Product Description

From the green hills of Galicia to the scorched plains of Aragon, this book gets off the beaten track and discovers plenty of untouched places in the heart of one of Europe's most visited lands. The guide covers the whole of northern Spain comprehensively, including the Basque country (San Sebastian and Bilbao), Navarra, Aragon, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. It focuses on the immense cultural and historic differences that characterize the area, with the emphasis on the good life - festivals, restaurants, tapas bars, wine tasting and spectator sports. It also features the entire pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and plenty of outdoors - good walks, picnic spots and beaches, exploring the Picos and the Pyrenees. The "where-to-stay" section includes hotels, characterful mid-range accommodation and those hard to find unmarked cheapies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #371662 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Review
"I had never used a Footprint guide before, but had been urged to give them a go from fellow travellers, and I have got to say, that I found this book to be very good indeed." A reader from Liverpool on Amazon; "Who should pack them - readers who want to escape the crowd." The Observer"

From the Publisher
There is a passion for travel and discovery at Footprint that has been reflected in our publishing since the South American Handbook was first published back in 1924. More than 80 years on, our aim is still simple: to give travellers a refreshingly different view that helps them to follow their own route and have a unique, memorable experience. Over 100 current guides reflect the many ways in which people enjoy independent travel; whether exploring ancient sites, seeking an adrenalin-filled adventure or relaxing on the beach, our authors do all they can to bring our customers the very best of each destination we cover.

Who are Footprint’s™ customers?
Footprint books are used by seasoned travellers of all ages and nationalities. What they have in common is a determination to travel independently and to get their own unique experience of the world. Footprint customers love adventure, are resourceful and enjoy getting off the beaten track. They are inquisitive about different cultures and sensitive towards the communities they encounter.

What makes Footprint different?
An ever-increasing number of travellers are discovering Footprint books, taking them on trips, enjoying an approach to travel that is distinctly different from other guides.

These are the features of the books most valued by experienced travellers:
The authors of Footprint guides have a depth of knowledge and passion for the destination, which ensures that the books are always detailed and accurate. They show places to eat, sleep and visit that are away from the tourist haunts and are often known only to the locals.

The books provide a wide range of options for travellers seeking out the very best activities and adventures. This gives travellers the freedom to explore off the beaten track, providing unique, memorable experiences.

About the Author
Andy Symington hails from Australia and lives in Northern Spain. After prowling shiftlessly around the world, getting involved in community theatre, archaeology and selling whisky to the Scots, among other debatable activities, he now works as freelance writer. He is the author of several Footprint guidebooks, including Bilbao and Andalucia, and is co-author of Footprint Spain.

Customer Reviews

Informative, practical and interesting
I had never used a Footprint guide before, but had been urged to give them a go from fellow travellers, and I have got to say, that I found this book to be very good indeed.The writing was intelligent and interesting. I agreed with the hotel and restaurant recommendations, and was rarely let down. Everything was accurate and up to date, which makes a change from Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. I did take another guide book with me, but soon ditched it in favour of this one.I will be taking Footprints with me from now on, wherever I go.

too much vaguness
very difficult to get your head round practicalities, such as transport from one destingation to another.

good coverage & info on places off the normal routes,interesting background info but very frustrating to use. not many maps.

not very logical lay out & no uniformity of information formats

i think i'll stick to rough guides & lonely planets!

Excellent
I don't know what these people are moaning about. This is the second footprint guide we have used when travelling in the area and both have been excellent. If you need a guide to find the pyrenees, or to tell you the area is beautiful, then maybe you shouldn't bother going. I found it informative, interesting and accurate. Much better than the other books for the same region which I also own.