Green Spain consolidates its position as a booming destination
From the Picos de Europa to the Cantabrian coast, the northern provinces gain position in ecotourism
Green Spain, made up of the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, has experienced a notable increase in its tourist appeal. In 2023, this destination received almost 17 million visitors, representing an increase of four million over 2019. Green Spain, in the north of the country, is distinguished by an offer that contrasts with the proposals of the south and the Spanish Mediterranean. Its appeal lies in a variety of natural environments ideal for ecotourism, in landscapes ranging from the Picos de Europa to the Cantabrian coast. Green Spain also offers cultural and architectural heritage in cities such as Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo and Bilbao, home to internationally renowned monuments and museums.
The culinary richness of the area is another of its great attractions, with local products and traditional dishes that attract gastronomy lovers. But it is not the only thing, as initiatives continue to be developed to enhance its attractiveness. One of them is "The Grand Route of Green Spain” an itinerary divided into 16 sections that crosses four autonomous communities and will allow travelers to discover emblematic places such as San Sebastian, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the wineries of Rioja Alavesa, the bay of Santander, the caves of Altamira, the Picos de Europa, Oviedo, the fishing villages of the Cantabrian Sea, among others. On the other hand, there is the Ecotourism Corridor, which proposes a visit to 26 protected natural areas, thus structuring the entire Cantabrian coast with activities that respect nature, its conservation and the development of local economies.
