Exploring Northwest Spain

A Journey Through the Hidden Gems of the Region

by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/19/2024

After our exploration of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP), France we drove to Logroño, Spain. The route from SJPP south was on the N-135 through Pamplona and then the A-12 to Logroño. The N-135 just may be the most switchbacks we have ever driven, and it constant turns as it came down from the Pyrenees.

The N-135 highway through the Pyrenees in Spain is a picturesque and historic route that connects the French border near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona in the Navarre region. This road, which follows parts of the famous Camino de Santiago trail, offers a unique driving experience through breathtaking mountain landscapes, verdant valleys, and culturally significant villages. It is also considered to be one of the "Basque Circuit" highways, perhaps not as well known as the Switzerland or Northern Italy "great drives" but it is challenging and pretty as well.

The drive from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Logroño in Spain is a scenic journey through the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains and into the rolling vineyards of the La Rioja region. This approximately 2.5-hour drive (about 130 kilometers) offers stunning views, cultural richness, and diverse landscapes. The route crosses the Ibañeta Pass, historically significant for pilgrims and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Pyrenean landscape.

We spent the morning exploring Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and then headed south on the N-135 highway. The N-135 highway, also known as the Carretera de Navarra, is a picturesque and vital route that winds its way through the northern region of Spain, connecting Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logroño. This journey along the N-135 is a driving enthusiast's dream, offering a wide array of scenic vistas and cultural experiences - as well as numerous switchbacks that are really "u-turns".

As our drive to Logroño took most of the afternoon, by the time we arrived and got settled into the AC La Rioja Marriott Hotel, it was nearly dinner time and we knew we had a long drive ahead of us the next day. So we decided to drive into the old town area, find a Tapas Pub and just do a light dinner and have some Rioja wine. We did not take our camera equipment, which was a pity because this was a picturesque city and as you can see in the above image banner, our hotel was perhaps 3 blocks from the Plaza de Toros de La Ribera (bull fighting ring).

Just for anyone who might be interested in visiting Logroño, the AC La Rioja Marriott Hotel was very comfortable and had underground secure parking. It is located not too far from the old town area and it is quite modern.

In this image, that circular building is the Plaza de Toros de La Ribera which is several blocks south of the AC La Rioja Marriott Hotel we stayed at. It's primary purpose is for bull fighting, but they also host basketball and other events.

We arrived in Bilbao ahead of schedule, and decided to visit the Guggenheim Museum before driving on to Getxo where our hotel was located.

Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a stunning fusion of cutting-edge architecture and modern art. Its undulating titanium façade reflects the changing light, giving the building an otherworldly quality. As you approach, it's impossible not to be in awe of its fluid form and the way it harmonizes with the river surroundings.

Inside the Museum, you'll find a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art. The museum's ever-evolving collection features works by iconic artists like Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, and Yoko Ono. The vast, light-filled galleries provide the perfect backdrop to immerse yourself in a world of artistic innovation.

Beyond the art, the architectural details are worth savoring. Gehry's genius is evident in every corner, from the soaring atrium to the whimsical glass elevators that transport visitors from one level to another. Don't forget to explore the outdoor installations and sculptures dotting the museum's exterior, seamlessly integrating art with nature.

The Hotel Embarcadero in Getxo, Spain, is a charming boutique hotel that combines historic elegance with modern comfort. Located along the beautiful Bay of Biscay, just outside Bilbao, the hotel offers stunning waterfront views and a serene atmosphere. Housed in a restored early 20th-century mansion, the hotel features stylish rooms decorated with a mix of classic and contemporary touches. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant serving Basque cuisine, a cozy bar, and a terrace overlooking the marina. Its proximity to the Vizcaya Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), beaches, and the Basque Country’s cultural attractions makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

The Hotel Embarcadero turned out to be a 4-star tranquil haven nestled along the picturesque Getxo coastline, offering panoramic views of the Harbor & the Bay of Biscay. The soothing sound of ocean waves and the fresh sea breeze set the stage for a peaceful getaway. Getxo Harbor is a cruise ship destination (you can see the Norwegian Cruise Lines "Getaway" in our imagery).

Getxo's historical center boasts well-preserved architecture, quaint streets, and lively plazas where you can savor Basque cuisine at local bars and restaurants. The town also hosts various cultural events, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional Basque celebrations.

Getxo's coastal promenade, known as the 'El Abra' promenade, is a picturesque spot for leisurely walks and cycling, offering stunning views of the sea, cliffs, and charming beaches like Ereaga and Arrigunaga. Additionally, the iconic Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connects Getxo to the neighboring port of Portugalete and is a testament to the region's industrial history.