North of the Cantabrian Mountains, you won’t find sunkissed beaches or flamenco dancers. What you will see is a rugged coastline and lush forests — and you may even get to hear some bagpipes, true to the Celtic heritage of the region.
Perhaps one of the most underrated regions in Spain, the culture and landscapes of the so-called “Green Spain” are nothing like the rest of the country. Climate-wise, it is not unlike Ireland or Great Britain. If you’re looking for a refreshing getaway surrounded by nature, history, and great food, look no further! Here are our best picks in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia:
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Asturias
The Covadonga Lakes are located in Spain’s northernmost national park, Picos de Europa. These are glacial lakes situated at about 1000 meters above sea level.
On the way to the lakes, don’t forget to check out the breathtaking Holy Sanctuary of Covadonga, featuring the graves of early Christian kings from the 7th century AD and a statue of the Virgin of Covadonga. It is carved into the rock!
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Cantabria
The capital of the Liébana region is the small village of Potes, which has been inhabited since the Middle Ages. It’s a great place to get lost in, and it boasts plenty of restaurants to refuel on your journey through Northern Spain.
If you’re feeling adventurous, drive along the Hermida gorge, a 21-kilometer ravine by the river Deva. This is the longest gorge in Spain, and potentially the most stunning, too.
The Caves of Altamira, near the quaint village of Santillana del Mar, contain some the most important prehistoric paintings preserved to this date. The access to the original caves is however strictly limited and tickets can only be obtained by means of a daily draw, but the nearby museum and Interpretation Center is also very true to reality.
Replica of prehistoric paintings. The originals date from between 15 000 and 12 000 BC.
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Galicia
Fisterre’s name comes from the Latin expression finis terrae: the end of the Earth. This is where the Romans thought the world ended, as it was the Westernmost point in the Empire. The impressive cliffs of the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) almost make it hard to believe otherwise.
These sights are only scratching the surface, though: Green Spain has lots to offer depending on your preferences and the time available. Next time you’re planning a holiday to Spain, perhaps it will be time to ditch the beach and head to the mountains!
Pictures by Wikimedia Commons