Are you a lover of stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and complete immersion in nature? Northern Spain is your ideal destination. This beautiful region is home to an abundance of geological and ecological wonders, whether you’re exploring the wild Cantabrian coast or hiking through the Picos de Europa. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our “Bears, Birds and Butterflies” tour, a complete wildlife tour in Northern Spain.
What We Offer
This customizable trip allows you to discover four provinces: Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country. At each destination, you’ll be staying in a variety of small-scale, charming accommodations, each carefully chosen to complement the eco-tourism and wildlife experience. From traditional (but fully equipped!) rural houses to cozy boutique hotels, we’re sure you’ll find your stay both comfortable and unique.
To explore the wildlife in Northern Spain, we’ve partnered up with local guides to offer private excursions. Spot beautiful endangered birds, such as the bearded vulture, in Picos de Europa, and discover the thrill of finding brown bears and over 170 species of butterflies in the Somiedo Natural Park. If you prefer boating to hiking, immerse yourself in the marine life in the Bay of Santander — there’s so much to do, and see, along the coast. Our guided English tours offer spectacular views, hikes, and even wine-tasting, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Wildlife in Northern Spain
Our wildlife tour in northern Spain focuses on a huge variety of flora and fauna. Our specialized guides explain them in depth and help you spot them, so you’re sure not to miss out! Here’s a snapshot of the highlights you’ll be seeing, although there’s always a chance you’ll spot other marvellous creatures, such as wolves and wildcats, on the way.
Mammals
- Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
- Cantabrian Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva)
- Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
- Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
- Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Birds
- Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
- Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
- Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei)
- Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
- Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris)
- Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
- Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
- Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
- Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
- Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
- Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
- Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
Butterflies
- Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
- Apollo (Parnassius apollo)
- Kaisermantel (Keizersmantel) (Argynnis paphia)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Sustainability in our Wildlife Tour
Responsible and sustainable travel is one of intoAsturias’ core values. That’s why we’re committed to giving you an authentic and eco-friendly experience in northern Spain. intoAsturias is part of the Proyecto Corredor de Ecoturismo de la España Verde, an initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive ecotourism corridor across Northern Spain. This project highlights the importance of travel that respects the natural environment and supports local communities. We fulfil these requirements by carefully selecting small-scale accommodations, partnering with eco-conscious guides, and designing tours that minimize environmental impact. By choosing this wildlife tour, you’re not only immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Northern Spain, but also contributing to the preservation of its diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage. Read more about our sustainability policy here!
Book A Wildlife Tour in Northern Spain Today
We’ve compiled the unmissable wildlife highlights of Northern Spain into an incredible 19-day holiday. However, if you’d like to change anything about the trip– the number of travellers, length of your stay, or order of the tours– we’d be more than happy to do so. Our trips are entirely customizable to suit your particular needs.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in a wildlife tour but don’t have much time, we also offer a variety of exciting half-day and full-day activities. Read more about them here!
Take a break from the everyday and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Book with us today for an unforgettable holiday experience!
To receive a trip proposal for the number of days and travellers, please contact us by email info@intoasturias.com. ¡Hasta pronto!
Itinerary
You’ll arrive in the Basque Country by train (via San Sebastian), plane (via Bilbao) or by car. Then, you’ll drive up to Zumaia and check in at a small-scale hotel. Breakfast is included!
Boating in the Geopark
In the morning, you explore the Geopark from the water during a boat excursion, which gives you a totally different point of view. Your expert guide, from a local eco-tourism company, explains everything about the geology and flora and fauna in the area.
Visiting on Foot
Between San Sebastian and Bilbao lies the Basque Coast Geopark, an area known for its unique geology and landscape, which is why it was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.
The vertically ‘striped’ rock formations are impressive and are still studied by geologists from all over the world.
We recommend a 15 km hike along the coast, from Zumaia to Deva, which takes around 4 hours.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a nice Posada (literally: inn) near the Cantabrian coast for the next few days. A nice, local breakfast is served, and it includes an indoor swimming pool and free parking. It is also located near a number of nature reserves on the coast and beautiful beaches, which makes it an ideal location for a variety of day trips!
Visit the Geopark Costa Quebrada
The coast around Santander is in the running to be declared a UNESCO Geopark, and there is a good reason for that. You can take a beautiful coastal walk here, where the various rock formations and cliffs reflect the formation of the earth millions of years ago. It is an incredibly impressive sight to see.
Additionally, if you fancy a dip in the water, you’re free to stop at the many beaches along the way!
Every day, a small boat leaves from the port of Santander to make a beautiful excursion in search of marine birds. Depending on the weather and the waves, you will visit different parts of the bay and the open sea.
A local Spanish guide, who also speaks some English, will give lots of insight into these birds. He’s involved in a project to reintroduce the osprey in the area, which has produced one breeding pair already! By taking part in this excursion, you’re contributing directly to this project; the emissions of the boat and your car ride to the port are fully compensated.
You will be staying on the edge of the Picos de Europa. From here, you’ll have a direct view of stunning mountainous surroundings, and be able to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Today, you’ll have the chance to spot many different birds that live in the Picos de Europa. Your English-speaking guide will take you into the mountains for a private excursion in search of bearded vultures, griffon vultures, imperial eagles, and short-toed eagles. The guides are specialized in birdwatching excursions in Asturias, and can tell you a lot about the flora and fauna in Picos and its surroundings, as well as give you plenty of great tips for the coming days!
It can be chilly in the mountains, so it’s recommended that you wear comfortable, layered clothing and mountain/hiking shoes. Don’t forget to bring something to eat and drink for the journey!
Travel to A Pontenova
Today, you’ll travel from Cantabria to Galicia and check-in in Lugo.
Explore the beach Playa de las Catedrales
The Playa de las Catedrales is now the second most visited place in this province (after Santiago de Compostela). It consists of rock vaults formed by wind and erosion that you can walk under at low tide, but which are inaccessible at high tide. It’s a beautiful place, no matter the weather.
Fill this day as you please: rest, hike, or simply take in the beautiful surroundings.
Today, you’ll travel to another part of Galicia called Pontevedra. Here, you’ll be able to witness the spectacular views of the Cies Islands.
Explore this region in whatever way you like! You’re close to the beach and plenty of running trails.
Today, you’ll travel to Santiago de Castillón.
Together with a local, English-speaking guide, you will set off today in your own car to explore the Ribeira Sacra. Your guide knows a great deal about the geology, flora and fauna and customs and culture of this area. The guide works for a small-scale eco-tourism company that is committed to showing visitors the Ribeira Sacra in a different, more sustainable way.
You will visit a number of centuries-old churches (to which only this company has the keys for), plenty of spectacular viewpoints and a village in the middle of the vineyards.
Today, you will discover the Ribeira Sacra from the water on a small hybrid catamaran (max. 11 people), the first in the Ribeira Sacra. This is a project of a local entrepreneur who returned to his homeland to counterbalance the larger boat trips that are also organized here.
In addition to the beautiful views and the explanation in English from the water, you will also visit a local bodega. Of course, you will get to taste the D.O. Ribeira Sacra wine here!
Today, you’ll be heading from Galicia to Asturias, and checking in to a hotel in the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve. The hotel fosters plenty of eco-friendly initiatives, and as such has a quality mark for sustainable nature tourism in the Natura 2000 network.
Together with an English-speaking guide, you will go in a small group to look for brown bears in the Somiedo Natural Park. This will take place in the late afternoon and evening, to maximize the chance of seeing bears. There is also a chance of seeing other animals such as wolves, wild cats, deer and chamois. In addition, the guide knows a lot about the geology, history and use of the area, so it is a very educational excursion!
You will follow the guide with your own car, and stop at various strategic places in the natural park to spot bears and other wildlife. Read more about it here!
Check in a former Asturian house in a beautiful remote location, hidden between the mountains. You can enjoy Asturian gastronomy at plenty of restaurants, where you’ll have a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and even listen to the sounds of the Ponga river!
Make use of this day to explore the rich surroundings of Asturias!
Today, you’ll settle into the Basque Country in the heart of the stunning Urbaibai Biosphere Reserve, one of the most richly diverse natural landscapes in the region.
This afternoon you can visit a family, eco-conscious winery in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. During the tour, you will learn how the local Txakoli grapes grow and the wine is made. The tour will of course end with a wine tasting together with delicious Basque pintxos!
Today, it is time to bid farewell to northern Spain and head back home. We hope to see you soon!
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