Asturias — Travelrags

‘So big and so close’: going on a bear hunt in northern Spain

Conservationists have helped Cantabrian brown bears claw their way back from the edge of extinction in the beautiful mountains of Asturias – and carefully controlled nature tourism allows visitors to see them Once upon a time, in the woods outside Pola de Somiedo, lived a family of Cantabrian brown bears. The villagers reported sightings of a mother bear who had lost a leg to a hunter’s trap, h…

AfarAug 27

I’ve Lived in Spain for 16 Years—and Here Are 7 Beautiful Beaches Actually Worth Visiting

From cathedral-like cliffs on Galicia's wild Atlantic coast to a quiet cove in Asturias reachable only by a steep staircase, one longtime expat shares the Spanish beaches worth planning a trip around.

13 things in this story

Playa de las CatedralesSightRibadeo, SpainBeach with rock formations shaped like cathedral arches.
GanbaraRestaurantSan Sebastián, SpainMichelin-listed pintxo bar near La Concha Beach.
La Concha BeachSightSan Sebastián, SpainSemicircular bay in the center of San Sebastián.
La Cuchara de San TelmoRestaurantSan Sebastián, SpainClassic pintxo bar near La Concha Beach.
Nobu Hotel San SebastiánHotelSan Sebastián, SpainBeachside hotel with views of Santa Clara Island.
Playa del SilencioAttractionCastañeras, SpainCrescent-shaped shoreline bordered by steep cliffs.
El ÚnicoRestaurantOviñana, SpainFamily-run restaurant serving zamburiñas and cachopo.
Platja de Sa BoadellaSightLloret de Mar, SpainCove with crystalline waters and a beach bar.
Platja de Ses IlletesAttractionFormentera, SpainBeach with flour-like sand and aquamarine water.
Ses Salines Natural ParkNature reserveFormentera, SpainNatural park on Formentera with clear water.
Playa ManguetaSightAlgeciras, SpainAtlantic-facing beach with fine sands and crashing waves.
Ekilore SurfPlaceAlgeciras, SpainSurf club offering lessons at Playa Mangueta.
Playa de CofeteSightPájara, SpainRemote beach in Fuerteventura with unpredictable waves.

Read the full piece at Afar →