So far I have read commentaries from people who have traveled or live in the Costa Brava or generally the southern region of Spain.  I have only recently researched the other “coast”...the green coast, up north.  Photos from the region remind me of back home in Northern coast of Washington state (very green).  I would like to read about or hear from someone actually residing in the green region…Gijon, Santander, San Sebastian, Pontevedra, Pais Vasco, etc.  So far, looks like a potentially good place to retire, work or live for expats; am certainly looking into that possibility.  I am semi-retired at this time and working in Grafenwoehr, Germany on a contract job…but can quit anytime after one year…and am very seriously considering retiring in Spain (or Portugal or France).
I have only been to Almeria on the southern coast but have lived in France (Fontainebleau) many years ago and I believe I may have briefly skipped over the border to Spain during a pilgrimage to Lourdes.  By the way, I am an American with Spanish/Asian ancestry and speak Spanish…well, fairly fluently, I’d say; at least comfortably.  Hope to hear from someone from the “green” region.

Frederic

Hi there Frederic,
This is Mark Adkinson from Galician Country Homes [link edited - please put company links in your signature]
I have been in Galicia for the last thirty six years and have been selling property now for the last three, if I can be of assistance feel free to get in touch
Mark

Hi there and a happy new year to you all (or should I say Feliz Ano!).

I’m just wondering what are the possibilities of doing a casa rural business in Galicia (or Asturias) with the aim to involve and aquaintance myself with adventure/activity based businesses so that we can help each other.

Mark, nice to see someone on here who isn’t living on the costa brava/blanca/del sur regions. Are there a decent number of adventure/activity based businesses in your region? I’m interested in linking up with stables/horseriding, water sports, cycling/mtb tours type of businesses.

Also, what potential is there in Galicia of starting up a casa rural business? Are there already a high number of such businesses there or are the opportunities still available?

I’d be grateful for any advice.

Many thanks, Steve

Hi Steve,
There are over 500 casas rurales in Galicia but I don’t think they do a good job; I’ll explain they don’t target their possible markets. I’m a businessman so I try to look at all possible markets, publicity and where and how to spend my time and money. They don’t, they open a Casa Rural and expect it to be swarmed out and It just isn’t that way. Look I’m wasting your and my time writing and I’m a very bad writer- send me an email with your phone number and a time to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I will ring you- I’m on Skype so its almost free. That way I should be able to answer all your questions.
All the best
Mark

to FCarlos

hola from northern california!  washington is beautiful, we actually planned on moving there until we discovered Galicia. you will find the climate very similiar to yours, wet lush green forests rivers mountains etc…nothing like the rest of Spain. the folks are great, very down to earth, community is very important to them, which is a big draw for us. life goes on like it has for hundreds of years, the simple life, home, friends, nature etc.. all i can say otherwise is check it out for yourself…then talk with Mark if you want to go ahead (hehe…he is our realtor and he is the best!)

Hi fella, thanks for the complements, I have posted it on my “what my clients say” page
See you soon.
Mark Adkinson
[link edited - please put company links in your signature]