Protected from winds of the nord through a chain of mountains that in some parts meet the sea, this coast is shaped by large beaches following in order, coves quite hidden between cliffs, marinas and anchorage for fishing. The moderate climate, infrequency of rainfalls and slight wind from the sea harmonize with semi-tropical vegetation at which cypress and palm trees, bougainvillaea, oleander and hibiscus are dominant. Without doubt it is one of the greatest attractions of this coastline, combining all appeal of such different Mediterranean landscapes, the surrounding culture, mountains, valleys covered with vegetable gardens and the sea all so close together. Residential areas, marinas, nightclubs, golf clubs, entertainment centers and many more attractions to tourists have been built around, which have amazingly conserved their traditional town centers. Summer beach holidays and all the appeal that it can offer along this path on the Mediterranean is not the only attractions offered by the Costa del Sol. Visitors will have the chance to experience the authentic features of the Andalusian culture very close. They can also experience the lively and popular celebrations of the folkloric displays in tourist centers. The fiestas, different song contests, Easter parades and bull runs claim first place on a list of recommendations for those seeking more than what first meets the eye. Tasting country wines in the intimate cellars of the elapsed times and having some traditionally fried fish, cooked to perfection by local folk are some of the temptations that will seduce all visiting people, specially those to prefer the wonders of local gastronomy.
On the coast of Pontevedra You will find beautiful beaches of Rías Baixas, encircled by a rugged relief. It’s said that this place is the mark left by the hand of God, when he washed his fingers after he created the world. Towards Pontevedra, which borders the peninsula of Morrazo, hidden places such as the inlets of San Simón, Aldán and Bueu can be found. The most beautiful Crucero de Hio in all Galicia and closing the estuary, the Islas de Ons and Onza with an interesting fauna which the cormorants stand out is also interesting. Combarro is just a short distance away from Pontevedra. It is one of the best preserved granaries in all Galicia, and also Galician crosses. In Poio Monastery, Santa Trahamunda of whom it is said cures all kinds of deafness rests. Further up that of Armenteira, where legend says a monk spent 300 years enchanted by the song of a bird. If you continue along the coast, you will see the nature areas of A Lanzada and O Grove, famous for its beaches and healing waters. Next we have Vilagarcía, now connected to Arousa Island by a bridge.
The backdrop of a landscape composed of all shades of green, rocky and steep coasts with short estuaries, and mountains covered with beech and oaks are created by the Cantabrian Sea and the Pyrenees.
Since centuries sailors have been its inhabitants, shepherds and farm laborers which have spoken a language totally different and whose origins should be sought more in legends than in pages of history. According to what is said, it all began with Sugar, the Basque mythological characters having love affairs with a beautiful princess living in Mundaka. From the Juan Zuria Union, the first lord of Bizkaia was born. The Basques, however, believe that they are descendants of the land called Euskaldunak. A nation who retained its traditions and didn’t manage to dominate the invaders and who formed an ethnic isle. Basque fishermen had already reached Iceland and Greenland where they settled on the coast of Newfoundland and Canada in the 14th century. The first man to travel around the world, Juan Sebastián Elcano, was from Getaria and Legazpi, conqueror of the Philippines, from Zumarraga. Agriculture is based on intensive farming, which means the land is fully exploited. Shepherding is the other traditional trade in the Basque Land. Shepherds generally owned their own flocks or emigrated when this was not the case.
The waters of the Cantabrian Sea offer some of the most breathtaking views in Spain, with quiet beaches that are surrounded by beautiful settings. The journey along Costa Verde begins in the west of Asturias, with picturesque towns such as Castropol with its unique charm, beautiful urban quarter and wonderful views over the Eo estuary, Navia, Tapia de Casariego, Viavelez and Puerto de Vega. Next comes Luarca, a traditional fishing port with a lighthouse and beautiful cemetery overlooking its cliffs. Another fishing town is Cudillero, colourful hamlet sat on the side of a mountain. Avilés, a rather industrial town, provides travelers with a pedestrian urban centre looked down on by the old church of Sabugo in the 13th century and, on the other side of the cape of Peñas, the fishing centres of Luanco and Candás. Slightly towards the inland lies the city of Gijón, with its ancient quarter made up of the Santa Catalina hill and the neighbourhood known as Cimadevilla. The eastern coast of Asturias is an invitation to visit its long beaches through historic localities such as Ribadesella and Llanes and fishing villages such as Lastres or Tazones.
The Valencian coast has are prosperous districts consisting of only the coast and the mountains, enjoying the fabulous plains, with irrigated crops, forming an evergreen mosaic all over the year. From another point of view, behind an area of slanting foothills in which dry and light irrigated farming are characteristic, lies the almost unknown inland. The Valencia mountain range, is cut at some places be river canyons, standing with unusually great pine forests where prehistoric shelters and caves with paintings inside them lie hidden. This low and sandy coastline features Cape Cullera, a point where the mountains finally reach the sea. Dune barriers flank the beaches here, and some watery areas and freshwater pools, like the swamps of Jaraco and Puig and the lagoon of Valencia. The coastline is reached by four rivers that begin in the mountains Turia, Palancia, Jucar and Serpis. These curve down the coastline, entering the sea and reaching around the port Valencia, Gandia and Sagunto. There you will find sailing facilities and lively tourist centers. Travelers will not only have the chance to discover highlands and mountain spas from here, but also camping areas, Roman and Iberian towns, colorfully decorated houses, castles and their towers.