The North Atlantic coast of Spain, often referred to as España Verde (Green Spain), is a lush, 1,100-kilometre stretch characterised by an oceanic climate, dramatic cliffs, and a rich maritime tradition. Unlike the arid south, this region remains green year-round due to high rainfall and moderate temperatures.
This workshop is focused on photography. Travelling from Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, each stop has been selected for its visual character and relationship to light, allowing you to work with changing conditions.
Led by a Leica Akademie tutor (Carlos Monforte), the journey focuses on developing a more consistent and intentional way of seeing, supported by ongoing guidance, discussion, and review.
Dates:
16 – 28 September 2026 (13 Days, 12 Nights)
No. of Participants:
Minimum of 5 confirmed guests
Itinerary
Day 1 (16 September) – Barcelona
Arrival in Barcelona and transfer to hotel.
From 2pm onwards, an introductory photo walk explores selected architectural works by Gaudí, focusing on form, detail, and spatial composition.
Overnight in Holiday Inn Express Barcelona or similar.
Day 2 (17 September) – Barcelona to Olite
Drive to Olite (approx. 5 hours). The medieval town and its castle offer opportunities to work with structure, symmetry, and texture.
Day 3 (18 Sept September) – Olite to San Sebastián
Continue to San Sebastián, with an approximately 2 hours’ drive. A premier coastal city in the Basque Country, renowned for its culinary scene.
Afternoon and sunset photography along the shoreline, followed by an evening exploring the city.
Overnight in Hotel Lasala Plaza San Sebastián or similar.
Day 4 (19 September) – Sansebastian to Zumaia
Take a short drive to Zumaia (approx. 35 minutes). This coastline is defined by amazing beaches and cliffs. This location has also been used as a filming site for Game of Thrones and other productions.
Overnight in Hotel & Talasoterapia Zelai or similar.
Days 5 (20 September) – San Sebastián Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao (approx. 90 minutes). Photograph the exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, working with form and architecture.
Continue to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, another filming location of Game of Thrones, for sunset photography. Depending on conditions, a night astro-photography session may be conducted here.
Overnight in Holiday Inn Express Bilbao or similar.
Day 6 (21 September) – Bilbao to Santander
Drive to Santander (approx. 90 minutes). Photograph the coastline of Costa Quebrada, shaped by the North Atlantic waves, at sunset and after dark. Depending on conditions, a night astro-photography session may be conducted here.
Overnight in Santander at Hotel Palacio de Arce or similar.
Day 7 (22 September) – Santander to Comillas
Travel to Comillas (approx. 60 minutes), with selected scenic stops along the way. Dinner en route.
Overnight in Comillas at Hotel El tejo Comillas, or similar.
Day 8 (23 September) – Comillas
Full day in Comillas, including a visit to El Capricho, a distinctive house designed by Gaudí. Comillas is a coastal town in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, celebrated for its unique blend of Modernista architecture and beautiful Atlantic scenery. Often referred to as the “Town of the Archbishops,” it offers a variety of photographic moments to capture.
Dinner and overnight in Comillas at Hotel El Tejo Comillas or similar.
Day 9 (24 September) – Covadonga
Drive to Covadonga (approx. 90 minutes), a historic and scenic site in the Picos de Europa mountains. Visit Lagos de Covadonga and the surrounding area.
Landscape photography around lakes and mountain terrain. Depending on conditions, a night astro-photography session may be conducted here.
Overnight in Covadonga.
Day 10 (25 September) - Covadonga to Cathedrais Beach
Travel to Cathedrais (approx. 3 hours’ drive).
Photograph the coastline at sunset, working with tidal conditions and natural formations. Depending on conditions, a night astro-photography session may be conducted here.
Overnight in Silvent Apartment at Cathedrais beach or similar.
Day 11 (26 September) - Cathedrais Beach to Cape Finisterre
Continue to Cape Finisterre (approx. 3 hours’ drive), to take photos of sunset and night at Finisterre cape, also known as “the end of the world” on the west coast of Galicia.
Overnight in Hotel Tematico Do Banco Azul or similar.
Day 12 (27 September) - Finisterre to Santiago de Compostela
Travel to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 90 minutes’ drive), the final point of the Camino de Santiago.
Photograph the Santiago Cathedral and surrounding streets, focusing on atmosphere and narrative.
Overnight in Hotel Santiago de Compostela or similar.
Day 13 (28 September) - Transfer to Santiago Airport
Transfer to Santiago Airport for departure by 2PM, or onward travel to continue your own journey.
What's Included:
- Accommodation in private rooms with ensuite, breakfast included
- Ground transportation in a minibus throughout the journey with a local driver
- Pick-up in Barcelona and drop-off in Santiago de Compostela
- Online pre-workshop session with Leica Akademie tutor Carlos Monforte
- On-location guidance, presentations, and editing sessions led by Leica Akademie tutor Carlos Monforte
Costs Not Included:
- Flights (international or domestic)
- Visa (if required)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, including cancellation or trip disruption)
- Meals (lunch and dinner)
- Personal expenses
- Additional nights or optional activities
Difficulty:
Easy. The itinerary involves extended time outdoors but no demanding hikes.
Participants should be comfortable using their own camera. All camera systems are welcome.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are non-refundable.
Travel Information
Flight recommendations will be provided upon confirmation.
Things to note:
- We will have a briefing leading up to the tour to answer and confirm any enquiries you have.
- Participants would be required to bring their own cameras—any type is welcomed.
- Wear suitable clothing
- We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of participants is not met. Should this occur, full refunds will be provided.
Cancellation Policy:
- We understand that plans can change unfortunately we are unable to provide any cancellation refunds
This travel workshop is in collaboration with Unusual Expedition Pte Ltd TA License No: 02513
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