Max. 6 people.
Español, Inglés, Holandes
Approximate duration: 18 - 19 days.
We are committed to the environment and work towards sustainable tourism.
That is why we are taking measures in this direction. More information
- Accommodations that are part of the I am Ecotourist Network or that have other ecotourism seals.
- Guides that belong to the Soy Ecoturista Network.
- Visits to NGOs (for example, Fundación Quebrantahuesos).
- Volunteering as part of the trip (1-2 days?).
- In 2023, I became a Travelife partner, which means that we commit to sustainable tourism in the selection of accommodations, excursions, our local office and in the information we provide to travelers about sustainable practices.
- This year, I am part of the European Trace project, which drives more circular business models.
- In 2025, I will be Travelife certified.
Open map Gijón (Asturias), España
Observe bears, birds and butterflies, support conservation projects and stay in sustainable accommodations.
During this self-drive trip through northern Spain, travelers will visit 10 protected areas where they can observe their flora and fauna, often accompanied by local guides, while staying in small-scale local accommodations that are part of the Ecotourism Green Corridor network.
The itinerary is circular: it starts along the Cantabrian coast, passing through several marine areas and estuaries. The westernmost point is the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. From there, travelers head inland, passing through natural areas such as Somiedo, the Picos de Europa and Urdaibai.
programme
Basque CoastGeopark
- Day 1- Arrival: Accommodation Flysch Hotel
- Day 2 - Accommodation: Flysch Hotel
Exploration of the Geopark by boat
In the morning, the Geopark is explored from the water during a boat excursion, which offers a totally different perspective. In a small group, travelers board a boat and tour the stunning coastline from the sea. An expert guide from a local ecotourism company explains all about the geology, flora and fauna of the area.
- Departure time: 11:30 a.m. (arrive 20 minutes before)
- Duration: 50 mins
- Starting point: Txomin Agirre Kalea, 3, 20750 Zumaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s2tPCPRX8SgT8Z3m6
- Tel: +34 657 79 46 46 77
- Organization: Begi Bistan
Visit to the Basque Coast Geopark on foot (afternoon)
Located between San Sebastian and Bilbao, the Basque Coast Geopark is famous for its unique geology and landscapes, which earned it UNESCO recognition as a Global Geopark in 2015.
The vertically "striped" rock formations are impressive and continue to be the subject of study by geologists from around the world.
A 15 km hike along the coast from Zumaia to Deba is recommended and takes approximately 4 hours. In Deba, you can take the Euskotren back to Zumaia. It would be without a guide.
Natural Park of the Liencres Dunes and Costa Quebrada ZEC Dunes of Puntal and Miera Estuary
- Day 3 - Accommodation: Posada la Desmera
Visit to the Costa Quebrada Geopark
The coast around Santander is in the process of being declared a Geopark by UNESCO, and rightly so. Here you can make a beautiful coastal hike where the various rock formations and cliffs show the history of the formation of the Earth millions of years ago.
Along the way, there are several beaches where you can stop for a swim in the sea.
- Day 4 - Lodging: Posada la Desmera
Seabird watching in the Bay of Santander
Every day, a small boat with capacity for 12 passengers departs from the port of Santander for an excursion in search of seabirds. Depending on the weather and the waves, different parts of the bay and the open sea are visited.
Carlos, the Spanish guide who also speaks some English, is a bird expert and is involved in an osprey reintroduction project in the area, which has so far succeeded in breeding a pair.
By participating in this excursion, you contribute to this project. The emissions from the boat and the drive to the port are fully compensated.
- Organization: Carlos, Bahía de Santander Ecoturismo
- Departure time: 16:30
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure point: Puerto Deportivo Marina de Pedreña
Picos de Europa National Park
- Day 5 - Accommodation: Río Aliso Rural Apartments
Private bird watching excursion in English
Today you will be able to see many different birds that inhabit the Picos de Europa. Guide Arantza will take travelers into the mountains in search of bearded vultures, griffon vultures, imperial eagles and short-toed eagles.
Comfortable layered clothing is recommended, as it can be cold in the mountains, as well as some food, drink and hiking or mountain footwear.
- Departure time: 10:00 a.m.
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours
- Starting point: Birdwatch Asturias, AS-114, 33589 Cangas de Onís. You will be picked up at La Venta de Soto, where you can park your car.
- Tel: + 34 644 461 546.
- Organization: Birdwatch Asturias
- Day 6 - Accommodation: Rural Apartments Río Aliso
Free day (options to visit the Quabrantahuesos Mountains Center, hiking, etc).
Rio Eo, Oscos and Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve.
- Day 7- Lodging: Casona de Labrada
Visit to Las Catedrales Beach
This is the second most visited place in the province, after Santiago de Compostela. It consists of impressive rocky arches formed by wind and erosion, under which you can walk during low tide, but which are inaccessible at high tide.
It is important to book tickets in advance, as access depends on the tides and can be very crowded at times.
Along the coast, a promenade starts from Playa de las Catedrales that allows you to explore the area on foot. It is worth following this path, as you quickly leave the hustle and bustle of the beach behind and reach other nearby beaches that are also worth a visit. If the weather is not very good, the scenery can be even more impressive: the impact of the waves in the cracks of the rocks and the sound of the wind and the sea hitting the coast create a unique experience that really makes you feel the force of nature. Visit without guide.
- Day 8 - Overnight: Casona de Labrada
Free day
Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.
- Day 9 - Accommodation: Acíes Apartamentos Turísticos
Free visit to the Cíes Islands, Arousa, etc.
- Day 10 - Accommodation: Acíes Apartamentos Turísticos
Free day
Ribeira Sacra and Serras do Oribio e Courel Biosphere Reserve.
- Day 11 - Accommodation: Rectoral de Castillón
Exploring the Ribeira Sacra with a local guide
With a local English-speaking guide, travelers will tour the Ribeira Sacra in their own car, exploring its stunning natural and cultural landscape. The guide, an expert in the geology, flora, fauna, customs and culture of the area, will provide detailed information throughout the tour.
This experience is organized by a small ecotourism company that seeks to offer a different and more sustainable vision of the Ribeira Sacra.
The itinerary includes visits to centuries-old churches (with exclusive access for this company), panoramic viewpoints, and a picturesque village surrounded by vineyards.
- Departure time: 10:00 am
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure point: Ferreira de Pantón
- Organization: Mais que Románico
- Day 12 - Accommodation: Rectoral of Castillón
Exploration by hybrid catamaran and visit to a winery
Another way to discover the Ribeira Sacra is from the water, aboard a small hybrid catamaran (max. 11 people), the first in the region. This project, promoted by a local entrepreneur, seeks to offer a more sustainable alternative to the large tourist boats.
In addition to enjoying spectacular views and explanations in English along the route, the experience includes a visit to a local winery, with tasting of wines with Designation of Origin Ribeira Sacra.
- Departure time: 11:00 (arrive 15 minutes before). Parking is available in Belesar.
- Duration: 2.5 hours (includes navigation and visit to the winery).
- Starting-point:Place-of-Belesar
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/TfbSKMnQYiBZ5i426.
- Tel: +34 609 80 24 85
- Organization: Sacra Activa
Somiedo Natural Park
- Day 13 - Accommodation: Casa Miño
Bear watching with English speaking guide
In a small group and with a specialized guide, you will explore the Somiedo Natural Park in search of brown bears in their natural habitat. The excursion takes place at dusk and during the night, when there is a greater chance of sightings. There is also the possibility of observing other species such as wolves, wild cats, deer and chamois.
In addition to the fauna, the guide will share knowledge about the geology, history and traditional use of the territory, which makes this activity an educational and enriching experience.
The tour is done in your own car, following the guide to various strategic points within the park to maximize sighting opportunities.
- Departure time: 17:00
- Duration: 4 hours
- Starting point: In front of the pharmacy in Pola de Somiedo Ctra. General, s/n, 33840 Pola de Somiedo, Asturias
- Tel: +34 657 08 19 53
- Organization: Somiedo Experience or Geoface
- Day 14 - Accommodation: Casa Miño
Hiking with butterflies in Somiedo
Together with a local English-speaking nature guide, you will go on a 4-hour walk to discover the flora and butterflies of Somiedo. This is a perfect region to discover many different (new) species.
Somiedo Natural Park has a unique vegetation thanks to several factors:
Its unique location, nestled in the heart of the Cantabrian Mountains, bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
The considerable variation in microclimate and soil conditions, forming a geological transition zone between the eastern part of Asturias, predominantly limestone, and the western part, where siliceous rocks predominate.
The rugged relief, with considerable unevenness.
Human activity over hundreds of years has given rise to a plant mosaic that is home to a rich biodiversity.
For all these reasons, it is home to several plant species that are true jewels because of their rarity, uniqueness or because they are endemic species that are not found outside this geographical area.
Together with the local English-speaking guide, you will explore the forests, scrublands and the relationship that some of them have with traditional livestock, as well as some of the hundreds of species of flowers that characterize the meadows and pastures.
This is a group excursion, so more people can join.
- Departure time: 9:00 a.m.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Starting point: in front of the interpretation center of Pola de Somiedo, - C. Emilio García, 4A, 33840 Pola de Somiedo, Asturias
- Tel: + 34 650 37 87 90
- Organization: Geoface
Ponga Natural Park
- Day 15 - Accommodation: La Casona de Mestas
Free day for hiking
- Day 16 - Accommodation: La Casona de Mestas
Optional birdwatching with Birdwatch Asturias, 4 hours, departure 10.00h.
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
- Day 17 - Accommodation: Rural House Astobieta
Visit to Berroja Winery and Txakoli wine tasting.
In the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, you will find Bodega Berroja, a family winery in Muxika that cultivates 24 hectares of vineyards at an average altitude of 250 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy unparalleled views of the entire reserve.
Bodega Berroja is committed to sustainability, using ecological practices such as the cultivation of native trees, the use of livestock for pest control and the replacement of chemical pesticides with aromatic plants.
During the visit, you will learn about the process of growing Txakoli grapes, its production and, of course, taste the wine accompanied by delicious Basque pintxos.
- Starting time: 13:00- Duration: 2 hours- Address: Bodega Berroja Ajurias, Carretera de Zugastieta a Balcón de Bizkaia, Barrio Berroja 48392, Muxika, Spain.- Telephone Number: +34 944 106 254- Organization: Berroja Txakoli Winery - Day 18 - Accommodation: Rural House AstobietaReturn
Timetable
April-June and September-October
The price includes
- Accommodation (specify type and category): Rural House, Rural Apartments and Rural Hotels (part of the Soy Ecoturista network or other ecotourism network).
- Activities (specify): Guided tours
- Meals - breakfast
- Inland transportation
- Assistance during the trip by my travel agency
Available languages guide
Español, Inglés, Holandes
Prices
From 1,838 EUR p.p. (based on 2 persons in low season)
Groups
- Nº mínimo: 2 personas.
- Nº máximo: 6 personas.
More information
Protected area(s) where it takes place
- Basque Coast Geopark
- Liencres Dunes and Costa Quebrada Natural Park
- Puntal Dunes and Miera Estuary SAC
- Picos de Europa National Park
- Río Eo, Oscos and Terras do Burón Biosphere Reserve
- Islas Atlánticas de Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
- Ribeira Sacra and Serras do Oribio e Courel Biosphere Reserve
- Natural Park of Somiedo
- Ponga Natural Park
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Groups
Max. 6 people.
Available languages guide
Español, Inglés, Holandes
Approximate duration
Approximate duration: 18 - 19 days.
Relevance
In principle, travelers can start at different points along the route: If they travel with their own car from France (French, German, Dutch and Belgian customers) or if they start from Bilbao airport (international connections), the starting point is the Basque Coast Geopark.
If they start the trip from Santander (ferry from the UK, European connections), the starting point is the Natural Park of Liencres Dunes and Costa Quebrada.
If you start from Oviedo airport (European connections), the first stop is the Biosphere Reserve Rio Eo, Oscos and Terras de Burón. If departing from Santiago de Compostela airport or from Oporto (European connections), the starting point is the National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.