 On the northern coast of Spain, open to the winds sweeping in from the Mar Cantábrico, or Bay of Biscay, and lying in between Asturias and the Basque Country, is the autonomous region of Cantabria, famed for the hospitality of its people, its good food, which include a large variety of milk based products and rich shellfish dishes, and the sheer serenity of the mountains that mark the southern boundary between Cantabria and its southern neighbour of Castilla y Leon.
Cantabria is perhaps the original land of milk and honey although the writers of the orginal text probably hadn't checked. This was a land that has always been a land of plenty and for that reason one that has always been in the focus of invading armies and civilizations. It was, however, a land that encouraged a fierce independence and this province, together with the other lands that make up the northern stretch of Spain, were the ones that gave the most headaches to the invading roman armies.
The eastern coastline of Cantabria can be distinctly separated into three very different regions. From the Capital city of Santander to Cape Quejo, the coastline is characterised by steep cliffs affording extremely difficult access, even to the adventurous.
M oving on round to the east, between Cape Quejo and Laredo the coastal outline becomes less rugged but no less beautiful. And from there to the border with the Basque country excellent beaches become well populated with sun seekers during the summer months.
Along this latter section the village of Castro Uriales typifies the importance of the region as an historic centre, with archaeological remains ranging from the Paleolithic through to the Romans and where the iglesia de Santa Maria, a 13th to 14th church, considered to be one of the most important Gothic buildings in northern Spain thrusts imposing flying buttresses against a backdrop of the Picos de Europa.
One of the most awe inspiring collections of cave art is to be found in the caves of Altamira, about 1.5 km to the south of Santillana del Mar. Interestingly, and even after discover of the first cave, it wasn’t until the discovery of later caves that had been blocked by the debris of centuries, that the caves were actually considered to be authentic in their origin.
The problem with visiting the caves is that you must book at least ten months ahead, giving information about the size of the visiting party and also choosing a date for the visit. The museum which adjoins the caves is, however, free to visit.
 Santander, the capital city of the province is located mid way along the Cantabrian coast and is full of nooks and crannies to explore. For example, the Gardens of Pereda, which is next to the sea front provides a surprising contrast to Santander’s bay. One of the best times of the year to visit is in July and August when the city plays host to an international festival of music, dance and drama.
In sharp contrast to the coastal part of Cantabria the mountains of the Picos de Europa rise high to the south providing a natural barrier, criss-crossed with access routes, to the Spanish meseta to the south.
In this brooding, yet magnificent, interior is the Valley of Liénbana whose four branching valleys converge on the village of Potes which, apart from its own attractive bridges and towers, provides a centre of access to the beautiful surrounding countryside; a gateway that, once accessed, will take your breath away.
More information: http://www.turismocantabria.net/
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Last Updated ( lunes, 17 marzo 2008 )
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