Countryside and nature on the beaches of Cantabria

There is a place in northern Spain with more than 60 different beaches and 200 kilometres of coastline. One broad beach after another with fine, white sand, and small, hidden coves set between cliffs, marshes, estuaries and dunes. These are stunning landscapes where the mountains meet the sea, making Cantabria a paradise of contrasts not to be missed.

There are many good reasons to visit Cantabria, located in the heart of Green Spain. On the shores of the Cantabrian sea, this region is like one endless beach, with clean, crystal clear waters surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. This coastline has a wealth of extremely diverse countryside, where, along with sandy beaches, you will also find rolling meadows, woods and villages with a unique seaside flavour. Take a stroll around San Vicente de la Barquera, Santillana del Mar, Santoña or Laredo and you will find the scent of sea-spray and a first-rate historic-artistic heritage. One of the finest examples of this heritage is the Altamira Cave, with some of the world's most important prehistoric paintings.

These are spectacular, rugged landscapes with the Picos de Europa Mountains as backdrop, where you will find beaches whose prestige and quality are recognised in the blue flags (symbol of quality and excellence) that can be seen flying in many places along the coast. These places are all but untouched by man, completely unspoilt, and ideal for a host of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, kayaking and scuba diving. They are also, however, perfect for rest, relaxation and soaking up the surroundings - stunning spots that are ideal to spend a day with the family.

The coast of Cantabria is, after all, much more than sun and sand: it is, first and foremost, nature in all its beauty. Ecological and nature reserves can be found all along the coastline. The beauty of the local landscapes can also be felt in more tourism-oriented areas such as Castro Urdiales, Suances and, of course, Santander, the regional capital. It is a stunning, welcoming town, whose beaches offer calm waters, protected from the wind by the bay that surrounds it.

These are just a few of Cantabria's hidden delights - a land of valleys, rivers, mountains, beaches, woods and cliffs, where nature and culture can be felt in every breath you take.