Cantabria (Province)

If you’re thinking of planning a getaway to Cantabria in what is known as Green Spain, you can look forward to a trip full of beautiful scenery, excellent gastronomy and unique heritage. After all, this northern region boasts a complex of 10 prehistoric caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, including Altamira, the renowned “Sistine Chapel” of cave paintings. Cantabria is also on the Northern Way, part of the famous St. James’ Way, and its towns and villages contain a wealth of beautiful monuments such as the Magdalena Palace in Santander, the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, and Gaudí’s “Capricho” house in Comillas. You’ll also marvel at the spectacular landscapes, as the coast of Cantabria offers over 60 beaches with fine white sand in holiday resorts such as Laredo and San Vicente de la Barquera. And further inland, as well as its various nature reserves, nobody should miss a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park, the ideal place for adventure sports. An additional attraction when visiting this area is its first-rate cuisine. You can try traditional hearty stews like cocido montañés and cocido lebaniego, cakes such as sobaos and quesada pasiega, or more innovative dishes at any of its six Michelin-starred restaurants. And if you want to relax, choose one of its famous spas, or its many rural tourism establishments.