7 Day Itinerary for Green Spain
Green Spain stretches along the northern coast, from the Basque Country to Galicia. Unlike the sun-baked south, this region offers misty mountains, dramatic cliffs, and endless greenery. Foodies will love pintxos bars, cider houses, and fresh Atlantic seafood. Culture lovers can explore world-class museums, Gothic cathedrals, and pilgrim routes. Meanwhile, outdoor fans get glacial lakes, coastal caves, and national parks to explore. Families enjoy easy city beaches, while couples find quiet coastal villages perfect for slow travel. This seven-day route links San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, and Santiago de Compostela. Fly into Bilbao Airport to start, then fly home from Santiago Airport. Pack layers, since the weather changes quickly along this coast. Here’s how to spend the week.
Day 1: San Sebastián
Start your trip beside the Atlantic in beautiful San Sebastián. This elegant city blends beaches, hills, and old-town charm perfectly. Spend the morning wandering the Parte Vieja, sampling pintxos at every corner bar.
Playa de la Concha
This shell-shaped bay is one of Europe’s finest city beaches. Golden sand curves between two green headlands, framing calm turquoise water. Stroll the promenade, then cool off with a swim. Later, climb Monte Urgull for panoramic views over the whole bay. Get directions.
Monte Igueldo
Ride the historic funicular up Monte Igueldo for sweeping coastal views. A small vintage amusement park sits at the summit, perfect for families. Since queues build fast in summer, buying tickets online saves time. Buy Tickets. Get directions.
For accommodation, San Sebastián offers options for every budget. Hotel MarÃa Cristina is known for grand luxury near the river, rated 4.6 on Google, with reviewers praising its elegant service. Hotel Niza sits right on La Concha beach, rated 4.3, and guests often mention the sea-view balconies. Pensión Aida offers cosy, budget-friendly rooms rated 4.5, with travellers praising the friendly owners. Hotel Parma is popular for its harbour location, rated 4.2, with mentions of comfortable beds and helpful staff. La GalerÃa suits couples seeking boutique charm, rated 4.4, with guests highlighting the quiet, central setting. Book Accommodation.
Day 2: Bilbao
Next, head west to Bilbao, a city transformed by art and architecture. By train, journey time is under two hours. Check connections. Once there, drop your bags and head straight for the riverside promenade.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
This titanium-clad landmark holds striking modern art collections inside. Frank Gehry’s design alone draws visitors from across the world. Because entry slots often sell out, book ahead of your visit. Buy Tickets. Get directions.
Casco Viejo
Wander Bilbao’s atmospheric old town, packed with pintxos bars and plazas. The Siete Calles form the historic heart, ideal for evening tapas hopping. Don’t miss the Mercado de la Ribera nearby, one of Europe’s largest covered markets. Get directions.
Bilbao has excellent overnight options too. Gran Hotel Domine faces the Guggenheim directly, rated 4.5, with reviewers loving the museum views. Hotel Carlton offers historic grandeur, rated 4.3, and guests often mention its elegant lobby. Miró Hotel suits design lovers, rated 4.4, praised for stylish, modern rooms. Hotel Ercilla is known for reliable comfort, rated 4.2, with mentions of a great breakfast spread. Hostal Begoña offers a budget-friendly stay, rated 4.3, with guests highlighting its central, quiet location. Book Accommodation.
Day 3: Santander and Santillana del Mar
Continue along the coast to Cantabria’s capital, then detour inland slightly. Hiring a car makes this stretch far easier. Hire a Car. The coastal drive itself offers plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Palacio de la Magdalena
This grand royal palace sits on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides. Explore the gardens and admire sweeping bay views. Get directions.
Museo de Altamira
Visit the Museum of Altamira to see replica prehistoric cave paintings up close. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so advance booking is essential. Buy Tickets. Get directions.
Stay overnight in Santander before moving on. BahÃa Hotel overlooks the harbour, rated 4.3, with guests praising the central location. Hotel Real offers old-world luxury, rated 4.5, and reviewers often mention stunning bay views. Hotel Chiqui sits near Sardinero beach, rated 4.2, praised for friendly, attentive staff. Abba Santander suits business travellers, rated 4.3, with mentions of spacious, modern rooms. Hospedaje BotÃn offers simple comfort, rated 4.4, with guests highlighting excellent value for money. Book Accommodation.
Day 4: Picos de Europa
Today brings mountains, lakes, and dramatic limestone peaks. Base yourself in Cangas de OnÃs, gateway to the Picos de Europa. Fresh mountain air and green valleys make this a welcome change of pace.
Covadonga Sanctuary
This sacred basilica sits dramatically against a limestone cliff face. Nearby, a small cave shrine draws pilgrims and history lovers alike. Get directions.
Lagos de Covadonga
Drive higher to reach these glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina. Surrounding peaks reflect beautifully in the still, blue-green water. Since parking is restricted in peak season, arrive early or use the shuttle bus. Get directions.
Cangas de OnÃs offers charming mountain-town stays. Parador de Cangas de OnÃs occupies a former monastery, rated 4.6, with guests praising the peaceful riverside setting. Hotel Los Robles is known for cosy comfort, rated 4.4, and reviewers mention excellent breakfasts. Aultre Naturi suits nature lovers, rated 4.5, praised for its quiet countryside location. Hotel Puente Romano sits by the medieval bridge, rated 4.3, with mentions of a superb central spot. Casa Cangas offers budget rooms, rated 4.2, with guests highlighting warm, helpful hosts. Book Accommodation.
Day 5: Oviedo and Gijón
Head to Asturias’s elegant capital, then finish the day by the sea. Buses connect the two cities in around 30 minutes. Buy Tickets. Oviedo’s old town is compact, so you’ll cover most sights on foot.
Oviedo Cathedral
This Gothic masterpiece anchors Oviedo’s atmospheric old town. Inside, the Cámara Santa holds treasured medieval relics and artwork. Get directions.
San Lorenzo Beach
In Gijón, relax on this long, sandy urban beach. A lively promenade runs alongside, packed with cafés and cider bars. Get directions.
Choose Oviedo as your base for the night. Hotel de la Reconquista is known for palatial grandeur, rated 4.6, with guests praising its stunning courtyard. Barceló Oviedo Cervantes suits modern travellers, rated 4.4, and reviewers often mention spacious rooms. Hotel Fruela sits near the cathedral, rated 4.3, praised for its friendly, helpful service. Hotel Ramiro I offers reliable comfort, rated 4.2, with mentions of a convenient central location. Pensión Alerce suits budget travellers, rated 4.4, with guests highlighting exceptional value. Book Accommodation.
Day 6: Ribadeo and Playa de las Catedrales
Cross into Galicia today, chasing one of Spain’s most dramatic beaches. Renting a car gives the most flexibility here. Hire a Car. Check the tide tables before setting off, since low tide reveals the best views.
Playa de las Catedrales
Towering rock arches give this beach its cathedral-like name. Visit at low tide to walk beneath the dramatic stone formations. Because access requires a free permit in summer, book this in advance. Buy Tickets. Get directions.
Ribadeo Old Town
Afterwards, explore Ribadeo’s pretty harbourfront and colourful indiano mansions. The estuary views here are especially lovely at sunset. Get directions.
Ribadeo has several welcoming places to stay. Parador de Ribadeo overlooks the estuary, rated 4.6, with guests praising the spectacular water views. Hotel Voar suits modern travellers, rated 4.4, and reviewers often mention stylish, comfortable rooms. Hotel Eo is known for its central position, rated 4.2, praised for warm, attentive staff. Ove Ribadeo offers boutique charm, rated 4.5, with mentions of a peaceful, quiet stay. Pensión Casa Aurora suits budget travellers, rated 4.3, with guests highlighting excellent value for money. Book Accommodation.
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela
Finish your trip at this legendary pilgrimage city. Trains and buses both connect Ribadeo with Santiago comfortably. Check connections. Arrive early, since the old town gets busy with pilgrims by midday.
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
This UNESCO-listed cathedral marks the end of the Camino de Santiago. Climb up for a rooftop tour, with sweeping views across the old town. Since rooftop slots are limited daily, pre-booking is strongly recommended. Buy Tickets. Get directions.
Praza do Obradoiro
This grand square sits right in front of the cathedral’s baroque façade. Watch tired pilgrims arrive, a genuinely moving sight to witness. Get directions.
After exploring, head to Santiago Airport for your flight home. And with that, your week through Green Spain comes to a memorable close. From misty peaks to golden beaches, this route captures the very best of Spain’s northern coast. Book flights.