Cantabria
 Santander, Cantabria - the casino in El SardineroSantander, Cantabria - Cathedral cloistersSantander, Cantabria - Puerto Chico waterfontSantillana del Mar, Cantabria - ColegiataSantillana de Mar, Cantabria - ColegiataSantillana del Mar, , Cantabria - Colegiata cloistersPotes, CantabriaPotes, Cantabria - Iglesia de Santa Maria de LebenaBarcena Mayor, Cantabria |
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The greatest attractions in Cantabria are its contrasts: green valleys, towering peaks, and blue waters. The coastal scenery is lovely, often lined with fine beaches, little resorts and picturesque fishing villages. In Cantabria there is one world that revolves around agriculture and cattle-raising, the other centres around fishing. The coats of arms displayed on the stately homes are reminders of a proud past, while in the valleys, enclosed between mountains, rural life goes on as usual. The coastal fringe of Cantabria from east to west is dotted with historical and tourist towns such as Castro Urdiales, Laredo, Noja and the captial of the region; Santander, with its lovely Sardinero beach and splendid bay. Further along the Cantabria coast towns such as Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera and Santillana del Mar are particularly nice. Inland, the Liebana valley with Potes and Mogrovejo, and Cabuerniga valley, where we find Carmona and Barcena Mayor which have remained unchanged for centuries. Cantabria is ideal as a single holiday destination or part of a longer holiday. |
Monumental Cities and Towns
- Santander: the capital of Cantabria and a town that Royalty once patronised features the beautiful Magdalena Palace, the Paseo de Pereda promenade and the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral. Also the splendid seaside suburb El Sardinero, with a long beach, gardens, elegant cafes and a casino. Also has a charming Old Quarter known as Puerto Chico.
- Santillana del Mar: Declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO, features fine stone buildings and houses from the 12th - 16th centuries. Also the Colegiata Church, the most important example of the Romanesque style in Cantabria. Nearby are the Altamira Caves visitor centre.
- Potes: Delightful market town near the Picos de Europa National Park. Nearby the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana and the Infantado Tower.
- Barcena Mayor: The peaceful hamlet of Barcena Mayor, declared a site of historic and artistic interest in 1979, represents a noteworthy example of the conservation of rural Cantabria.
History and Geography
The region of Cantabria is located in northern Spain amid the majestic mountains and sea that bear its name. This land of extraordinary physical variety can be divided into three areas: the coastal fringe, the valleys and the high mountains. Covering an area of 5,290 square kilometres (2,063 square miles), Cantabria is administratively an Autonomous Community consisting of a single province. Its population is a little more than half a million. Winters are warm, and in the summer, temperatures rarely exceed 25º C. (77º F).
Archaeological remains from the Late Palaeolithic period found in different parts of Cantabria such as Altamira and Puente Viesgo among others, are evidence of human presence in prehistoric times. The region has been known as Cantabria since antiquity, as far back as 200 BC. The 17th and 18th centuries were times of great commercial expansion characterised by heavy emigration to the New World.
Nowadays, the tourism industry, including the hotel and restaurant business, as well as other service sectors, are the main pillars of the Cantabrian economy.
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Cuisine
Cantabria is the land of fresh products of the best quality and variety, thanks to its excellent geographical conditions: sea, mountains, rivers and forests.
In Cantabria´s mountain areas enjoy a typical cocido montanes; a bean stew made with chorizo and black pudding. In the Liebana valley, chickpeas are used instead of beans. Along the Cantabrian coast, delicious stews are made with tuna, potatoes, onion, peppers and tomato. Favourite fish dishes in Cantabria include hake, turbot, tuna and sardines. Anchovies from Santona are especially prized by Cantabrians. Shellfish specialities include spider crab, clams, and small shore crabs. Be sure to try some of the above dishes during your holiday in Cantabria - you won´t be disappointed!
Festivals
- February: Carnival in Santona, Cantabria.
- April: La Folia in San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria.
- August: Day of Cantabria in Cabezon del Sal, International Festival of Santander with music and dance from around the world. And Batalla de Flores (Battle of the Flowers) in Laredo (last Sunday in August).
Others
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Itineraries that feature this region
Themed Spain Tours
Spain Tours by Region
Spanish Paradores
Accommodation
Please click on the 
symbol to see the Spanish Hotels in this area and obtain information about each.
Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or 
symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Santander | CAN35 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN43 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN51 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN67 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN69 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN70 | Central Hotel | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Mijares | CAN01 | Self Catering | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Selores | CAN02 | Self Catering | |
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| CAN13 | Country House | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in San Vicente de la Barquera | CAN05 | Self Catering | |
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| CAN06 | Self Catering | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in SANTILLANA DEL MAR | CAN11 | Country Inn | |
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| CAN28 | Country Inn | |
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| CAN32 | Country Hotel | |
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| PAR06 PARADOR | Paradors | |
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| PAR65 PARADOR | Paradors | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Cabariezo | CAN10 | Self Catering w/ pool | |
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| CAN78 | Country Hotel w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in San Mames de Meruelo | CAN15 | Country House w/ pool | |
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| CAN89 | Self Catering w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Lierganes | CAN16 | Country House | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Cabezon de la Sal | CAN17 | Country House | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Villasevil de Toranzo | CAN19 | Country House | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Ruesga | CAN21 | Country House w/ pool | |
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| CAN95 | Country Hotel w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Ajo | CAN22 | Country House | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Orena | CAN29 | Country Inn | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Fontibre | CAN30 | Country Inn | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Galizano | CAN33 | Country Hotel | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Fuente De | PAR05 PARADOR | Paradors | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Turieno | CAN48 | Country Hotel | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Noja | CAN44 | Country Hotel | |
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| CAN54 | Central Hotel | |
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| CAN55 | Self Catering w/ pool | |
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| CAN77 | Self Catering | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Isla | CAN41 | Self Catering w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Escalante | CAN42 | Country House w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Liendo | CAN45 | Country Inn | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in LIMPIAS | PAR78 PARADOR | Paradors | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Mieses | CAN46 | Country Hotel | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Villacarriedo | CAN49 | Country Hotel w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Suances | CAN71 | Self Catering | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Lombraña | CAN84 | Country Hotel | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Somo | CAN68 | Country Hotel w/ pool | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Castillo | CAN85 | Self Catering | |
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Below please find a selection of the accommodation we offer in this area. Click on the Hotel Code or symbol for photographs and detailed information about each property.
| Hotel Location | Hotel Ref. | Classification | Information | Planner |
| Accommodation in Cillero | CAN83 | Country Hotel | |
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