
Create your own journey; Experience the best of Northern Spain at your own pace
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Experience Northern Spain aboard narrow-gauge trains, staying in wonderful hotels in authentic and fascinating towns along the way – a uniquely memorable journey along the Green Spanish north coast with Spain is More awaits!
On this trip, you’ll discover the coast’s many treasures and hidden gems. You’ll visit places you almost certainly wouldn’t reach by car. The journey begins in the Galician town of Ferrol, following the highly diverse coastline to Bilbao. Along the way, you’ll stop at seven fantastic locations (each of which can be tailored to your preferences), staying in beautiful, historic hotels near the train stations, before ending in the bustling city of Bilbao. Every stop is carefully chosen to give you the best of Northern Spain.
This journey is not one of our luxury train tours, yet it travels on the very same tracks. (Click here to read more about our Transcantábrico and Al-Andalus train journeys.)
Northern Spain is fortunate to have a narrow-gauge railway with nearly 300 stations, originally built to transport mining materials from the mountains to the ports, as well as workers from surrounding villages to the mines. Today, most mines are closed, and for many years the railway has served as public transportation and a vital link between small, often remote mountain communities.
The tracks wind through lush valleys, tiny, untouched villages, forests, and areas right along the coastline—precisely where the terrain naturally allowed for narrow-gauge construction. You’ll meet locals along the way and get a unique glimpse into everyday life.
Navigating the many schedules and departures can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the local system. That’s why we take care of the planning for you, so you can sit back and enjoy Northern Spain’s beauty at your own pace.
All hotels are conveniently located near the stations* and have been carefully chosen in some of Northern Spain’s most beautiful and exciting coastal towns.
Enjoy stylish accommodations, including three delightful and historic Parador hotels as well as cozy 3- to 4-star hotels in central locations. We place great importance on charm, comfort, and a high level of service—just take a look at the photos above.
Our guide material includes a wealth of recommendations about each area, from scenic hiking routes to local “hidden gems” and restaurant tips.
This is an independent trip. The train transports you from hotel to hotel, from one experience to the next. You’ll carry your own luggage along the way. Our guide material provides plenty of tips, recommendations, and practical advice to help you make the most of your trip. The same guide also covers the ins and outs of train travel.
Because the trip is individual, you can book it any time of year, and shorten or extend the tour as you like.
In several of these destinations, you can enhance your journey with special activities such as canoeing, excursions, canyoning, bike (or e-bike) rentals, or guided tours (see suggestions in the day-by-day program below).
Traveling by train often leads to spontaneous conversations with the locals, giving you a unique insight into the areas you pass through. The route takes you to small communities and places you’d likely never discover by car. It’s a truly authentic travel experience, offering fascinating perspectives on life in Northern Spain and bringing you closer to its local culture.
In short: With narrow-gauge trains in Northern Spain, you get up close to nature, culture, and real everyday life—while we make sure there’s always a lovely hotel and exciting adventures awaiting you.
✔ want to experience Northern Spain up close without driving
✔ prefer traveling independently but still want guaranteed great experiences, comfortable accommodation, secure planning, and peace of mind
✔ wish to explore the famous northern Spanish cuisine—from gourmet to traditional country cooking
✔ love nature, cozy villages, and are curious about local customs and traditions
✔ want to discover the Green Coast’s top attractions and breathtaking landscapes
Train journey along the Green Coast
(Train + Hotel: Ferrol – Bilbao)
Ferrol is a charming coastal town in northwestern Galicia, known for its rich maritime history and proud shipbuilding heritage. The few foreign tourists who come to Ferrol typically do so because it serves as the starting point of a branch of the Camino – the Camino Inglés.
Ferrol makes a truly captivating and authentic beginning to your journey along Spain’s northern coast. Be sure to sample the unique Galician cuisine, where fresh fish and seafood are a must.
You will typically stay at the town’s beautiful Parador hotel in the city center.
The narrow-gauge FEVE train departs from the station in the center of Ferrol. The scenic route follows Galicia’s northern coast, also known as the Rias Altas (the “high fjords”), in contrast to the lower Rias Bajas in southern Galicia. The landscape here is lush and green, sharply contrasting with the deep blue expanses of the Atlantic. Along the way, you’ll pass small fishing villages and idyllic coves where the train often runs right along the water’s edge. The trip provides a sense of Galicia’s wild natural beauty and relaxed pace.
You’ll arrive in Ribadeo, a picturesque fishing town on the border of the Asturias region. Here, you can immerse yourself in local life, enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood, or simply stretch your legs in the charming streets.
Close to Ribadeo lies one of Spain’s best-known and most beautiful beaches, Playa de las Catedrales. During peak season, a ticket is required to visit the beach in order to limit the number of visitors. After arriving in Ribadeo, you’ll be met and driven to the beach, where you’ll spend about 30 minutes.
Travel time in train: 3 hours
From Ribadeo, the train continues along the scenic northern coastline, where you’ll clearly notice the transition into Asturias. It winds its way through lush hills and past small, picturesque harbor towns, all the while granting views of the ever-present Atlantic Ocean. After about an hour and a half, the journey ends in Luarca – an idyllic port town whose charming harbor, steep streets, and white houses climbing the mountainsides create a truly special atmosphere.
The harbor in Luarca is a dream come true for anyone who loves local dishes, with fantastic restaurants lined up one after another. You’ll have a direct view of the fishing boats bringing in fresh fish and seafood – practically served straight from the boat to your plate.
The surrounding area boasts several wonderful hiking routes, where you can explore the impressive rocky coastline and the small beaches that lie tucked between cliff openings.
You’ll spend the night in a charming *** hotel near the harbor.
Travel time: 1 hr 25 min
Leaving Luarca, the journey heads into the lush interior of Asturias, where the fresh coastal air gradually gives way to mountainous landscapes and verdant valleys. En route, you can enjoy views of small farmland plots, rivers, and villages before arriving in Oviedo—the elegant capital of Asturias. There, a historic city center awaits, with narrow streets, charming cafés where you can sample local sidra (cider), and a vibrant cultural heritage. The impressive cathedral and the many squares reflect Oviedo’s rich history, which, together with its modern city life, creates a truly special atmosphere.
Have some extra time? On the way to Oviedo, we recommend a mid-way overnight stay at a fantastic hotel in a naturally stunning area. If you have time and wish to hike along the beautiful coastline, this extra night is highly recommended. Expect around €200 including breakfast/double room.
Travel time: 2 hrs 45 min
On the journey from Oviedo to Ribadesella, the scenery transitions from the urban environment to the lush Asturian mountains and valleys, before the coastline once again appears on the horizon. The FEVE train winds its way through rural areas, letting you admire green meadows and small villages as you approach the coast. When you arrive in Ribadesella, you’ll find a charming harbor town known for its fine sandy beach and the bustling promenade along the river mouth. Here, you can soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere while also enjoying the surrounding cliffs, perfect for scenic walks.
Ribadesella is a delightful coastal resort town with a lovely beach and excellent restaurants. It boasts a picturesque setting with plenty of hiking opportunities, bike rentals, prehistoric cave paintings to explore, and much more. Ribadesella is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the northern coast.
Travel time: 2 hrs 18 min
In Ribadesella, the beautiful Sella River flows into the sea. The river is ideal for a picturesque canoe trip from the mountains, passing through lush landscapes framed by high cliffs and forests. It’s an excursion everyone can enjoy, regardless of age. This trip is not included in the price of the tour but can be added. Including hotel pickup, canoe or kayak rental, and all necessary equipment, the cost starts at €40 per person, depending on the number of participants and their ages. The total duration is about 4 hours.
Another famous attraction in Ribadesella is the spectacular prehistoric cave paintings and carvings, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period around 14,000 years ago. This cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique insight into early human art and cultural heritage.
A short train ride takes you today to the charming fishing and seaside town of Llanes. This town is filled with excellent restaurants and is located in one of the most beautiful regions along the northern coast, making it the perfect place for fantastic hiking or cycling. In our guide materials, you’ll find descriptions of several of our favorite routes and general recommendations.
If the weather permits, Llanes has a couple of inviting beaches, and within a short bike ride, you’ll find some of the very best beaches on the northern coast.
Travel time: 40 min
A full day in Llanes offers many possibilities. Have you already explored the town’s winding streets, cozy shops and restaurants, the harbor, and perhaps enjoyed the sea view from one of the local vantage points? Maybe today is the day to rent a bike (Spain is More can arrange a rental) and discover more of the coastline.
The terrain around Llanes is quite hilly, so we recommend an e-bike, making it possible to cover greater distances—both east and west. Along the way, you’ll encounter lush forests, rolling hills, impressive viewpoints, idyllic streams and waterfalls, and, above all, spectacular hidden beaches.
The train departs from Llanes and continues eastward toward the beautiful Cantabrian capital, Santander. Here, you can choose to hop off and explore this fascinating city while your luggage is safely stored.
From Santander, the train journey heads inland to the south, culminating in the charming village of Liérganes. Listed among Spain’s 50 most beautiful villages, Liérganes is certainly worth a visit. You’ll find gorgeous natural surroundings with ample opportunities for hiking and bike rentals. The town also holds a unique history you’ll soon discover.
Travel time: 3 hours
Liérganes is a relatively small town with many cozy corners worth exploring. Today offers three different options, of which the bike rental and the following two must be booked in advance through Spain is More:
Go on a hike or bike tour in the area around the town. Not far from here, you can test yourself on one of the iconic stages of the Vuelta a España, but there are also biking routes for all levels—and matching bike rentals, from road bikes to e-bikes.
Only a 13-minute drive from Liérganes lies one of Europe’s most impressive zoos, Cabárceno. Spain is More can arrange your transportation there—and back. Although many people drive through this beautiful park, you can also walk or cycle its roughly 10 km loop.
If you’re craving an extraordinary experience, we recommend “barrancos,” also known as canyoning. Not far from Liérganes, there’s a fantastic route where, along with a guide, you’ll walk through a tributary wearing a wetsuit, helmet, and other gear. This is a truly unique experience for both nature lovers and adrenaline seekers. The route can be done at various levels (approx. €70 per person).
If you didn’t get the chance to explore Santander on the way to Liérganes, you have another opportunity today. From Santander, the train journey continues to the small village of Limpias, where you will usually stay at the beautiful Parador hotel. It’s about 1.2 km from the station to the hotel, so remember that you’ll need to carry your luggage that short distance.
Limpias is a charming, historic village with stone houses, located 10 km from the coast amid lush hills. Enjoy the hotel, the pool, and the many hiking possibilities in the area.
From Limpias, you will board the final stretch of this impressive train journey along the northern coast of Spain. Along the way, you will pass through green hills and small villages until the landscape changes, making it clear that you are approaching the vibrant city of Bilbao.
As Spain’s tenth-largest city, Bilbao is a true paradise for food lovers. Here, you can enjoy delicious pinchos (Basque-style tapas), visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, and explore the old town, filled with restaurants, bars, and small shops.
By default, your stay includes one night in the center of Bilbao, but we recommend extending it to two nights to fully enjoy the city. If you wish to explore more of Bilbao or the Basque Country, Spain is More can arrange guided city tours or half- and full-day excursions to the coast, the Rioja wine region, and many other attractions. Alternatively, you can discover Bilbao on your own with our travel guide, which offers plenty of ideas for exciting trips in and around the city.
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