Green Spain
From culinary delights to breathtaking landscapes
If you are looking to experience a new side of Spain, the northern part of the country promises a completely different kind of adventure. You'll find everything from culinary delights to breathtaking landscapes filled with dense forests, lush green meadows and majestic rugged mountains. You'll also be able to visit coastal villages, fishing ports and picturesque beaches.
This area of Spain, known as "Green Spain", is made up of the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, which boasts protected natural areas and UNESCO World Heritage sites and cities.
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MUST-SEE
Contemporary architecture
You will find buildings with curved and unusual shapes in Green Spain. The Kursaal in Donostia-San Sebastián, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Centro Niemeyer in Avilés, the City of Culture in Galicia and Centro Botín in Santander all stand out as examples not to be missed. Come and discover how these buildings were built, because you will be amazed.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This area is full of monuments, buildings, areas and cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Galicia, the historic centre of Compostela, Camino de Santiago, the Walls of Lugo and the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña stand out. In Asturias, visit the Foncalada fountain and the Holy Chamber of the city's Cathedral. Don't miss out on the churches of Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados, which, although they are on the outskirts of the city, are well worth seeing. In the Basque Country, visit the Vizcaya Suspension Bridge and the Altxerri, Ekain and Santimamiñe cave paintings. And in Cantabria, visit the Altamira Cave or the caves of Hornos de la Peña and El Castillo.
Major cities
Bilbao is the most cosmopolitan; Santander and Donostia-San Sebastián are the most stately; Avilés, the city of rebirth; and Santiago de Compostela is legendary. The cities of Green Spain are vibrant and boast an enviable quality of life. Here you will be able to get to know Spain's northern identity and a vast legacy of heritage.
Protected natural areas
Green Spain is home to 2,500 kilometres of coastline, two National Parks, 15 Biosphere Reserves and more than 200 protected natural areas. This results in an abundance and variety of ecosystems, from wild beaches with dunes to native forests, as well as high mountain landscapes, cliffs, marshes, river canyons and caves. And don't forget the biodiversity, the birds that stop here on their migratory journeys or species such as bears that have found a protected future in these regions.
Seafaring villages
Visit charming coastal towns in Asturias such as Llanes, Luanco, Luarca, Cabo de Peñas or Cudillero, and let yourself be seduced by the charm of their fishing villages and the smell of the sea.
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GASTRONOMY
The Cantabrian Sea, together with the mountains and valleys of the interior, provide a natural larder for "Green Spain", producing delicious dishes based on traditional recipes, but also new, imaginative and avant-garde culinary creations. This results in a distinctive culinary experience with extraordinary variety that is renowned the world over. Once you've tried it, you'll be sure to come back for seconds.
The food is outstanding in each of the regions. Every one has its own specialities. Galicia, for example, is famous for its seafood; in the Basque Country, pintxos and pil-pil cod; in Asturias, goat pie; and in Cantabria, rabas (fried squid) and cocido lebaniego (stew).
If you want to treat yourself, treat yourself to the most exclusive cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants. Green Spain boasts one of the most Michelin-starred regions in the country.
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HOW TO GET THERE?
An extensive network of modern air, land and sea transport links will enable you to reach the main cities of Green Spain quickly and conveniently. Bilbao airport and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro airport are the most important airports in northern Spain. Both have many international connections. You can also fly to the airports of Vitoria, San Sebastián, Seve Ballesteros-Santander, Vigo, A Coruña and Asturias. The main cities and towns in northern Spain are connected by long-distance, medium-distance and suburban trains. The Renfe Spain Pass allows you to choose the number of journeys you want to make to get around comfortably.
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HOW TO GET AROUND?
You can travel around Green Spain on board a luxury sleeper train such as the Transcantábrico and the Costa Verde Express. You'll love this experience, as they include guided tours and exquisite cuisine. If you decide to travel by car, you can reach the small villages and spectacular landscapes easily. There are numerous car rental companies available, which you can book online.
