In the latest instalment of our team's travels we hear from our European & Cruise Specialist, Sarah...

Name:

Sarah Cooper

Where did you go?

Northern Spain: Getxo, Bilbao, Gijon & La Coruna

When did you go?

October 2025

Which operators did you travel with?

Fred. Olsen Cruise

Tell us about your trip…

Like many, I’ve often found myself drawn to Spain’s sun-soaked southern coastlines, with their promise of endless sunshine, chilled sangria, and the kind of effortlessness that comes with anywhere steeped in familiarity. But Northern Spain? Well, that’s a little more of an unknown.

So, armed with curiosity and a few well-placed travel tips, I set off to discover this quieter, quirkier side of Spain.

And this is where Fred. Olsen came in. My cruise departed from Southampton, so I packed my bags and took full advantage of the ultimate benefit of cruising from the UK: being able to take multiple pairs of shoes! Then it was time to set sail for Spanish shores, destined for a trio of Spanish ports – Getxo (the gateway to Bilbao), Gijon and La Coruna.

After a very relaxing sea day we arrived at our first port of call, Getxo. We had an overnight here so decided to take the short walk into the old town and I am so glad we did. The crayon-coloured houses that greeted us were beautiful.

We then headed in the opposite direction to visit the Vizcaya Bridge. The Vizcaya Bridge is a historic iron transporter bridge connecting Getxo and Portugalete across the Nervión River estuary in Spain; a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, it's the world's oldest transporter bridge, featuring a hanging gondola that carries people and vehicles, plus a walkway for panoramic views, showcasing 19th-century industrial architecture.

The following day, we took the free shuttle bus from the port. This took us straight into the centre of Getxo, where we hopped aboard a local Metro service and found ourselves in the heart of the city in no time.

We decided to ‘go it alone’ and, let’s face it, there was only one place we were ever going to visit: the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This futuristic building was impressive, and the fact that the nearby streets were dotted with pintxos bars bathing in the mid-October sunshine only made our time here even more memorable. As far as first impressions go, Northern Spain was up there with the best.

Next on our foray across Spain’s Atlantic coastline was Gijon, a place I must admit I knew little to nothing about. Fully intent on tackling the capital of Asturias head-on, I decided to let Fred. Olsen take the reins and booked an excursion.

I’m usually a bit of a free spirit and like to wander, but at face value, this trip seemed to offer a perfect blend of self-exploration and guided insights.

We enjoyed a short walking tour followed by some free time in the city.

Our last port of call was La Coruna, where we decided to head to the beautiful Santiago Compostela, the historic capital of Spain's Galicia region. It's famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, leading to its magnificent Cathedral, believed to house the tomb of St. James the Apostle, making it a major Christian pilgrimage site since the 9th century and a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning architecture, vibrant life, and exceptional food.

This was probably one of my favourite excursions as the Santiago Compostela was just breathtaking and I loved all the winding little streets. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day here.

A secret worth sharing

Northern Spain represents Europe as its most rugged, authentic self… and it seems there are few cruise lines better equipped to acquaint you with the region than Fred. Olsen.

Your experience will extend far beyond simply stepping ashore for a few hours; the destination is as omnipresent on board as it is on land, delivered with all the style and finesse that I've come to expect from this smaller-ship cruise line.

I’m willing to bet this part of Spain won’t stay secret for long.