Cantabria lies on the northern coast of Spain sandwiched between Asturias to the west and Pais Vasco (Basque Country) to the east. Like Asturias it has no counties. Cantabria is a genteel land as are their people, an oasis more a reaction between the more radical Asturians and Basques.Along the coast you will find many fine beaches and picturesque villages. Most people tend to head to the capital Santander which boasts 3 lovely beaches including the exclusive resort of El Sardinero. Further inland you will find rugged peaks and green valleys. Perfect for hiking and for fishing.
Cantabria is home to the huge Picos de Europa National Park. There are also several other natural areas of outstanding beauty. Cantabria had a thriving Stone Age civilization which is characterized by the amount of caves that populate the area. The most famous of them are the caves at Altamira, near the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar. The caves are no longer open to the public. This is so the works can be protected but the on-site museum contains replicas of the caves and the paintings.
Whilst you mingle with the Cantabrians, you may hear alongside regular castellano the regional language of Cantabrian or Montañes. It is considered by some to be a dialect of Asturian, by others a dialect of Leonese.
Cantabria is very easily accessible. By air there are flights from London Stansted to Santander, the capital, by Ryanair. Santander also has a ferry port and there are regular crossings across the English Channel from Plymouth via Brittany Ferries. Both RENFE and the scenic FEVE run to Santander. Cantabria also has good motorway links along the coast and inland towards Madrid.
Whatever your reason Cantabria is a wonderful location and you will soon see why it is a firm favourite with Spaniards who want to escape the heat of the southern costas.
