14 Day Itinerary for Green Spain
Green Spain is the lush northern coast, running from Galicia to the Basque Country. This 14 day itinerary shows you the best of it. History lovers will enjoy the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela and Oviedo’s ancient churches. Meanwhile, hikers can explore the Picos de Europa, and beach fans can relax in Santander. Food lovers will graze on pintxos in San Sebastián. Art fans, in turn, can visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim. Along the way, you will pass fishing ports, cider houses and dramatic cliffs. Short on time? Try our 7 day itinerary for Green Spain instead.
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Fly into Santiago de Compostela RosalÃa de Castro Airport and head to the Old Town. First, visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the Camino ends. Next, admire the baroque façade from Praza do Obradoiro. Then join the pilgrims at the daily Pilgrim’s Mass if your timing allows. Finally, try Galician octopus nearby. For more ideas, read our 3 day itinerary for Santiago de Compostela. Get directions.
Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela
Stay here for three nights. Parador de Santiago scores 4.7/5 on Google, and guests praise its heritage and service. Hotel Praza Quintana (4.5/5) is known for cathedral views. Hotel Costa Vella (4.7/5) is loved for its peaceful garden. San Francisco Hotel Monumento (4.7/5) wins fans for spacious rooms and an indoor pool. Hotel Rua Villar (4.6/5) gets praise for its central location. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 2: Cathedral Treasures and Local Flavours
Cathedral Museum
Return to the cathedral to see its museum, cloister and crypt. Then climb to the rooftop for sweeping views over the city. Book ahead, because timed entry slots sell out in summer. Buy tickets and secure your place. Get directions.
Mercado de Abastos
Afterwards, browse this lively market for fresh seafood, cheese and Tarta de Santiago. Many stallholders will cook your purchases at nearby tables. Go early for the best choice and the liveliest atmosphere. Get directions.
Day 3: Day Trip to the End of the World
Fisterra Lighthouse
Today, head to the Costa da Morte. Take a bus from Santiago to Fisterra. Check Bus Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Medieval pilgrims believed this cape marked the end of the world. Walk to the lighthouse and watch the Atlantic sunset. Afterwards, enjoy fresh fish at a harbour restaurant before the return trip. Read more about the wild Costa da Morte. Get directions.
Day 4: Coastal Charm in A Coruña
Tower of Hercules
Take the train from Santiago to A Coruña. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. The journey takes under an hour. Then visit the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse still guiding ships today. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top for superb coastal views. Our guide to the Tower of Hercules has more details. Buy tickets and secure your place. Get directions.
Where to stay in A Coruña
Stay here for two nights. NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre scores 4.6/5, with praise for harbour views and breakfast. DoubleTree by Hilton A Coruña (4.6/5) is known for friendly staff. Hotel Avenida (4.4/5) wins praise for cleanliness. Hesperia A Coruña Centro (4.4/5) is loved for comfort and location. Eurostars Atlántico (4.3/5) offers large rooms. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 5: Betanzos and the Beaches
Betanzos
Next, take a short train ride to medieval Betanzos. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Stroll its arcaded streets, then taste the town’s famous tortilla. The old quarter feels wonderfully unhurried, so take your time over lunch. Get directions.
Riazor and Orzán Beaches
Back in A Coruña, walk the promenade beside Riazor and Orzán beaches. The sunset here is superb. Grab an ice cream and watch the surfers riding the waves. Get directions.
Day 6: Cudillero and on to Oviedo
Today you travel east along the coast. Pick up a hire car in A Coruña for the next six days. Hire a car with Discovercars.
Cudillero
Drive to Cudillero, a fishing village built in a steep amphitheatre above the harbour. Its colourful houses tumble down to the water. Narrow lanes lead between them, so explore on foot. Enjoy fresh seafood at the port, then continue to Oviedo. Get directions.
Where to stay in Oviedo
Stay here for three nights. Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista scores 4.6/5, with praise for its historic grandeur. Room Mate Marcos (4.5/5) is loved for stylish décor. Barceló Oviedo Cervantes (4.5/5) is known for excellent breakfasts. AC Hotel Oviedo Forum (4.4/5) offers contemporary rooms. Soho Boutique Oviedo (4.4/5) wins praise for cleanliness. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 7: Discover Oviedo
Oviedo Cathedral
Begin at the Oviedo Cathedral. Its Gothic tower dominates the old quarter. Inside, the Holy Chamber holds precious medieval treasures. Afterwards, stroll to Calle Gascona, where cider houses pour Asturian cider from a great height. Plan your day with our 3 day itinerary for Oviedo. Buy tickets and secure your place. Get directions.
Santa MarÃa del Naranco
Then drive up Mount Naranco to this ninth-century palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a rare pre-Romanesque gem. The views over Oviedo are lovely too. Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer visitors. Get directions.
Day 8: Covadonga and the Picos de Europa
Sanctuary of Covadonga
Drive east via Cangas de OnÃs to the Sanctuary of Covadonga. This sacred cave and basilica mark the legendary start of Spain’s Reconquista. The setting beneath green mountains feels truly special. Get directions.
Lakes of Covadonga
Afterwards, continue uphill to Lake Enol and Lake Ercina. Mountain peaks reflect in the clear water. Wear sturdy shoes, because mountain weather changes quickly. Walk the easy lakeside paths, and see our Picos de Europa guide for more routes. Get directions.
Day 9: Asturian Coast to Santander
Lastres
Leave Oviedo and drive to Lastres. This hillside fishing village has sea views from every corner. Its steep lanes reward walkers with fine photographs. Next, stop at Ribadesella for a stroll along its beach before crossing into Cantabria. Get directions.
Where to stay in Santander
Stay here for three nights. Eurostars Hotel Real scores 4.6/5, with praise for bay views. Hotel Chiqui (4.5/5) is known for its beachfront infinity pool. Vincci Puertochico (4.5/5) wins praise for modern design. Hotel BahÃa Santander (4.5/5) is loved for its breakfast. Hotel Santemar (4.4/5) has large rooms and gardens. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 10: Seaside Santander
Palacio de la Magdalena
Start in Santander at the Palacio de la Magdalena. This royal summer residence sits on a leafy peninsula. Its gardens look out over the bay. Get directions.
El Sardinero Beach
Later, relax on El Sardinero’s golden sand. Its elegant promenade is perfect for an evening walk. Seafood restaurants and surf schools line the seafront. Get directions.
Day 11: Gaudà and Fishing Villages
El Capricho de GaudÃ
Drive west to Comillas. Here, Antoni Gaudà designed the colourful El Capricho de GaudÃ. Sunflower tiles decorate its walls. Nearby, the grand Sobrellano Palace is also worth a quick look. Get directions.
San Vicente de la Barquera
Next, visit San Vicente de la Barquera. Its medieval castle and long bridge frame a beautiful estuary. Try the local anchovies at the harbour. Get directions.
Day 12: Bilbao and on to San Sebastián
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Today you leave the driving behind. Take a bus from Santander to Bilbao, and later another to San Sebastián. Check Bus Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. In Bilbao, visit the shimmering Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Frank Gehry’s titanium building is as impressive as the art inside. Buy tickets and secure your place. Get directions.
Where to stay in San Sebastián
Stay here for three nights. Hotel Maria Cristina scores 4.8/5, with praise for luxury service. Lasala Plaza Hotel (4.7/5) is known for its harbour-view terrace. Catalonia Donosti (4.7/5) is loved for its rooftop pool. Room Mate Gorka (4.7/5) wins praise for style and location. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (4.6/5) has beach views. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 13: Savour San Sebastián
Monte Igueldo
Ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo for the finest view of La Concha Bay. The little amusement park adds retro fun. Explore more in San Sebastián. Get directions.
Parte Vieja Pintxos
That evening, hop between the Old Town’s bars. Gandarias is a classic stop for grilled meat pintxos. Order a small glass of txakoli with each bite. Move on after one or two pintxos, because variety is the whole point. Get directions.
Day 14: Basque Coast and Departure
Getaria
Spend your last morning in Getaria. This fishing port is the birthplace of fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. His museum showcases his work. Grilled turbot is the local speciality, and the harbour grills smell wonderful at lunchtime. Get directions.
Zumaia
Afterwards, stop at Zumaia to see its dramatic flysch cliffs. Their striped rock layers span millions of years. Finally, head to Bilbao Airport for your flight home. Get directions.
Green Spain rewards slow travel. Each day brings a new landscape, a new local dish and a warm welcome. However, summer is busy, so book hotels and key attractions early. With this plan, you will see the best of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country in just two weeks.