6 Essential Corners Of Cantabria

Cantabria, in the north of Spain, is an ideal destination to travel. The Infinite Earth, as announced by a well-known advertising campaign, is a natural paradise full of history, culture and traditions, with incredible landscapes and with possibilities for all tastes.

Although there are many places and landscapes that can be enjoyed in Cantabria, there are some that are essential. Here we show you some of those corners that you cannot miss when you visit this wonderful region.

1. Natural Park of the Collados del Asón

In the easternmost part of Cantabria is the Collados del Asón Natural Park. It is a fundamental destination for nature lovers and in which hikers, cavers, climbers and canoeists can enjoy developing their hobby.

In this park you can do numerous routes, enter the Coventosa Cave, descend the Asón river or climb the Cáliz or El Risco via ferratas.

In the highest part is the Puerto de los Tornos, a viewpoint that will allow you to enjoy a beautiful experience both day and night.

2. Cabárceno Nature Park

In the Cabárceno Park the animals live in semi-freedom in what was an old iron extraction mine. In addition to seeing the animals, there are exhibition activities and botanical routes that allow you to see different types of plants.

3. Natural Monument of the Secuoyas of Monte Cabezón

The Natural Monument of the Secuoyas of Monte Cabezón is located in the municipality of Cabezón de la Sal.  The redwoods of Monte Cabezón were declared a Natural Monument by Decree in 2003.

This fantastic site covers an area of ​​2.47 hectares and is populated by 848 feet of Sequoia sempervirens and 25 feet of Pinus radiata. This Natural Monument is the result of an experiment in which a species completely alien to the area adapted perfectly to the environment.

4. The Soplao Cave

The Cueva del Soplao is the most famous of the caves in Cantabria. It is located in the municipalities of Valdáliga and Rionansa, near San Vicente de la Barquera. Its interior houses one of the largest concentrations of eccentric stalagmites in the world.

The Cueva del Soplao was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, due to the exploitation of the mines in La Florida. This cave is considered one of the great wonders of geology. It has been open to the public since 2005, although only part of it is allowed to visit it in a guided way.

Visitors can enjoy a spectacular tour since, in addition to its geological value, the cave and its surroundings are home to an exceptional heritage of mining industrial archeology, with more than 20 kilometers of galleries.

5. Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar is one of the most touristic and most visited towns in Cantabria. It has a historical medieval complex of great value, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. The town was declared a historical-artistic complex in 1889.

The 12th century Collegiate Church and Cloister, the Plaza Mayor de Ramón y Pelayo, the Hermitage of Santa Justa, as well as various museums stand out. The beautiful and picturesque streets, such as Santo Domingo or Juan Infante, will take you to another era.

Nearby is the famous Altamira cave, a natural cavity that preserves one of the most important pictorial and artistic cycles of Prehistory. Although something to see, your visit is restricted to a weekly visit for five people under a strict protocol of clothing and lighting.

If you can’t visit the caves, don’t worry, you have a good alternative. Visit the Altamira Museum and you can get closer to this famous prehistoric site.

6. Pots

Potes is another of the most beautiful towns in Cantabria, known as the town of bridges and towers. The charm of this small town, surrounded by mountains, lies in its ancient appearance, its landscape and its picturesque bridges and towers.

The Villa de Potes is a historical complex in which the Torre del Infantado, the seat of the City Council, stands out. But the town preserves numerous buildings of great interest.

Cantabria has many other beautiful corners, perfect to enjoy in good company. Nothing better than organizing a trip and discovering them for yourself. Do you dare?