North of Spain’s sun-scorched plains lies a different country altogether — a land of emerald hills, misty rías, and wild Atlantic beaches that locals proudly call “Green Spain.” Stretching along the Cantabrian coast from the Basque Country to Galicia, this lush northern edge is a world of Michelin-starred cider houses, prehistoric cave art, soaring limestone peaks, and one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimage cities. Cooler, greener, and gloriously uncrowded, it is a region best savored slowly — and there is no more graceful way to explore it than aboard a vintage luxury train.
Places to See
The Cantabrian coast unfolds like a series of postcards, each stop revealing a new facet of northern Spain’s rich character.
Bilbao & the Guggenheim
Once an industrial port, Bilbao reinvented itself around Frank Gehry’s shimmering titanium Guggenheim Museum. Today the Basque city pairs world-class art and architecture with pintxos bars that rank among Spain’s finest culinary experiences.
Santander & Santillana del Mar
Elegant, seaside Santander charms with its belle-époque promenades and golden beaches. Nearby, the beautifully preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar looks all but untouched by time, its cobbled lanes leading toward the famous painted caves of Altamira.
Picos de Europa & Covadonga
Rising sharply from the coast, the Picos de Europa mountains offer some of Spain’s most dramatic scenery, from glacial lakes to plunging gorges. At Covadonga, a sanctuary set among the peaks marks the legendary birthplace of the Spanish Reconquista.
Oviedo & Asturias
The graceful Asturian capital of Oviedo boasts pre-Romanesque churches, a soaring Gothic cathedral, and a proud cider-making culture. It is the perfect gateway to the green valleys and fishing villages of Asturias.
Santiago de Compostela
The journey’s western climax, Santiago is the storied end of the Camino pilgrimage, its magnificent baroque cathedral drawing travelers from across the world beneath the rain-slicked stones of Galicia’s holy city.
Getting There by Luxury Train
Two exceptional trains bring the Cantabrian coast within reach in supreme comfort. The El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo is the grand dame of the route: an 8-day journey from San Sebastian to Santiago that traverses the full sweep of Green Spain, taking in Bilbao and the Guggenheim, Santander, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Gijon, and Ribadeo. With a maximum of just 28 guests, it is an intimate, all-inclusive affair, with fares from EUR 11,328 per person.
For a shorter escape, the Costa Verde Express offers a 6-day route from Bilbao to Santiago along the Cantabrian coast, calling at Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, and Ribadeo. Fares start from EUR 5,821 per person, making it a wonderful introduction to the region. To weigh the two side by side, read our overview of the luxury trains of Spain, or see the complete lineup on our all trains page.
Best Time to Visit
Green Spain earns its name thanks to a temperate, Atlantic-influenced climate — which means it stays verdant year-round but sees more rainfall than the south. Late spring through early autumn, from May to September, is the ideal window, delivering mild, comfortable days perfect for exploring mountains and coast alike. Summer here is refreshingly cool compared with the Spanish interior, making the north a welcome escape from the heat. For guidance on planning the perfect departure, consult our guide to the best seasons for luxury train travel, and discover more stories in our Spain journal.
Begin Your Green Spain Journey
From Gehry’s Guggenheim to the pilgrim’s cathedral at Santiago, the Cantabrian coast is a revelation waiting to be discovered by rail. Let our specialists help you choose between the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo and the Costa Verde Express and plan every detail. Start your booking or contact us today. Call toll-free at (855) 720-2539 or email bookings@luxurytrainvacations.com to begin your journey through Green Spain.