Picked up the rental car this morning at the Bilbao train station and drove west along the northern part of Spain before heading into Cangas de Onis. We had three stops along the way and all were very unique and interesting to see.

The first was a very old town called Santillana del Mar. The town is a very well kept medieval town dating back to the 8th century. The town also happens to be part of the northern route of the Camino de Santiago so you see some of the pilgrims walking through the town. Only residents are allowed to drive into the town but there is a great parking lot in the newer part of town and you can cross the highway into the old historic town. We tried a traditional pastry while in the town.

We then headed to Comillas which is a cute town (also part of the Camino de Santiago) and visited the Gaudi house which was very different from his architecture in Barcelona. A short walk around the town and then we stopped at a market to grab materials to make a sandwich. we drove down to the beach to eat lunch down there.

We then stopped at Llanes which is a cute town in northern Spain along the coast. There is a nice walk above the city with great ocean views. Definitely worth a stop to stretch the legs. Would recommend all the stops, including a wrong turn with a great view, for the drive from Bilbao.