Fly & Drive Noord "de Paradores"

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.

About the destination: The coast of Asturias runs for 345 kilometres along the Cantabrian Sea: it is the Costa Verde (Green Coast). Come and discover this part of northern Spain. You will love its great climate and variety: broad, fine sand beaches, cliffs, small coves, sand dunes and protected nature areas, picturesque fishing villages, harbours with small fishing boats… The perfect place to enjoy. Nature. This word defines the Asturias Region perfectly, both in its inland areas and all along the coast, known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast). The waters of the Cantabrian Sea wash this region, giving it endless shades and contrasts, where the blue of sea and sky, and the green of the landscapes will accompany you on your way. Mountains and sea come together in stunning landscapes, and there are charming villages and ports, valleys, mountains and forests, beaches, estuaries, cliffs, and important heritage towns and cities… All this in magnificent surroundings with a host of options to enjoy your leisure and free time in this part of Green Spain. If peace and quiet is what you are looking for, you should head for the westernmost part of Asturias, which borders with Galicia. This is the least known part for many people. Here you will find villages such as Luarca, Cudillero and Castropol, with beautiful beaches in harmony with the surrounding countryside, some of which are almost untouched. The smell of the sea is present in every corner of these villages, which maintain their authentic flavour despite the passing of time. Meanwhile, in eastern Asturias, in the part closest to Cantabria, you will find some of the Region's most emblematic towns and villages, such as Llanes, Ribadesella, Cangas de Onís and Villaviciosa, whose beaches are the ideal setting for water sports such as sailing, rowing, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and scuba diving. A few kilometres from these beaches there are famous locations, such as the Picos de Europa National Park and the Covadonga Lakes, amongst others, where you can enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation in complete touch with nature. What could be better? Don't forget that cities such as Gijón and Avilés also have excellent beaches, both in their historic centres and their surrounding areas. The Costa Verde is much more, though. Be sure to sample the gastronomy in Asturias, with products such as cider, cabrales cheese and its most famous dish, fabada (sausage and bean casserole). Outings, gastronomic routes, important cultural heritage where special mention should be made of Asturias pre-Romanesque art, which has the UNESCO World Heritage designation, traditions, adventure sports… It's time to start the journey.

About the destination: Vilalba is a municipality in the province of Lugo. Testimony to its age are the great many Paleolithic sites, as well as several megalithic remains and vestiges of hill-forts. In Vilalba you can visit the church of San Roque and the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology, housed in what was once the municipal prison.

About the destination: Baiona is a town 20 km south of Vigo. The town’s old quarter was declared an “Area of Historical and Artistic interest” by the Galician Regional Government on March 1, 1993, to mark the five hundredth anniversary of the arrival of The Pinta, a caravel-type vessel used by Christopher Columbus, which arrived in Baiona with news of the discovery of America. The municipality consists of five parishes: Baíña, Belesar, Baredo, Santa Cristina da Ramallosa and Baiona, each with its own identity, and all playing a vital part in what Baiona has to offer.

About the destination: Ourense is a province of northwestern Spain, in the southeastern part of the autonomous community of Galicia. It is bordered by the provinces of Pontevedra in the west, Lugo in the north, León and Zamora in the east, and by Portugal in the south. With an area of 7,278 square km it is the only landlocked province in Galicia. The provincial capital, Ourense, is the largest population centre, with the rest of the province being predominantly rural.

About the destination: Leon is a lovely little town that lies in the north of Spain in the Castilla y Leon region. Represented by images of lions this town is proud of its historical heritage. The city still like to remind the world that it had 24 kings before Castile had laws. Though this blue and airy city reached its peak in the 11th century, it’s still remarkably appealing. The Plaza Mayor, with its lovely arcades and cafes is the prefect starting point to explore the old centre of Leon. The outstanding attractions of the city are the colossal Cathedral, a 13th century Gothic extravaganza featuring resplendent stained-glass windows, and the Basilica of San Isidoro, with a royal pantheon whose vaults are decorated with perfectly preserved Romanesque frescoes. Leon, with its wide avenues and open spaces, pedestrian zones and the river Bernesga providing shaded walks along its banks, is truly a beautiful city.

About the destination: Argomaniz is a village in Álava, in the municipality of Elburgo, Basque Country, Spain. In 2009 it had a population of 149 inhabitants (INE).

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.