Spain
The varied landscape of the Costa Verde provides a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From mountains to waves, there are many ways to get active.
Ruta del Cares (moderate to challenging, 12 km one-way), various loops around the Lakes of Covadonga (easy to moderate), and trails from Fuente Dé cable car station (moderate difficulty).
Easy to moderate, scenic walks along the cliffs and beaches (e.g., Senda Costera de Llanes or Paseo de la Senda in Gijón).
Easy, flat, family-friendly cycling and walking routes on disused railway lines (e.g., Senda del Oso in Asturias or Vía Verde del Pas in Cantabria).
Always check weather conditions and inform someone of your plans before embarking on challenging outdoor activities. Consider guided tours for safety and expertise, especially for canyoning or caving.
Engage with the local culture through hands-on experiences, traditional performances, and community interactions.
Basque Folk Dance is often performed at local festivals or special events. Listen to traditional Asturian music, frequently featuring the Asturian Bagpipes (Gaita Asturiana), played at festivals or in traditional sidrerías.
Religious Processions, especially during Holy Week (Semana Santa) and local patron saint festivals, offer insights into local traditions.
Spanish language schools are available in major cities like San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander, offering short-term courses. Spanish is universally spoken, even where Basque (Euskera) is also present.
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) in Bilbao and San Sebastián (August) features concerts, fireworks, and traditional sports. San Sebastián International Film Festival (September) is a major event. Check local tourism calendars.
Some community-based tourism initiatives offer farm stays or culinary experiences with local families, providing a connection to the regional way of life.
The social hubs of Asturian Sidrerías and the pintxos hopping culture in the Basque Country are integral cultural dining experiences.
Balance adventure with moments of calm. The Costa Verde provides options for unwinding and focusing on well-being.
Relax on the numerous stunning beaches or enjoy tranquil walks along the coastal paths, breathing in the fresh sea air.
Find peace in the quiet valleys and forests of the Picos de Europa or other natural parks, offering a serene escape from urban bustle.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the glacial lakes in Covadonga or Somiedo, perfect for quiet reflection or a gentle picnic.
Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Gijón offer various live music venues (jazz, rock). Historic theaters like Teatro Arriaga (Bilbao) and Teatro Victoria Eugenia (San Sebastián) host opera, plays, and concerts.
Major cities like Bilbao, San Sebastián, Gijón, and Santander have districts with discotecas (nightclubs) that stay open late. Casco Viejo in Bilbao and Parte Vieja in San Sebastián are ideal for bar-hopping.
Popular bar districts include Casco Viejo/Indautxu (Bilbao), Parte Vieja/Gros (San Sebastián), Calle del Medio/Calle Río de la Pila (Santander), Calle Gascona (Oviedo - cider street), and Cimavilla (Gijón).
Discover local crafts, regional delicacies, and fashion as you explore the shopping scenes of the Costa Verde.
Look for pottery, leather goods, traditional jewelry, and textiles. Asturian artisans are known for traditional crafts. Some shops in Indianos Houses towns (e.g., Comillas) sell local crafts.
Local cheeses (Cabrales, Idiazabal, Picón), Asturian cider, Cantabrian anchovies from Santoña, Basque Txakoli wine, local honey, and sobaos pasiegos.
Pottery, wooden figures, traditional Basque berets (txapelas), and Asturian madreñas (wooden clogs). Football (soccer) jerseys from Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad are also popular.
Many smaller, independent shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon for a "siesta," typically between 2 PM and 5 PM. Plan your shopping excursions accordingly.
