Nestling high in the country’s northwestern corner lie the twin regions of an almost otherworldly Spain with verdant valleys, misty forests and soaring mountains seemingly worlds apart from the rest of the nation. Galicia, entangled in a wild romance with the roaring Atlantic Ocean, is possibly as Celtic as it is Spanish with a melancholic beauty going about its charms. Asturias, its neighbour to the right equally dramatic in landscape, prides itself as the only one of all Spanish territories never to have been conquered by Islamic Moors, leaving behind a delightful trail of rustic villages dating way back before the Middle Ages. Enhance your traveller’s cred with a customised Galicia and Asturias tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and encounter this northwestern part of the country far removed from all the clichés of Spain that you have ever read about.

Galicia while remote from the rest of Spain in both its landscape and outlook is also home to possibly the most magical and sacred city of Spain – Santiago de Compostela. More than 250,000 on a holy quest journey to the largest city in Galicia each year just like the pilgrims did in medieval times, all wanting to lay their eyes on the sacred relic of St James, the apostle and patron saint of Spain, in its stunning cathedral. But it is not all spiritual business in town, the city also has under its wings the UNESCO-listed old quarter where you can rest your body in charming old-world casas and refill your stomach with apparently the freshest seafood in the whole of Spain.

In a far-north province of Galicia lies one of the most unique beaches you will ever set eyes on. Sure, it is by far not the sandiest nor the most sparkling but you don’t necessarily go to Playa de Las Catedrales to lay lazily under the sun and play in the sea either. In fact, travellers in the know avoid the water and time their exact visit during the lowest of tide as this is when truly all the magic unfolds. Imagine walking under 30-metre-tall arches resembling flying buttresses and spires soaring into the sky, discovering caves as if you are strolling through underground crypts and chapels, and hearing the music of nature like an organ is playing in a church when the wind whistles between the huge rock columns. Now, take a moment, imagine and realise why it is named the “Beach of the Cathedrals”.

You certainly have to put aside all your preconceived notions of sunny and Mediterranean Spain when you reach the stunning mountain range of Picos de Europa in Asturias. Cool Atlantic climate, verdant temperate flora, blue mountain lakes and highland mists, a hike though Spain’s first national park is a re-education in itself in which you will find yourself gasping at the diverse landscape that Spain as a country possesses. After you are done marvelling at Asturias’ nature, pay your appreciations at Covadonga’s Holy Cave where the remains of Pelayo, Asturias’ local hero and greatest king, is enshrined. Then find yourself standing in awe under the mystical gaze of the Basilica of Santa Maria la Real.

For more enticing holiday getaways in Spain, try:

• Andalusia tour package
• Barcelona tour package
• Basque Country tour package
• Catalonia tour package
• Madrid tour package
• Seville tour package
• Valencia tour package

If you are looking for a Spanish holiday far removed from the cliches of typical travel guidebooks, a customised Galicia and Asturias tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours is likely to be your key to unlock some of Spain’s lesser-known treasures. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.