Sweeping beaches, shifting dunes and wetlands, backed by the limestone Picos de Europa. The 'Green Coast' offers a range of physical studies, which can easily be combined with urban fieldwork on a trip to Bilbao.
Students can descend into a cave system or ride by cable car to peaks of Fuente De to investigate the characteristics of limestone landscapes. Study river and coastal processes in the Oyambre Natural Park, and investigate rich ecological diversity and marshland habitats for migratory birds. Snake your way up the mountains to walk around the glacial lakes of Covadonga, where students should look out for evidence of former British iron mining. They can contrast the interrelationships between climate, soils and vegetation of mountainous, coastal and marginal regions.
Encourage your students to investigate the extraordinary way Bilbao is rebranding itself. The city was once heavily polluted and congested with docks and heavy industry, but fuelled by the ‘Guggenheim effect’ the river banks are now transformed into striking walkways enhanced by sculpture trails and an integrated sustainable transport system. Bilbao is performing an urban miracle of regeneration and is now a model to inspire cities across the world.
|
Key Study Areas
|
Location Click here to view map
|
|
Geography Excursions
|
Our best value sample itinerary from £460
5 Days to Northern Spain
Day 1:
Travel to Santander by air. Spend the afternoon at leisure in your resort or on the beach if weather permits, before checking in to your accommodation.
Day 2:
Spend the day in Bilbao. Ride the funicular up Artxanda for an overview of the city. Walk along the regenerated waterfront around the Guggenheim and investigate the new sustainable transport system. In the afternoon conduct an urban transect from a boat trip along the River Nervion to its estuary. Time permitting stop at Arboleda to observe evidence of a mining landscape.
Day 3:
Visit the Picos de Europa mountains to witness the characteristics of limestone scenery. Ride the cable car at Fuente De to enjoy wonderful panoramic views. In the afternoon drive to Covadonga, walk around the glacial lakes.
Day 4:
In the morning visit Oyambre National Park for fieldwork opportunities. Stop at lunch to explore Santillana de Mar medieval village. In the afternoon head for the Altamira Caves where you can see the replicas of its famous Paleolithic drawings.
Day 5:
Check out of your hotel and spend some time exploring Santander and doing some last-minute shopping. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
