7-Day Northern Spain Yacht Itinerary–San Sebastian to A Coruña

Start in San Sebastian, where the Donostia Marina—located in the heart of San Sebastian’s harbor on La Concha Bay—offers 376 moorings, providing an ideal option for yachts with a wide variety of services. Here, mountains and the ocean collide, coming together to form one of Spain’s most beautiful bays, while the city streets are lined with elegant art nouveau buildings. 

The pintxo bars are one of the most popular reasons to visit, with more per person than anywhere else in Parte Vieja, the Old Town. It’s the birthplace of the pintxo, similar to tapas but more elaborate. Many of the bars are family-run and passed down through generations, offering everything from seafood skewers to Basque burnt cheesecake. If you want to work off the delicious eats, take a walk along the coastal promenade and perhaps up Mount Urgull, for a panoramic view of its crescent-shaped beach and Isla de Santa Clara. 

As you head west toward Bilbao, you’ll want to have your camera ready with storybook villages, brilliant blue-green waters, and pale golden sands backed by lush mountains. Nearing the city, the Gexto Marina sits right at the entrance to the part next to Ereaga beach, offering outstanding facilities and services for yachters.

It’s worth spending an afternoon in Bilbao, if only to explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum. The Ria, a coastal inlet merging into the Bay of Biscay, has been the backbone of the city since it was founded over 700 years ago. Walking along its left or right banks reveals views of Bilbao’s medieval past and its modern cityscape with futuristic architecture.

Slip into one of the 300 berths at Marina de Santander, centrally located in the heart of Santander, one of the most spectacular cities on the northern coast of Spain, tucked between the mountains and the sea.

It has an elegant air, with 19th-century Belle Époque architecture, and by strolling along El Sardinero’s sandy beach to the Magdalena Peninsula, you’ll find the royal family’s elegant summer palace, open for visitors to explore. For a dazzling view, head to the nearby Centro Botin in the Old Quarter that overlooks the bay. 

Venture over to Barrio Pesquero for sardines fresh off the grill, served with a dash of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Or head to Calle Vargas, where you’ll find several restaurants offering traditional coastal fare like mussels and fried squid. 

Watch for dolphins as you make your way to Llanes, a picturesque town with stunning beaches where unique rock formations rise from the golden sand. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the remains of a pre-Romanesque wall dating to the 13th century still stand, while a defensive tower now serves as the tourist office. The Club Maritimo Llanes is the most popular harbor for yachts and will put you just steps from the historic center. 

From here, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the eastern part of the Picos de Europa, boasting some of the world’s most jaw-dropping mountain scenery. It’s renowned for its soaring, jagged peaks like the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes in the wildest corner of Asturias. A hiker’s and a photographer’s paradise, there are day tours that will bring you there, or rent a car for the day, you won’t regret it! 

Anchor at Marina Puerto Deportivo de Gijón in the heart of Old Town Gijón near the city center. You have lots of options for spending the day here, including beaches to lounge on and even Roman Baths built between the 1st and 4th centuries at the western end of San Lorenzo Beach. Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is less than a 30-minute drive away, home to a spectacular medieval historic center and an archaeological museum. But for nature lovers and those who like to hike, the must-do is a day trip to Somiedo Natural Park. The landscapes are awe-inspiring with turquoise lakes, tranquil streams, and towering mountain peaks. Plus, if you’re lucky, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of Cantabrian brown bears. 

The Mirador del Principe viewpoint is one of the best spots to enjoy a beautiful view without requiring a long walk, but for a breathtaking hike, visit the stunning Saliencia Lakes (Lagos de Saliencia), a collection of three glacial lakes surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountain peaks. The hike around Lagos de Cavadonga is very popular and an easier trek, but the Lagos de Saliencia is more remote, so you can enjoy the scenery with few others around. 

You’ll find the perfect marina for yachts at the Real Club Náutico de Ribadeo along the shores of the Ribadeo estuary. Here, ancient stone walls are lapped by the waves, revealing centuries of tradition and tales of maritime adventures. One of the country’s best-kept secrets, this is a lively port town separating Galicia from Asturias, with the Old Town between the harbor and central Praza de España an appealing mix of old stone homes and grand galleried houses. San Damián Fort, a defensive bastion built in 1624, located next to the Ribadeo estuary, is well worth a visit too. 

Many restaurants in Ribadeo serve seafood straight from the estuary, including clams, cockles, and oysters, along with trout and salmon from the Eo. After dining, you might head to Praia As Catedrais to capture photos of this mile-long sandy stretch with its Gothic-like rock towers and arches. The arches resemble a cathedral, creating an enchanting landscape that changes with the tides.

The ideal final destination for your Northern Spain sailing itinerary, A Coruña is home to the Real Club Náutico de La Coruña, centrally located at the entrance to the bay. You’ll find lots to explore here, including the ancient Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules. Located at the entrance of La Coruña harbour, it’s one of the oldest still-active Roman lighthouses in the world, built in the late 1st century AD. An interpretive center reveals information about its operation and historical evolution. You can also explore the Castle of San Antón, a 16th-century fortress, the MEGA Museum, and the central square, arcaded Praza de Maria Pita, which is in the medieval historic center and surrounded by narrow pedestrianized lanes. You’ll find many tapas bars here too, perfect for toasting to the grand finale of your unforgettable adventure. 

As you’re just a 40-minute drive away, we highly recommend visiting Santiago de Compostela on a day trip that combines culture, history, gastronomy, and spectacular Galician landscapes. Guided walking tours are available of the historic center that highlight the Romanesque Cathedral of Santiago, which dates back to the 11th century and is said to be the burial place of Apostle Saint James the Great. Conclude with a Galician empanada and the city’s famous Tarta de Santiago, a lightly sweetened almond cake that translates to the cake of St. James.