Complete Guide to Asturias & Cantabria (2025)
For most of its length, the coastline of northern Spain is hilly or even mountainous. Behind a narrow and fertile coastal plain, the terrain rises steeply into the mountains of Cantabria and Asturias, collectively known as the Cantabrian Mountains. These mountains culminate in the Picos de Europa, dramatic and rocky peaks with deep valleys and soaring summits. The area has earned the nickname “Switzerland on the Sea” due to the proximity of high mountain peaks, green valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tourism developed slowly here, and the north coast of Spain has not experienced the urbanization that has affected long stretches of Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Nevertheless, around the ports of Santander and Gijon, the coastline has seen a fair amount of tourist development in recent decades. Away from these areas, there are long stretches of relatively unspoiled coastline, with fields and meadows extending right to the water’s edge—or, in most cases, the clifftops.
Like Galicia, Cantabria and Asturias are part of what is known as “Green Spain” (España Verde) due to their oceanic climate. These small regions include the coastal areas and the northern slopes of the Cantabrian Mountains, offering lush landscapes and a unique blend of maritime and mountainous environments.
Cities of Asturias & Cantabria
Gijón
Located along the Cantabrian Sea, Gijón presents a captivating blend of maritime tradition, historic landmarks, and contemporary urban design right at the water’s edge. Its harbor serves as a testament to its deep-rooted connection to the sea over the centuries. Gijón was honored with a nomination in the European Commission’s EDEN program (European Destinations of Excellence), underscoring its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives.
View our Gijón GuideOviedo
Nestled between the north Spanish coast and the often snow-dusted peaks of the Cordillera Cantábrica, Oviedo, the capital of beautifully green Asturias, is a lively and elegant city. The former Ovetum, closely linked to the Asturian monarchy since its foundation in the 8th century and once the capital of the Kingdom, retains a distinct medieval charm in its historic quarter. In modern times, the city has been thoughtfully designed for easy navigation.
Oviedo is an exceptional starting point to explore unique pre-Romanesque art, recognized as a World Heritage site, and to enjoy the beautiful Costa Verde coastline and incredible natural landscapes perfect for various sports. The city boasts a thriving food-and-drink scene and a first-class gastronomic culture, featuring Asturias’s 40-odd cheeses and local cider poured traditional-style from up high. Though often overlooked by foreign visitors, Oviedo is popular with savvy Spanish travelers who come to wander around the medieval center and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
View our Oviedo GuideSantander
Santander is a coastal city and capital of the historic Cantabria region of Spain. It has been a port city since the 11th century and it is still very active with a regular ferry service operating to the United Kingdom. The historical district of the city was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1941, and what is left is far from original or quaint, although you still can find a few charming old houses in Puertochico. The town makes up for this lack of architectural character with a plethora of bars and restaurants with fish and seafood dominating the local cuisine.
Santander has a good range of things to do and see from the most popular beach, El Sardinero to Cabárceno Natural Park,
View our Santander Guide