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Cantabria

Near the art, away from the bustle

Visiting Cantabria

Cantabria is a large chest full of natural, architectural , cultural and gastronomic treasures. It is known as the “little Switzerland ” because in it, you will find from green valleys and hills to towering mountains.

You can go down to the depths of the earth and, in the same day, ascend to the clouds to discover small corners where the passing of time seems to have stopped, “fiestas” and traditions that are kept alive thanks to the commitment of Cantabrian people to keep them alive for future generations as identity, natural springs corners where “life ” sprouts since thousands of years ago…

And all of this at no more than one hour from Posada La Cotía.

Along the coast accompanied by the strength of the Cantabrian Sea.

The Cantabrian coast overlooking the Cantabrian Sea and bathed in its waters will discover breathtaking cliffs and long beaches ( “Berria”, “Somo” Dune Liencres or “Merom”) or small and hidden coves ( “Arnía”, “St. Justa “) to enjoy a refreshing swim in summer and a wild and impressive sea in winter time.

We can not forget their fishing villages such as Castro Urdiales, Laredo and Santoña (with its stunning views from the Faro del Caballo), in the area of Trasmiera (45 ‘) Suances (20′), Comillas (15 ‘) or San Vicente de la Barquera (30 ‘), where you will discover small cultural treasures, churches (from Romanesque to Gothic), ancient castles and beautiful seaworthy prints emblazoned large houses (from the unloading of fish at auction to the work of rederas).

Just 5 minutes from our inn, you will find Santillana del Mar, located in this coastal area, will allow you to return to the past through its medieval architecture and the caves of Altamira, impressive vestige of rock art worldwide.

 

YOU CAN NOT MISS

Santoña anchovies and seafood fresh from the Bay of Biscay.

The depths of the earth to A Walk in the Clouds

The interior of Cantabria molded basins of the rivers from the sea Cantabrian Mountains seek to dump their waters, thus forming the valleys that take their names; the Asón (1h 15 ‘) beginning in a beautiful ponytail 70 m high. The Pas (45 ‘) with its typical pasiega cabins and its particular landscape shaped by the use of their pastures. Besaya Valley (10 ‘) in which the many Romanesque churches allow us to make a specific route to visit them.

The Valley of Saja (20′), which together with the Nansa (40′), home to an overwhelming nature, impressive for the number of colours covering their forests especially in autumn among those who will discover lovely towns that stand out for their architecture traditional mountain (Barcena Mayor, Carmona, Tudanca, …) or the amazing cave “El Soplao”.

Campoo Valley at the south of the community (45 ‘), birthplace of the Ebro River, will surprise not only for its natural beauty, but also because it saves an incredible collection of cave hermitages and two romanesque collegiate churches.

Finally you can discover one of the most famous but also amazing valleys of Cantabria: the valley of Liebana, in the heart of the Picos de Europa, where you can peek at their peaks from the cable car of Fuente Dé, visit the Mozarab church of Santa Maria de Lebeña or its capital Potes. The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana is next to Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela and Caravaca de la Cruz the privilege of celebrating the Holy Year. The Jubilee Year is celebrated Lebaniego year the feast of Santo Toribio, when April 16 falls on a Sunday.

Cantabria is pierced by a multitude of caves and many of them can enjoy vestiges of our ancestors in the form of cave paintings, not in vain Cantabria has 9 caves listed as world heritage, and if you are of the brave, also able to encourage and spelunking among many other activities that form part of them.

 

YOU CAN NOT MISS

“Cocido Montañes” in the valley of Saja,”Cocido Lebaniego in the valley of Liebana, the “caricos” in Ason valley and cheeses in all the valleys (from soft cheeses to the famous “quesucos” of Liebana and Tresviso in the same valley). And, of course, you have to try the sobaos and quesadas in the valley of Pas.

Santander and Cabarceno Natural Park

Chapter deserve Santander, capital of the region, located in the most beautiful bay in Spain. Small enough to walk from the city center, with reference to the Paseo de Pereda to visit the cathedral and the Post Office building next to the arcaded square, walk its streets to take some wine and snacks and walk throughout the waterfront with stately buildings and the museum of modern art up to the Sardinero beaches, framed by the Peninsula and the Magdalena Palace, former residence of the kings during the summer. In them we can enjoy the “wave baths” as did the late nineteenth century, surfing or simply walking enjoying the Bay of Biscay.

A little further you will find out Cabo Menor, dominated by the imposing lighthouse that guides ships into the port of Santander.

Another way to see the city is from one of the boats that will show us the bay in a comfortable sea route.

And the Cabarceno Natural Park, a natural area inhabited by animals from 5 continents in semi-liberty, where we surprised both the beauty of its karst landscape, such as recovery of a space occupied for centuries by mining, in we can find impressive rock formations, gorges and peaceful lakes to enjoy a great family day out surrounded by nature.

 

YOU CAN NOT MISS

Birds of prey in Cabárceno and tapas bars around the Mercado del Este in Santander.

Posada la Cotia