GREEN NORTHERN SPAIN

Increasing numbers of people are discovering the deep green landscapes, the solitude of the mountains and the quiet sandy beaches of northern Spain. The Atlantic coast from the Portuguese border to the Pyrenees is often scenic but no more so than the cliffs of Galicia and the Picos mountains. Inland the mild but wet climate has created lush green meadows and broad-leaved forests. A famous medieval pilgrimage route to the city of Santiago de Compostela crosses the region.

Food

Some of the most delicious seafood comes from the Atlantic coast with specialities including mussels, scallops, lobsters and octopus. The north coast also supplies crabs, fat anchovies and tuna. Soft and blue cheese comes from the Cantabrian mountains. But it is wine that gives this region its fame. Spain’s most prestigious red wine, Rioja, is matured to a distinctive vanilla mellowness as the grape is influenced during its growth on the hilly stony soil by both the Mediterranean and Atlantic weather systems.

Places of interest

Galicia, to the west, has as its centrepiece the beautiful old city of Santiago de Compostela. Surrounded by forest covered hills, the way of life seems to have changed little in centuries.

To the east in Asturias and Cantabria, the most obvious attraction is the group of mountains called the Picos de Europa which straddles the two communities. These mountains, set in a national park, offer excellent rock climbing and good hiking, but in winter, when covered in snow, are extremely dangerous.

Further east lies the Basque Country, Navarra and La Rioja, a green hilly region, offering the diverse sporting attractions of the Pyrenees. It includes the fine city of San Sebastian, gloriously situated on a neat shell shaped bay and now recognised as an elegant and fashionable resort renowned for its great summer arts festivals – jazz, classical music and film. It is also home to the Basques, a group suppressed under Franco’s regime, but since the arrival of democracy they have their own parliament and their own police force. Although always wishing for more, they have great autonomy over their own affairs.

Looking to buy a property in northern Spain? Many do. Some people say it is like Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England rolled into one. Mild, wet and definitely green. Just like being at home but with a different culture. The Swiss too lay claim to the country, saying the Picos are similar to their Alps.

As with all of Spain, the benefits of this region are to be found outdoors, in the countryside, in the mountains, by the sea, living in towns and villages, sampling the different foods and lifestyle.