gijón's reputation for excellent seafood, dynamic nightlife, and year-round cultural events makes it an essential stop for travelers exploring northern Spain.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the A-66 highway north from Oviedo city center for approximately 30 kilometers directly to Gijón. Multiple daily ALSA bus services connect both cities with frequent departures. FEVE regional trains run regularly between Oviedo and Gijón stations throughout the day.

How to travel to and from Gijón. Gijón offers limited direct international flights from Asturias Airport, requiring connections through Madrid or Barcelona for US/Canada travel. High-speed rail connects to Madrid in under five hours. The port provides ferry connections to northern Europe and the UK.

Major activities. Explore Roman Termas ruins, visit Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura contemporary art center, stroll Playa de San Lorenzo beach, tour historic Cimavilla quarter, experience Museo del Ferrocarril railway museum, walk the scenic coastal path, attend summer festivals and concerts.

Recommended restaurants. Sample traditional Asturian cuisine at Casa Gerardo, enjoy fresh seafood at El Restallu, try modern tapas at La Galana, experience fine dining at Auga, taste local cider at traditional sidrerías, visit Mercado del Sur for local specialties.

Ponferrada is the capital of El Bierzo region in northwestern Spain, famous for its impressive Templar Castle dating from the 12th century. This historic city sits along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, offering travelers medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. The surrounding Bierzo valley produces exceptional wines, particularly Mencía varietals. Cobblestone streets wind through the old quarter, while modern amenities blend seamlessly with centuries-old buildings.

How to get there from Oviedo. Drive southwest from Oviedo via A-66 and A-6 highways for approximately 200 kilometers. Alternative routes include taking a train from Oviedo to León, then connecting to Ponferrada via regional rail service. Bus connections operate daily through ALSA company with one transfer typically required in León.

How to travel to and from Ponferrada. Limited international connections require traveling through Madrid or other major Spanish cities for flights to North America. Train connections to Madrid take about 4 hours. The city serves as a good base for exploring northwestern Spain but requires additional travel time to reach major international airports.

Major activities. Explore the Templar Castle and medieval quarter, visit local wineries for Bierzo wine tastings, walk sections of the Camino de Santiago, tour the Basilica of Our Lady of the Oak, discover the Railway Museum, and hike in nearby Las Médulas UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient Roman gold mines.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Leonese cuisine dominates local menus, featuring hearty stews like cocido maragato and regional specialties such as botillo sausage. Local restaurants serve excellent grilled meats paired with Bierzo wines. Tapas bars offer affordable dining options, while family-run establishments provide authentic regional dishes.

Palencia offers authentic Castilian charm without tourist crowds. This medieval city showcases Spain's first Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins, and peaceful riverside walks along the Carrión. The historic center features well-preserved architecture, local markets, and traditional tapas bars. Palencia serves as an excellent base for exploring Castile and León's wine country and ancient villages. The city maintains its authentic Spanish character while providing modern amenities. Its compact size makes walking easy, and locals welcome visitors warmly.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take a train from Oviedo to León, then transfer to a regional train to Palencia. Alternatively, drive southeast via A-66 and A-67 highways through León. Bus connections available through ALSA with one transfer in León.

How to travel to and from Palencia. Limited international connections. Nearest major airport is Madrid (2.5 hours by car). Train connections to major Spanish cities available. Regional bus services connect to surrounding areas. Car rental recommended for exploring the region.

Major activities. Visit Cristo del Otero statue, explore Gothic cathedral, walk along Carrión River, tour Roman villa ruins, browse local markets, wine tasting in nearby Ribera del Duero, visit medieval villages like Frómista.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Castilian restaurants serve lechazo (roast lamb), morcilla (blood sausage), and local wines. Popular spots include Mesón Paleontino, Casa Damián, and Taberna El Trasgo. Many tapas bars offer affordable local specialties.

Astorga is a captivating Roman city where ancient history meets modern charm in northwestern Spain. This well-preserved destination showcases impressive Roman walls, stunning cathedral architecture, and the whimsical Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace. The city serves as a crucial stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, offering travelers authentic Spanish culture without overwhelming crowds. Astorga's compact historic center makes exploration effortless, while local specialties like cocido maragato provide genuine culinary experiences. The combination of Roman ruins, medieval streets, and architectural masterpieces creates an unforgettable atmosphere that represents Spain's rich cultural heritage perfectly.

How to get there from Oviedo. Drive 1 hour 45 minutes southwest from Oviedo via A-66 and AP-71 highways through León. Train service requires connection in León with total journey time of approximately 3 hours. Bus service operates daily with direct routes taking around 2.5 hours.

How to travel to and from Astorga. Limited direct international connections require travel through Madrid or Barcelona for US/Canada flights. Good rail connections to major Spanish cities. Car rental provides flexibility for regional exploration. León airport offers some European connections but limited international options.

Major activities. Explore Roman walls and archaeological sites, visit Gaudí's Episcopal Palace, tour the Gothic cathedral, walk historic Plaza Mayor, experience Camino de Santiago culture, discover local museums, enjoy traditional festivals, and explore surrounding countryside landscapes.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Leonese cuisine featuring cocido maragato, local lamb dishes, regional wines from Bierzo, tapas bars in historic center, family-run restaurants serving authentic Spanish fare, and cafes perfect for Camino pilgrims seeking hearty meals.

Zamora is Spain's premier Romanesque city with twelve pristine 12th-century churches dotting its historic center. The medieval stone bridge spans the Duero River while ancient city walls frame cobblestone streets. This UNESCO World Heritage candidate captivates architecture enthusiasts and history lovers seeking authentic Spanish culture away from tourist crowds. The cathedral's Byzantine dome dominates the skyline alongside well-preserved palaces and convents. Local artisans craft traditional ceramics and textiles in workshops unchanged for centuries. The city offers exceptional value with affordable dining and lodging while providing easy access to Portugal's border just thirty minutes away.

How to get there from Oviedo. Take the A-66 highway south from Oviedo for approximately 240 kilometers, passing through León. The drive follows major highways through Castile and León region. Alternatively, take a train from Oviedo to León, then connect to Zamora via regional rail service.

How to travel to and from Zamora. Zamora has limited international connections. Travelers typically return via Madrid airport, requiring a 2.5-hour drive or train connection. The city serves as a good base for exploring western Spain and Portugal but requires overland travel to major airports.

Major activities. Explore twelve Romanesque churches including the magnificent cathedral. Walk across the medieval stone bridge over Duero River. Visit the castle ruins and ancient city walls. Tour local ceramics workshops. Stroll through Plaza Mayor and historic center. Take day trips to nearby Portuguese towns.

Recommended restaurants. Traditional Castilian cuisine features roasted lamb, game meats, and river fish. Local specialties include rice with milk dessert and Toro wines. Family-run taverns serve hearty stews and grilled meats. Several restaurants offer outdoor terraces overlooking the river.