We are planning a two-week trip to northern Spain and would like to rely on public transportations--bus/tain, visiting Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, perhaps Burgos and Oviedo. Can we see enough of the countryside without a car? We may extend to Santiago de Compostelo. Any other suggestions for must see places besides Cuevas de Altamira and the Guggenheim? We really enjoy sitting at cafes, interacting with locals.

you may want to take a look at my blog as a local on the BAsque Country, www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism. There are some interesting suggestions, accesible by public transport, an excelent option to move around.

Hi Kay Ann,

Yes, you can do a lot of that area by public transport, I have done so. I did it by coach bus transport mainly with www.alsa.es. I would add the Picos de Europa area if you can ( I based myself in Cangas de Onís which I reached from Oviedo by bus. Also did daytrips to Fuente De and Santillana del Mar while staying in Santander). In the Picos de Europa area I loved visiting the shrine of Covadonga and the lakes of Enol and Ercina, gorgeous! There are a lot of hiking opportunities in that area.

As a matter of fact , I traveled by bus from Madrid to Salamanca, Zamora, Leon, Oviedo, Cangas, Santander and ended in Bilbao and flew back home from there. Another year I was visiting my son in Santander and then took the bus to Burgos on my way back to Madrid. And yet another year, visiting my son in Santander again, went the opposite way , traveling to Oviedo and then to Santiago de Compostela.

I love the food from that area, would suggest going in the warmer months so you have more opportunities to sit out in cafes. Do you like the beach? El Sardinero beach in Santander is gorgeous.

Thanks for the suggestions. I do love the beach and will check out the blog.

Perhaps take a look at San Sebastián, the culinary capital of Spain, some of the finest city beaches on the continent and European Capital of Culture in 2016.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/07...tin-spain.html

I had planned on stopping here. Is it better as a day trip or to spend the night?

You should definitely spend at least one night in fabulous San Sebastián. The article "A different kind of Spain" gives you an idea: "San Sebastian’s setting on the coast is a panorama reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro - a horseshoe bay of blue water whose entrance is guarded by Mount Igueldo, a wide sandy beach circling the bay, green mountains extending all the way to the water, and a statue of Christ on Mount Orgull overlooking it all. At the back of the bay lies the city, clad largely in white, perched on the beach and the slopes heading up into the mountains". http://marshlands.blogstream.com/

17 Michelin stars in San Sebastián, but the best food experience might just as well be strolling around for the delicious pintxos/tapas served in every bar in this food-crazy town and really take in the atmosphere. http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en

Perhaps San Sebastian is a better idea than Santander. Thanks for the helpful comments. My mouth is already watering.

Do not miss S.S. It is awesome!!! Was there in Oct/10 and stayed at a very nice and inexpensive pension. Walked to everything and the beach from end to end is a wonderful walk..
Santiago, likewise is super. Don't know what your budget is but we got a great price @ the Parador as walk-ins. The special rate was about 115E, brkfst was included. . Had to pay for parking however but it was valet and very convenient..Your trip sounds great. I know you will enjoy it.

With 2 weeks using public transportation I'd limit myself to just a couple of regions. Trying to cover San Sebastian to Santiago with all points between would be quite fast paced I could easily spend the entire time in one area! What time of year is this trip?

we hope to go in September if finances allow. When we know for sure, I want to limit my choices so I can enjoy the destinations. I have traveled and spent time in mid to southern regions but never in the north.

September is a great time to visit - lots of local festivals, the weather is nice and not very crowded like in the summer. Please keep us posted if you develop an itinerary!

Thank you. I will.