Discover a different side of Spain on this scouting trip through the north, where lush landscapes, elegant coastal cities, and a cooler, greener lifestyle offer a striking contrast to the Mediterranean south. From the sophistication of Bilbao and San Sebastián to the understated charm of Santander and the natural beauty of Asturias, this journey is designed to help you experience what life in northern Spain could really feel like — scenic, grounded, and deeply connected to place.

Day-by-day itinerary

Wednesday, September 30 — Bilbao (Launch Meeting) Home base: Bilbao. We’ll kick off the trip in Bilbao with a launch meeting designed to help you get oriented, connect with fellow travelers, and begin thinking about the journey through the lens of lifestyle fit. This opening gathering sets the tone for a thoughtful, exploratory week in one of Spain’s most distinctive regions.

Thursday, October 1 — Day Trip to San Sebastián Home base: Bilbao. Today we’ll visit San Sebastián, a stunning coastal city known for its beauty, elegance, and exceptional quality of life. With its walkable center, beachfront setting, and refined atmosphere, San Sebastián offers a compelling look at northern Spain at its most polished and livable.

Friday, October 2 — Bilbao Home base: Bilbao. We’ll spend the day exploring Bilbao, a city that blends architecture, culture, and everyday practicality in a way that often surprises people. Modern yet deeply rooted in Basque identity, Bilbao offers a strong sense of place, excellent infrastructure, and an appealing balance of urban energy and manageable scale.

Saturday, October 3 — Travel Day to Santander (Visit Nearby Pueblos) Home base: Santander. We’ll travel west to Santander, stopping to explore nearby pueblos along the way. This is a great day to experience the smaller communities that give northern Spain so much of its character — places that feel quieter, more local, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.

Sunday, October 4 — Santander (Free Day)Home base: Santander. A built-in free day gives you the chance to explore more intentionally. Revisit an area that caught your attention, spend time at your own pace, or simply notice how daily life feels when you are not rushing from one stop to the next.

Monday, October 5 — Santander Home base: Santander. We’ll spend the day getting to know Santander, a graceful coastal city with a relaxed pace, elegant waterfront, and strong local feel. Santander offers a different kind of northern lifestyle — less internationally known than some of Spain’s bigger cities, but highly appealing for those drawn to beauty, livability, and a more understated rhythm.

Tuesday, October 6 — Travel Day to Oviedo (Stop in Gijón) Home base: Oviedo, Asturias. We’ll head into Asturias today, stopping in Gijón before continuing on to Oviedo. This is a valuable contrast day: Gijón brings a more maritime, active coastal energy, while Oviedo offers a polished, historic city feel in the heart of one of Spain’s greenest regions.

Wednesday, October 7 — Oviedo Home base: Oviedo, Asturias. We’ll spend the day exploring Oviedo, a city often praised for its beauty, cleanliness, and quality of life. With its elegant historic center, slower pace, and access to both mountains and coast, Oviedo gives you a final look at a version of Spain that feels calm, livable, and refreshingly different from the better-known expat hotspots.

Thursday, October 8 — Departure Day Hotel check-out. We’ll wrap up the trip in Asturias, giving you time to reflect on the places you’ve experienced and the lifestyle differences you’ve observed along the way. By the end of the journey, you’ll leave with a much clearer sense of whether Green Spain might be the right fit for your next chapter.

Led in partnership with Expatsi, a world leader in scouting trips for Americans.