)
Spain’s rural Costa Verde
Asturias is a little visited region on the north coast of Spain known as the Costa Verde. Often called Green Spain - sometimes even ‘real’ Spain - it has a wild and dramatically beautiful interior, and a wonderfully unspoiled coastline strewn with sandy coves and tiny islets. There are no less than 24 nature reserves here and with its distinctive cuisine of simple, honest food (often accompanied by local speciality cider and cheese), a holiday on the Costa Verde offers all the character and flavour of real, rural Spain. Our holidays on Spain’s Costa Verde are based on the coast of Cantabria, close to small fishing villages and scenic walking trails.
)
)
)
This unspoilt part of Spain is perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, or for those looking for an alternative to the flashier, better-known resorts in Southern Spain. Here are a handful of our favourite places.
Oviedo
The capital of Asturias is a compact, handsome city, yet for a small place it has some great cultural attractions including some of Spain’s finest restaurants and an opera house where both Plácido Domingo and Montserrat Caballé have sung.
Picos de Europa National Park
At nearly 100 years old, Picos de Europa National Park is one of Spain’s first National Parks and is home to several endangered species, most notably bears and wolves. In addition to the wildlife there are 11 villages within the park boundaries, as well as a vast network of well-signed walking and hiking trails.
Cudillero
The village of Cudillero clings to the side of a mountain, around a bustling seaport. One of Spain’s most colourful towns, it’s a perfect place for lunch with its outdoor cafes and fishermen’s taverns filling the tiny square. Brightly painted houses and buildings hug the horse-shoe shaped port, or head up the steep streets into the hills behind to one of the many viewpoints such as El Pico or La Atalaya – the views are well worth the walk.
)
)
How do I get to the Costa Verde?
You can fly or take the ferry to Spain’s Costa Verde if you choose one of our hotel holidays. Flights are usually to Bilbao, or if you take the ferry you sail between Plymouth and Santander.
What is the weather like on the Costa Verde?
The weather is mild on the Costa Verde, with an average summer temperature of 20-25C. It’s an ideal choice if you want to enjoy some authentic Spanish culture and cuisine, and avoid the hotter, busier resorts that line the coast of Southern Spain. Winters are also mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 13C.
What is the time difference between Costa Verde and the UK?
The Costa Verde is one hour ahead of the UK.
Should I use cash or credit cards on the Costa Verde?
Most major credit cards are accepted and there are ATMs in the larger towns and cities if you want to withdraw cash. The local currency is the Euro.
Where is the Costa Verde in Spain?
The Costa Verde is on Spain’s northern coast overlooking the Bay of Biscay. It incorporates the regions from Galicia in the northwest to the Basque Country in the northeast, including Cantabria and Asturias.
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
70 years’ experience
Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.
Peace of mind
You’re in safe hands with Saga. We’re an ABTA member and your holiday is ATOL protected.
Great value
We’re constantly monitoring prices and negotiating the best deals with our travel partners.
SIGN UP FOR TRAVEL INSPIRATION & OFFERS
Sign up to our emails for the latest from Saga Holidays.
By providing your details you will receive emails with related content and offers from Saga. You can unsubscribe from this at any time.
For more information click here for our privacy policy.
