Head to the Parte Vieja (Old Town) to reach this former Dominican convent. The museum focuses on Basque society and history; don't miss the cloister garden and the stained glass by Sert. Afterward, walk a few steps to the nearby Plaza de la Constitución for a look at the numbered balconies once used for bullfight viewing.

Arrive around 1pm to avoid the morning tour buses. The titanium architecture by Frank Gehry is the main draw; skip the permanent collection if short on time and focus on the atrium and the outdoor installations like Jeff Koons' Puppy and Louise Bourgeois' Maman. Book timed tickets online to skip the queue.

Photo: David Vives, Pexels

Take Bizkaibus bus A3518 from Bilbao's Termibus to Gaztelugatxe (about 40 minutes). The climb up 241 steps to the hermitage is steep but the views over the Basque coast are dramatic. Check the tide schedule first and bring a windbreaker even in summer.

Photo: Alejandro De Roa, Pexels

Skip the tourist-heavy Plaza Nueva and instead walk two streets west to Calle del Perro or Calle del Cardenal. Look for bars where pintxos are laid out on the counter and locals order a zurito (small beer) with each. Ask for Gilda (anchovy, olive and guindilla pepper skewer), the original pintxo.

Start from the village of Bulnes (reachable only by foot or funicular from Poncebos). Follow the trail up to the Naranjo de Bulnes viewpoint for dramatic limestone peak views without the summit crowds.

Head to the Pozas del Río Cares near Caín village. These turquoise pools along the river are easy to access from the Ruta del Cares trailhead walk ten minutes upstream from the bridge.

Drive to the small village of Villaviciosa and look for a sidrería with apple barrels out front. Order fresh sidra natural poured from height into a wide glass and pair it with Cabrales blue cheese.

Take the A-8 coastal highway for the smoothest route through Asturias and into Galicia. Stop at Luarca or Ribadeo along the way for a quick walk and coffee break to stretch your legs.

Go to the back of the cathedral (Porta Santa side) around 12:30 PM to see the Botafumeiro swing during the Pilgrim's Mass if you arrive on a Friday. After exiting, cross Praza da Quintana and look for the small door to the Cathedral Museum rooftops accessed via the ticket office on the north side.

Photo: Enrique, Pexels

Wander through the seafood stalls and grab a glass of Albariño at one of the standing bars near the entrance on Rúa das Ameas. After 8 PM head to Rúa do Franco for a street-food style octopus (pulpo á feira) from a local hole-in-the-wall eatery.

Head to Mercado de Abastos (Rúa das Ameas) right after opening to beat the crowds. Walk the aisles and grab a few pintxos from the seafood stalls near the rear entrance.

Start at Praza de Quintana and weave west toward Rúa da Acibechería, the oldest pilgrims lane. Duck into the tiny Praza de Feixoó behind the cathedral for a hidden stone fountain and almost zero tourists.

Search for a pulpería on Rúa das Orfas or Rúa de San Pedro, just outside the old core. Order a plate of pulpo á feira with boiled potatoes and pimentón, plus a glass of albariño.

Take the coastal path starting from the Fisterra lighthouse (Finisterre) heading south along the rugged cliffs. Look for the marked PR-G 37 trail which passes secluded coves and offers views of the Atlantic. Arrive early before 10am to avoid summer crowds.

Head to Praia de Langosteira, a long wild beach just north of Fisterra town with dark golden sand and strong surf. Walk to the far southern end near the rocks for the most privacy, and always swim between the flagged zones as currents can be strong.