I’ve been living in Spain for a few years now, always in big cities. While convenient, I always dreamed of that idyllic country life where you open your window to a sea of green. Last year, I finally took the plunge and bought a small detached house in the northern region of Asturias. I’ve recently seen some discussions on the forum about the north, so I thought I’d share my genuine experience to offer some insights for others who dream of “Green Spain.”
Why Asturias?
To be honest, I initially considered Galicia and Cantabria, but I was ultimately won over by the value for money and unique charm of Asturias. It’s called “Paraíso Natural” (Natural Paradise), and that’s no exaggeration. The mountains, sea, and forests are all incredibly close. The summers aren’t as scorching as in the south, making the climate very pleasant. For me, the most important factor was the property prices. Compared to the areas around Madrid or Barcelona, detached houses here are much more affordable. For the same amount of money, the land size and quality of life you get are on a completely different level.
The Real Living Experience
The advantages are truly numerous! The air quality is incredible, and I’m woken up by birdsong every morning. On weekends, I can go hiking in the Picos de Europa National Park or drive half an hour to the coast for some surfing. I’ve planted some flowers and started a small vegetable patch in the yard, basically fulfilling my dream of self-sufficiency. The community is also much tighter-knit than in the big city; people are very down-to-earth and welcoming. However, every coin has two sides, so I have to mention the downsides as well.
- Humidity: The north gets a lot of rain, especially in autumn and winter. A dehumidifier is a must-have indoors to prevent the risk of mold in the corners.
- Transportation: Although there are highways, you still need a car to get to smaller towns and villages. Public transport is nowhere near as convenient as in big cities. A car is essentially a necessity.
Entertainment: If you’re a fan of nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene, you might find it a bit “boring” here. The pace of life is very slow.
Here’s a simple pros and cons table I’ve put together based on my personal experience, which you might find helpful:
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|
| Beautiful natural environment, fresh air | Humid climate, lots of rain |
| Relatively low property prices, great value | Inconvenient public transport, car-dependent |
| Slow, quiet, and comfortable pace of life | Fewer entertainment and commercial facilities |
| Fresh ingredients, great local cuisine | Winters can be quite cold and gloomy |
If you’re someone who truly loves nature, enjoys tranquility, and isn’t chasing the hustle and bustle of the city, then Northern Spain is absolutely your paradise. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking into northern villas. But if you’re accustomed to a fast-paced and convenient urban lifestyle, you should definitely think twice before moving. It would be best to rent a place here for a few months first to see what it’s like. Life here is more of a conscious choice—a return to a more essential way of living. I hope my sharing has been helpful to you all
! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below to chat.
