One country, general traditions. But pretty often we end up noticing striking differences between northern Spain vs. southern Spain in that same country. For instance, if we say “American culture” you might quickly think of cultural diversity or relevant national festivities such as Thanksgiving, But if you compare states from the North (Montana or Wyoming) to states from the South (Texas or California) the differences might be huge.
Those differences between the North and the South are also plausible in Spain. Even though it is a country way smaller in terms of extension, there are actually some differences in many ways when we compare North vs. South Spain
Beaches in Spain
Northern Spain beaches
Those who love surfing will find the most genuine spots to practice this sport in the North. We highly recommend some wild spots to go and catch some waves, like playa Sopelana or Mundaka. Also Zarautz is a nice village to both catch waves and enjoy delicious “pinchos”. We would say, in general, beaches in the north are more savage than in the south, beautiful spots surrounded by wild nature.
Southern Spain beaches
Probably due to its drier weather, the landscape looks pretty different if we compare North vs. South Spain: in the South we find warmer beaches surrounded by “chiringuitos”, an outdoors bar in the middle of the beach where to take that pleasant break to hydrate yourself. Beaches are flatter, and in general not surrounded by those wild mountains that you would find in northern Spain.
Nature in Spain
Northern Spain nature
If you love to unplug for a while surrounded by green sceneries and wild nature, you will probably love the mountain villages in Cantabria and Asturias. Green sceneries, beautiful valleys in which you might enjoy the company of sheeps, goats, cows…
Southern Spain nature
A warmer weather in the South makes it a pretty different scenery in terms of nature if we compare. You won’t find that green in the South due to its drier weather, with the exception of Sierra Nevada in Granada, where you will be able to enjoy some snow in the Winter.
Food in Spain
Northern Spain food
We declare ourselves as big fans of gastronomy from this area. This includes specially “pinchos” in the Basque Country and the delicious seafood in Galicia with highlights such as “pulpo a la gallega”.
Southern Spain food
You order a beer and automatically it is served accompanied by a “tapa” which might be “tortilla de patatas”, “ensaladilla rusa”, “chistorra”, etc. You will taste delicious tapas at a cheaper price (definitely much cheaper than Barcelona). Andalusia is probably the “tapas land” in Spain. So if you love tapas, we are pretty sure you will enjoy the South of Spain in gastronomic terms. Also, make sure you try gazpacho, salmorejo anywhere in Andalucía and specially “espetos” in Málaga
Weather in Spain
Northern Spain weather
If you are more of a cold weather person, you will rather plan a road trip exploring the north of Spain better (specially during Summer). If we compare northern Spain vs. southern Spain in terms of weather, the temperatures in the north are definitely lower than in the South.
Southern Spain weather
If you love sunny days and sunbathing by the sea, you will probably adore the warmer weather in the South of Spain. Definitely a lot warmer than the North.
Cost of living in Spain
Northern Spain cost of living
The cost of living in the North of Spain is, in general, more expensive than the South of the country. For instance, rents are more expensive and going out to dinner will cost you a couple of euros more than in the South. However, this is a general statement which has some exceptions. For example, if you decide to settle down in a rural village far away from the main cities, rent and cost of life in general might be cheaper.
Southern Spain cost of living
In general terms, living in the South is cheaper than in the North. You will notice that quickly when you go out to eat some tapas. It only takes ordering a beer to realize how different it feels, when a “tapa” is automatically accompanied with your drink (for free, of course). Rent is also cheaper and day-to-day expenses are less expensive too when compared with the cost of living in the North.
Have you visited both areas? Which one do you like best? Did you notice all these differences when comparing northern vs southern Spain? Tell us about it :-)