Green Part of Spain-Cantabria
This province in Cantabria forms part of the region referred to by the name of Green Spain due to its lush vegetation. It is because of its wet moderate oceanic climate that is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. It has managed to stay away from the mainstream tourist industry since many people are not aware of the beauty this stunning region offers.
Entrance of Castellanos into Santander
For a long time, Santander, the capital of Castilla, was the port. Castilla and the grain from its fields as well as the wool of its sheep were awaited to be shipped out by England or Flanders embarked from Santander as well as other ports within the region. It is easy to imagine the impression made on Castellanos who travelled through in the mountain ranges of Cantabria as they stumbled upon this unexplored region as they traveled to Santander. Today, travelers are still amazed by the beauty of the landscape as they make their way through the deserted interior of peninsula, and are welcomed by the stunning green landscapes.
A Valley of Concentrated Town with Scattered Villages
Instead of the tiny, concentrated towns in the province of Castilla Cantabria, villages are scattered across the valleys, giving life to and enhancing the Atlantic landscape. This Northern region stands in stark opposition to the southerly portion of the peninsula, where residents tend towards social interaction, and the landscape is mostly agricultural or even desert. The mountains of the North tend to be more customary, with an enviable natural landscape and its inhabitants are more reserved and bit more resistant to change.
The Best Place to Spend Summer
In Santander the city of elegance spread over a vast bay, similar to San Sebastian, Madrid’s bourgeoisie discovered the perfect spot they could spend their summer holidays. La Playa del Sardinero and the surrounding area are reminiscent of the long summers that characterized the early 20th century. Despite a devastating fire that destroyed much part of Santander’s city during 1941 Santander remains a city that has earned its name as one of the stunning cities in the region.
Viable Surfing Spots
The coastline is famous for its fishing spots such as Santona located east of Santander and famous for its incredible anchovies along with San Vicente de la Barquera located to the west famous for its incredible sardines. Both sides are endless beaches that are clean and crystal clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. In this area, surfers have the opportunity to visit some of the best surfing spots within the peninsula , such as the one located at Somo beach, which is one of the most frequented places within Spain by surfers all over the globe.
Cantabrian Conquerors Palaces
In the interior, there is made up of a series of lush valleys and high mountains. One of them being Cabuernica from where nature’s most treasured gems, Saja and Pas, are accessible. In this region, wildlife such as eagles bears and wolves are still active as do the river systems, which are brimming with trout and salmons. The second river, Pas, embraces the rural character of the region thanks to its numerous beautiful villages. The majority of these villages have excellent examples of vernacular architecture that includes houses built with wood beams and balconies, as well as small mansions, and palaces constructed from the Cantabrian conquerors upon when they returned from their journey to in the New World. In a nod to their time in the New World some palm trees are found in the gardens.
Lovely Place for Mountaineering and Camping
In the Southwest of the region, rise The Picos de Europa which is a region that is highly recommended to those who love trekking and mountaineering as well as camping. The smiling inhabitants in Potes and their community are the main entry point to these mountains, as they are the geographic centre of numerous trails. Potes has a long history as a market town, with homes with balconies and a variety of shops. The weekly market held on Mondays is held every week since the middle ages. The town is very crowded with hikers during the month of August.
Rich in Archeological Sites
Cantabria is the most affluent region in the world for archeological sites. The most famous of which is the famous Cuevas de Altamira, whose paintings form part of an amazing collection. Nearby is among the most stunning villages in the region, Santillana del Mar, the town of medieval origin that remains intact until the 17th century. It’s surely worth to visit.
If you’re visiting the region, and it’s the kind of day when the weather is gloomy it is best to go to one of the outstanding balnearios (health spas) such as Lierganes and Puente Viesgo. There, you can enjoy the pleasures of life and enjoy the pleasures of Cantabrian food. Not to overlook is the delicious cocido montanes, which is a white bean stew that is typical of the western part of Cantabria as well as sopaos (soupy stews) or quesadas (cheesy dessert). Saudia Airlines and Emirates have good deals on airline tickets to that country.
