The Green Coast

The Journey

Spain's north coast is dramatically underrated. Drive west through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias along sea cliffs and green valleys. Detour inland to Picos de Europa — deep limestone gorges, cable cars, and glacier lakes. End in the great pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.

Day by Day

Your itinerary

Expand each day to discover the details and imagery of your destination.

1

San Sebastián

Pintxos Capital of the World

Arrive in San Sebastián, the undisputed culinary capital of Spain. Pick up your car and drop bags at your hotel in the Old Town. The agenda is simple: work your way through the pintxos bars of Parte Vieja, glass of txakoli in hand. La Concha beach awaits if the sun is out.

2

Bilbao

The Guggenheim Effect

Drive 90 minutes west to Bilbao. The Guggenheim transformed this former industrial city into a must-visit destination — and the building remains extraordinary 25 years on. Spend the afternoon in the Casco Viejo eating your way through the famous Siete Calles.

3

Cantabria

Sea Cliffs and Prehistoric Art

Cross into Cantabria along the coast road. Stop at Santillana del Mar — the most perfectly preserved medieval village in Spain — then visit the caves of Altamira, where 15,000-year-old bison paintings were discovered. Lunch on fresh anchovies in a harbour bar.

4

Picos de Europa

Into the Gorge

Leave the coast and drive into the Picos de Europa national park. Take the funicular at Bulnes — one of Europe's most dramatic cable cars — high into the limestone peaks. The views down the Cares Gorge are staggering. Stay tonight in a mountain posada in the valley.

5

Asturias

Cider Country

Drive west through Asturias, stopping in Gijón for a walk along the beach promenade and a glass of sidra in the Cimadevilla old town. The landscape is lush and green — Asturias gets real rain and it shows. Continue toward the Galician border as the light turns gold.

6

Lugo

Into Galicia

Cross into Galicia and drive to Lugo, the only city in the world with a fully intact Roman wall — 2 km of walkable ramparts. Take the evening paseo along the top. Tomorrow Santiago awaits, so tonight is for rest and a bottle of Albariño.

7

Santiago de Compostela

End of the Road

Drive the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela. Arrive at the cathedral — one of the great buildings of medieval Europe — and join the pilgrims who walked weeks to reach this spot. Return your car and spend the evening in the old town.