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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.