The northern province of Cantabria is a popular holiday terrain for Spaniards and French people, but hardly touched by the mass tourism. The beautiful and quiet capital Santander is surrounded by amazing scenery and lined by eleven sandy and extremely clean beaches where you can catch some sunrays or relax. It is the warm, the sun and the moist climate too that give rise to the wealth of forests and rich vegetation that give the region its name, the Green Coast. There are also old and elegant seaside towns and a landscape that becomes more dramatic the farther west you travel, with tiny, isolated coves along the coast and, inland, the fabulous Picos de Europa, with peaks and sheer gorges. Finally, Cantabria's colourful popular customs make it a holiday destination which certainly will not disappoint!

The landscape of Cantabria

Cantabria offers extremely varied landscapes and climates. In its mountain ranges, Picos de Europa and the Natural Preserve of Saja, still live bears, wolves and eagles and the rivers are full of salmons and trouts. In total contrast is the coast with beautiful bays, long beaches and romantic fishing villages. In between you will find evergreen valleys and hills.

Large cities in Cantabria

Santander, the modern capital, is an elegant and refined resort, located at a beautiful bay. Its wonderful beach together with the promenade and the Magdalena Peninsula are some of the main attractions for tourists. There is an ample cultural offer.

The medieval town Santillana del Mar with its picturesque houses and stunning Romanesque church, Castro Urdiales, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera are highly recommended a visit.

Tourist attractions in Cantabria

Besides the splendid beaches of fine sand other attractions in the surroundings of Santander are the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Valverde or the natural park of Cabárceno where you will find animals from the five continents in an outstanding and singular landscape. Inland you’ll find the highly interesting prehistorically Caves of Altamira and Puente Viesgo.

Sports activities in Cantabria

The sea and mountains of Cantabria open a whole world of possibilities to sports lovers: the most traditional of local water sports are sailing and rowing competitions (regattas of trainer boats) but also white-water canoeing, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, etc.

The mountains offer a challenge to climbers. Both hunters and fisherman are attracted to the region - there are more than one thousand kilometres of rivers.

In summer months, horse races are held on the beaches. Archery and different forms of the bowls and pins such as bolo montañés and pasobolo are especially characteristic of the region.

Gastronomic characteristics of Cantabria

A splendid marmita is served on the coast. You’ll find salmon, el arroz santanderino, which is rice with salmon and milk. Sardines, anchovies, tuna, hake, sea bream and rabas (squid chopped up and fried) are also very popular ingredients. The best known type of cheese is the one from Tresviso. However, it is in the chapter of desserts where the cuisine of Santander offers the most original dishes such as custard, sobaos pasiegos together with la quesada made of fresh cheese, butter and eggs.

The climate of Cantabria

Cantabria has a wet and moderate oceanic climate. Temperatures are lower and precipitations are greater than in the rest of Spain.  Santander’s weather has been described as generally mild, often rainy but lots of sunshine in summer.