General Information
Northern Spain is sometimes referred to as Green Spain due to its characteristic green landscape so different from the rest of Spain.
Perhaps due to its climate and previous lack of easy travel connections , tourism has not yet developed as much as in the south or meditarrenean coast, in fact the development is totally different. In green Spain you will find low and landscape-integrated buildings, dispersed along lush green valleys and meadows, with hundreds of walks and trails to be discovered.
The cities are clean and small enough to walk around. Most cities and towns have an old quarter o casco viejo where the whole precinct is only for pedestrians, no vehicles. Thus you can enjoy a stroll along the old part admiring buildings and monuments and perhaps stopping in a nice cafe to have a drink & bite to eat.
You will find amazing architecture in the cities like Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Bilbao and San Sebastián, a significant number of national parks such as the Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas (Atlantic Isles national Park in Galicia), Picos de Europa National Park amidst the regions of Asturias and Cantabria.
Fascinating walks with St James’ Way (Camino de Santiago) being the oldest and longest walk, as it starts in southern France and reaches Santiago de Compostela where the saint is said to be buried
There are 4 main autonomous regions in green Spain each with their peculiarities and distinct attractions: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Basque Country.
For more information on when to go, money, language, eating and getting around etc, go to the Green Spain FAQs section