Why Northwestern Spain Should Be Your Next Summer Escape
While Barcelona swelters under the Mediterranean sun and crowds of tourists pack its famous landmarks, there’s a secret waiting in Spain’s northwest corner. Planning your Spain summer getaway? I discovered why Galicia & Asturias should be at the top of every traveler’s list – and why the warmer months reveal this magical region at its absolute best.
When Your Mind Finally Goes Quiet
I didn’t realize how loud my mind had been until it finally went quiet. Lately, I’d been thinking about work non-stop, constantly checking emails and messaging platforms. It had become unhealthy – working long hours and obsessing over work even during my downtime. But last week in Galicia, everything changed.
Santiago de Compostela: A Spain Summer Discovery Worth Making
My first stop was Santiago de Compostela, a city that feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval village. The constant sound of bagpipes echoes through tiny, winding stone streets, and every corner feels like you’re walking through a Monet painting. The weather here during Spain’s summer months is ideal – warm but not oppressive, with long daylight hours perfect for exploration.
The Cathedral stands as the city’s crown jewel, a massive, beautiful building with perfectly carved figures arranged in perfect symmetry. Inside, I viewed both the palace and cathedral, including the tomb said to contain the remains of St. James. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago to reach this holy destination, arriving from routes spanning France, Spain, and Portugal. While it’s become more of a tourist attraction these days, there’s something deeply moving about watching pilgrims arrive with their hiking sticks and travel-worn clothes, finally reaching their journey’s end.
I stayed in a forest hotel just outside the city – no noise, no notifications, just beautiful green foliage and a quaint property with 13 cats roaming freely. Here, my mind truly disconnected from work obsessions. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better reset.
Walking the Camino: From Skeptic to Believer
Have you ever heard of the Camino de Santiago? These medieval pilgrimage routes have drawn millions seeking adventure or spiritual renewal at St. James the Apostle’s burial site. The most popular route, the 500-mile Camino Francés from France to Santiago, typically involves 15-20 miles of daily walking for around a month. Most modern pilgrims tackle just a section – which is exactly what I did.
With limited time in Galicia, I chose a leisurely 3-hour section on the Camino Portugués. Honestly? I’d always found the Camino cliché – just another bucket-list tourist activity. But walking through rolling green landscapes, farmland, and stone villages decorated with flower pots and religious symbols was genuinely energizing. The trail markers – blue and yellow seashells representing the shells that traditional pilgrims carried for food and water – guided the way in a peaceful rhythm that left me wanting more.
Perhaps the most meaningful journeys are the ones we approach skeptically but with an open mind.
If you’re interested in learning more about the different Camino routes and planning your own pilgrimage, the official Spain tourism guide to Galicia provides comprehensive information about the various paths and what to expect.
Playa de las Catedrales: Nature’s Gothic Architecture
When’s the last time natural beauty left you awestruck? At Playa de las Catedrales (Cathedrals Beach), I found my answer. I’d seen countless photos of this famous beach over the years but never made the trip despite living in Spain. When a friend recently shared pictures from his Galicia trip, I impulsively booked a flight – one of the best spontaneous decisions I’ve made.
This beach gets its “Cathedrals” name from the massive natural arches and cave formations scattered across the endless shoreline. The structures are so impressive you need to book free admission in advance (though it costs nothing). Pro tip: visit at low tide to explore rock formations that become completely submerged when the water rises.
I spent hours wandering through sand and exploring caves, some requiring waist-deep water crossings to reach their hidden chambers. The warm Spain summer weather made these water adventures refreshing rather than freezing – a crucial advantage over visiting during the region’s cooler months.
Oviedo: An Underrated Cathedral City
Before heading to the coast, I made a stop in Oviedo, Asturias’ charming capital. The Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador proved to be another architectural marvel, housing the Holy Chamber with its collection of religious relics. What struck me most was how uncrowded it felt compared to Spain’s more famous cathedral cities – during Spain summer months, you can actually appreciate these incredible spaces without fighting through tour groups. Another thing to note, the food in Asturias is mind-blowingly phenomenal! The best dish I had: Fabada, at a traditional Asturian restaurant. And there is a strong tradition of waiters pouring small bits of cider lifting their arm as high as they can in the air, deliberately spilling some, to “break the cider” and make it foaming and refreshing. They give you a small amount and constantly come over to refill your glass using this pouring tradition each time – pretty amazing to see, even if you don’t drink alcohol (like me!)
Why Spain Summer Travel Should Include the Northwest
While the rest of Spain bakes under intense heat and tourist hordes descend on Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid, Northwestern Spain offers something completely different during the summer months:
Perfect Weather: Galicia and Asturias have an Atlantic climate means warm, pleasant temperatures without the scorching heat of southern Spain. You can comfortably explore medieval streets, hike coastal paths, and wade through beach caves.
Escape the Crowds: While Barcelona’s streets overflow with tourists, Galicia remains refreshingly uncrowded. You can actually enjoy cathedral visits, beach explorations, and Camino walks without constantly navigating through masses of people.
Lush Green Landscapes: Summer brings Galicia’s countryside to life with vibrant greens that rival Ireland. The rolling hills, ancient forests, and coastal cliffs create a feast for the eyes.
Extended Daylight: Long summer days mean more time to explore, whether you’re cathedral-hopping in Santiago, beach-combing at Las Catedrales, or walking sections of the Camino.
Ideal Weather for Activities: From wading through beach caves to hiking Camino routes, Spain summer conditions in Galicia make outdoor adventures comfortable and enjoyable.
A Region That Deserves Your Attention
If you’re planning a Spain trip and want something beyond the typical destinations, both Galicia and Asturias should be on your radar. They are both lush, green, and have amazing food (the seafood alone is worth the journey). From the spiritual energy of Santiago to the natural drama of Las Catedrales, from quiet forest retreats to the architectural treasures of Oviedo, this region offers exactly what so many of us need: a chance for our minds to finally go quiet.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when we venture beyond the obvious choices. For your next Spain summer adventure, skip the Barcelona crowds and discover Northwestern Spain instead. Your mind – and your Instagram feed – will thank you.
About me
I’m Megan, an International Career Coach who has lived and worked in over 10 countries. At the time of writing, I am on a digital nomad visa in Spain 🙂 I’m dedicated to helping ambitious professionals identify pathways and develop strategies that will allow them to live and work abroad in the regions and countries that truly excite them.
Whether you’re just starting to dream about international opportunities or you’re ready to make your move, I understand the challenges because I’ve lived them. From navigating visa requirements to mastering the art of international networking, I help people turn their overseas career dreams into concrete action plans.
If you’d like to learn more about my story, click here.
Also, feel free to book a 1:1 free Work Abroad Exploration call where we can discuss your specific goals and the best path forward for your international career journey.