Though most visitors to Spain give the North the cold shoulder, this is a region rich in natural beauty, with a rugged twisting coastline, gorgeous sandy beaches and fertile valleys. Get under its skin on a walking tour, perhaps tackling part of the ancient pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela. Calories duly burned, enjoy epic dinners in family-run village restaurants. 
Recommended tour operator: Inntravel
Inntravel says
Spend a week in Asturias or Galicia and you will understand why Spain’s northern coastline is known as the Costa Verde - the Green Coast. Here, lush hills tumble down from the high mountains of the Picos de Europa to the rugged shores of Asturias, characterised by beaches of virgin sand, tranquil coves, prehistoric caves and grassy cliffs.
Further west is the fjord-like coastline of Galicia, dotted with timeless fishing villages and giving way to steep valleys where farmers tend small herds of cattle on foot and winegrowers harvest the famous albariño grapes by hand.
Inntravel, the UK’s leading self-guided walking specialist, offers a choice of several different itineraries through this alluring countryside. For challenging hotel-to-hotel walking, opt for the Picos de Europa walking holiday, which combines high-quality, authentic accommodation with breathtaking mountain scenery.
For more flexible walking options, enjoy a 7-night “discovery” holiday based at the Posada del Valle, a charming small hotel in the hills that offers a warm welcome and impeccable environmental credentials.
Alternatively, to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, enjoy a two-centre walking adventure in Galicia, Spain’s most north-westerly corner, which is shaped by an early Christian past and a distinctive Celtic history and culture.
Click here for itineraries, prices and more about walking holidays in northern Spain
