Unplug and reconnect with nature on these Northern Spain holidays

Northern Spain is a reminder that the best moments in life often happen when you step away from the noise and embrace the natural world. Spanish holidays are often mistaken for being nothing more than sun, sea and sand with flocks of tourists heading to resorts such as Benidorm or the Costa del Sol. Yet, while a bucket and spade escape is always fun, Spain offers so much more for those willing to get off the tourist track and live like a local. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and give yourself permission to unplug. The greenest, most tranquil corners of Spain are calling—you just need to listen.

If you are looking for green Spain holidays, Asturias is the place. Often referred to as “Spain’s Natural Paradise” this northern region is a paradise for nature lovers. The best way to explore it is to head to the capital, Oviedo where the Barceló Oviedo Cervantes offers an ideal base from which to set off exploring. In Asturias, the forests are straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, with towering oaks and chestnuts blanketed in emerald moss. For the best off-the-grid experience, step into the Somiedo Natural Park, home to Spain’s last remaining wild brown bears, or lose yourself in the ancient beech forests of Muniellos. 

Whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, Asturias walking holidays are a haven for serenity seekers. Combine your active escape with a few days sightseeing in the city of Oviedo and don’t forget to snack on some delicious tapas washed down with the famous Asturian cider. 

If you have exhausted the things to do in Oviedo and the surrounding areas, head further afield to the Picos de Europa National Park where you can find some of Spain’s most dramatic landscapes. Expect nothing less than majestic limestone peaks that pierce the sky deep, bottomless gorges and picturesque villages like Bulnes that invite you to slow down and savour the simple pleasures in life. Whether you trek the Ruta del Cares or take in the breathtaking views from the Fuente Dé cable car, this iconic spot in Spain is worth exploring. You can either book an organised tour that takes you directly from Oviedo or, enjoy the scenic drive that takes you across the Asturian countryside for one and a half hours, leading you straight to the national park. Either way, this is a must-see during your Northern Spain holidays.

Heading west, Galicia’s rugged coastline is not only famous for its beauty but also for the Camino de Santiago. The Rías Baixas, with their fjord-like estuaries, offer endless trails lined with ancient oak forests and breathtaking ocean views. While you may brave the 100-kilometre hike to get your Camino stamp at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, you can also break it down into stages. If you are interested in exploring Galicia’s countryside on foot, a great base is the Occidental Vigo in the heart of Vigo’s city centre.

From here, you are a short walk from some of the best hikes in the city - some of which form part of the Camino de Santiago allowing you to pick up some stamps along the way. Further north, the Praia das Catedrais (Cathedrals Beach) stuns visitors with its natural rock arches sculpted by the Atlantic waves - an ideal day out for those craving a blustering beach day. Of course, with all that walking you will be sure to build up an appetite and Galicia’s fresh seafood and Albariño wine, provide you with the perfect recipe for a rejuvenating retreat while exploring the best of Northern Spain.

When looking at short breaks in Northern Spain, it can be easy to think that the Basque Country is just modern art and pintxos. But, the Basque countryside is a must-visit during your Northern Spain holidays. Enjoy a pastoral escape with expansive green pastures that roll gently into the horizon with charming farmhouses and award-winning vineyards occasionally interrupting the view. Yet with so many areas to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. The best option? Stay in Bilbao, a bustling cultural hub and enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe of the city during the evenings. However, during the day, head over to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a nature lover’s paradise offering scenic hikes, birdwatching, and pristine beaches. This area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984 and is home to over 600 species including over 300 vertebrates. If you enjoy surfing in Spain, the beaches of Laida and Laga are an idyllic spot to explore. Plus, fans of Game of Thrones will recognise San Juan de Gaztelugatxe- a tiny islet with a hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist which was used for filming Dragonstone in the seventh season of the series. 

One of the best ways to enjoy your Northern Spain holidays is by train and since rail travel in Spain is becoming even more advanced, there is no better time to book a trip. A great route to try is the Zaragoza to Canfranc journey allowing you to take in dramatic mountain views and picturesque Aragonese villages, the epitome of green Spain. Yet the best part of the journey is checking into the Canfranc Estación, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, and using it as your base for exploring the snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and winding rivers of the Spanish Pyrenees. This region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round adventure from skiing in Candanchú to hiking through the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. The Pyrenees are steeped in history and tradition, with picturesque stone villages, Romanesque churches, and local cuisine that captures the essence of the mountains. Plus, the hotel’s recently refurbished historic setting and its Michelin-star restaurant will ensure that there is never a dull moment.