Northern Spain offers a feast for the senses, where each region presents a distinctive blend of flavors, history, and vibrant culture. This journey goes beyond seeing the sights. It celebrates tasting the soul of Spain, one bite and sip at a time. From Madrid’s lively tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants of San Sebastián and the renowned wineries of La Rioja and Priorat, this itinerary is a celebration of flavor.
Prepare to indulge in regional delicacies, sample exquisite wines, and discover the stories behind the authentic tastes of this incredible country. Let your appetite lead you through an unforgettable Northern Spain food itinerary with a landscape of culinary delights and cultural treasures.
Days 1 & 2: Madrid
Let your foodie trip to Spain begin in the country's vibrant capital, where tradition meets contemporary flair. At dawn, step into a classic "churrería" and enjoy golden churros dipped into thick hot chocolate. Midday invites you to explore "cocido madrileño", a slow-cooked chickpea stew rich with savory meats and vegetables, or "callos a la madrileña", featuring tender tripe in flavorful broth.
As the sun sets, La Latina awakens with buzzing tapas bars, while Mercado de San Miguel dazzles with marinated olives, "jamón Ibérico", cheeses, and seafood delicacies. Madrid’s architectural marvels, lively squares, and welcoming spirit provide the perfect backdrop to this feast of flavors, making it a remarkable start to your Northern Spain journey.
Day 3: Segovia & Burgos
Journeying north, your gastronomic travel Spain tour continues in the historic region of Castile! In Segovia, stand in awe of the magnificent Roman aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering, and feel like royalty at the fairytale Alcázar. Here, the undisputed star of the table is the "cochinillo asado", a roast suckling pig so tender and crisp it’s a true culinary masterpiece.
We then travel to Burgos, home to a breathtaking Gothic cathedral. This city offers another Castilian specialty you can’t miss: "morcilla de Burgos". This unique blood sausage, richly flavoured with rice and spices, is a beloved local delicacy that offers a delicious insight into the region's rustic and flavourful cuisine.
Day 4: Aranda de Duero
Nestled in the heart of Ribera del Duero, Aranda de Duero not only a haven for wine lovers but also the perfect addition to your Spanish wine tasting vacation. This destination is renowned for producing some of Spain's most powerful and elegant reds. As you explore its sun-drenched landscapes, visit a local winery to learn the secrets of the Tempranillo grape, the soul of this region. Taste full-bodied reds, celebrated for their deep flavors and complexity.
The perfect culinary partner to these magnificent wines is "lechazo asado". This succulent roast suckling lamb, traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, offers incredibly tender meat and crispy skin. It’s a simple yet profound dish that captures the essence of Castilian gastronomy.
Day 5: San Sebastián
Welcome to San Sebastián, the glittering jewel of the Basque Coast and the first stop on your Basque Country culinary tour. This elegant city, with its beautiful La Concha beach, is a paradise for food lovers and a global culinary capital. The main event here is the legendary pintxos crawl through the charming Old Town. Each bar proudly displays an incredible variety of these small bites, from traditional combinations to innovative creations.
Beyond the pintxos, San Sebastián is home to a remarkable concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, offering the chance to experience avant-garde Basque cuisine. To end on a sweet note, indulge in a slice of the famously creamy and crustless Basque cheesecake, or tarta de queso, a dessert that has captivated foodies worldwide.
Day 6: Hondarribia
Just a short drive from San Sebastián, we discover the enchanting fishing village of Hondarribia. With its colorful, traditional Basque houses and well-preserved medieval old town, this gem on the French border is a delight to explore. The town’s heart beats around its bustling harbour, which is the source of its culinary treasures.
Here, the focus is on incredibly fresh seafood, caught daily by the local fishermen. Find a seat at a waterfront restaurant and enjoy the simple perfection of grilled fish, seasoned with garlic and olive oil, while soaking in the maritime atmosphere. It's a pure and delicious experience that showcases how this "food and wine tour Northern Spain" is a gateway into the Basque Country's deep connection to the sea and its bounty.
Day 7: Pamplona & La Rioja
In Pamplona, famous for its lively Running of the Bulls, culinary traditions offer a world of delightful flavors. Begin by savoring "pochas", a creamy white bean stew often enhanced with chistorra, a mildly spicy sausage bursting with savory notes. Wander through Pamplona’s charming streets, where history and culture blend seamlessly, before heading to the nearby La Rioja region.
As one of the best wine regions in Spain, La Rioja's celebrated wineries represent the ideal spot for immersive tastings. Sip velvety Tempranillo wines, each glass reflecting generations of winemaking artistry and the richness of the region’s sun-kissed vineyards. The picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere make this part of your journey especially memorable, blending fine wines, delicious food, and the beauty of Northern Spain.
Day 8: Logroño & Olite
Prepare for a memorable evening in Logroño, the vibrant capital of La Rioja. The city is famed for Calle Laurel, a street that is less a road and more a pilgrimage site for tapas lovers. Each bar along this bustling lane specializes in one or two particular tapas, creating a lively and delicious progressive dinner experience. From grilled mushrooms to miniature sandwiches, all are perfectly paired with a glass of local wine - surely, Spanish tapas and Rioja wine are a match made in heaven!
Admire the historic town of Olite in the Navarra region, home to a magnificent royal palace that looks like it was plucked from a fairytale. While there, savor the regional Navarra wines and sample delicious local cheeses, enjoying the flavors of a land rich in history.
Day 9: Zaragoza
The path leads you to the majestic city of Zaragoza, set along the banks of the Ebro River. This vibrant city is a treasure trove of history and culture, crowned by the awe-inspiring Basílica del Pilar, a baroque masterpiece that dominates the skyline and captures the spirit of Aragon.
As you stroll through its charming streets and lively plazas, you will discover unique culinary traditions shaped by rural roots and seasonal ingredients. A standout dish is "ternasco", succulent roasted young lamb, richly flavored with garlic, herbs, and care. Another must-try is "migas aragonesas", a satisfying mix of fried breadcrumbs, sausage, garlic, and sweet grapes. Together, these dishes offer a delicious glimpse into Aragon’s hearty, deeply rooted cuisine, being the perfect addition to your foodie trip to Spain.
Day 10: Barcelona
Your gastronomic travel Spain tour takes yet another turn in the vibrant capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. This is a city pulsating with art, architecture, and an incredible food scene. From the whimsical creations of Gaudí to the bustling energy of Las Ramblas, Barcelona is a feast for the eyes and the stomach! The true feast begins with its iconic flavors.
You can start with the simple yet essential "pa amb tomàquet", bread rubbed with fresh tomato and drizzled with olive oil. Depending on the season, you might get to try "calçots", grilled spring onions served with a rich romesco sauce. Be sure to try the "butifarra", a traditional Catalan sausage. For a true immersion, take a stroll through the world-famous La Boqueria market, a kaleidoscope of colors, smells, and local delicacies.
Day 11: Priorat
Venture into the dramatic landscapes of Priorat, a hidden gem and another of the best wine regions in Northern Spain. With its steep, terraced vineyards carved into the dark, crumbling slate soil known as llicorella, Priorat offers a visual and sensory feast. This distinctive terrain yields some of the most intense, structured, and prestigious red wines in the world. Visit exclusive, family-run wineries to learn about the heroic viticulture needed to cultivate grapes in such rugged conditions.
Along the way, taste bold, mineral-rich wines that truly express the character of the land. The experience is beautifully complemented by rustic Catalan cuisine. Think hearty stews and mountain fare enhanced by exquisite local olive oil. It’s a day of treasured scenery and even more unforgettable flavors, revealing the soul of this extraordinary terroir.
Day 12 & 13: Farewell Spain
We return to Barcelona to conclude our journey in grand style, taking the time to delve deeper into this captivating city. Whether it’s discovering a hidden plaza in the Gothic Quarter or revisiting a favorite Gaudí landmark, these final days are for soaking it all in.
For a memorable farewell meal, head towards the sea to savor a traditional seafood paella, a dish that is synonymous with Spanish hospitality and coastal living. The perfect sweet ending to our adventure is a taste of "crema catalana", the region’s beloved dessert with its caramelized sugar crust. It’s a final, delicious taste of Catalonia before we say "adiós" to this incredible journey.
Taste Your Way Through Northern Spain!
As your journey comes to a close, each flavor, aroma, and sip lingers as a delicious memory. This "food and wine tour Northern Spain" invites you to explore its diverse regions through cuisine and wine, creating an experience that is both deeply cultural and wonderfully indulgent. With every plate and glass, you will taste the stories and traditions that make this part of Spain so irresistible. Embark on this mouthwatering adventure and let us capture your heart—and your palate!
