Framed by the crashing Atlantic, the towering Pyrenees and the undulating Cantabrian Mountains, the emerald expanse of northern Spain is one of the Iberian Peninsula’s best-kept secrets. Known as Green Spain, this enchanting stretch encompasses Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country (Euskadi), an area that’s home to verdant landscapes, rich cultural traditions and some of the most exciting cities in Spain.

With 2,500 kilometres of coastline extending from the Portuguese border in the west to the Pyrenees in the east, connected by a web of roads, trails and ancient pilgrimage routes, Green Spain invites travellers to slow down and take the time to explore at their own pace. The beaches here are varied and pristine, from the wild, windswept sands of Galicia and the secluded coves of Cantabria to the rugged cliffs of Asturias and the dramatic rocky coastlines of Basque Country; a playground for surfers, hikers and photographers. The entire region is cross-crossed with 34 greenways — former railway lines converted into scenic hiking and cycling trails — which provide the basis for long-distance cycling trips across the region.

Nearly a third of Green Spain is protected landscape, home to 42 protected areas, including two national parks, 25 nature parks and 15 biosphere reserves; ensuring the region’s diverse ecosystems — from native woodlands and meadows to estuaries and dunes — remain pristine for future generations. The Picos de Europa National Park, straddling Asturias and Cantabria, is a hiker’s paradise, offering challenging trails and awe-inspiring vistas, while the lush forests of the Basque Country, the serene lakes of Galicia and the sweeping meadows of Asturias provide a tranquil escape for nature lovers.

A CULTURAL TAPESTRY

For centuries, pilgrims have travelled to this spectacular corner of the Iberian Peninsula in order to travel along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a sacred pilgrimage route and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Four main routes take hikers through some of the most dramatic landscape in the region: the Coastal Camino meanders along the Atlantic, providing stunning seascapes and cool, refreshing breezes. The Original Camino, believed to be the oldest, takes you through the heart of Galicia’s lush countryside. The Basque-Rioja Camino offers a blend of mountainous terrain and rich cultural experiences, while the Liebana Camino takes you to the secluded valleys of Cantabria.

Each route converges at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of Saint James the Apostle, although many pilgrims continue to Finisterre, the westernmost point of Spain, once believed to be the end of the known world until the discovery of the Americas.

Steeped in history and tradition, Green Spain is home to 18 caves adorned with prehistoric art, providing a window into the lives of ancient civilisations. The region’s cultural richness is evident in its own languages—Galician, Basque and Bable in Asturias—each adding a unique flavour to the local experience. Festivals and fiestas abound, celebrating everything from mythology to food.

In Cantabria, spirited locals participate in fast-paced rowing regattas, while Galicia’s wild horse taming events showcase the deep bond between humans and animals. In the Basque Country, time-honoured stone lifting competitions are testament to the region’s strength and resilience, while the nomadic cowherds of Asturias embody a way of life that has endured for centuries.

CULINARY RICHES & SLOW SLEEP

Food is at the heart of Green Spain’s identity; a land inhabited by farmers and fishermen since time immemorial. Its fertile lands are the source of many of the country’s iconic culinary traditions and the celebrated ingredients that go into them. The region’s culinary scene is a delectable fusion of tradition and innovation, with more than 56 Michelin-starred restaurants setting the bar high and local markets bursting with fresh produce, blessed by the fertile landscape nourished by cooling Atlantic breezes and plenty of rainfall.

The Atlantic Ocean generously provides the region’s beloved seafood: hake, cod, seabream and turbot, or oily alternatives like sardines and anchovies, all of which appear on coastal menus across the region. Octopus may well be cherished across the Iberian Peninsula, but delicate Galician octopus is renowned as the best in the world, while bonito casseroles are a favourite in the summer months. Inland, northern Spain is prized for its tender beef and lamb, which locals love to grill or cook al fresco on the barbeque, best accompanied by a glass of chilled cider from Asturias.

Green Spain’s prized winemaking regions are home to some of the most expressive indigenous varietals in Spain: crisp Albariño from Rias Baixas, elegant Mencia from Ribeira Sacra in Galicia and fruit-forward tempranillo in the Cantabrian Mountains of Rioja Alavesa; all of which pair beautifully with the region’s unique cheeses, fresh seafood and hearty grills.

After indulging in these iconic dishes, a siesta may be order. Green Spain is home to an unusually large selection of accommodation options that cater to every taste including one-of-a-kind accommodations unique to each of the four regions. Travellers try the rustic charm of the Basque caseríos (farmhouses), the stately elegance of Galician pazos (mansion house), the homely warmth of Asturian casonas (cosy mountain cottages), or the historical intrigue of casas de indianos (elegant colonial villas) and cabañas pasiegas (rural cabins) in Cantabria.

The region’s historic spa resorts offer rejuvenating treatments amidst picturesque natural settings, while Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander and the region’s other major cities offer a plethora of luxury hotels and resorts where well-heeled travellers can rest their heads.

Green Spain remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature, history and culture. Its landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful, its traditions are rich and vibrant, and its people are warm and welcoming. Whether you are seeking an epic road trip, an outdoor adventure or a culinary journey, Green Spain promises an experience that will leave you longing to return.

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