Visit Bilbao to enjoy the stunning Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum and its flower-covered "Puppy" sculpture, which is more than 39 feet tall. Sample tapas, bite-size hors d'oeuvres, in Bilbao's historic Casco Viejo or in San Sebastián, also called Donostia, where you can surf off Zurriola beach.
Cantabria and Asturias form the heart of Green Spain. Fine-sand beaches lie a short drive north of rugged mountains. In Cantabria, hunt ibex and chamois, two species of wild mountain goats, or view an exact replica of Altamira cave and its 15,000-year-old paintings --- access to the originals is restricted. Hike Asturias' Picos de Europa Natural Preserve and two National Parks.
The Galician town of Santiago de Compostela marks the end of the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James, a route pilgrims from all over Europe have walked for 1,000-plus years. The Spanish Armada launched from La Coruna in 1588, only to be defeated by England and Sir Francis Drake.
Pamplona in Navarre holds its week-long running of the bulls, part of the San Fermin festival, beginning July 7 every year. Originally held in October, the celebration moved to July in 1591.
