New from Bradt is Northern Spain, the most detailed guidebook available to a unique, compelling part of Iberia ? a deep dive into a hitherto under-rated region. Incisive context covers modern history and environmental, social and economic issues, enabling the reader to take well-informed decisions about how best to experience a region extending from Galicia, in Spain's far northwest, east through the Basque Country to Navarra. Northern Spain offers enormous variety. In a single trip, you could explore Celtic heritage in Asturias, feast on Atlantic octopus in Galicia, enjoy pinxtos snacks before a traditional asador barbeque in the Basque Country, surf breakers in the Bay of Biscay, walk and watch wildlife in the mountainous Picos de Europa National Park, travel along the winding Feve narrow-gauge railway or the luxurious Transcantabrico train and enjoy a gentle bike ride along a 'Via Verde' (a disused railway line converted into walking and cycling routes). And northern Spain's delights do not stop there. Hikers and pilgrims alike tread along three ancient trails that comprise the Camino de Santiago, with the shrines of Santiago de Compostela as their ultimate destination. La Rioja is Spain's most renowned wine region, where wineries include the mind-bending Marques de Riscal ? designed by Frank Gehry, who designed Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Northern Spain is also a genuinely surprising region. Bagpipes are just as important a part of musical culture in some parts as they are in Scotland. In summer, homes in the wine-making region around Ponte Vedra are transformed into pop-up restaurants, with visitors invited to dine in garages, living rooms and homey kitchens ? a traditional way of selling excess wine. Some medieval churches defy expectations, being decorated with sexy scenes that would be at home in the Kama Sutra. And if you're up for a challenge, why not try to speak Euskarri, the unique Basque language with no known linguistic relatives. With heatwaves increasingly characterising Spain's popular Mediterranean coast in summer, the country's north (known as 'Green Spain') offers more clement conditions for a rewarding holiday. And what better travelling companion can you have than Bradt's Northern Spain? AUTHORS: Dana Facaros wrote her first travel guide to the Greek Islands in 1977, then married her college sweetheart Michael Pauls and dragged him into fray. They have been at it ever since, writing guides and apps and contributing to a number of UK publications, including the Sunday Times, National Geographic Traveller, Daily Telegraph, Wanderlust and Which? Over the past decades they have lived in Greece, Spain, Italy, Ireland and southwest France where they are currently based. James Taylor is an Australian travel writer who has spent the past seven years travelling and working around Europe. With almost a decade of experience working as a travel writer, he is now a fulltime freelancer based in Barcelona. The north of Spain has a special place in his heart, from early days as a backpacker surfing in the Basque Country to more recently when he has embarked on trips through Cantabria and Asturias to discover one of Spain's most overlooked regions. With plans to move to Asturias in the near future, James is keen to provide an in-depth look at his future home, providing would-be travellers with the most useful and up-to-date information on how best to visit Green Spain. 40 colour photos, 24 maps
